Skin Problems of Chinese Shar-Pei
A dog with a healthy immune system is usually a dog with a healthy coat and skin. I wish I could say that all Shar-Pei have strong immune systems, but alas, some do not. Those lacking the necessary immunity to fight off some diseases suffer from immune-mediated skin diseases. While Shar-Pei have the reputation of having chronic skin problems, breeders have diligently tried, often with amazing success, to breed out some of the problems over the last decade. However, it is still not unusual for a Shar-Pei to experience a skin problem occasionally.
The skin of the Shar-Pei contains an overabundance of mucin, a gelatinous substance that is naturally present in all skin. In the Shar-Pei, it is mucin that contributes to the dog’s charming wrinkles and nice padded muzzle. A Shar-Pei with an superabundance of mucin will sometimes have what appear to be little blisters usually found on the legs or head. These “blisters” are easily broken and will exude the gelatinous substance made up primarily of glycoprotein, mucin. These blisters are not harmful, though they can be unsightly, and do not mean that the dog will have other skin problems. The “blisters” do not cause problems themselves, but rupture of the bubbles, which may occur with excessive scratching or chewing, can spread the mucin on the skin surface and result in secondary bacterial skin disease.
One of the most common skin problems is an allergic reaction to external parasites such as fleas. Flea infestation can drive even the most experienced breeder to utter frustration and is especially problematic in warm, humid climates. At least in the northern areas of the country the fleas are killed off in the winter, but in the warmer climates it may seem that you can never rid your home of these pests, which can also be carriers of internal parasites. With the introduction of pyrethrins and permethrins (safe insecticides), killing these pests is at least nontoxic to our dogs.
You must inspect your dog on a regular basis during warm weather, especially if you notice him scratching or biting at himself around the tail region. Look for the black residue (feces) left by fleas. For every flea you find on your dog, probably a hundred more are lurking in your carpet, furniture or yard. Therefore, ridding your dog and your premises involves a three-pronged approach: You must first bathe your dog with a safe flea-killing shampoo, dip, or spray; then use a premises spray on your carpets and furniture; and thirdly, treat the outside area where your dog is exercised. I do not recommend flea collars for Chinese Shar-Pei because the insecticide in these collars can be absorbed into the skin and cause irritation or illness.
Bacterial dermatitis is a “catch-all” phrase that can refer to a range of skin infections usually caused by staphylococci which are commonly called “staph” infections. Certain conditions, however, must be present before a dog can have a staph infection, as staph will not invade normal, healthy skin. Systemic factors that may cause the skin to become abnormal and allow bacteria to invade are endocrine (hormonal) imbalances and immune deficiency disease. Hypothyroidism and female sex hormone imbalances are relatively common endocrine disorders. Skin problems in your puppy can indicate a puppy with lowered immunity; the resistant puppy with a stronger immune system will seldom have a skin problem. Stress can lower a dog’s resistance to infection, especially in the case of the older dog.
Allergic inhalant disease can be a major cause of bacterial dermatitis. It is an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance in the dog’s environment such as pollens, house dust and molds. It is a hereditary allergy and usually develops between one and three years of age, and in about 80 percent of the cases, it is seasonal. The symptoms of allergies in dogs are very different from those of people. While we humans will sneeze, cough, have a runny nose, and so forth, the dog will have itchy skin, with the feet, face and ears being the most affected. While not curable, allergic inhalant disease is treatable. Antihistamines are safe and help to decrease itching in some dogs. Hyposensitization (allergy injections) requires a series of skin tests to determine the dog’s specific allergies. A mild dose of cortisone is safe if given on an alternate-day basis and for a short period of time.
Hives may also result from inhalant allergies. One of my Shar-Pei could be counted on to develop hives every spring, and she was miserable until they subsided. Hives are raised red bumps that itch, and the dog will scratch unmercifully, causing them to ooze mucin and sometimes blood. Hives usually begin on the head but may spread to all parts of the body. Stress can also be a factor in developing hives.
Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin and hair follicles. Mild forms may be treated with medicated shampoos containing peroxide, sulfur, tar or iodine and an antibiotic that should be continued for three or four weeks. Stubborn bacterial skin infections should be cultured for sensitivity to other antibiotics that will be more effective. See your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Demodectic mange is one of the most common causes of skin problems in the Shar-Pei and is exacerbated by a weakened immune system. It is caused by a mite that is present on the skin of all dogs, but it is the dog with a weaker immune system that allows the mange mite to multiply and attack the skin. Puberty is a stressful period for most dogs, and it is at this age, between six and twelve months, that the first symptoms of demodex are noticed. If you notice red, scaly spots that seem to be irritating to the dog, you must visit your veterinarian.
Two syndromes can occur: localized, which occurs primarily in dogs under one year of age, and generalized, which occurs in dogs over one year of age. Localized demodectic mange is usually self-limiting, and topical treatment with dips is not necessary. When the animal’s immune system normalizes, the localized demodectic mange will resolve. Seldom does the localized form develop into the generalized form. Generalized demodectic mange is also known as “adult-onset” demodectic mange. It usually occurs in adults and indicates severe underlying systemic disease. It is more difficult to treat and is often complicated by secondary bacterial infections and self-trauma to the skin. The diagnosis of generalized demodecosis carries a guarded prognosis.
If this condition becomes chronic, it must be considered an immunodeficiency disease, which is hereditary, and the dog that develops it should not be bred. A dog with generalized demodecosis will soon develop an odor much like dirty, old sneakers, which frequent baths dispel only temporarily.
Another common cause of skin problems in Shar-Pei is hypothyroidism, which is caused by malfunctioning thyroid glands. These glands are part of the endocrine system and are located just in front of the larynx. In the more susceptible breeds (including the Chinese Shar-Pei), the symptoms usually begin between two and five years of age but can manifest earlier. These symptoms include lethargy, lack of endurance, thickening and darkening of the skin (called “elephant skin”), dry and brittle coats, loss of hair over the body in a symmetrical pattern, and skin that is prone to a variety of ills such as repeated pyodermas, seborrhea and bacterial infections. Fertility is often affected: Bitches will have irregular heat cycles, and males may have a lack of libido and become sterile. It is believed to be genetic, but fortunately, upon diagnosis, can be reversed with therapy.
Sarcoptic mange (Scabies) is another type of skin disease caused by a different mite than the one that causes demodecosis. Skin scrapings can also detect this mite, and dippings are the usual form of treatment. Scabies differs from demodectic mange in that it is highly contagious and can be transmitted to humans.
Interdigital dermatitis is a redness sometimes accompanied by swelling between the toes of a Shar-Pei and is most often caused by allergies, usually to grass, hypothyroidism or demodectic mange mites. Most puppies seem to outgrow this condition by one year of age, but others do not and will constantly chew at their feet Soaking your dog’s feet in a vinegar-water solution, applying athlete’s foot sprays and powders, or using an Epsom salts solution have all been suggested as helpful.
Ringworm is a fungus (not a worm) infection on the surface of the skin. It appears as a round scaly area, red at first; then the hair within the circle falls out, leaving small bald spots in the coat. It is highly contagious among cats and dogs and can be passed on to humans. If positively diagnosed, all the animals in the household must be treated for at least six weeks, usually with a medication prescribed by your vet. Chronic cases may seem to clear up but can actually lay dormant until another outbreak. This is not a serious skin disease, but it can be unsightly because of the “holes” in the coat.