Shar Pei Tight Lip Syndrome

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.