Chinese Shar Peis - Information - Pictures

Chinese Shar Peis - Information - Health Issues

Malformations of the eyelids known as entropion and ectropion are common in Shar-Peis. Due to the skin hooded on the deep-set eyes, these diseases are typical of the breed. The impaired vision and irritation of the eye, caused by rolling the eyelids inward is entropion or turning them outwards is ectropion, can be cured only by means of surgery. The Shar-Pei is one of 14 dog breeds susceptible to these eye diseases.

The Shar-Pei's tiny ear canals don't let the air circulate. The owners should be systematic about checking the pet's ears for infections. Horse-coated Shar-Peis are susceptible to skin infections. Demodectic mange is one of them. A mite invisible to a naked eye provokes this condition. However, about 90% of animals are prone to this disease. Primary seborrhea is a more dangerous skin infection and unlike Demodectic mange, shows in a range of symptoms. Itchy greasy skin, yellow scales and odor indicate this infection.

Inadequate hormone level results in hypothyroidism that may be or may be not obvious in a Shar-Pei. Sluggish behavior and dull coat color are two common symptoms of the condition. Nonetheless, the only safe way to check if the dog has low thyroid production is to have it blood tested for thyroid function.

FSF (Familial Shar-Pei Fever) is an episodic fever disorder, which can last 1 or 2 days if left untreated. The Shar-Pei's temperature can rise to 103-107 degrees. This unexplained fever disorder is a recurrent phenomenon and may start in a Shar-Pei at about 18 months of age.

Ideally, the dogs with any of the above-mentioned conditions mustn't be bred. Responsible breeders have succeeded in bringing the Shar-Pei close to its beautiful and sound standard. All above-mentioned diseases are not as frequent in Shar-Peis as they used to be.

Chinese Shar Peis - Information - Grooming

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