I don't know if I am looking for advice or Just a vent. I posted a few weeks ago that we got a dog for free lol! He had skin problems that the doctor thought was scarcoptic mites. He looks better sometimes. But after a few days he will have welts all over him. I just took him in for his third treatment today and now the vet is suggesting we possbiily take him the University Of Illinois and have him tested for his skin problems. I can't afford that I am sure. Not to mention that Dh has had problems with his allergies ever since we got this dog. He has never been allergic before. But I guess that some people can be allergic to Sharpei's. He is actually sick right now and on medicine. I am just heartbroken with what to do. My dk's will be upset and probably not understand if we have to get rid of the dog. If I take him to the pound they will probably put him to sleep. I can't put an add in the paper and dump him off on someone like the women did to me. It just really burns me because I think that lady knew exactly what she was doing. I don't understand how people can be so deicetful. Thanks for listening.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 01:45 pm:

Sharpeis are, according to my vet tech son, very subject to skin infections.

Here is a link to Shar pei rescue groups:
http://www.sharpeirescue.com/

I know nothing about this organization but have dealt with other specific breed rescue groups in the past and they have always been terrific. Hope this helps.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 06:14 pm:

One of my best friend had one for 15 years and he constantly had skin and eye and ear infections. Charlie was a GREAT pet to them, but he had a lot of medical problems. He had cherry eye a lot and was allergic to grass in her own yard.

You have a tough decision to make - please try to find a rescue for him before the pound. I'm sorry.

By Kim on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 01:51 am:

There are some people out there who might take the dog even with the skin problems Beth. Can you try an ad that explains that? You never know!

By Truestori on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 01:53 am:

I had a Sharpei growing up and they are PRONE to skin, eye, and ear problems. My girl had her earcanals reconstructed, but no eyelifts. She didn't have alot of wrinkles, but since they are so inbred they have lots of health problems. She had to eat special food, and some breeders suggest a raw diet. I would contact some breeders through email and just ask questions. Make sure they are reputable, though. They are very loyal dogs and actually great protectors. My dog now is half Sharpei and half who knows what..LOL He suffers from allergies, but nothing compared to the full breed one I had. Please don't bring him to the pound. Find a no kill shelter or a rescue. Goodluck

By Beth on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 02:27 pm:

Well thank you for the link Ginny. I got in touch with a lady there and she is giving me a few suggestions. I am not going to take him to the UOfI I know that. They charge $1200 just to walk in the door. I am hoping with this ladys help he will get better. She suggested the special dog food and possibly steriods. Which has seemed to work. Now hopefully dh will get to feeling better. Because if he does not get better then I am back to square one with what to do with this dog. Rest assured I will try every avenue before I let him get put to sleep. Thanks for the support.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 02:33 pm:

Good luck! I worked at a vet that specialized in dermatology. We saw a lot of Sharpeis and one thing you should know ahead of time is that no matter what treatment route you go it can get very pricey. Is the diet she recommended the IVD Venison & Potato? I believe that alone for the biggest bag (30# ?) can be close to $40.00. If not, any special diet is going to cost a pretty penny. If you can make sure to clean the between the skin folds on a regular basis,it prevents fungus and bad odors from coming.

Once again, good luck! They are great dogs!