Cane Corso Health Issues and Symptoms

Cane Corso Health Issues and Symptoms: Common Diseases Cane Corso are prone to are skin bumps, Eye Infection, Diarrhea, Dysplasia & Bloat.

The Cane Corsos also known as Italian mastiffs are famous for their large size and calm temperament. Their Beautiful coat comes in different colors including red, black, blue, fawn, and brindle. But before owning a Cane Corso dog a question arises ‘Do Cane Corso have health issues’, Yes they are prone to many diseases like any other dog breed. Hip Dysplasia, Eye diseases, Demodex mange, and Bloat are the most common health problems. Here we will discuss Common health issues with Cane Corso.

Size of Cane Corso

Cane Corso has a powerful and large-sized muscular body. Their weight is quite heavy.

Height

Male: 24.5 to 28.5 inches

Female: 23.5 to 26.5 inches

Weight

Male: 45 to 50 Kg

Female: 40 to 45 Kg

Lifespan

The common lifespan of Cane Corso is around 9 to 12 years but few of them die earlier because of some health risks.

Most Common Cane Corso Health Problems

• Hip Dysplasia & Elbow Dysplasia
• Demodectic Mange
• Bloat or Gastric torsion
• Entropion & Ectropion
• Epilepsy
• Panosteitis

Other diseases found in Cane Corso

• Cardiomyopathy
• Mitral valve disease
• Cruciate ligament rupture
• Wobbler’s syndrome
• Cherry eye

Hip Dysplasia & Elbow Dysplasia

Dysplasia is the most common joint problem found in large-sized dog breeds. Cane Corso is prone to this painful joint problem. Dysplasia means the abnormal formation of joints. It usually occurs in old-aged dogs. Cane Corso is prone to Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia-

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is caused by the irregular formation of the Hip joint.  It is formed when the hip socket doesn’t form correctly. Also, It is very painful and also causes lameness. It is observed in many Cane Corso dogs.

Elbow Dysplasia:  Elbow dysplasia is the same as Hip dysplasia. It is caused by the irregular growth of the Elbow joint of the dog. Just like Hip Dysplasia it also causes high pain and lameness.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia in Cane Corso

• Rigidity in movement
• Restlessness
• Lameness
• Pain
• Loosening of muscles around joint

Demodectic Mange in Cane Corso

Demodectic Mange is the most common skin infection found in Cane Corso. This skin infection is caused by mites called Demodex Canis. It caused redness and itchiness. It is also found in cats and humans too but it is common in dogs. This skin infection is treated by certain medications which include oral medicines and shampoos. It should be treated quickly because it results in loss of fur as this infection grows.

Symptoms of Demodectic Mange in Cane Corso

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Hair loss
• Swelling

Bloat ( Gastric Torsion) in Cane Corso

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is one of the most common health problems in dogs. Cane Corso is also prone to this health problem. Almost all dog breeds regardless of their size can have bloat or gastric torsion. If not treated properly it could also kill your dog, during bloat the owner of the dog should act quickly to it. It occurs when the stomach of a dog gets inflated or bloated with gas.  This could also result in breathing problems and can also affect blood circulation. After the identification of Bloat in a dog, he should be given medical treatment as soon as possible.

The weight of your dog should be carefully monitored in order to avoid bloat. Mostly, overweighed dogs are more prone to bloat. So you should stop overfeeding your Cane Corso.

Symptoms of Bloat in Cane Corso

• Continuous unsuccessful attempts to vomit
• Restlessness
• Whining
• Bloated Stomach

Entropion & Ectropion in Cane Corso

Entropion is one of the most common eye diseases found in Cane Corso. Both Entropion and Ectropion are Genetic eye diseases which means it is present by birth. In most cases, it is transferred from parents to offspring.  Entropion and Ectropion are basically inverses of each other, Both of these diseases can occur in a dog at any age and can occur as an outcome of any other disease.

In Ectoprion the eyelids of a dog’s eye curve inward and it results in damage to the cornea of a dog’s eye because it can cause the eyelashes of the dog’s eye to rub on the dog’s eyeball. Ectropion is an Eye disease in which the eyeballs of a dog curve outwards. An affected dog should be taken to the Vet immediately and then the Vet can suggest Eye drops or Surgery in some cases

Symptoms of Entropion and Ectropion in Cane Corso

• Red Eyes
• Itchiness
• Watery eyes
• Inward or Outward curve of dog’s eyelids

Epilepsy in Cane Corso

Epilepsy is a neurological disease and it is found in many Cane Corso.  Mainly it is inherited but it can occur from various sources. Epilepsy leads to unusual brain activity and may often lead to seizures in dogs. It is not easy to recognize or identify this health problem but if your dog had more than one seizure in  24 hours then you should consult your Vet.

Panosteitis in Cane Corso

Panosteitis is a very painful bone inflammation problem that is mainly found in large-size dog breeds and mostly in young dogs. Unfortunately, this disease is common in Cane Corso. This problem is self-limiting which means it will resolve on its own however your Vet can suggest some medications to reduce pain. This disease causes lameness and high pain but leaves no fixed injury or effects.

Symptoms of Panosteitis in Cane Corso

• Lack of Energy
• High Pain
• Loss of weight
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Cardiomyopathy in Cane Corso

Cardiomyopathy (also known as Heart muscle disease) is a heart disorder that causes the heart’s muscles to become weak and enlarged. It is common in large-sized dog breeds and Cane Corso is also prone to this heart disease. Cardiomyopathy results in poor pumping of blood and there are chances that the affected dog may die of heart failure. This health problem is very serious as there is no cure or treatment for this disease.

Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy

•  Loss of appetite
• Abnormal Heartbeats
• Intolerant to Exercise
• High blood pressure
• cough

Mitral valve disease in Cane Corso

Mitral valve disease is another heart disease that Cane Corso is prone to. It is caused due to the leaking of the valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle called the Mitral valve. It can be recognized by its early symptom of the heart murmur which is caused when some of the blood flows backward by leaking the mitral valve. There are some treatments for this heart disorder that would be suggested by the Vet according to the condition of the dog.

Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Cane Corso

Some dogs got the cartilage of their knees ruptured or torn this is called Cruciate ligament rupture. This is slightly common in Cane Corso and other large-size dog breeds. This joint problem results in Lameness and pain. The reason may be heavy exercise, sudden turning, falling while running, jumping and running fast, etc.

Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Rupture

• High Pain
• Lameness
• Less activity
• Rigidity

Wobbler’s syndrome in Cane Corso

Wobbler’s syndrome affects the Cervical spine of the Vertebral column and is mainly found in large-sized dog breeds like Cane Corso. It is caused by the slipping of intervertebral discs and it results in neck pain and weakness.

Symptoms of Wobbler’s syndrome

• Neck pain
• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Abnormal Walk

Cherry Eye in Cane Corso

The Cherry Eye is another eye disease to which Cane Corso is prone. It is basically the Prolapse of the Nictitating membrane (also known as the third eyelid) in the eyes of the dog. This membrane (NM) can protrude and can cause a red lump in an eye’s an inside corner, It cannot be cured by medicines, surgery is important. It didn’t cause pain but it causes irritation.

Symptoms of Cherry Eye

• Itchiness
• Irregular Blinking
• Dryness
• Redness
• Irritation
• Swelling