Do Cane Corsos have health problems?
Do Cane Corsos have health problems?
Cane Corsos are a generally healthy breed. But they can be prone to certain health conditions such as:
- Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint grows abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding (instead of sliding smoothly). While the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities of elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, this can cause issues such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be performed to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Cane Corso, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have — or are prone to getting — dysplasia, so you know what their limitations may be with activities and exercise.
- Eye problems: There are a few eye issues that may affect a Cane Corso over time. Cataracts are a common condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision. Entropion is a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative disease affecting the retina, could also affect Cane Corsos and eventually lead to blindness.
- Others: Gastric dilatation-volvulus (or a sudden, painful, life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen), as well as skin disorders such as mange.