Breed health spotlight: Chinese Shar-Pei

Image from Wikimedia.com

Roger Caras, former co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, once said of the Chinese Shar-Pei, “It looks like a miniature hippopotamus with badly-fitting panty hose all over.” As one who knows and loves the breed, I find this to be apt, not insulting.

Please read the Denver Dynamic Dog Examiner’s March 2 column for a breed profile of the Chinese Shar-Pei.

Chinese Shar-Peis (CSP) are particularly susceptible to eye and skin problems because of their wrinkles. They are, of course, prone to other health issues. For the sake of brevity, I will discuss some common and genetic problems.

Entropion, an inward rolling of the eyelids, is influenced by genetics, specifically the genes that affect the skin and eyelid structures, the way the skin stretches over the face, and the conformation of the skull. In CSPs, the wrinkled skin of the forehead pushes the eyelids down and often causes them to roll onto the surface of the eye. The eyelashes can scratch, and eventually ulcerate, the cornea and cause chronic irritation. If not corrected, the dog can develop permanent vision problems. Entropion can be corrected by surgery. It is best to wait until the dog has finished growing, but temporary surgery may be necessary to prevent eye damage. Sometimes a dog may require multiple surgeries. Cherry eye is protrusion of the third eyelid. It doesn’t cause pain to the dog, but can cause problems if left untreated. It is also correctible with surgery.

Dogs are susceptible to food and environmental allergies. Symptoms usually include hair loss, itchiness, infected ears, and swollen red skin between the toes. Allergies can be acquired or inherited; it is very difficult to identify the source. It is important to get your CSP used to being touched all over when young, especially the sensitive paws and ears, so you can regularly check for allergic symptoms. Fleas are a common source of allergies and are easy to prevent.

CSPs have a very narrow ear canal. The best way to prevent ear infections is to start cleaning the ears regularly when your dog is a puppy. CSPs can be very disagreeable about having sensitive body parts touched; if you can’t clean the ears you can’t treat them.

Familial Shar-Pei fever, also known as Swollen Hock Syndrome, is a genetic disease, passed through recessive genes. It causes episodic fevers up to 107 degrees F that last for one to two days, and swollen joints, especially in the hocks (ankles). The condition is also associated with amyloidosis, in which protein deposits in the kidneys eventually leads to kidney failure. The fevers begin in puppyhood or adolescence and kidney failure can be fully developed in a few years. There is some treatment available, but the best hope is to identify carriers of the disease and remove them from breeding stock.

The skin on a CSP is different from that of most dogs and is actually more similar to that of a cat. It contains large amounts of mucin, which gives the skin flexibility and wrinkles. It is very sensitive and tears easily, but heals rapidly. Basic grooming requirements include regular baths and vigorous brushing during periods of shedding. Skin problems are most often related to demodectic mange and allergies. Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite, which lives on ALL dogs’ skin. Healthy animals have a harmonic relationship with the parasite. When a dog’s immune system is stressed, the mites increase and can turn in to generalized demodex. This shows up as large patches of hair loss or baldness. Dogs with demodex should never be bred. Treatment includes Mitaban dips or Ivermectin. Mitaban is very toxic and Ivermectin is becoming a more popular remedy. All treatment should be done under a veterinarian’s supervision.

While wonderful dogs, Shar-Peis are not necessarily low-maintenance; they should be selected with care from responsible breeders to minimize the likelihood of genetic health problems.  This is a very brief overview of select issues - for more information look at the web site of Dr. Jeff Vidt, who specializes in the health of Chinese Shar-Peis.