What is Shar-Pei Fever?
Shar Pei fever is an inherited auto-inflammatory disease that occurs in about 1 of 4 Shar Pei dogs. The disease presents as bouts of fever that usually begin before 18 months of age, although they can appear at any age.
What are some other signs that may accompany the fever bouts?
- Swelling of the joints (most commonly the hock joint) in about half of affected dogs
- Swollen, painful muzzle
- Pain and reluctance to move
- Abdominal discomfort, vomiting/diarrhea
Why do Shar Pei dogs get Shar Pei Fever?
Shar-Pei dogs have excess amounts of a molecule called hyaluronic acid in their skin. This gives the breed its typical wrinkled and folded skin appearance. However, when this molecule breaks down into fragments, it tends to trigger an exaggerated inflammatory response, which is responsible for the fever, swelling, pain, and other complications.
How does PetPace help with managing Shar Pei fever in Shar-Pei dogs?
The PetPace collar offers continuous temperature monitoring to detect fever events, which serves as a crucial indicator of the disease. Once diagnosed, fever and pain can be alleviated during episodes of inflammation, by giving your Shar Pei dog aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Another drug, Colchicine, is often prescribed for lifelong use by affected dogs.
With PetPace’s temperature monitoring, you can enhance their overall well-being by knowing when they need your assistance to reduce their pain with medication. The PetPace Health 2.0 will help provide early diagnosis and timely treatment of this common yet serious condition.