Tests & Genetics

Shar Pei Auto Inflammatory Disease (SPAID)

Shar pei have a average lifespan of 8 years. We need to keep in mind that what makes them wrinkly can also make them sick. Too much thickness or folds are sometimes dangerous... We will do everything in our power to contribute bettering their health BUT if you want a Shar pei you have to know about their OWN syndrome called SPAID. At Delajoie Bluebear, we have ALL of our dogs tested to know their probability of passing down to their offspring the "bad"gene (or copies of the gene) that is responsible for this illness.

There are 5 clinical signs :

-Fever: (Higher than 38 degrees celsius, often called Family Shar Pei Fever (FSF) It"s no usual fever. The dog shakes, refuses to eat nor move. It last around 48 hours, and you treat with aspirin every 4 hours.

-Arthritis: (or Swollen Hock Syndrome). The lower back paws are swollen, usually at same time as a fever but could stay swollen for a long time. The dog will finaly walk on it but for the first day he will walk on 3 legs. NO NEED FOR X-RAY

-Mucinosis: Mucin is what makes a Shar Pei a Shar Pei. It's a jelly-like substance under the skin that makes them wrinkle. We can see bubbles on the skin and most Shar Pei have them. It becomes a problem if there is too many or if the dogs scratches them and they become infected. We called this MUCINOSIS

-Repeated ear infections: It seems like nothing works, repeat vet visits and rounds of antibiotics. (We usually see this in dogs with very narrow ear canals)

-Amyloidosis: When there are too many amyloid fragments, they can deposit on the kidneys (and other organs) and make the organ stop functioning. It's the leading cause of kidney failure.

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We can live with the first 4 symptoms. But Amyloidosis is a killer. When your dog is affected, he could likely die before 5 years of age, which is not what breeding should be!

The test has only been available since May 2017.

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We believe environment plays a big role in their health and the development of this disease. That's why we are so picky on food and vaccines. We have changed our breeding practices radically and we will see the outcome over the next few years.This test is NOT the basis of our breeding program. We still select the best parents for your pup, considering hips, health, temperement, eyes etc.... This test is, however, a valuable tool for the breed.

Spaid test: Interpretation of the results

CNV 2 or n/n

CNV 2s are very unlikely to get sick from SPAID, or to show any symptoms. It means this dog doesn't carry any copy of the gene.

CNV 6 or n/spaid

CNV 6s are four times as likely to get sick from SPAID, or to show symptoms. It means this dog inherited only one copy of the gene (single carrier).

CNV 10 or spaid/spaid

CNV 10s are eight times more likely to get sick from SPAID, or to show any symptoms.Means this dog inherited two copies of the gene.

Having symptoms doesn't mean the dog is sick, but it has more chance of developing the disease. A CNV 10 doesn't always mean that the dog will be sick or have a short lifespan, it just means it is more likely to happen. It also means the dog will pass down these genes to their offspring. We have seen CNV 10 live long healthy lives and CNV 6 die young...

Still a lot to learn about this fabulous breed