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 (OFA in the United States). There is a degree of each of these conditions which can be attributed to poor nutrition and exercise, but generations of "clear" dogs usually produce "clear" offspring.

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 abnormalities are seen in this breed, and although some "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.

Neapolitans have a lower immune system than most breeds. A low immune system means that a dog is more susceptible to viruses or skin problems. Demodectic mange has been seen in a large 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). Bacteria infections (called pyoderma) which can cause loss of hair and redness of skin can be seen. Immunity does pass on genetically, some Neos 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.

The heavy rolls of wrinkle on the dogs which is so desirous can sometimes cause problems around the eyes. Entropion (top eyelids turned in) and ectropion (bottom 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 can 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 beasts are affected.

All dogs at Magnufi are health tested for:

hips, elbows, eyes, hearts, patellas, thyroid and vWD

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