Soft Tissue Problems of Chinese Shar-Pei
“Tight lip” is a condition that is apparently unique to the Chinese Shar-Pei. It occurs when the lower lip is especially thick and rolls up and over the lower incisor teeth. This can be a Minor problem that causes the dog no problem, but in extreme cases it can push developing teeth back and prevent the dog from eating properly (when he chews, he bites his bottom lip). See your vet for surgical treatment.
Upper airway obstruction is known as brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome and consists of stenoticc nostrils, an elongated soft palate and often, everted laryngeal saccules. The dog with this condition is relatively heat-intolerant and susceptible to heat stress. The problem is not uncommon in brachycephalic dogs such as the Old English Bulldog, and the Shar-Pei too does not completely escape. Almost all Shar-Pei snore, some more than others, indicating a slightly elongated soft palate. With most, this is never a problem. However, if the soft palate (uvula) is too long, it can obstruct the airway and breathing becomes difficult. It is first noticed in the young dog who does not play as hard as his littermates, and gets easily overheated and stressed. According to Dr. David Savior, a soft tissue specialist, the dog with an elongated soft palate is also prone to stenotic nares, or narrow nostrils that flow into also narrowed nasal passages. If the dog blows bubbles from his nose after he has been exercising, it is an indication of stenotic nares. In the normal breathing pattern the nostrils move back and forth as the dog breathes. With stenotic nares, the nostrils tend to close, cutting off normal airflow.
Surgery is necessary to correct both stenotic nares and elongated soft palate, either by removing a portion of the nostril or shortening the palate. If these conditions aren’t corrected, they can eventually lead to laryngeal problems, which are not as easily corrected.
Fortunately, most puppies who have only a slightly longer palate will “grow into” their palates and as adults have no breathing problems. For this reason, surgery is best postponed, if possible, until after six months of age.