Shar-Pei Autoinflammatory Disease in Dogs

Category: Immune System
Inheritance: Multifactorial
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 6

Overview

Repeated bouts of fever and inflammation are the main features of this inherited syndrome in Shar-Pei and their crosses. The immune system's early warning response is involved, rather than a known infection or autoimmune cause. Signs can include painful joints, ear inflammation and fluid-filled skin blisters. Some dogs develop amyloidosis, a buildup of abnormal protein deposits that can damage organs such as the kidneys. Dogs may have one feature or several together.

Signs to watch for

Repeated episodes of fever
Swollen, painful joints
Blisters containing clear, jellylike fluid
Recurring ear problems

First signs can appear in young adults or later; one study reported ages 1 to 12.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly for a fever episode, painful swollen joints or recurring ear inflammation.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets assess recurring inflammation and rule out other causes of fever. A genetic risk test is available for Shar-Pei and their crosses, but the result estimates risk rather than confirming that signs will develop. Urine checks can detect protein loss that may signal kidney involvement.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Chinese Shar-peiMedium · Non-Sporting Group

Inheritance

Multifactorial
Chinese Shar-Pei
Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.