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You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/classes.php on line 348 SharPeInfo.com » Shar Pei Health http://www.sharpeinfo.com Sharpei Info, About Chinese Shar Pei, Shar Pei Puppies and Dogs available for Adoption and More! Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/post.php on line 3029 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:58:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/ en hourly 1 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 How to Give Your Shar Pei CPR Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/how-to-give-your-shar-pei-cpr/ Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/how-to-give-your-shar-pei-cpr/#comments Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:42:42 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=224 Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, also known as CPR, is a version of artificial respiration that includes assisting the hearth to beat.  The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen moving to the lungs and blood circulating throughout the body.  The directions contained here apply to dogs.  While these instructions may be good in an emergency, it may be wise to check with your vet to establish the procedure that is best for your dog.

IF YOUR DOG IS NOT BREATHING
1.     Use your finger to clear any mucus or objects from the dogs mouth.
2.    Tilt the head back to straighten the airway passage.
3.    Hold the mouth shut using one hand and place your mouth over the dog’s nose and mouth making a tight seal.
4.    Blow into the nose while watching to see if the chest expands
If the chest DOES NOT expand:
Start over again by clearing the mouth
If the chest DOES expand:
Release your dog’s mouth so it can exhale.
5.    Repeat the breathing procedure once every five seconds until your dog is breathing normally or until your Vet or other Emergency technician is available to begin treatment.

IF YOU CANNOT DETECT A HEARTBEAT
1.    Place your dog in its right side.
2.    Put the heel of your hand on the ribcage, just behind the elbow
3.    Place your other hand on top of the first hand.
4.    Firmly press on the ribcage in quick, smooth movements.
5.    Depending on the size of your dog, press down 3-4 inches using both hands.
6.    The compression should last no longer than ½ second.
7.    The smaller the dog, the fewer inches of compression and less force are needed.
8.    At all times, try not to damage the ribcage.
9.    Repeat this procedure a total of 10 times.
If you still cannot detect a heartbeat:
Perform CPR as described above and alternate 10 chest compressions to 1 breath into your dog’s nose.

GET YOUR DOG TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!!!!

]]> Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/how-to-give-your-shar-pei-cpr/feed/ 0 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 How Do You Know When Your Shar Pei is Sick? Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/how-do-you-know-when-your-shar-pei-is-sick/ Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/how-do-you-know-when-your-shar-pei-is-sick/#comments Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:28:05 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=222 When you don’t feel well, you go to the doctor, right?  You tell him what’s wrong, he examines you, writes a prescription and you feel better within a few days.  What if you couldn’t talk?  What if drive yourself to the doctor’s office?  What would happen if you had no way of telling anyone that you were ill?
That is why you, as a responsible pet owner, must take it upon yourself to be aware of the symptoms associated with dogs and sickness.  Taking care of your Shar-Pei is a great responsibility and it’s up to you to tell when they are not feeling well.  Being aware of the vital signs listed below will help you to distinguish between normal and abnormal dog activity and could help you prevent severe illness in your pet.

EARS: Under the hair of the ear should be smooth pink skin when the canal is perfectly clean.  Watch to see if your Shar-Pei shakes its head a lot.  This could be an indication of infection inside the ear.  A brown or reddish brown waxy substance in the ear almost always indicates an infection.

HEART: When resting, a dogs heartbeat ranges from 90 to 100 beats per minute.  Puppies heartbeats are usually faster and elderly dogs heartbeats are usually slower.  Be aware that when resting, a dog’s heart usually beats faster on inspiration and slower on expiration.  The simplest way to find the heartbeat in a dog is through the chest wall, just behind the front legs.  Another easy way to find the heartbeat is on the inner side of the hind leg.

MOOD: Like humans, the mood of every dog varies.  Eating, drinking, and toilet habits are different in every pup.  Noticing significant changes is imperative and may detect sickness in your beloved companion.  Loss of appetite, depression, and lethargy are a few symptoms to watch for when determining if your dog may be sick.  For example, bloat may be indicated by constant pacing and the inability to lay down for any length of time.

TEMPERATURE: Normally, a calm dogs temperature ranges from 38 degrees Celsius to 38.6 degrees Celsius.  Hotter days and exercise may rise the dog’s temperature.  A fever is usually present if the dog feels warm and clammy inside the front or rear legs.  A rectal thermometer can be used to determine temperature.

EYES: The lower half of the eyeball of your Shar-Pei should be a bright, healthy looking pink.  The upper half should be white with a few vessels.  Be aware that if your dog has been exercising or is excited, more vessels will be present in the upper eye.  If the upper half of the eyeball is too white, it could be a symptom of your dog being anaemic.  The clear part of the eye, the cornea, should be bright, perfectly clear, and glistening.  Mucus or other debris coming from the eye may be an indication of entropion or other eye problems.

GUMS AND TONGUE: Normally, the gums and tongue should be a bright, clear pink color.  However, the Shar-Pei has a black blue tongue making it difficult to check for abnormalities.  The tongue and gums may appear a pale grey if the dog is sick.

NOSE: Many people think that a wet or dry nose is the determining factor of temperature in dogs when in fact it does not.  The nose should be black or self colored.

STOOL: It is possible for diarrhoea to be present if the dog is stressed or overexcited.  However, signs of blood or mucus may indicate illness and should be checked immediately.  Normal stool should solid and free from any blood or mucus.

RESPIRATION: The average respiration rate is between 18 and 28 breaths per minute.
Remember that panting on a hot day or after exercise is normal.  On the other hand, panting should not continue once the dog has cooled itself down.  Short breaths and quick puffing may be an indication of complications.  Rapid breathing when resting may indicate trouble as well.

WHEN TO SEE YOUR VET:

  • Abnormal behavior
  • Sudden viciousness or lethargy
  • Abnormal discharges from the eyes, nose, or other body opening
  • Appetite loss
  • Excessive weight gain
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Excessive consumption of water
  • Abnormal, difficult, or uncontrolled urination
  • Excessive head shaking
  • Excessive scratching, licking, or biting of any part of the body
  • Dandruff, hair loss, or sores
  • Rugged or dull coat. (Shedding twice per year is normal.  During the shedding process your Shar-Pei may look moth eaten!  This is normal!)
  • Bad breath
  • Tartar deposits on the teeth
  • Dehydration shown by lifting skin that does not quickly return to its original state
]]> Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/how-do-you-know-when-your-shar-pei-is-sick/feed/ 12 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. 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We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Shar Pei Tight Lip Syndrome Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. 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We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:23:04 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=219 Tight Lip Syndrome (TLS) is a common disorder associated with the Shar-Pei breed.  Its symptoms include excess flesh from the lower lip covering the teeth, making it difficult for the Shar-Pei to chew.  Another problem associated with this disorder is that food is easily trapped, causing problems with teeth and gums.  TLS is usually associated with an overbite and can be corrected through a surgical procedure.  The presence of TLS is apparent from birth and becomes worse as the dog becomes older.  Treatment at a young age is imperative to the health of your Shar-Pei.

Diagnosis

Tight Lip Syndrome is considered to be a genetic disorder in dogs and is very common in the Shar-Pei breed.  Diagnosis of this syndrome is done simply by looking at the jaw and affected areas.  Affected dogs portray a lower lip that curls over the frontal portion of the jaw.

Problems associated with TLS

The upper jaw, known as the mandible and the maxilia grow independently.  This means that problems associated with TLS could be present in both or just one of the portions of the upper jaw.

Since the bottom lip closes so tightly over the bottom jaw and teeth, growth of the bottom portion of the jaw is impended.  This creates an increase in pressure from the front and sides of the jaw bone which leads to a narrower mandible.  It is also common to find maligned teeth associated with this disorder.

Ulcers are also another factor present with TLS patients.  These ulcers develop on the lower lips where Shar-Pei with TLS are constantly biting themselves.

Treatment

TLS can be corrected through a surgical procedure.  The best time to treat TLS is around three months of age.  Delaying the treatment could cause abnormal alignment of the permanent incisors.  Once tooth movement has taken place, orthodontic correction is the only way to correct it.

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We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:58:54 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=217 Let’s admit it…Malocclusion is a big word! To put it in more simple terms, malocclusion is another term for an improper bite. Breed standards are very specific and perfect bites are essential when being judged to according to breed standards.

The scissor bite is ideal for most breeds, including the Shar-Pei. Scissors bite is a bite in which the upper incisors overlap perfectly and touch the lower incisors.

There are six primary types of malocclusion:

Wry Mouth

Wry mouth is one of the worst forms of malocclusion. This disorder is associated with one side of the jaw being longer than the other side. A dog with wry mouth has difficulty grasping and chewing food. Treatment of this condition is difficult and may not even be possible. Often times, wry mouth is hereditary.

Base Narrow Canines

This condition is usually caused by retained baby teeth and can most times be corrected. Base narrow canines take place when the lower canine teeth project inward in relation to the jaw. This misalignment can cause upper palate damage.

Underbite

This condition is associated with the lower jaw being longer than the upper jaw. If the jaws meet each other edge to edge, the bite is called an even or level bite. In some breed standards, the underbite is considered to be the correct bite.

Overbite

An overbite is a condition in which the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. When the mouth is closed, there is a gap between the upper and lower incisors. Some puppies are born with an overbite that corrects itself during growth. However, in most breeds, the bites are set by the time a puppy is ten months of age. An overshot bite will rarely improve after the puppy reaches ten months of age. Extractions may be necessary with this condition, so watch overbites carefully!

Posterior Crossbite

Posterior crossibte is a condition in which one or more of the lower premolars overlaps the upper premolars. This condition primarily takes place in larger nosed dog breeds such as that of the Shar-Pei but is often a rare occurance.

Anterior Crossbite

An anterior crossbite is the most common form of malocclusions and are known to be hereditary. This condition is accompanied by one or more of the lower incisors positioned in front of the upper incisors. The bite is generally close on both sides and the condition is usually correctable.

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We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:55:19 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=215 Food allergies are a common cause for skin and stomach diseases in Shar-Pei. A well-balanced, low-protein, preservative free diet is the key when maintaining the weight of your Shar-Pei and keeping them healthy.

Store bought treats such as bones, artificially flavored cookies, and rawhides are not recommended for Shar-Pei. Think fresh! When steaming vegetables for yourself, be sure to make a few extra for your beloved companion. Try to avoid vegetables from the cabbage or onion families. Fruits are another healthy alternative to store bought treats. Try rewarding your pooch with bananas, apricots, or apples. They are sure to love these sweet treats without all those chemicals and preservatives!

When it comes to table scraps, it’s hard for most of us to turn down the sad, drooping puppy eyes. However, as humans, we tend to dress up our dishes with butter, salt, sugar, and gravy. These products are not healthy for your Shar-Pei. Anything that includes soya or beef, preservatives, or dyes should be avoided. Look for fresh foods and foods that are preserved with vitamins A, C, or E. As in humans, a chemical-free, preservative-free diet is enough to make a huge difference in the health of any dog.

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We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:53:51 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=213 Did you know that dogs can have allergies just like humans?  Shar-Pei breeds in general can have allergies to both food and different things in their environment.  Listed below are some of the common symptoms associated with dog allergies:

  • Hair loss
  • Intense itching
  • Infected ears
  • Swollen or red skin between the toes

Allergies can either be acquired or inherited.  They are caused by an overreaction of the immune system.  Acquired allergies are those that are appear in an older or mature dog that had no previous allergies.  Since allergies can be caused by various environmental or food items, it would be nearly impossible to find the allergen and eliminate it from the dogs everyday life.  Your veterinarian can test for allergies through skin scraping or by blood testing.  Most often, the blood test is used to track food allergies but is not completely reliable.  The skin scrape test is similar to the testing done in humans.

Inherited allergies usually are apparent in younger dogs.  Dogs with inherited allergies should not be bred.  Treatment for dogs with inherited allergies is the same as treatment for dogs with acquired allergies.

Again, allergens can be broken down into another two groups; food and environmental.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are the easiest type of allergies to treat.  Removing the food from your dog’s diet or replacing the food with a premium, high-quality dog food is recommended.  Food without soy, corn, and wheat are the best choices when purchasing premium foods.

Environmental Allergies

Like humans, dogs’ allergies are generally worse in the summer and fall when molds, seeds, and pollen are abundant.  The best way to maintain the comfort of your pet is to get allergy shots for dogs which assist in alleviating some of the symptoms.

Fleas and Allergies

Did you know that many dogs are allergic to fleas?  Fleas are a common cause of skin problems and many dogs are allergic to the saliva of fleas.  Some of the symptoms of flea allergies are sever scratching.  Treating flea allergies is simple.  Your main goal in treating flea allergies is flea prevention.  Ask your veterinarian to suggest a flea prevention product.  Frontline and Advantage are highly recommended.  However, to completely rid fleas, you must treat your home and yard as well.

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We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Shar Pei Torsion and Bloat Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-torsion-bloat/ Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-torsion-bloat/#comments Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:50:20 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=211 Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a fatal disorder that can occur in the Shar-Pei breed.  Since Shar-Pei are one of the many deep chested breeds, bloat can occur more so than in breeds without deep chests.  Bloat is considered to be similar to colic in horses and can be caused by the way you roll your dog.  Take precautions when playing rough with your companion as to not cause bloat. 
Bloat is a disorder in which the stomach swells with gas, twists, and then cuts off its blood supply.  Surgery is imperative for this disorder and results can be fatal.  If your dog experiences torsion or bloat, contact a veterinarian immediately.  Bloat can kill within one hour so time is of the essence! This disorder is a life-threatening situation and surgical procedures are critical.  Mortality in surgical situations is high.

One way to prevent the risk of bloat is to soak dry food before feeding.  Reduce food during feedings but increase the amount of times you feed your Shar-Pei.  Limit food and water intake and exercise your Shar-Pei frequently.

If your Shar-Pei is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.

  • Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful) every 5-30 minutes
  • Does not act like usual self
  • Anxiety and relentlessness
  • Crouched up appearance
  • Lack of normal digestive sounds in the stomach area
  • Bloated abdomen that may feel tight
  • Coughing
  • Unproductive gagging
  • Heavy salivating or drooling
  • Foamy mucus around the lips
  • Whining
  • Pacing
  • Licking the air
  • Heavy or rapid panting
  • Seeking of a hiding place
  • Accelerated heartbeat
  • Weak pulse
  • Collapse
]]> Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-torsion-bloat/feed/ 0 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Shar Pei Cutaneous Mucinosis Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-cutaneous-mucinosis/ Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-cutaneous-mucinosis/#comments Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:43:55 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=209 Have you ever wondered why the Shar-Pei breed has so many wrinkles?  What causes all those wrinkles anyway? 
Mucin is a substance located in the skin of the Shar-Pei breed that causes the skin to wrinkle.  Mucin is a stringy consistency and clear in color.  It acts as a repair to fight wounds, and compares to the consistency and purpose of glue.  Some Shar-Pei have an excess of Mucin which forms clear bubbles on the skin.  It is possible for these bubbles to burst and leak the Mucin into the fur.  This condition is treatable with a steroid therapy.  Not only does Mucin create the wrinkled skin affect, it also provides padding on their muzzles and hocks.

Excessive Mucin build up in the skin creates vessels and is called cutaneous mucinosis.  The vessels can be very fragile and rupture if the condition is severe.  It is also possible to rupture the vessels during rough play.  Don’t be alarmed!  This is a normal condition for the Shar-Pei breed.

If the cutaneous mucinosis is so severe that burst vessels are healed with scabby areas or if the skin is torn frequently, your veterinarian can recommend a medication.  The production of Mucin can be shut down by a low dosage of prednisone.

Cutaneous mucinosis occurs most often in the neck, hocks, shoulder, forelimbs, and anus areas.  If the problem gets so sever that your Shar-Pei seems to be in pain due to cutaneous mucinosis, contact your veterinarian immediately!

]]> Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-cutaneous-mucinosis/feed/ 2 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Hip Dysplasia in Shar Pei Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/hip-dysplasia-in-shar-pei/ Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/hip-dysplasia-in-shar-pei/#comments Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:36:44 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=207 Hip dysplasia can range from a mild to severe abnormality. The femur and acetabulum are two parts of the hip joint that are normally perfectly aligned in a healthy dog. A dysplastic dog has a misaligned femur and acetabulum and can range from mild to severe cases. Mild cases of hip dysplasia can be controlled through medication and treatments provided by your veterinarian. However, severe cases cause Shar-Pei extensive pain and agony which in most cases leads to the dog being put down.

When selecting a Shar-Pei puppy, it is important to get a history of the parents. Many disorders, diseases, and abnormalities are passed down genetically. Be sure that the parents of the puppy you choose have a clear history of hip dysplasia through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Since hip dysplasia is considered to be genetic, it is important that you be selective in your search and to choose a healthy pup.

Consult your veterinarian immediately if any of these symptoms are present:

  • Less energy and movement
  • Difficulty rising
  • Reluctance to use stairs (usually going up stairs)
  • Reluctance to jump
  • Reluctance to stand on hind limbs
  • Swaggering gait
  • Hopping gait
  • Soreness after physical activity
  • Soreness after lying down
  • Lameness in the back legs
]]> Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. 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We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Shar Pei Petallar Luxation Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-petallar-luxation/ Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 113 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/link-template.php on line 138 http://www.sharpeinfo.com/shar-pei-health/shar-pei-petallar-luxation/#comments Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EST/-5.0/no DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/sharpeinfo.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:32:32 +0000 Dwight http://www.sharpeinfo.com/?p=204 The definition of luxating is dislocated or out of place. The patella is the kneecap portion of the leg structure. If you put the two words together, the definition refers to the kneecap dislocation or a kneecap out of location. The patella normally moves up and down in a groove in the lower femur bone called the trochlear groove.

Luxation can be broken down into two types, medial and lateral. Medial is the most common type of luxation and includes the dislocation of the patella to the inside of the knee. Medial luxation is usually present at birth and not usually traumatic like that of lateral luxation.

On the contrary, lateral patellar luxation is the dislocation of the patella to the outside of the knee. Lateral luxation can also be present at birth. In some cases, a patella can be both medial and lateral. This disorder can affect one or both of the knees and can consist different degrees of pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms can occur as early as weaning or may be detected later in life. Listed below are a few symptoms of patellar luxation.

  • Rear leg lameness
  • Shifting from one leg to the other
  • Inability to fully extend the stifle
  • Frequent stopping and stretching of the rear leg
  • Hopping or skipping action

Frequent stopping and stretching is a major symptom of patellar luxation. The stretching of the leg allows the patella to pop back into its normal groove.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians can usually confirm diagnosis as early as eight weeks of age. Examinations should be done by an experienced veterinarian since ligaments are fragile as puppies and can be stretched easily. Degrees of patellar luxation varies between four different grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4. Grade one is the least affected grade while grades three and four are permanent types of patellar luxation.

Grade 1: This is the lowest grade of patellar luxation and is usually accompanied by occasional carrying of the leg and slight skipping or hopping. This can easily be treated by a veterinarian who can manually return the patella to its normal position.

Grade 2: This is the second lowest grade of patellar luxation and is usually accompanied by frequent carrying of the leg. Your dog will occasionally put some weight on the leg but not use it as heavily as the others. When examined by a veterinarian, a crackling sensation, also known as crepitation, may occur. If this grade luxation is not treated, it can develop into degenerative joint changes.

Grade 3: Weight bearing may still be possible but the dogs stance will be somewhat bowlegged or crouched. At this stage, the luxation is considered a permanent dislocation and surgical procedures should take place right away. If the dog is young and still growing, it is especially important to perform the surgery as soon as possible. Abnormalities form rapidly in this stage.

Grade 4: This is the final stage of luxation and is also a permanent stage. The limb is always carried, bearing no weight. Surgery is recommended for bone deformities and the femur.

How is it treated?

There are a variety of treatments based on the severity of the disorder, age, and weight. Treatment can range from decreasing your pets activity to surgical reconstruction of the joint. Surgical procedures that involve reconstruction usually provide for a functional joint.

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