Neapolitan Mastiff Heart Issues

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed, while specific research needs to be done it is commonly reported that Dilated Cardio Myopathy is the leading heart ailment among mastini.

• Dilated Cardio Myophathy

Congenital vs. Acquired?  A congenital heart defect is a disorder present at birth.  While an acquired heart disease condition, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, may have an underlying genetic basis but the disease is not considered a congenital heart defect. More research is needed to determine causes for DCM.  Breeders should screen their stock, however it is important to realize that a DCM screen including the OFA heart screen only signify that the dog did not have DCM that day.  In many cases, DCM has sudden onset and therefore a heart screen is only valid on the day it was done. 

• Canine Heart Research Opportunities

Learning that your Neapolitan Mastiff has dilated cardiomyopathy is devasting news and often leads to a quick death.  However, your pet can have an important impact on future generations of mastini by participating in on-going canine dilated cardiomyopathy research. 

Visit the Canine Health Foundation for heart research opportunities in the United States

• Additional Research 

ATIMANA 2006 Report Le Miocardiopatie nel Mastino Napoletano By Doctor Nello Crimaldi