Eye Conditions
The eyes are among the most important and delicate organs in the body, playing a vital role in a dog's ability to interact with and navigate the world around them. While many Cane Corso enjoy healthy vision throughout their lives, the breed can be affected by a range of inherited, developmental and acquired eye conditions.
Some eye disorders may cause only mild irritation, while others can result in discomfort, impaired vision or permanent blindness if left untreated. Early recognition of abnormalities, routine veterinary examinations and responsible breeding practices all contribute to protecting ocular health within the breed.
Owners should seek veterinary advice if they notice redness, excessive tearing, squinting, discharge, cloudiness, changes in eye appearance or any signs of vision impairment.
Cherry Eye
Cherry Eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid prolapses, resulting in a visible pink or red mass appearing in the inner corner of the eye. The condition can affect one or both eyes and is most commonly seen in young dogs.
Although Cherry Eye is not usually painful initially, the exposed gland may become irritated, inflamed or damaged if left untreated. Because the gland contributes significantly to tear production, surgical replacement rather than removal is generally recommended to help maintain long-term eye health.
Cherry Eye is widely believed to have a hereditary component. While the exact mode of inheritance has not been fully established, affected dogs are thought to possess a genetic predisposition that results in weakness of the connective tissues responsible for anchoring the third eyelid gland.
Environmental factors and individual anatomy may also influence whether the condition develops, but current evidence suggests that genetics play an important role. For this reason, breeders should carefully consider any history of Cherry Eye within breeding lines and prioritise overall ocular health when making breeding decisions.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and surrounding hair to rub against the surface of the eye. This can result in irritation, excessive tearing, squinting, discomfort and, in severe cases, corneal ulceration.
The condition may affect one or both eyes and can vary from mild to severe. Surgical correction is often required to restore normal eyelid function and prevent long-term damage to the eye.
Ectropion
Ectropion occurs when the eyelid droops outward, exposing the inner eyelid and conjunctival tissues. This can lead to chronic irritation, redness, discharge and increased susceptibility to infection.
Mild cases may require only monitoring, while more severe cases may benefit from surgical correction. In some dogs, Ectropion and Entropion may occur simultaneously, creating additional challenges for eye health and comfort.
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are defects or injuries affecting the surface of the cornea. They may develop secondary to trauma, Entropion, Distichiasis, foreign bodies or chronic irritation.
Signs often include squinting, excessive tearing, redness, eye rubbing and sensitivity to light. Corneal ulcers should always be considered a veterinary emergency, as prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications and vision loss.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) refers to a group of inherited retinal diseases that cause gradual degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to vision loss and blindness. Early signs often include reduced vision in low-light conditions (night blindness), followed by progressive deterioration of daytime vision.
In the Cane Corso, retinal degeneration is of particular importance due to its association with Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA). DSRA is a hereditary syndrome affecting the teeth, skeleton and retina. Dogs affected by DSRA develop progressive retinal degeneration, which may present clinically in a manner similar to PRA, resulting in impaired vision and eventual blindness.
While PRA itself is not currently regarded as one of the most commonly reported eye conditions within the breed, retinal disease remains an important health consideration due to its inclusion within the DSRA syndrome. Genetic testing for DSRA can assist breeders in making informed breeding decisions and reducing the risk of producing affected puppies.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis occurs when abnormal eyelashes grow from the eyelid margins and come into contact with the surface of the eye. Depending on the number and location of the lashes, affected dogs may experience irritation, excessive tearing, blinking or corneal damage.
Treatment varies according to severity and may include monitoring, removal of problematic hairs or specialised ophthalmic procedures.
Protecting eye health is an important part of preserving the welfare and quality of life of the Cane Corso. Through regular health monitoring, prompt veterinary attention and responsible breeding practices, many eye conditions can be identified early and managed effectively. Continued awareness and health reporting help improve our understanding of ocular health within the breed and support future generations of healthy, sound dogs.