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Canine Hip and Joint Dysplasia in Cane Corso

(Covered Under Extended Warranty Only)

The Cane Corso, like many large and giant breeds, is predisposed to orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. These issues can significantly impact a dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life if not properly managed. Owners must take proactive steps during the dog’s growth phase to reduce risks and ensure eligibility under the extended health warranty.

Hip Dysplasia

Definition and Development

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a developmental disorder in which the hip joint does not form properly. When the femoral head fails to seat securely into the hip socket (acetabulum), it causes joint laxity and instability. Over time, this leads to degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis.

Hip dysplasia is heavily influenced by environmental factors, including:

• Improper or excessive exercise during growth

• Inadequate or poorly balanced nutrition, especially kibble-based diets

• Rapid growth caused by high-calorie feeding

• Obesity

• Trauma or repeated joint impact

• Flooring surfaces with poor traction (laminate, tile, hardwood, or vinyl)

Relevance to the Breed

Hip dysplasia is relatively common in Cane Corso. Although careful breeding using OFA or PennHIP-certified parents can reduce incidence. Ongoing care, responsible ownership, and early screening are essential.

Owner Responsibilities for Warranty Eligibility

To qualify for extended warranty coverage on hip and elbow dysplasia, the following conditions must be met:

1. Mandatory Screening

• Hips and elbows must be X-rayed between 6 to 12 months of age by a licensed veterinarian.

• Films must be submitted to OFA or PennHIP for official evaluation.

• X-rays for OFA must be performed without sedation and follow official OFA positioning guidelines precisely.

• Improper films, incorrect positioning, or failure to submit will void the warranty.

2. Exercise Management

During the first 12 months, Cane Corso puppies must be protected from overexertion. Avoid:

• Jumping (on/off furniture, vehicles, stairs)

• Rough play or forced running

• Fetch, agility, or jumping games before 10–12 months of age

• Running on slippery surfaces

3. Growth-Appropriate Nutrition

• Feed a  well balanced raw diet.

• Avoid calcium excess and ensure appropriate mineral ratios.

• Use high-quality supplements and double dosage for growing puppies, as recommended by your breeder  FIDECORE.

4. Weight Control

Maintain an ideal body condition score throughout growth. Excess weight adds stress to developing joints and greatly increases the risk of orthopedic issues.

Elbow Dysplasia

(Covered Under Extended Warranty Only)

Elbow dysplasia is caused by abnormal bone development or joint incongruity. It may involve one or more of the following:

• FCP – Fragmented Coronoid Process

• OCD – Osteochondritis Dissecans

• UAP – Ununited Anconeal Process

Clinical Signs:

• Persistent or intermittent front-leg lameness

• Gait abnormalities (e.g., toeing out)

• Joint stiffness or reduced range of motion

• Lameness often mistaken for “growing pains”

Like hip dysplasia, severity can be exacerbated by poor weight management or inappropriate exercise during the growth phase. Radiographic screening is critical for early detection and treatment planning.

Patellar Luxation

(Not Covered Under Warranty)

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the femoral groove. While more commonly associated with toy breeds, it can also affect large dogs like the Cane Corso.

Types:

• Medial Luxation – Heritable, common in toy and large breeds

• Lateral Luxation – Seen in large and giant breeds

• Traumatic Luxation – Acquired through injury, not hereditary

Symptoms:

• Intermittent skipping or limping

• Lateral twisting of the foot

• Limited extension of the knee

• Joint pain and progressive arthritis in advanced cases

Mild cases may require only monitoring, but moderate to severe luxation typically needs surgical correction.

Important Warranty Conditions

Hip and elbow dysplasia are only covered under the extended warranty if:

• Radiographs are submitted on time (between 6–12 months)

• Imaging meets certification standards (OFA or PennHIP)

• The dog was raised with proper care, including diet, exercise, and traction-safe environments

• The condition is confirmed as hereditary, not caused by trauma, negligence, or preventable environmental factors by license Veterinarian.

Abnormalities

(Not Covered Under Warranty)

As a mastiff-type breed, the Cane Corso is predisposed to certain eyelid disorders commonly found among other molosser breeds. The most frequent abnormalities include entropion, ectropion, and glandular hypertrophy, also known as “cherry eye.”

1. Entropion
Entropion is a hereditary condition in which the eyelid—typically the lower lid—rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. This constant friction can lead to eye irritation, excessive tearing, corneal ulceration, and scarring.

Entropion is typically associated with a mismatch between the size of the eyeball and the orbital socket. One or both eyes may be affected, and the condition can involve either the upper or lower eyelids. Surgical correction is required to prevent permanent damage to the cornea and maintain the dog’s ocular health.

2. Ectropion
Ectropion is the outward rolling of the lower eyelid, which exposes the delicate inner tissues of the eye. This condition may result in exposure conjunctivitis—inflammation and possible infection due to the exposed membrane. It may be congenital or develop following trauma or surgical procedures.

Ectropion often appears in conjunction with entropion, especially in breeds with loose facial skin. While it typically does not pose a serious health threat, it may become problematic if infection or chronic irritation occurs. In such cases, surgical correction may be advised.

3. Cherry Eye (Glandular Hypertrophy)
Cherry eye is the prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, presenting as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. It most commonly occurs in dogs under one year of age and may affect one or both eyes.

While it may appear alarming, it is generally not painful. Initial treatment may involve surgically repositioning the gland; however, recurrence is common. In many cases, complete removal of the gland is required to resolve the condition.

These eyelid abnormalities are considered breed-related risks and are not covered under the health warranty. Owners are encouraged to monitor their Cane Corso’s eye health closely and seek veterinary attention at the first sign of irritation or abnormal appearance.

Gastric Torsion (“Bloat”)
(Not Covered by Any Warranty)

Gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening emergency primarily affecting large, deep-chested breeds. While the condition is easy to diagnose, it often involves rapid and severe internal changes that make treatment complex, costly, and not always successful.

Dogs that are fed once daily, eat quickly (bolting their food), swallow excessive air, consume large volumes of water immediately after eating, or engage in vigorous activity post-meal are at a higher risk. Though any breed can experience simple gastric distention—often seen in young puppies who overeat—this is generally referred to as “pre-bloat” and may resolve with belching or vomiting.

Prevention is critical. To reduce the risk:

• Feed one meal a day and fasting your dog every 10 days.

• Use slow-feeder bowls if needed.

• Discourage rapid eating and limit water intake immediately after meals.

• Avoid physical activity for at least two hours post-feeding.

Warning signs include:

• A swollen or distended abdomen

• Restlessness and signs of abdominal pain

• Repeated attempts to vomit or belch without success

• Looking at or biting the stomach area

If bloat is suspected, immediate emergency veterinary intervention is required. Surgery is often necessary to untwist the stomach and relieve life-threatening pressure from gas buildup.

Heart Murmurs in Puppies
(Covered under Basic Health Warranty if diagnosed after 12 months of age)

In most cases, heart murmurs in puppies are not a cause for concern. The majority are benign and referred to as “innocent” or “physiologic” murmurs. These are typically soft, low-grade murmurs that generally resolve on their own by six months to one year of age.

If the murmur does not resolve by the time the puppy reaches 12 months, a cardiac evaluation is strongly recommended. A board-certified veterinary cardiologist should perform an echocardiogram to determine the cause, assess cardiac function, and provide a long-term prognosis.

This evaluation is important regardless of whether the dog is intended for breeding or as a companion pet.

Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cane Corso

(Covered at 50% under Extended Warranty)

Definition and Overview
Idiopathic epilepsy refers to seizure activity with no identifiable cause. The term idiopathic simply means “of unknown origin.” In Cane Corsos, idiopathic epilepsy typically presents between the ages of 1 and 5 years and is believed to have a hereditary genetic component, although the precise genetic cause remains unclear.

This condition can be challenging to manage due to its unpredictable nature and the absence of a confirmed trigger.

Symptoms and Seizure Characteristics

A typical idiopathic seizure may involve:

• Sudden collapse

• Convulsions lasting up to 90 seconds

• Paddling limbs or stiff, trembling muscles

• Excessive salivation

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Following the seizure, dogs often experience a postictal phase, which may last minutes to several hours. During this time, the dog may appear:

• Disoriented

• Lethargic or sleepy

• Uncoordinated (bumping into objects)

• Anxious or temporarily unresponsive

This post-seizure period is a normal neurological reaction and not part of the seizure itself.

Diagnosis and Responsible Management

A single seizure does not necessarily indicate epilepsy. Owners are strongly advised to avoid immediately administering medication after an isolated incident. Many seizures are reactionary, triggered by environmental or toxic factors, including:

• Flea and tick preventatives

• Heartworm medications

• Recent vaccinations or deworming

• Exposure to chemicals or toxins outdoors

• Dietary sensitivities (including kibble-related additives)

• Physical injury or trauma

Because anticonvulsant medication must typically be administered for life once started, rushing into treatment without a confirmed diagnosis can be harmful and counterproductive.

It is recommended to wait at least 1–4 weeks after the first seizure episode—unless seizures become frequent or severe—before initiating long-term treatment. All seizure activity should be documented and immediately reported to your veterinarian and breeder.

Owner Guidance

• Stay calm. Seizures are frightening but manageable.

• Do not panic or medicate without breeder guidance.

• Monitor your dog closely after any seizure for secondary symptoms or changes in behavior.

• Contact your breeder for support and to help determine possible causes.

• Seek veterinary evaluation to rule out other possible conditions.

Warranty Coverage

Under the Extended Health Warranty, Fidecore Cane Corso offers 50% coverage toward a replacement puppy in confirmed cases of hereditary idiopathic epilepsy. The following conditions must be met:

• Seizure onset occurs between 12 months and 5 years of age

• Veterinary diagnosis confirms idiopathic epilepsy (not caused by injury, toxicity, or medication)

• Owner has followed veterinary and breeder communication protocols

• A complete veterinary report and diagnosis must be submitted for review

Please note: Idiopathic epilepsy must be proven hereditary to qualify for 50% compensation. Seizures caused by external factors or preventable exposure are not eligible for warranty consideration.