Dog health

Cane Corso health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Cane Corso, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 25 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 8 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, entropion, heart disease, epilepsy, bloat and ear infections.

Health problems linked to the Cane Corso

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [6]The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [7]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8]
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: breed club screening [6]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [9]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [7]
Entropion (rolled-in eyelids)Named by: AKC breed page [1]The eyelid rolls inward so lashes rub the eye. It is usually fixed with a small surgery. [10]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8]
Heart diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [6]Breed clubs ask breeders to have hearts checked, often by a cardiologist, because some inherited heart problems run in the breed. [11]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [12]
Epilepsy (seizures)Named by: AKC breed page [1]Repeated seizures with no other cause found. Many dogs do well on daily medicine, but a long seizure is an emergency. [13]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [14]
Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [15]
Bloat (GDV)Named by: AKC breed page [1]The stomach fills with gas and can twist. It is a life-threatening emergency that usually needs surgery right away. [16]Stomach emergency (owner bills): $550–$1,750 [17]
Hospital and ICU, median invoice: $1,261 (typical $505–$4,177) [8]
Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [18]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [19]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: Cane Corsos are generally healthy dogs,and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, demodex mange, and eyelid abnormalities.vLarge and deep-chested breeds are susceptible to bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition. As with all breeds, a Cane Corso's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Dental Skeletal Retinal Atrophy (DSRA) - DNA Test, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL1) - DNA Test. [1][6] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Cane Corso, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [20] One health test costs $58 there. [21]

What to budget

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [23] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [24] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [25]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Cane Corso?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, entropion, heart disease, epilepsy, bloat and ear infections. That doesn't mean every Cane Corso will get them.

Should I get pet insurance for a Cane Corso?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Cane Corso breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Dental Skeletal Retinal Atrophy (DSRA) - DNA Test, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL1) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Cane Corso live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 9–12 years.

Cane Corso breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (25) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Cane Corso breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  6. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  7. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  8. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  9. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  10. VCA – Eyelid entropion in dogs
  11. OFA – Cardiac disease
  12. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
  14. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  15. VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  16. VCA – Bloat (GDV) in dogs
  17. VetReceipt – Dog Vomiting & Stomach Emergency Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  18. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  19. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  20. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cane Corso DNA tests
  21. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  22. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  23. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  24. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  25. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)