Cane Corso Age Calculator

Cherry eye is prolapse of the third eyelid gland, appearing as a red mass in the inner corner of the eye. Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelid that causes the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, causing pain, ulceration, and potentially vision loss. Both conditions are common in Cane Corsos due to their facial structure with loose skin and deep-set eyes. Either condition can occur in one or both eyes.

Prevention: Both conditions are largely genetic with no reliable prevention. Cherry eye should be surgically corrected with a pocket technique (not removal) to preserve tear production. Entropion requires surgical correction to prevent ongoing corneal damage. Source puppies from breeders who screen for eye conditions and have clear CERF/OFA eye certifications. If one eye is affected, monitor the other closely, as bilateral occurrence is common.

Symptoms: red or pink mass in corner of eye (cherry eye), squinting or holding eye closed, excessive tearing, eye discharge (mucus or pus), pawing at the eye, corneal cloudiness or ulceration (entropion), visible inward rolling of eyelid

Abnormal development of the hip and/or elbow joints leading to looseness, cartilage damage, and progressive arthritis. Cane Corsos, as a large, rapid-growing breed, have significant rates of both hip and elbow dysplasia. The combination of their heavy build and active nature means even mild dysplasia can cause significant clinical problems. Both conditions are polygenetic and influenced by environmental factors including nutrition, growth rate, and exercise during development.

Prevention: Source puppies from OFA-certified parents with hip and elbow ratings of good or excellent. Feed a large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium and phosphorus to promote steady, even growth. Avoid over-exercising puppies — no forced running or repetitive jumping until growth plates close at 18-24 months. Maintain a lean body condition throughout life, and supplement with joint-supportive nutrients (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids) from young adulthood.

Symptoms: limping or lameness (especially after exercise), difficulty rising from rest, bunny-hopping gait, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, decreased activity, muscle wasting in affected limbs, audible clicking from joints

Recurrent seizures with no identifiable underlying cause, occurring at higher rates in Cane Corsos than in the general dog population. Seizures typically first appear between 1-5 years of age. Episodes can range from focal seizures (twitching, staring) to generalized tonic-clonic seizures (full-body convulsions). The condition is managed but not cured, requiring lifelong anticonvulsant medication in most cases.

Prevention: There is no prevention for genetic epilepsy, but responsible breeding practices that exclude affected dogs help reduce incidence. If your Cane Corso has a seizure, remain calm, keep them safe from injury, time the seizure, and seek veterinary care. Anti-epileptic medications (phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, zonisamide) can effectively control seizures in most dogs. Regular blood monitoring is required to ensure therapeutic drug levels and check for liver effects.

Symptoms: stiffening and falling over, paddling or jerking of limbs, loss of consciousness, drooling or jaw chomping, loss of bladder or bowel control during seizure, confusion or blindness after seizure (post-ictal phase), staring or unresponsiveness (focal seizures)

A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas (dilatation) and may twist on its axis (volvulus), cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen, and compressing major blood vessels. Cane Corsos are at elevated risk due to their deep, narrow chest conformation. Without immediate emergency surgery, GDV is fatal within hours. Even with surgery, mortality rates range from 10-30%.

Prevention: Feed two or three smaller meals daily rather than one large meal. Avoid elevated food bowls (contrary to older advice). Do not exercise vigorously within one hour before or after meals. Avoid rapid eating by using slow-feeder bowls. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy (surgical stomach tacking) with your veterinarian, which can be performed during spay/neuter and reduces volvulus risk by over 90%. Know the location of your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

Symptoms: unproductive retching or attempting to vomit, distended, tight abdomen, restlessness and pacing, excessive drooling, rapid breathing, weakness or collapse, pale gums

A disease of the heart muscle where the chambers enlarge and the walls thin, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Cane Corsos, like many large and giant breeds, have an elevated risk of DCM. The disease is progressive and eventually leads to congestive heart failure. Early stages may be clinically silent, making screening essential for early detection and intervention.

Prevention: Annual cardiac screening with auscultation starting at age 1, with echocardiography recommended by age 3-4 and annually thereafter. Source puppies from cardiac-screened parents. Feed a diet adequate in taurine and L-carnitine, which support cardiac function. Early detection allows for medical management (pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, diuretics) that can significantly extend quality and length of life. Avoid grain-free diets, as some have been associated with DCM in certain breeds.

Symptoms: exercise intolerance, coughing (especially at night or after lying down), rapid or laboured breathing, weakness or fainting, loss of appetite, distended abdomen (fluid accumulation), irregular heartbeat