Are Dogo Argentinos healthy?

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Dogo Argentino, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Others: The Dogo Argentino may be prone to pigment-related deafness and skin disorders. Dogo Argentinos also occasionally suffer from hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend joint, eye, and hearing tests for the dog.