Introduction
The Shar Pei is prone to health issues. A common problem caused by irresponsible breeding is a painful eye condition, entropion, in which the eyelashes curl inward, irritating the eye. Untreated, entropion can cause blindness.
Allergy-induced skin infections can be a problem for Shar Peis. These infections are caused by poorly selected breeding stock.
Other Common Disorders
Shar Pei fever is also a serious problem for the breed. The disease causes short fevers lasting up to 24 hours, after which there may be no recurrence or they may recur at more frequent intervals and become more serious. A possibly related disease is called amyloidosis, which is caused by unprocessed amyloid proteins depositing in the organs- most often in the kidneys or liver- leading to renal failure. At this time there is no test for these diseases.
Recently dry foods have been formulated that are specifically made for breeds such as the Chinese Shar Pei that are prone to skin allergies or sores. Shar Peis whose food intake is restricted to these allergy-free dry foods may enjoy healthier lives with little or no skin irritation, itching, or sores common to the breed. In addition, feeding dry and wet foods that do not contain any wheat or wheat gluten products may help prevent allergies from developing.