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Health
Issues
Unfortunately this is a
breed which can have some difficulties with health. Although generally
an easy breed to own (once you've done an excellent job raising him) with
very little required in grooming etc., it is a large dog and as such is
susceptible to a variety of problems.
Hips,
Elbows & Growth Rates
Big dogs take a long time to grow. Throughout this growth
the developing bones are easily damaged with rough play, improper exercise
and nutrition. Hip dysplasia, osteochondritis and elbow dysplasia are
certainly possible. Health testing by xrays submitted to the Australian
Vet Association (AVA) for scoring and grading will definitely show potential
problems. There is a degree of each of these conditions which can be attributed
to poor nutrition and exercise, but generations of "clear" dogs
can often produce "clear" offspring.
Hearts
Hearts that don't
beat consistently can occur resulting in poor circulation and even death.
Not all heart problems can be attributed to genetic defects, many large
breeds of dogs can just be unlucky, as we try to produce "giant"
breeds within the spieces. Checking of hearts is very important every
time a dog visits a vet as many times the problem occurs later in life
and not in puppyhood.
Thyroid
Thyroid abnormalities
are seen in this breed, and although some might expect problems it should
not be the norm. Normal thyroid is normal for the breed. Many with thyroid
problems can be placed on medication to control it, although this is not
ideal for those used in breeding programs.
Skin
Some Neapolitans are more
susceptible to viruses or skin problems. Demodectic mange has been seen
in a number of Neapolitans worldwide. This can be a mild case which clears
itself or with the help of washes and medication. But if it is a generalised
case which never gets better then the dog is in trouble and may need to
be euthanised. Great expense can be spent trying to alleviate the problem,
not always with success.
Staph infections on the skin can occur (either as a secondary infection
to mange or otherwise).
Bacterial infections (called pyoderma) can cause loss of hair and redness
of skin. Immunity does pass on genetically, some mastino are better than
others, as yet there is not a test for this aside from noting the medical
history for the dog.
Typically you are better off using a medicated anti-bacteria shampoo on
a regular basis to help keep the skin healthy.
Eyes
The heavy rolls of wrinkle
on the dogs which is so desirous might sometimes cause problems around
the eyes. Entropion (eyelids turned in) and ectropion (eyelids turned
out) is certainly seen in the breed. This breed is expected to show haw,
or the redness of the drooping lower lid, but excessiveness here can be
a potential problem. Most cases are very mild and par for the course in
breeding/owning Neapolitans, these cases do not interfere with the vision
or health of the dog. Check the parents and other relatives yourself,
ask questions. More pronounced entropion might cause ulcers on the corneas
and, if not surgically treated, blindness. The amount of wrinkle is NOT
in direct proportion to the problems surrounding the eye. Many heavily
wrinkled dogs exhibit no affects, many smooth faced dogs are affected.
Cherry eye is realatively common in growing pups, removal of the gland
is the most successful treatment, although procedures have improved with
tacking the gland into place.
All members
are encouraged to health test their Neapolitans for:
hips, elbows, eyes, hearts, patellas, thyroid and vWD
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