Common Cane Corso Health Issues

Cane Corsos are impressive and powerful dogs, known for their muscular build and loyal nature. They have a strong presence and are often used as guard dogs due to their protective instincts.

Despite their strong appearance, Cane Corsos can face some health issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems. Having pet insurance can be a great way to help manage these health concerns and cover any unexpected vet bills.

Common Cane Corso Health Problems

Here’s a list of the ten most common health problems in Cane Corso, along with tips on recognizing them, treatment methods, and ways to prevent them.

#1: Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket, leading to pain and mobility problems. Cane Corsos are particularly prone to this condition due to their large size and genetic factors.

When It Develops

Symptoms can start to appear in puppies but are more commonly noticed in adult dogs.

According to the American Kennel Club, Hip dysplasia affects approximately 20-30% of Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Difficulty in getting up or climbing stairs
• Limping or favoring one leg
• Decreased activity or reluctance to exercise
• Pain in the hip area

Treatment

Treatment options include pain relief medications, joint supplements, weight management, and in severe cases, surgery to correct the joint.

Prevention

Regular check-ups with your vet, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing appropriate exercise can help manage and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.

#2: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition where the heart becomes enlarged and less efficient at pumping blood. Cane Corsos are known to be at higher risk for this condition.

When It Develops

DCM can develop in middle-aged to older dogs, often around 4 to 6 years old.

DCM affects about 10-15% of Cane Corsos, according to PetMD.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Coughing
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Fainting or collapsing

Treatment

Treatment usually involves medications to help the heart function better, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors, and managing any symptoms.

Prevention

Regular veterinary heart screenings can help catch DCM early and manage it effectively.

#3: Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing the lashes to irritate the cornea. This can lead to pain and potential eye damage. Cane Corsos, with their large eyes and facial structure, are prone to this issue.

When It Develops

Entropion can be present at birth but often becomes noticeable in puppies or young adults.

Entropion affects around 5-10% of Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Red, inflamed eyes
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Squinting or rubbing at the eyes
• Visible irritation or ulcers on the cornea

Treatment

Treatment typically involves surgery to correct the eyelid position and prevent further irritation.

Prevention

Regular eye checks with your vet can help identify and address entropion early.

#4: Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by mites that lead to hair loss and skin infections. Cane Corsos with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to this condition.

When It Develops

This condition can develop in puppies or young adults, especially if they have a compromised immune system.

Demodectic mange affects approximately 5-7% of Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Hair loss or bald patches
• Red, inflamed skin
• Excessive scratching or itching
• Secondary skin infections

Treatment

Treatment often involves topical or oral medications to kill the mites and manage infections.

Prevention

Maintaining a healthy immune system through proper nutrition and regular vet visits can help prevent demodectic mange.

#5: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This is particularly dangerous for large breeds like Cane Corsos.

When It Develops

GDV can occur suddenly, often after eating a large meal or exercising right after eating.

GDV affects about 10% of large and giant breed dogs, including Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Swollen, painful abdomen
• Restlessness or pacing
• Vomiting or retching

Treatment

Immediate veterinary intervention is required, usually involving surgery to untwist the stomach and stabilize the dog.

Prevention

Feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding exercise right after eating can reduce the risk of GDV.

#6: Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, affecting metabolism. Cane Corsos can be prone to this condition, leading to various health issues.

When It Develops

Hypothyroidism usually develops in middle-aged dogs, typically between 4 to 10 years old.

Hypothyroidism affects about 5-10% of Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Weight gain despite normal eating
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Lethargy or decreased activity
• Skin infections

Treatment

Treatment usually involves daily thyroid hormone replacement medication to manage symptoms and regulate metabolism.

Prevention

Regular thyroid function tests can help catch hypothyroidism early and manage it effectively.

#7: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a joint disorder where the cartilage doesn’t develop properly, leading to painful joint issues. This condition is more common in larger breeds like Cane Corsos.

When It Develops

OCD typically develops in puppies and young dogs, often between 4 to 12 months of age.

As per the American Kennel Club, OCD affects around 5-10% of large breed puppies, including Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Limping or lameness
• Swelling in the affected joint
• Pain or discomfort when moving
• Decreased activity level

Treatment

Treatment may include surgery to remove the affected cartilage and medications to manage pain and inflammation.

Prevention

Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive weight gain can help reduce the risk of OCD.

#8: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition that causes progressive loss of vision due to retinal degeneration. Cane Corsos can be at risk for this condition, which leads to eventual blindness.

When It Develops

PRA usually starts in middle age but can vary depending on the specific type of PRA.

PRA affects a small percentage of Cane Corsos, around 2-5%.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Bumping into objects
• Night blindness
• Changes in eye appearance

Treatment

There is no cure for PRA, but early diagnosis can help manage the condition and provide support for vision loss.

Prevention

Regular eye exams and genetic testing can help identify carriers and manage the risk of PRA.

#9: Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in Cane Corsos due to their large, floppy ears which can trap moisture and debris. This can lead to bacterial or fungal infections.

When It Develops

Ear infections can develop at any age but are more common in dogs with floppy ears.

Ear infections affect around 15-20% of Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Frequent shaking of the head
• Scratching at the ears
• Foul odor from the ears
• Red or inflamed ear canal

Treatment

Treatment usually involves cleaning the ears and using medications prescribed by your vet to clear the infection.

Prevention

Regular ear cleaning and keeping ears dry can help prevent infections.

#10: Allergies

Allergies in Cane Corsos can be triggered by food, environmental factors, or parasites, leading to skin problems and discomfort.

When It Develops

Allergies can develop at any age but are often noticed in young to middle-aged dogs.

Allergies affect around 10-15% of Cane Corsos.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Itchy skin or excessive scratching
• Red or inflamed skin
• Digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea
• Ear infections

Treatment

Treatment may include allergy testing, dietary changes, and medications to manage symptoms.

Prevention

Identifying and avoiding allergens, along with regular vet visits, can help manage and reduce allergy symptoms.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Common Cane Corso Health Issues?

Pet insurance can be very useful for managing the costs of common health issues in Cane Corsos, such as joint problems, heart diseases, and skin conditions. With pet insurance for cane corsos, you can get help covering expenses for vet visits, treatments, and medications.

You can find policies that might cover things like:

• X-rays
• MRIS
• Routine wellness exams
• Prescription medication
• Diagnostic procedures
• Blood tests
• Medical procedures like surgery
• Prescription food or supplements
• Behavioral therapy
• Alternative procedures

However, it’s worth noting that pet insurance generally doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. This means if your Cane Corso had a health issue before you started the insurance, like chronic hip problems or a heart condition, those specific issues won’t be covered. Some insurers offer plans that provide partial coverage for pre-existing conditions, but these tend to be more expensive. Be sure to check your policy details to know what is covered and what isn’t.