With experience and the right guidance, we find the majority of Shar-pei health problems are manageable, but sometimes may require expensive surgery or treatment to resolve, as well as the regular maintenance of monthly heartworm preventative and annual vaccinations. Average examples: one can expect to pay at least $50 for each general office visit (for vaccinations, heartworm testing, ear infections, etc), from $200 to $700 for entropion surgery (if needed), and over $1000 a year for recurring potential problems like: skin allergies, slipped joints, or inflammatory bowel disease. Unless you are ready to commit the time and necessary finances for potential medical problems, a Shar-pei may not be for you.

Having Shar-pei for over 15 years, I consider my dogs relatively healthy, and having not personally dealt with many of the issues presented here, required expert advice from the CSPCA National Health advisor, IL veterinarian Dr. Jeff Vidt, in addition to NY veterinarian Dr. Linda Tintle that I know of. Many general health questions may also be answered at peteducation.com.