5 Common Cane Corso Health Concerns
Cane Corsos are an affectionate, adaptable working breed that is eager to please so long as there is a treat on the other side.
These versatile dogs need an experienced owner who is willing to invest time into positive yet firm training. If you’re thinking of welcoming one of these big beauties into your family, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of the breed’s health history. Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common Cane Corso health concerns so that you can be a prepared pooch parent.
Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that is passed down from one generation to the next. This condition occurs when a dog’s hip joint misaligned with the hip socket, leading to irritation, pain, and inflammation. You may notice your dog struggling to put weight on one or both hind legs. If this is the case, it’s best to take your pooch into see the vet as soon as possible.
Depending on the severity of the dysplasia, your veterinarian may recommend certain medications and/or supplements, along with physical therapy, stem cell treatments, and sometimes surgery. Luckily, this fairly common condition is not life threatening.
Bloat
Bloat is a potentially deadly condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach overfills with air, blocking blood flow to vital organs. In severe cases, this can also lead your dog’s stomach to flip and twist out of position. If your dog is experiencing bloat, you may see him attempting to vomit without any output, panting or breathing heavily, pacing, or experiencing a distended stomach. If this is the case, it’s essential that you take your pooch to the nearest emergency facility immediately as this could be life threatening.
Entropion
Entropion is characterized by an abnormality in the eyelids that leads an eyelid to roll inwards. This rolling can cause hair to rub against the surface of the cornea which can be incredibly painful and interfere with vision. The condition is typically hereditary and needs to be treated via minor surgical correction.
Cherry Eye
Unfortunately, Cane Corso dogs are subject to more than one eye issue. The condition “cherry eye” is named after the inflamed, red tissue that appears with the presence of this condition. Technically speaking, cherry eye is when a tear in a dog’s third eyelid (Yes, they have 3) becomes inflamed and irritated. This can be irritating to your dog and lead to long term eye issues, so it’s important to have cherry eye addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible. In most cases, this condition can be corrected through minor surgery.
Ear Infections
Unfortunately, the Cane Corso’s distinct ears can lead him to being more susceptible to infections. While you can’t always prevent ear infections, it’s important to start clearing them up for your canine as soon as they’re identified since they can be extremely irritating to your pooch.
Your veterinarian will prescribe a medicated cleanser to help clear up your pup’s infection. Moving forward, you can prioritize regular ear cleanings as a preventative measure. You’ll also want to make sure that your dog’s ears are fully dry after getting wet to reduce infection risk.
Cane Corsos are big, unfurgettable buddies that are sure to leave a paw print on your heart. Just like any other breed, they come with their own set of health concerns that are important to take into consideration so that you can properly take care of your canine. Enjoy welcoming one of these loyal pups into your family!
Did you know stem banking during the spay/neuter procedure can be a great benefit to your pup as they age. Learn how stem cell banking can help HERE
