Author: Dr. Vidt

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...

Often the first sign of disease in the Shar-Pei is a change in behavior or personality. This leads us to several conclusions. First, it is very important to know what the normal behavior of a particular dog is. While Shar-Pei possess several behaviors in common, there certainly exists wide variation among individuals. The veterinarian is usually not aware of the “normal” behavior of a specific dog and must rely on the owner to furnish that information. Second, the owner must understand that the veterinarian may want to pursue diagnostic testing in order to determine if the behavior changes are caused...

Amyloidosis is the deposition of an abnormal substance called amyloid in the tissues of the body. These amyloid deposits are composed of protein fibrils formed by the polymerization of protein subunits forming a specific pattern called the beta-pleated sheet. The specific biophysical arrangement of this sheet gives the amyloid deposits their unique staining and optical properties. Due to this structure amyloid is insoluble and can be thought of as “wax”. It is also important to realize that amyloidosis is not a single disease, but can be the end point of many diseases. The structure of amyloid also is responsible for...

Shar-Pei seem to have a predisposition to allergic skin disease. This can be allergic inhalant dermatitis (“hay fever”), food allergies, contact allergies, flea bite hypersensitivity or any combination of these. An important distinction here is whether the itching, chewing and scratching is seasonal in nature. This usually coincides with the hay fever season in people. Diagnostics may include skin testing, RAST testing, elimination diets, and skin biopsies. Treatment for “hay fever” can include hyposensitization injections, use of fatty acid supplementation in conjunction with various antihistamines, and use of corticosteroids. Treatment for food allergies is elimination of the offending substance from...

While the vast majority of the episodes of Familial Shar-Pei Fever (FSF) seen in Shar-Pei run a fairly benign course there are occasional exceptions which can have life-threatening consequences. Over the last few years Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) has been seen more frequently as a complication of FSF in the Chinese Shar-Pei. STSS involves infection with a group G streptococcus called Streptococcus canis. In the Shar- Pei cases I’ve seen this streptococcal infection is a rapidly progressing, highly invasive process which results in a necrotizing faciitis and/or STSS leading to a shock-like syndrome and multiorgan failure. If not recognized...