Hello, I've just joined tonight!! Here in Northern Ireland no vet appears to be knowledgeable to the requirements of a Shar Pei. I am at my wits end. My eldest shar pei Giuseppe who is 5 next month has been diagnosed with kidney failure. He has levels of 8.3 creatinine. Has anyone any advise please.
Hi, I'm Barbara and am owned by Georgina, my 2 year old Shar-Pei. I'm so sorry to hear about Guiseppe and understand how worried you must be, I'd be frantic if it was my girl!. I don't know whether I can help but I'll try. It sounds to me that Guiseppe is suffering from Amyloidosis which is often accompanied with FSF the symptoms of which are a fever and swollen hocks. You'll find plenty of information online. As far as I understand treatment is normally with Colchicine and a low salt diet. The leading world authority on Shar-Pei health is Dr Linda Tintle of the Wurtsboro Veterinary Clinic in the US. You could contact her for advice and you'll find the details on her website. The best Shar-Pei vet in the UK is Chris Mann of the Chapel House Veterinary Practice in Chesterfield, Derbys. You could contact him for advice and see whether he could recommend a vet in Northern Ireland. You'll find all his details online. It might also be worth joining the Shar-Pei Club and the Shar-Pei Health and Education on Facebook, as you might find someone who can recommend a Shar-Pei friendly vet in your area. Another thought is to contact Shar-Pei breeders in Ireland. The only one I could find though is Tracy Shelley of Zaralee Shar-Pei in Co, Wexford. Hope that helps. Georgina and I send you and Guiseppe healing vibes!
Hello Barbara, thank you so much for your very kind reply with all the information. I will certainly use this and let you know how I get on x
Hello Louise I've been thinking of you and wondering how Guiseppe is! I don't know if it will help but today someone on the Shar-Pei Health and Education Group on Facebook posted a list of Shar-Pei savvy vets, mainly in the US and UK, but there was one for Northern Ireland which I thought I'd pass on to you. Andrew Healey Clare Veterinary Group 75 Ballynure Road Ballyclare BT39 9AG Tel: 02893 322223 They also have a website which will give you more information ... Clare Veterinary Group.
Barbara, thank you again - Giuseppe my beautiful shar pei passed away on Monday there was nothing more anyone could do - I am completely devastated - every day with him was a gift. x
I am so sorry to read your sad news about your beloved Giuseppe - may his memory be for a Blessing. Run free sweet Giuseppe, run free as fast as you can. xx
At only five years, how sad. We all know how you must be feeling, and there are no words that can really help. Guiseppe lives on in your memories, cherish every one of them.
