Shar Pei's fever (also called fever Shar Pei family or FSF ) is a condition seen in Shar Pei that is characterized by recurrent fever and swelling in the hocks. This is similar to a familial Mediterranean fever in humans. The cause is unknown, but allegedly inherited. Shar Pei fever can cause kidney and liver failure through amyloid accumulation in organs (amyloidosis).
Sometimes Shar Pei has a high level of interleukin 6, and this leads to the accumulation of acute phase proteins in the body during fever. Acute phase proteins are broken down to form amyloid type AA, which settles in the kidneys and less so in the liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract. This eventually leads to kidney or liver failure at the age of six.
The symptoms of Shar Pei's fever include fever, swelling, and pain in hocks that usually disappear within two days. The swelling in the hock is easily recognizable - the hock will resemble a soft waterballoon, not a stiff swell after a sprain or a broken one. Symptoms can be treated with NSAIDs such as carprofen. Kidney and liver failure can not be cured except in the conventional manner commonly used for the disease. Prevention of amyloidosis is sometimes used in dogs with recurrent episodes of Shar Pei fever. Colchicine and dimethyl sulfoxide are most commonly used. Dogs using colchicine should be closely monitored for signs of bone marrow disease. Prognosis is preserved for Shar Pei who develop amyloidosis. Discuss the use of colchicine with your veterinarian. This may not be the best solution, as it can have some side effects.
FSF attacks are most often associated with excessive stress, both physical and emotional. These attacks usually accompany other diseases, or come from residual stress after a period of isolation or an extended separation from the owner. The simplest treatment to slow the progression of the condition to amyloidosis is to avoid attacks altogether. This is usually possible by removing the source of stress of the dog. Rest, along with other disease treatments, will facilitate the release of existing attacks. Healthcare will help ensure that attacks do not continue. It is important to remember that, because the FSF is a genetic condition, if a dog has one attack, it will always be vulnerable to others. Attacks can also occur due to something as simple as allergies, more common in certain months of the year.
It is also worth noting, that with dog fever should be monitored to ensure their temperature does not rise above 105 degrees. At that temperature some complications may occur. Aspirin and other NSAIDs should not be given at home, as they can have unwanted side effects and can make it difficult to treat with other safer NSAIDs such as Rimadyl. If the dog's temperature rises above 105, you should take it to the emergency veterinarian. There are several things that can be done, one of which is giving Rimadyl to reduce pain and fever. (Rimadyl does not reduce fever, but does not help with pain and inflammation.) Underfoot or intravenous fluids can also be very helpful. Applying alcohol to the foot pads and giving cold water will make the dog while more comfortable, but it will not help in the long run. The dog's internal 'thermostat' needs to be reset to normal temperature, and that can only be achieved with drugs and fluids.
Video Shar Pei fever
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Source of the article : Wikipedia
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