The Cane Corso is a majestic large dog breed that is known for its affectionate and gentle nature. Sadly, they have a shorter lifespan than most dogs.
We outline in detail the Cane Corso common causes of death and the tips that a Cane Corso owner can do to promote a longer lifespan.
Table of Contents
What do Cane Corsos die from?
The Cane Corso die from the breed’s predisposed health problems which are bloat and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart disease. These health problems are the major cause of death of the Cane Corso. Despite these health challenges that shorten their lifespan, there are ways of promoting a longer lifespan to enable them to live longer.
What is the lifespan of a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso has a life span of 9 to 12 years.
For more information on the Cane Corso, breed information, health, behavior and care, feel free to check out the Cane Corso guide for owners.
Why do small dog breeds live longer than large dog breeds?
Studies have shown that large breed dogs age faster compared to small breeds, and by the time they look like adults they have already lived most of their life. Therefore large breed dogs die young mainly because they age quickly.
The Common Causes of Death of the Cane Corso
The health problems that the Cane Corso is predisposed to are the major causes of death for the dog breed. The common health issues of Cani Corsi are several and include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Epilepsy
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Eye lid abnormalities
- Demodectic Mange
From these various health problems, the major causes of death of the Cane Corso are:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease that is common in large breed dogs. The Cane Corso is more susceptible to this disease.
The disease limits the heart muscles from functioning well resulting in less optimal pumping. This usually results in heart failure and death.
The symptoms include difficulty in breathing, coughing, lethargy, and fainting.
The definite cause of canine DCM is believed to be due to several factors including genetic predisposition, infection, and nutrition.
Early diagnosis can be done through checkups by the vet where cardiac medications are provided to stabilize the condition if present to help promote the dog’s lifespan.
Bloat
Bloat or stomach torsion is a common health problem in Cani Corsi and the number one killer of the dog breed.
Bloat is the accumulation of gas in the stomach which leads to the twisting of the stomach muscle which blocks blood flow to the other digestive organs and also prevents the return of blood to the heart.
This is a very serious complication and without immediate medical attention can lead to death. Medical care involves a surgical operation to correct the problem.
Bloat occurs when a Cane Corso is served a large meal at once which encourages gas accumulation in the stomach and also when they eat their food at a fast pace swallowing a lot of air.
Accumulation of air in the stomach can also happen when they exercise right after a meal where they inhale air through their mouth while panting which accumulates air in the stomach.
Apart from these environmental factors resulting in bloat, it is also hereditary and can pass onto offspring. Also if a dog experiences it once there is a chance of occurrence again.
Ways To Promote Cane Corso Longer Lifespan
There are ways to promote a Cane Corso’s life to give them a chance of living longer. This involves care on the part of their owner and also medical monitoring by the vet. The following are the ways that can contribute to this:
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet consisting of high-quality dog food impacts a dog’s energy levels, muscle health, immunity, weight, and overall well-being which supports a prolonged life.
Cani Corsi diet should have all the nutritional requirements they need as a large breed dog. Proper feeding as puppies to adults is important because their growth is rapid.
Good development is imperative so that their health is enhanced which also minimizes developmental diseases such as hip dysplasia or musculoskeletal diseases.
Obesity is also a risk for Cani Corsi which can lead to health problems such as joint issues, osteoarthritis, diabetes, or hip dysplasia.
A Cane Corso owner should therefore keep an eye on their dog’s weight by the provision of a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Proper Breeding
When buying a Cane Corso puppy ensure you select a reputable breeder who will have the medical history of the puppy.
Reputable breeders have records and also the puppy will have been screened for genetic diseases such as heart disease or autoimmune diseases. When you buy such a puppy you are assured of the health condition and health.
A puppy without genetic problems tends to live longer.
In the case that you are adopting a Cane Corso puppy from a shelter, they may not have the puppy’s complete health history.
However, have your vet examine them and provide a plan for their care and health monitoring throughout their growth.
Exercise and Good Care
Physical activities for a dog promotes their health by keeping their muscles toned and body in shape.
This also prevents obesity which results in other health problems. Ensuring that your Cane Corso gets regular exercise benefits their health.
Ensuring also that a Cani Corsi general grooming is done also minimizes chances of development of diseases such as skin diseases.
Grooming care is not only for appearance but for checking irregularities on the body of the dog and prevention of disease.
Preventive Measures For Disease
Preventive measures reduce the incidence of disease occurrence. This will give a Cane Corso a chance to live a longer and healthier life. The preventive measures include:
Regular health checkup by the vet ensures that a Cane Corso’s health is monitored for any irregularities. Early detection of disease helps in early treatment and recovery which prevents fatal outcomes.
Prevention of bloat includes feeding a Cane Corso smaller portions of food spread out throughout the day instead of serving one large meal which minimizes gas formation.
As a Cane Corso owner avoid walking or exercising your dog after they have had a meal to prevent swallowing of air which leads to air accumulation in the stomach.
A surgical procedure called prophylactic gastropexy is normally performed on a Cane Corso to prevent the occurrence of Gastric dilation-volvulus (twisting of the stomach) which is the complication due to bloat.
The procedure involves attaching the stomach to the diaphragm or abdominal wall to prevent it from moving. This prevents the twisting of the stomach and the fatal outcome of bloat.
Awareness of the symptoms of bloat in a Cane Corso can help in being able to act fast and seek medical attention for your dog. Knowing this can help save a life in time. The symptoms of bloat include:
- Distended stomach
- Stomach pains
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Anxiousness
Also, keep an eye on your dog and inform your vet of any behavioral changes. These could be signs of disease and your vet can advise further.
Recommended Reading: How to manage Cane Corso separation anxiety
Conclusion:
The Cane Corso is predisposed to factors that lead to their death. Preventive measures exist to promote the life of this large breed and it is imperative as an owner to be aware of this and how you can contribute to the health and life of your dog.
The Cane Corso is susceptible to certain health problems which are the common causes of death for the breed.
Although the development of the disease can still be out of man’s hands to completely eliminate, the tips provided assist in the provision of better care to promote longer healthier life.