In the past, eye problems were a major problem in the Chinese Shar-Pei breed. Over the years, breeders have been diligent in their breeding choices, and many of the problems have been eliminated or at least reduced significantly. If any of the above symptoms appear in your Chinese Shar-Pei, contact your vet immediately.This is a normal condition seen in the Chinese Shar-Pei primarily in puppies. Chemosis is edema of the lining of the eye resulting in puffiness of the white conjunctiva around the eyeball. In other breeds this is abnormal and may be seen with allergic reactions and/or inflammation of the eye as occurs in viral and bacterial diseases.In Shar-Pei puppies this condition may actually protect the eyeball from the damage of entropion because the eyelashes rub on the lining of the eye and not on the cornea itself. Most Shar-Pei puppies outgrow this condition and it should never be treated in the Shar-Pei breed."Cherry Eye” is properly called Prolapse of the Gland of the Third Eyelid.

Dogs have a third eyelid in the corner of the eye nearest the nose. It serves as a "windshield wiper” distributing the tear film over the eye. It also contains a tear producing gland which accounts for about 50% of the tear production in the eye. In your Shar-Pei puppies, this gland will occasionally break loose from its attachment in the third eyelid and "pop” up and appear as a swelling in the corner of the eye. It often will appear red and inflamed, although it doesn’t seem to bother the dog too much. This condition must be surgically corrected using a "tacking” procedure which reattaches the gland to its position in the third eyelid. While it is not a difficult surgery there is about a 10-20% reoccurrence rate and the surgery has to be repeated. Some veterinarians advise removal of the gland, but this could result in decreased tear production later on and a condition known as "dry eye” or KCS. Tacking should be tried first. In the Shar-Pei, entropion may be a complicating factor in cherry eye in that the eyelashes rub on the third eyelid and may cause irritation resulting in prolapse of the gland.

The eyelids may be tacked along with the cherry eye correction.Entropion is an anatomical condition which caused the eyelids to "roll into” the eye. The lids, eyelashes and surrounding skin and hair rub the cornea (the clear part of the eyeball) causing pain. Sell Used Books Danbury CtEye pain manifests as excessive tearing, squinting (called blepharospasm), and rubbing or pawing at the eye. Nike Shoes India AhmedabadThe condition can progress to corneal ulceration, in which the superficial layer of the corner is actually rubbed off. Portuguese Water Dog Puppies For Sale TexasIn extreme cases this could result in severe corneal damage and rupture of the eye itself. Two different types of procedures are done in cases of entropion depending on the age of the animal.

Puppies open their eyes at about 7 – 10 days of age. In Shar-Pei, this is often when the first symptoms of entropion appear.Typically the puppies open their eyes, but quickly they begin squinting and closing them. Many times the breeder doesn’t realize they have opened and the first clue they have of a problem is a puppy who’s eyes are not open by ten days of age. Often there is a mucous eye discharge and these puppies usually don’t eat very well or gain weight like their littermates.Eye tacking is a temporary measure in which sutures (stitches) are placed in the eye lids to roll the lids "out” of the eyeball. Often this can be done without anesthesia in very young puppies. Sometimes gas anesthesia is used. Nylon sutures are placed in the eyelids, which opens the eyes. Often an antibiotic eye ointment is dispensed to help heal any corneal ulcers and prevent secondary bacterial infections. These sutures are left in place for as long as possible – up to four weeks in some cases.

If the sutures loosen up or are causing problems, they can be removed. Eye tacking can result in permanent repair of entropion, but it’s primary goal is to prevent serious eye damage until the pup "grows into his skin” or is old enough to undergo permanent entropion repair. Generally if this permanent surgery is necessary, it is done when the puppy is six to eight months of age.Puppies who have their eyes tacked may or may not need permanent entropion repair later on – there is not much correlation between the two.Entropion in young puppies can result in corneal ulceration andIT IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SEE YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY!Permanent entropion surgery is often done in Shar-Pei after they reach the age of six to eight months old. This is the age at which most pups are full grown and have "grown into” their heads. Permanent repair is a surgical procedure that will result in correction of the eyelid problem. It’s success depends on the experience and artistry of the surgeon and often times referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended.

The procedure involves various techniques to remove excessive eyelid tissue from the lids, tighten up the eye opening and sometimes remove extra folds of skin around the eyes. Typically the dogs look worse for a few days after the surgery due to the swelling that occurs and they often sport an Elizabethan or "lampshade” collar to protect the sutures. Stitches are usually removed in 7 – 14 days.Information for this brochure was provided by Dr. Jeff Vidt, Chairman, Health Through Education Committee of the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America.The breed standard has a critical role in Shar Pei eye problems. Your Shar Pei's eyes probably are his weakest points. Genetics play a part in the poor pooch's eye problems, and his facial folds, which are an important part of his handsome appearance, unfortunately don't help. He may need eye surgery for two conditions, otherwise medication and care should help him. Wrinkles and Eye Problems A Shar Pei wouldn't be himself without his wrinkles. Plus, breed standards dictate the presence of facial folds.

Unlike his owners, he starts off with a lot of wrinkles that gradually disappear as he reaches adulthood. Your Shar Pei's wrinkles are caused by a mutation that creates an abnormal amount of hyaluronan around his cells. This gel-like substance in the formation of his facial folds weakens his eyelids by making the edge of the eyelid weaker and the lid heavier. This is one factor in the development of entropion, a condition that shar peis are at a high risk to develop. Irritants in the environment are an additional potential cause. Vets and breed standard clubs agree that a dog who has been treated for entropion shouldn't breed as there is a significant hereditary factor in the condition. Entropion Treatment As you'll notice, your Shar Pei's eyes are deep set and there is little support for his eyelids. Consequently, his eyelids, and his eyelashes, may roll inward. The eyelashes cause an irritation by scratching the eyeball. An irritant, such as dust, can cause the same problem. This is called "spastic entropion" and the vet treats it with opthalmic drops initially to relieve the discomfort.

Tacking the eyelids back until the irritation clears is another treatment option. If eye tacking does not work, vets recommend surgery to correct the condition. Untreated entropion is very painful for your Shar Pei, and can lead to corneal ulcers and blindness. If your Shar Pei squints or has weepy eyes you should take him to the vet immediately. Glaucoma A Shar Pei also is at risk of hereditary glaucoma. Goniodysgenisis is the clinical term for a condition where there is an abnormal development of the ligaments that allow fluid to circulate around the eyeball. The fluid may flow too slowly, or not at all, and without proper drainage pressure builds up around the eyeball causing glaucoma. Symptoms include red, watery eyes, eye spasms and a sensitivity to light. Your Shar Pei also may display some behavior changes, such as lack of appetite. Glaucoma can lead to blindness, so early treatment is needed. The earlier he is treated, the less likely he is to need surgery. Take him to the vet if you have any concerns about his eyes because glaucoma is a serious condition.

Cherry Eye and Retinal Dysplasia The Shar Pei also is prone to a number of other canine eye problems. Retinal dysplasia occurs in about 10 percent of Shar Pei according to Dr. Jeff Vidt. This is a hereditary defect of the retina. There is no treatment, but most dogs cope with the condition. A more commonly found condition in Shar Peis is "cherry eye." This is a prolapse of the third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye. This acts as a kind of cleaner for the eyeball and it also contains a tear duct. You might notice a swelling in the corner of your dog's eye if the gland has popped. Your vet can suture the gland back in place. It doesn't cause your pet any pain but it can interfere with his vision. MORE MUST-CLICKS: Separation Anxiety & Cane Corso Teacup Pomeranian Nutrition Do Pomeranians Have Separation Anxiety? How to Care for an Adult Teacup Poodle Cataracts in Cocker Spaniels What Time of Year Do Samoyeds Blow Their Coats? Types of Wire Hair Toy Terriers The Changes in a Yorkie's Coat Are Lhasa Apsos Hypoallergenic?