Amyloidosis and FSF or Fevers + Swollen Hocks
The Shar-Pei, Amyloidosis and FSF or Fevers ALL BREEDS have genetic problems that go with that particular breed. This is not a death sentence. Many have lost pets and breeding animals to this cold, cruel, and from we understand today, genetic disease. Many people who have been through the loss of their first shar-pei, whether it be to this, cancer or other diseases, are always scared, that their new addition may follow in the same footsteps. Same goes for a breeder, when purchasing new breeding stock. I also had the same fears, but would buy on my knowledge of lines, research and health of the last 3 generations. I am the best judge when buying new stock, of what is healthy, what may be healthy and what may not be. So generally if I have employed a new addition to my kennel, I trust it will give me many years of health, as it will to their offspring and the owners of those puppies in turn. Amyloidosis strikes fear in anyone that knows or has owned this breed throughout the last 20 years. However when we take a very close look at this disease we can see it strikes on its own terms. Just because Amyloidosis has been the cause of death in many shar-pei with FSF (familial shar-pei fever) and SHS (swollen hock syndrome) - many shar-pei that have experienced these throughout their life do test clear of Amyloidosis and many have made it over 11 years of age. I know that for a fact I have owned one. I have also instructed breeders and people over the years that been experiencing FSF and SHS to perform the congo red test on their dog when it died, to see if it was positive for Amyloidosis, as it is the only test that confirms it. Pei owners panic at the sight of a fever or a limping leg. There are also many causes for fevers, or the holding up of the back leg, again we just cannot say that they are suffering from FSF or SHS due to an episode fever or a limping leg. If you know your dog is fevering you may want to consider whether the animal has had vaccinations recently, is there a bite site swelling anywhere on the body where the dog may of been stung by a bee or bitten by a spider, did they happen to eat any toxic plants either in the house or in the garden, or a viral or bacterial infection such as an abscess, could be considered a possible reasons for a fever to be triggered, and their back hocks may be swollen and the dog may appear stiff and in pain. Reports have been also noted by owners that shar-pei that have had a day with a lot if exercise may note the dog to be more lethargic with the possibility of swollen joints. It is still abnormal to fever for any other reason other than viral or bacterial. So if you are experiencing bouts of fevers or fevers accompanied with swollen hocks (SHS) then you may want to consider the use of colchicine, this is the medication that blocks the deposit of amyloid into the body. Make sure you check how high your fevers are and make sure your vet is FAMILIAR with this disease by printing off all the information available so he will know how best to treat it whether you encounter this disease or not, and other possible complications as a result of fevers. You may also want to keep a note of what triggers these fevers in your dogs as stress does play a big part. Apsirin is great in bringing down fever and easing stiffness. Fevers over 102 should be treated to bring down the fever quickly. Always a good idea to have Benedryl on hand if allergic reaction and shar-pei can be give 1/2 aspirin to relieve minor fever. However as mentioned just because a shar-pei does have fevers and swollen hocks, it does not mean it will get this disease. On another note it has been observed that many shar-pei have died of confirmed Amyloidosis and never had a fevers or any bouts of swollen hocks in their life. So as you can see this disease shows no preferences. My guess, if your dog has several bouts of being lethargic, and appears feverish, stops eating, maybe vomiting or diaherra, has fevers accompanied by swollen hocks, then I feel colchicine would definitely be a consideration. It is of my opinion that no shar-pei with FSF or SHS syndrome should be used for breeding. FSF and SHS may also lead to mucinosis. I feel breeders should always be contacted when one is experiencing fevers, or fevers and swollen hocks. Keeping the immune system strong and healthy, and that also means good food, be careful that choices of medication are truly required such as antibiotics, prednisone or others that deplete the already weak immune system. Before you say yes, RESEARCH! These pages are copyright 2009 of Shar-Pei Canadiana. Original Web Site opened October 25, 1997. Web page designed by Vicky McBeth. |
| Does your dog or puppy feel sick some days, maybe not eating, shaking, lethargic, sad looking. Sometimes there are swollen back legs or a hard swollen muzzle. Just wanting to be left alone. If you answer YES to any of the above, please read this page and the links. |
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