Comments on: Shar-Pei Fever FSF Amyloidosis Symptoms & Treatment http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/ A Luxury Pet Boutique For Large & Giant Breed Dogs Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:30:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Amy http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-63 Amy Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:46:43 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-63 Helene, Before you try the Colchicine, I would try over the counter meds first. How much does Zao weigh? Here is my post on treatment: Ascriptin & Benadryl - both over the counter medications available at your local drugstore. First dose given as soon as you notice the first symptoms, give 1 tablet regular strength (325mg) of Ascripton and 10mg per 10 lbs (so my 53 lb Shar Pei takes 2 of the 25mg tablets) of Benadryl. Give the Ascriptin every 8 hours for the first 24 hours, and then every 12 hours for the folllowing 3 days. Give the Benadryl every 12 hours for 2-3 days. Remember, the less medication, the better. This disease affects the kidneys and less medication = less work on the kidneys. Helene,

Before you try the Colchicine, I would try over the counter meds first. How much does Zao weigh?

Here is my post on treatment:

Ascriptin & Benadryl - both over the counter medications available at your local drugstore. First dose given as soon as you notice the first symptoms, give 1 tablet regular strength (325mg) of Ascripton and 10mg per 10 lbs (so my 53 lb Shar Pei takes 2 of the 25mg tablets) of Benadryl. Give the Ascriptin every 8 hours for the first 24 hours, and then every 12 hours for the folllowing 3 days. Give the Benadryl every 12 hours for 2-3 days. Remember, the less medication, the better. This disease affects the kidneys and less medication = less work on the kidneys.

]]> By: Helene http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-62 Helene Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:39:38 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-62 Hi Amy! I want to thank you so much for all the informations you give us about the Sharpei fever. My dog Zao (5 months old) is very sick because of that and I must admit that I find it very hard to live. I live in Canada (Quebec) and after 2 episodes and 2 visits to my vet, I made some researchs in Internet. Because my vet don't know anything about that, he refered me to a new one who know Sharpei very well. She gave me Metacam because she said that Aspirin is not good for him (I use Aspirin for sensible stomachs - we don't have baby Aspirin in Canada since last year), but I don't like Metacam. I don't notice any improvement with that, fever last 3 days instead of 36 hours and he still have problems with his legs... She said to me that she will prescribe me Colchicine also. When I read the website of Dr Vidt, he suggest Aspirin. Is it him who suggest you Benadryl also ? Before Zao, I had a Bloodhound who lived almost 12 years with many injuries and sickness and he had a good life because I took good care of him. So, I can recognize your competence with this sicknesse because you live with it everyday. I will do everything you said (low protein food, baby food, soup, ice) because you know what you are talking about. Do you think Benadryl will be ok for a 5 months old puppy ? Do you think it is better to try Colchicine before that ? What didn't you like about this medication ? Thanks in advance, Amy, for all your advice. I also want to tell you that you have very nice Sharpeis. (and sorry if I made many mistakes in english...) Helene Hi Amy! I want to thank you so much for all the informations you give us about the Sharpei fever. My dog Zao (5 months old) is very sick because of that and I must admit that I find it very hard to live. I live in Canada (Quebec) and after 2 episodes and 2 visits to my vet, I made some researchs in Internet. Because my vet don’t know anything about that, he refered me to a new one who know Sharpei very well. She gave me Metacam because she said that Aspirin is not good for him (I use Aspirin for sensible stomachs - we don’t have baby Aspirin in Canada since last year), but I don’t like Metacam. I don’t notice any improvement with that, fever last 3 days instead of 36 hours and he still have problems with his legs… She said to me that she will prescribe me Colchicine also.

When I read the website of Dr Vidt, he suggest Aspirin. Is it him who suggest you Benadryl also ? Before Zao, I had a Bloodhound who lived almost 12 years with many injuries and sickness and he had a good life because I took good care of him. So, I can recognize your competence with this sicknesse because you live with it everyday. I will do everything you said (low protein food, baby food, soup, ice) because you know what you are talking about. Do you think Benadryl will be ok for a 5 months old puppy ? Do you think it is better to try Colchicine before that ? What didn’t you like about this medication ?

Thanks in advance, Amy, for all your advice. I also want to tell you that you have very nice Sharpeis. (and sorry if I made many mistakes in english…)

Helene

]]> By: margaritaclaude http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-55 margaritaclaude Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:53:27 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-55 Thank you Amy You 've helped a lot. I'll write sometime soon hopefully for some better news. I hope I won't be a burden.. Margarita Thank you Amy

You ‘ve helped a lot. I’ll write sometime soon hopefully for some better news. I hope I won’t be a burden..

Margarita

]]> By: Amy http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-54 Amy Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:01:59 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-54 Having your vet read through Dr. Vidt's sight is a great idea. She will be able to sort through all the medical terminology and translate how it applies to your puppy. You have to remember that Dr. Vidt's a doctor- he deals specifically in facts and science. The prognosis doesn't have to be terrible- although they haven't found a cure for FSF, there are ways of minimizing the fever episode thus relieving the stress on the joints and kidneys. This is my belief anyway. Here's what I know for sure: The episodes are brought on by stress on the dog- could be physical or mental. From a dog bite to separation anxiety, any stress can trigger an episode, each dog is different so it's important that you get to know the signs of what brings stress to your dog. For example, my dog doesn't like shocking loud noises or being separated from her sister. She doesn't like to go outside when it's raining, so to minimize the stress on her bladder, I need to walk her and make sure she relieves herself. Otherwise she'll hold it in and have an FSF episode. You get to know the signs over time but you need to write notes each time your pup has an episode and chart the following: temperature every few hours, any medicine given and when it's taken, symptoms on dog i.e. swollen joints, fever, lethargy, jaw pain, not eating, loose stool, etc. Then I would also note anything that happened prior to the fever that may have caused it. You will begin to see a pattern after a few episodes. At the worst point, MooShu was getting sick once a week. She'd be down for 36 hours and then ok for 4 days or so and then sick again. I began seeing a pattern and learned how to spot the very early signs of an episode and now she has 1 or 2 episodes each year. As soon as I would see that early sign, I give her an Ascripton and Benadryl. You need to ask your vet what the correct dosage is for a young puppy. All medications take a toll on the kidneys also it is very important that you don't give your pup ANY more medicine that you have to. Meds cause stress on your dogs system because everything passes through the kidneys. Keep your dogs diet low in protein, protein also takes a toll on the kidneys. No more liver snacks if you're using them. I would also continue the baby aspirin a few days after the fever ends, but every 8 hours instead of 6. Take it one day at a time and don't get overwhelmed. Write everything down and follow instructions carefully. You can do this. If you can cut down on the episodes, than you can minimize the stress on the kidneys. The Amloidosis is what we're actually afraid of here. Amloid is a protein that builds up in the kidneys (it's got the consistency of wax) and can't pass through causing, renal failure. If you can keep the amloid out, you're a success. Keep your dog hydrated, dehydration is a side effect of the fever and can be very dangerous. Ice chips can be interesting to a dog if they won't drink water. If you have to mix water or liquid with something else to get it into the system, then do it. I add low sodium chicken stock to things to get that liquid in her and use wet dog food when's sick. Liquid flushes out the kidneys as well as keeping the dog hydrated. I hope this information helps. Continue to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I'm here to help you. Have faith and stay positive. Amy Having your vet read through Dr. Vidt’s sight is a great idea. She will be able to sort through all the medical terminology and translate how it applies to your puppy.

You have to remember that Dr. Vidt’s a doctor- he deals specifically in facts and science. The prognosis doesn’t have to be terrible- although they haven’t found a cure for FSF, there are ways of minimizing the fever episode thus relieving the stress on the joints and kidneys. This is my belief anyway.

Here’s what I know for sure: The episodes are brought on by stress on the dog- could be physical or mental. From a dog bite to separation anxiety, any stress can trigger an episode, each dog is different so it’s important that you get to know the signs of what brings stress to your dog. For example, my dog doesn’t like shocking loud noises or being separated from her sister. She doesn’t like to go outside when it’s raining, so to minimize the stress on her bladder, I need to walk her and make sure she relieves herself. Otherwise she’ll hold it in and have an FSF episode.

You get to know the signs over time but you need to write notes each time your pup has an episode and chart the following: temperature every few hours, any medicine given and when it’s taken, symptoms on dog i.e. swollen joints, fever, lethargy, jaw pain, not eating, loose stool, etc. Then I would also note anything that happened prior to the fever that may have caused it. You will begin to see a pattern after a few episodes.

At the worst point, MooShu was getting sick once a week. She’d be down for 36 hours and then ok for 4 days or so and then sick again. I began seeing a pattern and learned how to spot the very early signs of an episode and now she has 1 or 2 episodes each year. As soon as I would see that early sign, I give her an Ascripton and Benadryl. You need to ask your vet what the correct dosage is for a young puppy.

All medications take a toll on the kidneys also it is very important that you don’t give your pup ANY more medicine that you have to. Meds cause stress on your dogs system because everything passes through the kidneys. Keep your dogs diet low in protein, protein also takes a toll on the kidneys. No more liver snacks if you’re using them. I would also continue the baby aspirin a few days after the fever ends, but every 8 hours instead of 6.

Take it one day at a time and don’t get overwhelmed. Write everything down and follow instructions carefully. You can do this. If you can cut down on the episodes, than you can minimize the stress on the kidneys. The Amloidosis is what we’re actually afraid of here. Amloid is a protein that builds up in the kidneys (it’s got the consistency of wax) and can’t pass through causing, renal failure. If you can keep the amloid out, you’re a success.

Keep your dog hydrated, dehydration is a side effect of the fever and can be very dangerous. Ice chips can be interesting to a dog if they won’t drink water. If you have to mix water or liquid with something else to get it into the system, then do it. I add low sodium chicken stock to things to get that liquid in her and use wet dog food when’s sick. Liquid flushes out the kidneys as well as keeping the dog hydrated.

I hope this information helps. Continue to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I’m here to help you. Have faith and stay positive. Amy

]]> By: margaritaclaude http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-53 margaritaclaude Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:56:42 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-53 Hello again Amy, I cannot thank you enough for being here for me. Well, I contacted dr. Vidt but unfortunately the only thing I got as an answer was to visit his site. That's ok though, I understand that he has a practice to look after and cannot answer all the mails he gets. The problem is that what I read on his site was so gloomy... Whereas you made me feel a little more optimistic. I will go to the vet, I haven't done yet cause she's out of town and tell her to visit the site herself. Meanwhile do you think you could help me by telling me a few things: how often do the fever occurs? Should I give him aspirin or whatever for 3-5 days as I read even if he doesn't have a fever? Because today he had no fever. It only lasted about 6 hours probably. And the pain was gone. What makes me feel helpless is that I don't even know what to ask: everything is completely new to me. Even having a dog, until now I only had cats, two of them, both killed by a car in a period of 6 months. I feel I've done something wrong and am doomed to mourn for my pets again and again. And I also feel guilty for imposing this pain on my kids and my husband... Trully I find it so hard to keep the faith. Eventually I will of course, there's no other way but right now... So whatever you can tell me about this disease Amy, please do! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Margarita Hello again Amy,
I cannot thank you enough for being here for me. Well, I contacted dr. Vidt but unfortunately the only thing I got as an answer was to visit his site. That’s ok though, I understand that he has a practice to look after and cannot answer all the mails he gets. The problem is that what I read on his site was so gloomy… Whereas you made me feel a little more optimistic. I will go to the vet, I haven’t done yet cause she’s out of town and tell her to visit the site herself. Meanwhile do you think you could help me by telling me a few things: how often do the fever occurs? Should I give him aspirin or whatever for 3-5 days as I read even if he doesn’t have a fever? Because today he had no fever. It only lasted about 6 hours probably. And the pain was gone. What makes me feel helpless is that I don’t even know what to ask: everything is completely new to me. Even having a dog, until now I only had cats, two of them, both killed by a car in a period of 6 months. I feel I’ve done something wrong and am doomed to mourn for my pets again and again. And I also feel guilty for imposing this pain on my kids and my husband… Trully I find it so hard to keep the faith. Eventually I will of course, there’s no other way but right now…
So whatever you can tell me about this disease Amy, please do!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Margarita

]]> By: Amy http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-52 Amy Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:56:55 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-52 Margarita, Don't panick- I wnat you to email Dr Vidt and ask him what to do- I don't want to advise you on meds for a 10 week old puppy. He will know exactly what you should try next. MooShu was diagnosed when she was less than a year old and she just turned 9 a few weeks ago. You can learn how to manage this- just takes some time to figure out. You can always call me or email. Go to http://www.drjwv.com/ and contact Dr. Vidt right away. As long as he's eating, that's goodnews. Make sure he gets a lot of fluid, even if it means ice chips. If he doesn't want to eat, I suggest baby food as protein (chicken,beef,lamb,etc.) Keep him comfortable and in a comfortable climate with limites amount of noise. I would treat him the way you would want to be treated if you had a horrible flu and were achy all over. Let me know what happens and call me if you need to- my cell# is 312-316-0000. Keep the faith, Amy Margarita,
Don’t panick- I wnat you to email Dr Vidt and ask him what to do- I don’t want to advise you on meds for a 10 week old puppy. He will know exactly what you should try next. MooShu was diagnosed when she was less than a year old and she just turned 9 a few weeks ago. You can learn how to manage this- just takes some time to figure out. You can always call me or email. Go to http://www.drjwv.com/ and contact Dr. Vidt right away. As long as he’s eating, that’s goodnews. Make sure he gets a lot of fluid, even if it means ice chips. If he doesn’t want to eat, I suggest baby food as protein (chicken,beef,lamb,etc.) Keep him comfortable and in a comfortable climate with limites amount of noise. I would treat him the way you would want to be treated if you had a horrible flu and were achy all over. Let me know what happens and call me if you need to- my cell# is 312-316-0000. Keep the faith, Amy

]]> By: margaritaclaude http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-51 margaritaclaude Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:38:53 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-51 Hello again Amy, I was hoping I wouldn' t bother you again, but unfortunately I think that Claude may indeed suffer from FSPF after all. Today he had another incident. I was hoping that it was because he stayed outside lying in the sun for some time, but this time although he was sleeping most of the afternoon having a fever of 103.7 I noticed that he was having difficulty moving his legs. When he woke up to eat ( and he ate all of his dinner) he seemed ok, but everytime I tried to touch his back left leg, he was pulling it up into his belly. I feel awful, he is so young, only 2 and a half months old. I am taking him of course to the vet to get her opinion as well, but the truth is I live in Greece and very few Sharpeis live here so I don't know how familiar this disease is to the vets here. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Like how often does the fever come etc. Again thank you Amy for your help. Margarita Hello again Amy,
I was hoping I wouldn’ t bother you again, but unfortunately I think that Claude may indeed suffer from FSPF after all. Today he had another incident. I was hoping that it was because he stayed outside lying in the sun for some time, but this time although he was sleeping most of the afternoon having a fever of 103.7 I noticed that he was having difficulty moving his legs. When he woke up to eat ( and he ate all of his dinner) he seemed ok, but everytime I tried to touch his back left leg, he was pulling it up into his belly.
I feel awful, he is so young, only 2 and a half months old.
I am taking him of course to the vet to get her opinion as well, but the truth is I live in Greece and very few Sharpeis live here so I don’t know how familiar this disease is to the vets here.
I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Like how often does the fever come etc.
Again thank you Amy for your help.

Margarita

]]> By: Amy http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-49 Amy Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:42:04 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-49 Good news! Aspirin is really rough on their stomach- the next time you're at Walgreens or Rite Aid, get a bottle of baby aspirin. 1 baby aspirin is better than half an adult. When he gets to a good weight, I would switch to Ascripton, which is aspirin coated with maaolx. Much better on the stomach. Keep me posted. Amy Good news! Aspirin is really rough on their stomach- the next time you’re at Walgreens or Rite Aid, get a bottle of baby aspirin. 1 baby aspirin is better than half an adult. When he gets to a good weight, I would switch to Ascripton, which is aspirin coated with maaolx. Much better on the stomach. Keep me posted. Amy

]]> By: margaritaclaude http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-48 margaritaclaude Wed, 07 Apr 2010 06:49:15 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-48 Amy thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Well, he is fine today, 2 days later and I don't know what might have caused all this ordeal. I gave him half an aspirin and about an hour later he woke up and went to his food bowl and ate all of it. He played a little and he had an easy night. Yesterday he looked ok, played some but rather seeked hugs and petting. The only incident was that as he was taking his morning nap, he woke up and threw up. Later he slept again for a while and the rest of the day was ok. He ate enough, played enough, didn't soil where he wasn't supposed to. His temperature was around 101-102 F. Today he is really fine, plays a lot. What can I say... The breeder told me that Sharpeis are rather prone to fever. Anyway, once more I am grateful that you replied to me. Thank you so much! Margarita Amy thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Well, he is fine today, 2 days later and I don’t know what might have caused all this ordeal. I gave him half an aspirin and about an hour later he woke up and went to his food bowl and ate all of it. He played a little and he had an easy night. Yesterday he looked ok, played some but rather seeked hugs and petting. The only incident was that as he was taking his morning nap, he woke up and threw up. Later he slept again for a while and the rest of the day was ok. He ate enough, played enough, didn’t soil where he wasn’t supposed to. His temperature was around 101-102 F. Today he is really fine, plays a lot. What can I say… The breeder told me that Sharpeis are rather prone to fever.
Anyway, once more I am grateful that you replied to me. Thank you so much!

Margarita

]]> By: Amy http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/2010/01/23/shar-pei-fever-fsf-amyloidosis-symptoms-treatment/#comment-47 Amy Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:29:51 +0000 http://www.thevelvetsnoot.com/blog/?p=523#comment-47 Margarita, 103.5 is definitely a reason to be concerned. If he shows no signs of swelling or pain, it could be an infection that is causing the fever. Urinary tract, kidney, or something more simple. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he has SPF untill you have good reason to. Call your vet and ask them what you should do next. Is he peeing often? Is his urine a dark color? Can you see blood in the urine? A fever of 103 will also accompany lots of sleeping. Those two things go hand in hand. The first signs of FSPF are swelling in the joints and a fever. It's also good to note that a dogs average temp is 101 and can range from 99 to 102.5 in a healthy dog, not the same as the human 98.6 degrees. Margarita, 103.5 is definitely a reason to be concerned. If he shows no signs of swelling or pain, it could be an infection that is causing the fever. Urinary tract, kidney, or something more simple. I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that he has SPF untill you have good reason to. Call your vet and ask them what you should do next. Is he peeing often? Is his urine a dark color? Can you see blood in the urine? A fever of 103 will also accompany lots of sleeping. Those two things go hand in hand. The first signs of FSPF are swelling in the joints and a fever. It’s also good to note that a dogs average temp is 101 and can range from 99 to 102.5 in a healthy dog, not the same as the human 98.6 degrees.

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