Health Concerns in The Neapolitan Mastiff, Mastino Health Issues

Neapolitan Mastiff Health Issues

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed and is prone to several health problems. No breeder can absolutley guarentee you that your puppy will never develop health problems. Most breeders have no desire to ever intentionally breed a dog that will develop problems and of course no puppy buyer intentionally buys a puppy with health problems. However, we do have a breed that despite every breeders best intention may at one point develop problems. Being able to identify health problems early and provide proper treatment can save your mastino suffering and speed recovery.

Heart Issues

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed, while specific research needs to be done it is commonly reported that Dilated Cardio Myopathy is the leading heart ailment among mastini.

Dilated Cardio Myophathy

Congenital vs. Acquired? A congenital heart defect is a disorder present at birth. While an acquired heart disease condition, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, may have an underlying genetic basis but the disease is not considered a congenital heart defect. More research is needed to determine causes for DCM. Breeders should screen their stock, however it is important to realize that a DCM screen including the OFA heart screen only signify that the dog did not have DCM that day. In many cases, DCM has sudden onset and therefore a heart screen is only valid on the day it was done.

Eye Issues

The Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to a couple eye problems, most common are:

Cherry Eye
Cherry Eye is when the third eye gland...read more

Entroprion
Entroprion is when the eyelashes...read more

Dry Eye
Dry Eye is when the tear gland...read more

Bones/Joints

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed and prone to a several joint problems, most common are:

Panosteitis
Also know as "Growing Pains"...read more

Osteochondritis Dissecans
Referring to a flap of cartilage...read more

Ununited Anconeal Process
Is a failure of the growth center...read more

Dysplasia
All Giant breeds are plagued with...read more

Bloat

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant deep chested breed, like the Great Dane, our beloved breed too often falls victim to bloat.

Bloat

It is important that you discuss signs, symptoms and emergency treatment of bloat with your breeder and veterinarian. Bloat is a life threatening emergency.. read more...

Skin Issues

The skin is the largest organ of the Neapolitan Mastiff and often is the last to receive important nutrients.

Demodex

Demodex is quite common in the Neapolitan Mastiff. Often seen in their pendulous lips or under the chin. Demodex is a secondary matter...read more...

Anesthetic

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy dog and anesthetic is traditionally dosed according to the weight of the animal, in many cases this may be to much for the Neo.

High Risk Induction

The Neapolitan should be treated as a "High Risk" patient when it comes to anesthetic! During surgery and post surgery keep them warm ...read more...