Health

Deep-chested dogs like mastiffs, danes, and weimaraners are susceptible to bloat, a life threatening condition caused by gas build up in the stomach. It can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if left untreated. Owners should be familiar with signs and symptoms of bloat which include retching or dry heaving (attempting to vomit), enlarged or distended abdomen (visible swelling of the belly especially the left side), pacing, restlessness, or lying in a “downward dog” position (like a yoga pose, front/head on the ground and rear in the air). Other symptoms are firm or painful belly area, drooling, and excessive panting. The mechanisms behind bloat are not fully understood but research is ongoing. Some vets recommend a proactive procedure known as gastroplexy (stomach tack) to keep the stomach from twisting during a bloat episode. This is best performed during spay or neuter. Dogs rarely develop life-threatening bloat after a stomach tack. Aside from gastroplexy, there are no fail-safe methods to prevent bloat. However, there are several things owners can do to reduce risks. For example, only use a quality kibble made from meat. Avoid high fat diets. Feed smaller meals every day rather than one large meal. Never moisten dry kibble. Never feed anything containing citric acid. Do not use elevated food or water bowls. Restrict physical activity (horseplay or exercise) for atleast an hour after eating. Avoid frequent diet changes (like switching kibbles or mixing kibbles). Avoid garbage kibbles like Science Diet and Blue Buffalo. Do not allow dogs to drink large quantities of water.

First and foremost, cherry eye is almost guaranteed in neos. There is nothing owners can do to prevent it. Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes the gland to prolapse (turn inside out) and protrude from the inner corner of the eye. It is not very pretty but it is usually not painful. One or both eyes can suffer from cherry eye. However, if one eye prolapses there is a good chance both will prolapse. Sometimes minor prolapses can be massaged back into place. They may even resolve with prescription eye ointments. Worst case scenario, the dogs need surgery. After a cherry “pops”, most breeders postpone surgical correction to see if cherries pop in both eyes. Cherry eye in neos cannot be tacked. Tacks do not hold and actually cause more damage to the eye. Cherry eye must be removed. Removal is reasonably priced, in most cases, and both eyes can be done in one procedure.

These are similar conditions that relate to the eyelid. Most Neapolitan mastiffs have some degree of one or the other because of the excessive face wrinkling that makes their lower eyelids droop. Ectropion causes the lower eyelids to roll outward, while entropion is caused by the eyelid rolling inward. In either case, there are several secondary issues that stem from these conditions. Entropion is typically more problematic since the eyelid (and lashes) can rub and irritate the eye. In serious cases surgical correction is required.

Dysplasia is caused by bones slipping or dislocating from their natural position. When hip dysplasia occurs the femoral head slips out of the pelvic socket (partially or entirely). Similarly, elbow dysplasia happens when there is abnormal development of the elbow joint. Both conditions usually manifest at an early age but not always. They are recurrent issues (more so with hips), meaning dysplasia may resolve and then return later. Multiple factors are thought to be responsible including genetics, trauma, and diet. Lameness (limping) is the most common sign and dysplasia worsens over time. While dysplasia does not affect life expectancy, severe cases can dramatically impact life quality. Treatment varies from pain management to surgery, depending on severity.

Progressive retinal atropy (pra-prcd) and canine multifocal retinopathy (cmr1) are conditions of the eyes. PRA leads to blindness. CMR causes retinal degeneration and possible vision loss. Our dogs are genetically tested for these eye diseases. All of them tested clear. None of our adults or puppies will be affected by PRA or CMR.

Cardiomyopathy is a prominent issue in the breed. Dogs suffering from cardiomyopathy have an enlarged heart and thinning of the heart muscle. The heart lacks enough pressure to pump blood throughout the body leading to unnecessary strain on bodily organs. Exact causes are unknown but genetics, diet deficiencies, and even Lyme disease can contribute to cardiomyopathy. As with any form of heart disease, the condition progressively worsens over time. Affected dogs show signs of weakness, fatigue, coughing, or fainting spells, particularly after exercise. Treatment involves medical therapy to slow progression of the disease. Damage is rarely reversible. Cardiomyopathy shortens life expectancy and sudden death sometimes occurs.

Hygromas occur in large breed dogs. A hygroma is a fluid-filled pocket that forms over a pressure point (something along the lines of a callus). For large or heavy breeds, it is the body’s way of protecting sensitive areas that undergo alot of friction. Hygromas typically form on elbows or other bony area that supports weight while the dog is lying down. They are more common in dogs that rest on hard surfaces, dogs that spend too much time crated, or older dogs with decreased mobility. One or more hygromas may be present and they can grow quite large. Yet, they generally do not cause too much trouble unless they become infected. Complicated (infected) hygromas are painful and require vet care. Small, uncomplicated hygromas may resolve in a few weeks if the dog is given soft or padded bedding.

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer. It is a highly aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Risk factors are not currently understood. However, osteosarcoma is more prevalent in large breeds. Treatment is case-specific. Better results are obtained if caught early. After diagnosis, life expectancy varies from months to a couple years.

Often called “pano” or growing pains, panosteitis is the painful inflammation of one or both front leg bones in large-breed puppies. It occurs between 6-18 months of age causing sudden lameness in young, fast-growing dogs. High protein diets increase the risk of developing panosteitis. Chances are reduced with proper diet. Fortunately, pano resolves once puppy growth slows down. The condition is managed with anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication.

Patellar luxation is similar to dysplasia, though less severe and rarely affects quality of life with prompt treatment. Luxation occurs when the knee cap (patella) slips from its natural position within the knee joint. One or both patellas may luxate. Blunt force trauma is the most common cause of patellar luxation but there can be a genetic component in some cases. Limping or intermittent lameness is usually the first sign that the patella has slipped. There are surgical and nonsurgical options for patellar luxation. Treatment depends on severity.

Bacterial and fungal infections are quite common in neos. They are generally not serious and remedied with routine antibiotics. Oral and topical treatments may be prescribed. However, ignoring skin infections can cause the infection to spread over the body. Once this happens they become more difficult to treat and require stronger medications for longer periods of time. Routine grooming can help prevent these issues.