cane corso health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit disease. Run from any breeder who tells you that the breed has no known problems, does not do health testing, or isolates puppies from the main part of the household for health reasons.
Breed Health Concerns
By and large, the Cane Corso is a healthy mastiff, with relatively few breed-specific health concerns. Buying from a reputable breeder, feeding your dog properly, exercising them safely will help you avoid most problems. However, genetic issues can still develop.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy has been known to occur in the breed. There is no known cause, and the current best practice to prevent epilepsy is bloodline research and careful matching. Epilepsy is characterised by seizures with unknown cause. Medication can be given to help your dog.
DSRA
Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Atrophy is an autosomal recessive condition, meaning both parents need to carry the gene mutation to produce it. This is characterised by incomplete or stunted skeletal growth, poor (missing, or even see-through) dentition and retinal atrophy. This is a fully preventable condition through health testing, but incurable if your puppy is born affected.
Cherry eye
Cherry Eye is the common name for prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It typically appears as a red or pink swelling at the inner corner of the eye and can occur in one or both eyes. The gland plays an important role in tear production, so veterinary assessment is recommended. Treatment is generally aimed at preserving and repositioning the gland rather than removing it wherever possible.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and Elbow dysplasia is a relatively common concern in large breeds, and reputable breeders seek to avoid it by full health testing. Research shows an environmental link to dysplasia, which is why it's important to be careful with exercise! Dysplasia can be treated with medications and sometimes, surgery.
Ectropion
Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid turns or droops outward, leaving the surface of the eye more exposed than normal. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, excessive tearing and an increased risk of eye problems. The severity can vary between dogs, and veterinary assessment is recommended where symptoms are present. Treatment will depend on the individual dog and the severity of the condition.
Ligament Tears
Ligament tears can happen when the dog slips, falls, or otherwise injures themselves playing or running. They can also happen if the dog over-exerts themselves without good muscling. It's important to be careful with exercise, and to have insurance, as surgeries to fix them are very expensive!
Entropion
Entropian is where the bottom eyelid rolls inwards, and irritates the eye causing watering. If it is not bad when the puppy is young, they may grow out of it, but it sometimes requires surgery to correct. Ask your breeder if their lines have any eye issues!