Thanks Lauren.

She had a full body check up on Tuesday by Chris Mann, one of the best Shar Pei vets in the country. But she jumped/stumbled down a small hill (about 6ft) yesterday when we were out playing, and I've spoken to the breeder and the vet and they both said it could just be a sore injury, and that if it was luxation or dysplasia it would have shown up sooner than 8 months old.

I'm going to see how she is over the next few days and hope the popping sound stops, if it doesn't she'll be going in.

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It's only 50 minutes on the train, not too bad

And my girl's parents were both very healthy dogs, the breeder is Tomikee and Marie looks after her gang very well. She didn't need her eye tacking either, a sign of good genes.

Her weight's ideal, just under 17kg, and she's not limping at all. In fact, she was running around just as crazy as usual when we were in the park this morning, and that's what confused me.

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Luxation can also be caused by trauma.

Sorry, I meant health tests rather than being healthy, although I don't know if these are required by Sharpei - I just assumed they would be if hips and luxating patella were a problem in the breed. I don't even know what the BMS would be, although the site you linked to doesn't show any hip scores (doesn't mean they haven't been done though). The results of any health tests will be on the KC registration papers.


If she is sound, then I wouldn't worry about taking her to the vet, just keep an eye on her and be perhaps restrict her exercise a little for a few days.

It could well be trauma, but one thing I would say is that your breeder are vet are wrong in that it shows up before 8 months. Severe cases usually do, but some cases never actually display symptoms or have any real problems apart from a little stiffness as they get older. I know a lot of people who have commented on hearing a clicking sound from pups that have developed HD but it's not a sign I would worry too much about.

Oh I know that description so well.
It is possibly cruciate damage, if it is you should be restricting exercise to 3x5minute walks per day on lead and seeing the vet asap.
If the cruciate has gone it destabilises the joint and you can cause more damage by exercise.
I hope I'm wrong
I have read on a different thread that you are looking to renew your insurance, if this is cruciate problems or something long term, then you may have to stay with the company you are with as it may be a very expensive time ahead

Yeah, it just gets louder. I took her out just now and kept her on a lead no longer than 2 feet, no running. Just to do her toilet.

I'm not looking to renew my insurance.. I haven't got any.

What's the usual "cure" for a cruciate problem then? Surely it can't be serious if she's not showing any signs of pain or bother, or can it?

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It can be very expensive, Alf has not had the op but has cost over £1000 a friend has just had the op done at a cost of £2600 just for the op.
I can assure you it is serious, Alf didn't limp and still doesn't but has a weakness even after 7 months and loads of care and hydro.
They always get Osteoarthritis as well, usually within 2 years, but it can be a lot sooner.

Alright thanks. I think I've read enough and now (literally) feel sick. Worst day from hell.

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Sorry ....

Well I've just got my girl some insurance. PetPlan (can anybody actually afford these guys, who can probably afford to pay as they go anyway, so to speak?) wanted £57 a month on their lowest cover that covered the price I paid for her too.

I went with Direct Line at £32.40 a month, which was their "Advanced" option and included their "Additional Benefits" as well as third party liability. It also covers the £900 purchase price, and I think it's a great price for all that compared to the other choices..?

Alas, whilst it's a lifetime cover plan, there is a £6000 limit on any treatment for any one single condition. Can anyone think of an illness that will set me back over £6000 in my girl's life? (I don't want to hear it, as I'm depressed as it is, but I'd like to know.)

Thanks for all the advice.

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