Renal amyloidosis in the Shar Pei: fever and proteinuria
4-year-old Shar Pei with repeated episodes of fever and hock swelling since it was a puppy. It now shows polyuria/polydipsia, moderate azotaemia and isosthenuria; the urine protein:creatinine ratio is 0.6.
Which statement is correct?
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A. The mild proteinuria rules out amyloidosis: it must be glomerulonephritis
In the Shar Pei amyloid is deposited mainly in the medulla, so proteinuria may be mild or absent; it does not rule out amyloidosis.
B. It is AL amyloidosis from light chains, associated with myeloma
It is reactive (AA) amyloidosis, formed from serum amyloid A protein produced during recurrent inflammation.
C. It is reactive (AA) amyloidosis associated with Shar Pei autoinflammatory disease; deposits are often medullary and proteinuria may be mild
Correct. Shar Pei recurrent fever, with hock swelling, keeps serum amyloid A high, which is deposited in the kidney (and sometimes the liver). Medullary deposition explains why progressive kidney disease may occur with little proteinuria.
D. Immunosuppressive corticosteroids remove the amyloid already deposited
No treatment removes deposited amyloid. Kidney disease is managed and further deposition is limited by controlling inflammation (colchicine is used with limited evidence).
lightbulb Key takeaway
In Shar Peis with recurrent fevers, monitor renal function and urinalysis regularly. Amyloidosis can also affect the liver (risk of rupture and haemoabdomen). The prognosis is guarded once azotaemia develops; manage CKD according to IRIS.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.