One of the major defining physical characteristics of the Chinese Shar-Pei is the large muzzle. This is due to the hyaluronan levels in the breed which contributes to the wrinkling, large padded muzzle and cutaneous mucinosis. All Shar-Pei can deflate to some degree although some have a more padded muzzle than others and the deflation would be more noticeable. It may be a good idea to measure the circumference of your dog’s muzzle using a sewing flexible tape measure. Muzzle deflation is caused by decreased hyaluronan production and there are three causes: Anti-inflammatory drug therapy is a major cause. This...

Colchicine has been proposed as a treatment for amyloidosis in animals. It has been used in man to prevent amyloidosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever. It apparently blocks the synthesis and secretion of serum amyloid A (an acute -phase reactant protein) by the liver thereby preventing the formation of amyloid-enhancing factor and preventing amyloid deposition. To be effective it must be given early in the course of the disease and it will be ineffective once kidney failure has occurred. Effects of colchicine: Increases collagenase activity. Anti-inflammatory by decreasing leukocyte migration. Potent inhibitor of cellular mitosis. Prevents many cellular functions such as...

“Cherry eye” is properly called PROLAPSE OF THE GLAND OF THE THIRD EYELID. Dogs have a third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye nearest the nose. It serves as a “windshield wiper” distributing the tear film over the eye. It also contains a tear-producing gland which accounts for about 50% of the tear production in the eye. In young Shar-Pei puppies, this gland will occasionally break loose from its attachment in the third eyelid and “pop” up and appear as a swelling in the corner of the eye. It often will appear red and inflamed, although it doesn’t...

It is important and necessary that we define some terms so we’re all talking on the same level. Cancer is a cellular tumor the natural course of which is fatal. This term has taken on a more general meaning to include the leukemias and other more diffuse types of abnormal cell growth. Neoplasia in the formation of a neoplasm which is defined as any new and abnormal tissue growth in which the growth is uncontrolled and progressive. Tumor is synonymous with neoplasm. Malignancy is the property of invasion and metastasis. Metastasis is the transfer of cancer cells from the primary focus e.g. tumor, to other parts of the body. Benign is the opposite of...

Be prepared to breed your dog. Do your research on pedigrees, breed health problems, etc. well before you breed your dog. Make sure your dog has had hip X-rays to rule out hip dysplasia either by the OFA or Penn Hip procedures. The OFA mandates this be done after two years of age. It is best in the female not to radiograph the hips during a heat cycle. Be sure your female is up to date on vaccinations and has had a pre-breeding examination by your veterinarian including a fecal exam. I would recommend any Shar-Pei female who is used in a breeding program to have...

Breather puppies are usually seen in the first 1-2 weeks of life. Causes appear to be related to decreased humidity which leads to drying of the mucous membranes, inflammation and obstruction of the upper airways; inadequate clearing of the airways during whelping; and “fat” palate problem in pups with overdone muzzles. Clinical signs: These puppies are not happy. They move around the whelping box constantly, they can’t settle down. They will latch onto a nipple and nurse for a few seconds and then let go. Due to trouble breathing through the nose they can’t tolerate nursing for very long. They vocalize...