SharFarrPei

The weakest area of the Shar Pei breed is the eye area. Their eyes are very deep set and there is very little support for the eyelids. As a result most Shar Pei puppies will have some degree of an inherited condition known as Entropion.

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There are six main signs of eye disease within Shar Pei dogs.

• Squinting or keeping the eyes closed 

• Pawing and/or rubbing of the eye area

• Excessive tear production

• Redness of the eye or a bloodshot eye

• Cloudiness of the cornea

• Blindness – which may be intermittent

 

ENTROPION

Because of the folds of skin which characterise the Shar Pei breed many Shar Pei puppies have eye problems due to Entropion. Entropion is a condition that is caused when the eyelids ‘roll into’ the eye resulting in the eyelashes scratching the surface of the eye. This can be painful for the dog in itself but often results in the dog squinting, rubbing or pawing the eye which causes further pain.

In some cases the condition progresses to a stage known as Corneal Ulceration. From this stage the case can develop into severe corneal damage and potential rupture of the eye.

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Treatment of Entropion

There are two surgical procedures to treat this condition: Eye Tacking and Entropion Surgery.

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From the time they open their eyes at 7-10 days of age some puppies will immediately have symptoms of entropion:

• The puppy will be opening their eye and quickly squinting and closing it again.

• You may see a mucus eye discharge

• Puppies with these symptoms usually won’t be eating as well as the rest of the puppies in the litter (always assuming they aren’t all affected).

 

If they have problems at this age the eyes can be tacked to prevent ulceration of the eyeball until they are old enough for surgery. Tacking is a temporary measure which involves stitches being placed in the eyelids to roll the lids ‘out’ of the eyeball.

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Eye Tacking

The tacking procedure at 3 weeks involves giving a gas anaesthetic and putting stitches in the upper and lower eyelids which are removed between 6 and 14 weeks of age.

After the surgery is performed an antibiotic eye ointment is prescribed to help with any potential infections.

In some litters all the pups will need the surgery, in some litters some of the pups and in some cases none at all.

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If puppies develop Entropion when they are older than 6 weeks or the problem reoccurs after they have been tacked, the puppy is given a general anaesthetic and stitches are placed which can be left in place for between 1 and 3 months.

As the puppy grows, the tacks become less effective and need to be replaced by new tacks. Some puppies will require tacking at 1-3 month intervals until they are 10–12 months old and have ‘grown into their heads’.

 

Entropion Surgery

Entropion surgery should not be performed before 10–12 months of age when most if not all of the growing has occurred. Surgery differs depending if it is upper or lower eyelid problems. Some dogs have problems with both.

Lower eyelid surgery involves removing a thin strip of skin from below the eyelid and upper eyelid surgery involves removing a large semilunar shaped piece of skin.

The stitches are left in for 12–14 days and dogs may require sedation to have them removed. On the whole the dogs tolerate this surgery very well. This type of surgery can improve a dog’s well-being by relieving them from the constant irritation.

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There are another group of Shar Pei which do not develop Entropion until 1–3 years of age. They do not need tacking but will still need surgery.

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If your Shar Pei has runny eyes a lot of the time it may well be Entropion that is causing this and it causes a considerable amount of discomfort.

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CHEMOSIS

This is a common condition found in the Shar Pei breed. It is characterised by a swelling of the lining of the eye resulting in puffiness around the eyeball. In Shar Pei this can actually protect the eyeball from Entropion. In general puppies will outgrow this condition.

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CHERRY EYE

Dogs have a third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye, nearest their nose. The third eyelid acts as a ‘windscreen wiper’, distributing tear film over the eye. It also contains a tear producing gland which is responsible for over 50% of the eyes tear production.

In young Shar Pei puppies the gland can become detached and can be seen ‘popping up’ and appearing as a swelling in the corner of the eye. It is likely to be inflamed.

Surgery is needed to re-attach the gland. In 10-20% of cases this may need to be repeated. Some vets advocate the removal of the gland but most prefer not to do this unless absolutely necessary as removal will severely reduce tear production which could lead to a condition known as Dry Eye. In Shar Pei, Cherry Eye when combined with Entropion can cause the prolapse of the gland.

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EYE CLEANING & CARE

Eye cleaning should be part of the dogs weekly grooming and maintenace tasks. Keep the eyes free of gunk and crustiness by using a damp cotton wool ball or pad soaked in lukewarm sterile water.  Using the soaked cotton wool wipe outwards from the corner of the eye towards the ear. Be careful not to scratch the cornea. Use dog eye wash such as Vetericyn if you see redness, which is common during dry winters. 

Keep the eye moisturised by using a soothing lubricant such as Carbomer ointment, gel or drops.

 

Chloramphenicol can be used for treating more serious issues such as Bacterial Conjunctivitis, Blepharitis & Stye’s. Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that is predominately used to treat bacterial infections that affect the front surfaces of the eye (and is available via Veterinary Prescription).

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How to Use Eye Ointments, Gels or Drops Properly

Note: In the event of acute or chronic eye diseases your vet should be consulted.

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1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Avoid touching the tip of the tube or bottle against the eye or anything else - the medication and its container must be kept clean.

3. Holding the tube between your thumb and forefinger, place it as near to the eyelid as possible without touching it.

4. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against the face. Holding the head against your leg might help to steady the dog.

5. While tilting the head back, pull down the lower lid of the eye with your index finger or thumb to form a pocket.

6. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment or gel into the pocket you have formed by holding the lower eyelid down. If its drops, then apply 1-2 drops. Apply either the ointment, gel or drops in one or both eyes as often as required or as instructed by your vet. Ointment or gel is preferred as it does stay on or around the eye longer than drops. 

7. Remove your index finger or thumb from the lower eyelid.

8. Open and close the eye gently a few times.

9. With a tissue or microfibre cloth or cotton wool makeup pad, wipe any excess ointment, gel or drops from around the eyes (avoid touching the eyes, lids and lashes). With another clean tissue, cloth or cotton wool pad, wipe the tip of the tube or bottle clean. Replace and tighten the cap right away.

10. Wash your hands to remove any medication and avoid touching your own eyes.

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TIP!

If you notice your dog has drainage (runny eyes) or mucus in the eyes then the problem often lies with the ears so you need to be checking the ears for any signs of infection, redness, general irritation to the dog.

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***IMPORTANT***

• Do not hesitate to seek veterinary advice if you even 'think' there could be an issue with your dogs eyes.

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• Medicating animals without veterinary supervision or advice does carry many risks including, but not limited to, overdose, toxicity, drug interaction, renal and hepatic disease or death. Please consult your veterinary surgeon prior to administering any medication to your animal.

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