Shar-Pei Eye Problems
The Shar-Pei is a Chinese dog with a wrinkly coat and large head. Shar-Pei dogs have an aloof personality and a long list of special needs. This breed is not adopted easily, as their health issues can take an emotional and financial toll on owners. Although the wrinkled skin folds cause a myriad of health concerns, Shar-Peis also have problems associated with their eyes.
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Weak Eye Muscles
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Heavy skin folds above the eyes contribute to a great deal of health issues. The Shar-Pei's eye lid muscles are weak, causing the skin to rub up against the eye itself. This leads to ulcers and sores in and around the eye. The dog’s eyes will water and may eventually close and shut down.
Eye Sensitivity
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Common household allergens can cause major eye problems in the breed. Cigarette smoke and even dust can produce extreme swelling around the eye and cause infections. Stress may cause a great deal of eye problems as well. When a Shar-Pei is in stressful situations, its eye lid muscles become weak, giving way to ulcers and scratches in the eye.
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Extropion
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Continuous pawing at the eyes or swollen eyes is called extropion, which is caused by the excess skin around the eye scratching the cornea. Often Shar-Peis must undergo extropion surgery to correct the problem. If left untreated, the dog will lose its eyesight in the affected area. The surgery is performed by removing a small area of eyelid around the eye so the lashes can no longer penetrate the cornea.
Cherry Eye
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Protrusion of the third eyelid is known as cherry eye. The condition is not painful to the dog, but can obscure vision. The eyelid looks like a red ball on the cornea. Surgery is performed to correct the issue by attaching the eyelid back into place with sutures. In most cases, it completely corrects the problem permanently. If an owner prefers a less invasive procedure, eye drops are used daily for the remainder of the dog’s life. Without the use of drops, the dog’s eye remains too dry.
Shar-Pei Commitment
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Owning a Shar-Pei should not be taken lightly. They require commitment and responsibility. Daily grooming, keen observation and frequent vet visits are a must. Beyond the physical needs of this oriental breed are behavioral problems. Shar-Peis are devoted and loyal to their families and generally do not like strangers or entertain guests well. As with any breed, it is important to understand the nature and health of any dog before adoption.
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