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Breed Info
The information provided has been written by other breeders and veterinarians of this breed. There is much to consider before adding this majestic breed to your family. Like many other breeds the Neapolitan is not for everyone.
Cuteness aside, bringing a new Neapolitan Mastiff puppy into your life is a very serious decision.
Before you purchase a Neapolitan, please research the breed!
Here are some quick Neo facts to consider before you get a Neapolitan, if these freak you out - then perhaps you should consider a different breed
Neapolitans Drool
Alot of Neos enjoy chewing
Neos = big money out of your pocket
Some Neos don't play well with others
They burp and pass gas
Ok, so your still here ?
Despite the above tendencies, the Neapolitan is the most unique, loyal, loving, mysterious, ancient, tenacious guardian, tender, loving
creature you could ever be fortunate enough to own.
This cute little newborn will be 150 to 220 pounds someday
If you decide to travel with your full grown mastino expect to pay more for his ticket than yours !
Average price for a Neapolitan in the U.S. is Pet $2500 Common price rage show Potential $3500 2nd pick of the Litter $4000-$5500
Well, if that didn't scare you off - the Neapolitan Mastiff may be the breed for you.
The Neo is not as common as the golden retriever, however there are a lot of Neo breeders. There are even Neapolitans in pet stores occasionally, in the pound and
in the backyard of many new "breeders". The very best recommendation I can give you is to research the breed, talk to many breeders and under no circumstances buy from a pet store.
The New Neapolitan Owner Section
Congratulations !!!!
1) First thing you should do is visit your vet, even if your new mastino appears perfectly healthy it is important to develop a relationship with your vet, before there is a problem. If you don't have a vet already visit the "Finding a Vet" in the Neapolitan Health Section.
Be sure to have your vet review the puppies vaccinations to ensure they are correct for your area.
2) Send your AKC registration in, there is an expiration date on your puppy papers. See our article on dog registration.
3) Begin training, start with crate training and potty training of course.
4) Join a Neapolitan Mastiff Club to meet other Neo owners.
5) Feed him or her right to ensure a long and healthy life for your new baby.
6) Give him\her time to adjust, I know it is tempting to invite everyone you know over the first day you get your new mastino, but it is better to let him adjust for a few days prior to company coming over.
7) If you have not yet, get some reading and research material together so that you can be prepared as your Neapolitan grows, changes and matures. What can you expect when he\she becomes a teenager ? How should you handle initial signs of
aggression ? How to recognize initial signs of heat in the female ?
8) Stay in contact with your breeder, send him or her pictures periodically. Your breeder will be able to spot if your puppy is underweight or overweight etc..
Training
Training your Neapolitan Mastiff
The number one reason dogs are placed at shelters or abandoned is "Behavior Problems". Why do all these dogs have "Behavior Problems"? Most of the time it is because their owners did not properly rear them, raise them or train them.
A dog is a dog. You must teach him how to behave by our human rules.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not born with the knowledge that drinking out of the toilet is unacceptable...it looks like a great water source to them.
Neo's don't know that chewing up the couch is not acceptable,
it looks like a great big chew toy to them.
Dogs don't just suddenly know at age two that biting your arm is no longer acceptable, you let them do it when they were a puppy?
Dogs don't understand when you change the rules!
Crates are not cruel, you have your own bedroom, why is it cruel to allow a dog to have its own space?
How come you expect your dog to go in a crate at the Vet office or boarding facility at age two when you never showed him a crate before ?
When the kids are screaming, the phone is ringing, dinner is burning - don't you think your Neo would like to go in his crate for some peace ?
Your Neapolitan Mastiff will be 165 to 180 pounds, he better have manners.
And if he doesn't, who's fault is it?
Be a responsible parent, and parent your dog. Parents take the time to "train" their children, send them to school, put them to bed, potty train them etc.. but most pet owners never take their pet child to school or give them a crate as their own private bedroom. And then they wonder....."Why is my Neo so out of control?"
There are two ways to approach training and rearing your Neapolitan Mastiff.
If you are getting a puppy and if you purchase an adult or young adult. You can teach an old dog new tricks but it does require more time and effort.
First, and hopefully before your new Neapolitan Mastiff arrives, you and your family will discuss what your expectations are. You need to envision an adult Neo living within your family and household. What and where does he/she do? sleep? potty? eat? What does your adult Neo do at your dinner time? does he sit beside you drooling begging for food? or perhaps he jumps on your lap while your driving? That's probably not what you envision, but it will happen if you don't start training right away. In order to start training though, you need to know or have a feeling for what it is your family expects.
Feeding
Feeding your Neapolitan Mastiff is a bit of a controversial topic. Hopefully when you purchased your Neapolitan the breeder outlined their recommended feeding protocol. Most breeders know their bloodlines and they know what works for them. So, you should always discuss changes with your breeder.
Having said that, there are a few points most will agree as NO's :
So from there, you must do some research.
Read your dog food labels, look at some canine nutrition books and of course books about the Neapolitan Mastiff specifically.
Neo's love chicken - many breeders\owners use the BARF diet and feed raw, fresh chicken, bones and all. Others will pressure cook the chicken w\bones until the bones become mush, some will grind the chicken into a nice mush with a meat grinder. Research and figure out the best method for you and your Neo. Remember to rotate meat proteins - use Tuna, Beef and other high protein sources as well. A recent study discovered that canines need at least 3 different preys to fulfill their nutritional requirements and that canines well not true omnivores they are more omnivorous (they can eat more invertebrate prey and fruit) than the felines1.
Whatever you do...Feed him right or he won't reach his potential ! Raising a dog on cheap kibble is like raising a human baby on fast food his whole life - think about it...we are both mammals!
Showing The Neapolitan Mastiff
Showing your Mastini
Before you enter a ring both you and your Neapolitan need to be prepared.
You must be familiar with the Official Standard of the Neapolitan Mastiff, this is the criteria by which your Neapolitan will be judged.
Begin by attending a few shows, it doesn't matter if Neo's are there or not. Just sit ringside and observe. Showing is a sport - you need to learn the rules.
After you have observed, check out some books and videos - many are available at your local library.
Locate and attend a "conformation class" - check with your Vet, groomer, boarding facilities, local parks and recreation centers. Many places offer 'drop in' conformation classes.
The Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized by the American Kennel Club July 1, 2004 in the working group. In Canada, the Neo was recognized March 2006.
In the rest of the world, the Neo can compete at FCI events.
To find shows you can visit the following sites - many organizations will gladly add you to their mailing list, so you will know when shows are in your area.
All Breed & Rare Breed Show Organizations
Conformation / Showing Resources
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Issues The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed and is prone to several health problems. No breeder can absolutely guarantee you that your puppy will never develop health problems. Most breeders have no desire to ever intentionally breed a dog that will develop problems and of course no puppy buyer intentionally buys a puppy with health problems. However, we do have a breed that despite every breeders best intention may at one point develop problems. Being able to identify health problems early and provide proper treatment can save your mastino suffering and speed recovery.
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.
Eye Issues
The Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to a couple eye problems, most common are:
Cherry Eye
The most common eye ailment of the Neapolitan Mastiff is Cherry Eye, the gland of the third eyelid swells and pops out and looks like a cherry thus the name Cherry Eye. Most Vet's will insist on tacking down the gland - THIS DOES NOT WORK ON THE NEO. It must be removed if it does not recede on its own.
Most Neo's get Cherry Eye by 8 months of age, a high percentage get cherry eye in both eyes. Ideally, both will develop at the same time. When you begin to see a cherry develop, try treating with an anti-inflammatory ointment - in some cases it will recede on its own. If your Neapolitan has not received a rabies vaccine yet, this is a good time to do it. The Cherry eye seems to pop after a stressful experience, such as plane rides or vaccines - some research indicates it is a autoimmune response. I do not support the belief as reported on other Neo sites that Cherry eye is due to the puppy wearing a choke chain (unless someone is abusing the dog).
After you wait at least week to ensure complete prolapse, no sense in going in to have some removed and the more comes out later, and your puppy has received all its vaccines. You will need to have the gland removed.
Cherry Eye removal is a simple, quick surgery. From the time the anesthetic was administered to the time we reversed the anesthetic was 7 minutes. The actual removal took less than 2 minutes. She came home with me directly after the surgery.
Entroprion
Entropion is when the eyelashes turn inwards and rub against the cornea of the eye. Usually this involves the upper lid and can be present as a young puppy or develop later in life. In some instances, when the puppy is going through extreme growth changes 4 months to 18 months, the entropion may resolve itself. It is advisable to not do the surgery on puppies under 12 months of age, however if left untreated damage to the cornea can occur. It is important to discuss this with your breeder and your veterinarian.Ectropion is when the eyelid rolls out away from the eye resulting in abnormal exposure to the eyeball itself. This is often confused with the revealing haw which is preferred in both the bloodhound and neapolitan mastiff. Any treatment should be discussed with your breeder.
Dry Eye
Dry Eye also known as KCS or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is what it implies; the eye is too dry, lacking tear production. Many things may or may not lead to dry eye, exact causes are often unknown:
Bones/Joints
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed and prone to a several joint problems, most common are:
Panosteitis
Also known as "pano" or "growing pains" usually seen between 3 and 15 months of age, most common in male puppies. Signs are intermittent lameness from moderate to severe, limping on different limbs at different times. Most pano resolves on its own, you can treat symptoms with an anti-inflammatory Deramaxx or the like (Note: NSAIDS can have awful side effects) and provide lots of rest. A high quality joint supplement is also recommended; FluidFlex, SynFlex or Glycoflex.
Osteochondritis Dissecans
If the puppy is active and traumatizes this soft, decayed area, cracks, or fissures, form and extend into the normal cartilage until a large cartilage flap forms. At this stage, pain is present in the joint every time the patient tries to walk. When the cartilage flap falls into perfect position discomfort is minimal. As it shifts position, pain becomes acute, with joint swelling that is increasingly sensitive. Osteochondritis refers to presence of the inflammatory reaction in the bone marrow and joint, while dissecans refers to the flap of cartilage that is dissected away from its base.” (taken from Southern California Surgical Group). Most often this occurs in the front shoulder/elbow of the Neapolitan Mastiff puppy.
Ununited Anconeal Process
Ununited anconeal process is a failure of the growth center of the anconeal process, in the elbow joint, to unite properly with the ulna. This fusion should be completed by 16 to 24 weeks of age. Instead of a normal bony union, the ununited anconeal process represents a large piece of bone connected to the ulna by a strand of fibrous tissue. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiography. Surgical removal of this unstable bony fragment minimizes progressive arthritis and is indicated as soon as possible to prevent further joint degeneration” (Taken from Southern California Veterinary Surgical Group)
Dysplasia
As with all giant breeds of dogs hip function is of great importance. Unfortunately, after over 30 years of research no genetic marker has been identified for hip dysplasia. That is not to say that that hip screening for breeding stock isn't valid. Breeders should screen their stock with either OFA or Pennhip or via a private radiologist and orthopedic specialist but with the Neapolitan Mastiff we must look at form and function in conjunction with conventional testing. The Neapolitan has "looser hips" than other breeds and too often is mis-diagnosed as having HD when in fact it is not. Until more research is done in this area, we would encourage puppy owners to maintain a close relationship with their breeder to discuss any diagnosis and treatment options.
Bloat
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant deep chested breed, like the Great Dane, our beloved breed too often falls victim to bloat.
Bloat
It is important that you discuss signs, symptoms and emergency treatment of bloat with your breeder and veterinarian. Bloat is a life threatening emergency.
Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
"...Several national health surveys conducted by Purdue showed GDV
to be the second leading cause of death following cancer, in large and giant breeds" *
"...Therefore the large/giants are more prone to problems and react more strongly to stress resulting in bloat and/or disease. In the case of giant breeds, they are a freak of nature an exotic pet, and without (wo)man's intervention, they would not exist. We have pushed their physiology to the limit for the canine species, making them more prone to all diseases and conditions."**
Unfortunately too many great mastini have been lost to bloat. Despite the vast amount of research done on Bloat, no clear answer has been found. For as many articles that have been written by the University of Purdue there are twice as many refuting them. Mastini have bloated when they have had no food or water and right after they have eaten.
How do you know when your Neo is bloating ?
You will notice a pot belly or swelling \ distention of the stomach. If you were to tap on their stomach it would sound like tapping on a basketball. It is wise to become accustomed to what your Neo normally sounds like and feels like. Bloating means that their stomach is filling or full of gas\air. The stomach becomes very unstable and can twist on itself causing torsion which leads to death.
What to do if your Neo is bloating?
Call the Vet immediatley. Bloating is a life threatening emergency.
If your vet is unavailable, some breeders have had success administering Malox, Gas X and Therabloat. It should be noted that none of the previous are FDA approved for use on dogs. Malox is administered via a syringe down the throat 20 cc's, Gas X is administered 1 pill, Therabloat is admin'd 1 cc per 20# via syringe down the throat. I must admit that I have had these remedies work and on one occasion they did not work and the dog died.
What to do after a Neo bloats?
If you were able to get ahold of your Vet, now is the time to discuss a "stomach tack". Nothing can guarantee that your Neo will never bloat again, but "tacking" will keep the stomach from twisting or prevent torsion from occurring.
If you are still at home, keep your Neo calm - no food or water for at least 12 hours. Keep trying to get a hold of your vet. The dog should be seen regardless if it is still bloating or not.
Skin Issues
The skin is the largest organ of the Neapolitan Mastiff and often is the last to receive important nutrients.
Demodex
Ask your breeder if their lines are free of Demodex. If they have Demo in their lines I suggest you RUN!
Demodex is not common in the Neapolitan Mastiff. Often seen in their pendulous lips or under the chin.
Do Not buy a puppy from a breeder with Demodex in their bloodlines.
Staph infections are very common with Neo's. Take your Neo to the vet if you notice acne. Keep their skin under their chin clean ans dry. High humidity can cause skin irritation as well. Its very important after you bathe your neo you make sure he/she is thoroughly dried.
Anesthetic
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy dog and anesthetic is traditionally dosed according to the weight of the animal, in many cases this may be to much for the Neo.
High Risk Induction
The Neapolitan should be treated as a "High Risk" patient when it comes to anesthetic! During surgery and post surgery keep them warm .
We at Mastini Della Forte recommended if your vet does not have experience with neos please seek a vet that sees English Bulldogs
Heat
The Neapolitan is very Heat Intolerant. This breed is much like a giant Bulldog. It will not take long for a heat stroke to set in. You must think for your Neo. They will lay outside in the sun. If you live in a high humidity climate please consider this before bringing one home. You can not leave them outside in the heat and humidity. You will kill your Neo.
Ear Cropping.
We do not Crop our Neos ears or tails any-longer at Mastini Della Forte. We stopped many years ago. The risk associated with the anesthesia is too high. We show all of our Neo's Natural and have the top ranked Neos in the nation with ears and tails. This is an elective surgery and should you decide to crop your puppies ears and the puppies dies during the surgery we will not replace the puppy. This is an elective and cosmetic surgery we will not do.
Cuteness aside, bringing a new Neapolitan Mastiff puppy into your life is a very serious decision.
Before you purchase a Neapolitan, please research the breed!
Here are some quick Neo facts to consider before you get a Neapolitan, if these freak you out - then perhaps you should consider a different breed
Neapolitans Drool
Alot of Neos enjoy chewing
Neos = big money out of your pocket
Some Neos don't play well with others
They burp and pass gas
Ok, so your still here ?
Despite the above tendencies, the Neapolitan is the most unique, loyal, loving, mysterious, ancient, tenacious guardian, tender, loving
creature you could ever be fortunate enough to own.
This cute little newborn will be 150 to 220 pounds someday
If you decide to travel with your full grown mastino expect to pay more for his ticket than yours !
Average price for a Neapolitan in the U.S. is Pet $2500 Common price rage show Potential $3500 2nd pick of the Litter $4000-$5500
Well, if that didn't scare you off - the Neapolitan Mastiff may be the breed for you.
The Neo is not as common as the golden retriever, however there are a lot of Neo breeders. There are even Neapolitans in pet stores occasionally, in the pound and
in the backyard of many new "breeders". The very best recommendation I can give you is to research the breed, talk to many breeders and under no circumstances buy from a pet store.
The New Neapolitan Owner Section
Congratulations !!!!
1) First thing you should do is visit your vet, even if your new mastino appears perfectly healthy it is important to develop a relationship with your vet, before there is a problem. If you don't have a vet already visit the "Finding a Vet" in the Neapolitan Health Section.
Be sure to have your vet review the puppies vaccinations to ensure they are correct for your area.
2) Send your AKC registration in, there is an expiration date on your puppy papers. See our article on dog registration.
3) Begin training, start with crate training and potty training of course.
4) Join a Neapolitan Mastiff Club to meet other Neo owners.
5) Feed him or her right to ensure a long and healthy life for your new baby.
6) Give him\her time to adjust, I know it is tempting to invite everyone you know over the first day you get your new mastino, but it is better to let him adjust for a few days prior to company coming over.
7) If you have not yet, get some reading and research material together so that you can be prepared as your Neapolitan grows, changes and matures. What can you expect when he\she becomes a teenager ? How should you handle initial signs of
aggression ? How to recognize initial signs of heat in the female ?
8) Stay in contact with your breeder, send him or her pictures periodically. Your breeder will be able to spot if your puppy is underweight or overweight etc..
Training
Training your Neapolitan Mastiff
The number one reason dogs are placed at shelters or abandoned is "Behavior Problems". Why do all these dogs have "Behavior Problems"? Most of the time it is because their owners did not properly rear them, raise them or train them.
A dog is a dog. You must teach him how to behave by our human rules.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not born with the knowledge that drinking out of the toilet is unacceptable...it looks like a great water source to them.
Neo's don't know that chewing up the couch is not acceptable,
it looks like a great big chew toy to them.
Dogs don't just suddenly know at age two that biting your arm is no longer acceptable, you let them do it when they were a puppy?
Dogs don't understand when you change the rules!
Crates are not cruel, you have your own bedroom, why is it cruel to allow a dog to have its own space?
How come you expect your dog to go in a crate at the Vet office or boarding facility at age two when you never showed him a crate before ?
When the kids are screaming, the phone is ringing, dinner is burning - don't you think your Neo would like to go in his crate for some peace ?
Your Neapolitan Mastiff will be 165 to 180 pounds, he better have manners.
And if he doesn't, who's fault is it?
Be a responsible parent, and parent your dog. Parents take the time to "train" their children, send them to school, put them to bed, potty train them etc.. but most pet owners never take their pet child to school or give them a crate as their own private bedroom. And then they wonder....."Why is my Neo so out of control?"
There are two ways to approach training and rearing your Neapolitan Mastiff.
If you are getting a puppy and if you purchase an adult or young adult. You can teach an old dog new tricks but it does require more time and effort.
First, and hopefully before your new Neapolitan Mastiff arrives, you and your family will discuss what your expectations are. You need to envision an adult Neo living within your family and household. What and where does he/she do? sleep? potty? eat? What does your adult Neo do at your dinner time? does he sit beside you drooling begging for food? or perhaps he jumps on your lap while your driving? That's probably not what you envision, but it will happen if you don't start training right away. In order to start training though, you need to know or have a feeling for what it is your family expects.
Feeding
Feeding your Neapolitan Mastiff is a bit of a controversial topic. Hopefully when you purchased your Neapolitan the breeder outlined their recommended feeding protocol. Most breeders know their bloodlines and they know what works for them. So, you should always discuss changes with your breeder.
Having said that, there are a few points most will agree as NO's :
- Do not feed puppy food, it tends to be too high in protein.
- No higher than 27% protein and at least 16% fat content for kibble based food.
- Do not give pure calcium supplements by themselves.
- Do not "free" feed - meaning don't just leave big bowls out all day.
- Adding pasta or bread is great source of carb's and good for the Neo.
- Break feedings into two times daily.
- Feeding real meat protein such as chicken, beef - cooked and de boned, although there are quite a few "BARFERS" in the Neapolitan community.
- Do not over feed, there is no need to rush the growing process. Better to keep young dogs lean - meaning you shouldn't see the ribs but be able to easily feel them under the skin.
So from there, you must do some research.
Read your dog food labels, look at some canine nutrition books and of course books about the Neapolitan Mastiff specifically.
Neo's love chicken - many breeders\owners use the BARF diet and feed raw, fresh chicken, bones and all. Others will pressure cook the chicken w\bones until the bones become mush, some will grind the chicken into a nice mush with a meat grinder. Research and figure out the best method for you and your Neo. Remember to rotate meat proteins - use Tuna, Beef and other high protein sources as well. A recent study discovered that canines need at least 3 different preys to fulfill their nutritional requirements and that canines well not true omnivores they are more omnivorous (they can eat more invertebrate prey and fruit) than the felines1.
Whatever you do...Feed him right or he won't reach his potential ! Raising a dog on cheap kibble is like raising a human baby on fast food his whole life - think about it...we are both mammals!
Showing The Neapolitan Mastiff
Showing your Mastini
Before you enter a ring both you and your Neapolitan need to be prepared.
You must be familiar with the Official Standard of the Neapolitan Mastiff, this is the criteria by which your Neapolitan will be judged.
Begin by attending a few shows, it doesn't matter if Neo's are there or not. Just sit ringside and observe. Showing is a sport - you need to learn the rules.
After you have observed, check out some books and videos - many are available at your local library.
Locate and attend a "conformation class" - check with your Vet, groomer, boarding facilities, local parks and recreation centers. Many places offer 'drop in' conformation classes.
The Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized by the American Kennel Club July 1, 2004 in the working group. In Canada, the Neo was recognized March 2006.
In the rest of the world, the Neo can compete at FCI events.
To find shows you can visit the following sites - many organizations will gladly add you to their mailing list, so you will know when shows are in your area.
All Breed & Rare Breed Show Organizations
- IABCA - International All Breed Canine Assoc. - Holds shows throughout the US and Canada - Neapolitans are frequent participants.
- Rarities Inc. - Rare Breed dog shows - Mostly US - Neapolitans are frequent participants.
- ARBA - American Rare Breed Assoc. - Mostly US - Neapolitans used to be frequent participants but Neo numbers have dropped last few years.
- Info Dog - American Kennel Club (AKC) shows - this site lists every AKC show in the US
- AKC - American Kennel Club - Has a show somewhere in the US almost every weekend.
Conformation / Showing Resources
- AKC Beginners Guide to Dog Shows - an informative website for beginners
- The Showdog Supersite - an informative website about AKC
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Issues The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed and is prone to several health problems. No breeder can absolutely guarantee you that your puppy will never develop health problems. Most breeders have no desire to ever intentionally breed a dog that will develop problems and of course no puppy buyer intentionally buys a puppy with health problems. However, we do have a breed that despite every breeders best intention may at one point develop problems. Being able to identify health problems early and provide proper treatment can save your mastino suffering and speed recovery.
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.
Eye Issues
The Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to a couple eye problems, most common are:
Cherry Eye
The most common eye ailment of the Neapolitan Mastiff is Cherry Eye, the gland of the third eyelid swells and pops out and looks like a cherry thus the name Cherry Eye. Most Vet's will insist on tacking down the gland - THIS DOES NOT WORK ON THE NEO. It must be removed if it does not recede on its own.
Most Neo's get Cherry Eye by 8 months of age, a high percentage get cherry eye in both eyes. Ideally, both will develop at the same time. When you begin to see a cherry develop, try treating with an anti-inflammatory ointment - in some cases it will recede on its own. If your Neapolitan has not received a rabies vaccine yet, this is a good time to do it. The Cherry eye seems to pop after a stressful experience, such as plane rides or vaccines - some research indicates it is a autoimmune response. I do not support the belief as reported on other Neo sites that Cherry eye is due to the puppy wearing a choke chain (unless someone is abusing the dog).
After you wait at least week to ensure complete prolapse, no sense in going in to have some removed and the more comes out later, and your puppy has received all its vaccines. You will need to have the gland removed.
Cherry Eye removal is a simple, quick surgery. From the time the anesthetic was administered to the time we reversed the anesthetic was 7 minutes. The actual removal took less than 2 minutes. She came home with me directly after the surgery.
Entroprion
Entropion is when the eyelashes turn inwards and rub against the cornea of the eye. Usually this involves the upper lid and can be present as a young puppy or develop later in life. In some instances, when the puppy is going through extreme growth changes 4 months to 18 months, the entropion may resolve itself. It is advisable to not do the surgery on puppies under 12 months of age, however if left untreated damage to the cornea can occur. It is important to discuss this with your breeder and your veterinarian.Ectropion is when the eyelid rolls out away from the eye resulting in abnormal exposure to the eyeball itself. This is often confused with the revealing haw which is preferred in both the bloodhound and neapolitan mastiff. Any treatment should be discussed with your breeder.
Dry Eye
Dry Eye also known as KCS or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is what it implies; the eye is too dry, lacking tear production. Many things may or may not lead to dry eye, exact causes are often unknown:
- Distemper Infection
- Anesthesia can reduce tear production temporarily
- Exposure to Sulfa containing antibiotics
- Removal of the third gland (cherry eye)
- Numerous unsuccessful tacks of the third gland
- Immune mediated destruction of tear gland tissue
Bones/Joints
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed and prone to a several joint problems, most common are:
Panosteitis
Also known as "pano" or "growing pains" usually seen between 3 and 15 months of age, most common in male puppies. Signs are intermittent lameness from moderate to severe, limping on different limbs at different times. Most pano resolves on its own, you can treat symptoms with an anti-inflammatory Deramaxx or the like (Note: NSAIDS can have awful side effects) and provide lots of rest. A high quality joint supplement is also recommended; FluidFlex, SynFlex or Glycoflex.
Osteochondritis Dissecans
If the puppy is active and traumatizes this soft, decayed area, cracks, or fissures, form and extend into the normal cartilage until a large cartilage flap forms. At this stage, pain is present in the joint every time the patient tries to walk. When the cartilage flap falls into perfect position discomfort is minimal. As it shifts position, pain becomes acute, with joint swelling that is increasingly sensitive. Osteochondritis refers to presence of the inflammatory reaction in the bone marrow and joint, while dissecans refers to the flap of cartilage that is dissected away from its base.” (taken from Southern California Surgical Group). Most often this occurs in the front shoulder/elbow of the Neapolitan Mastiff puppy.
Ununited Anconeal Process
Ununited anconeal process is a failure of the growth center of the anconeal process, in the elbow joint, to unite properly with the ulna. This fusion should be completed by 16 to 24 weeks of age. Instead of a normal bony union, the ununited anconeal process represents a large piece of bone connected to the ulna by a strand of fibrous tissue. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiography. Surgical removal of this unstable bony fragment minimizes progressive arthritis and is indicated as soon as possible to prevent further joint degeneration” (Taken from Southern California Veterinary Surgical Group)
Dysplasia
As with all giant breeds of dogs hip function is of great importance. Unfortunately, after over 30 years of research no genetic marker has been identified for hip dysplasia. That is not to say that that hip screening for breeding stock isn't valid. Breeders should screen their stock with either OFA or Pennhip or via a private radiologist and orthopedic specialist but with the Neapolitan Mastiff we must look at form and function in conjunction with conventional testing. The Neapolitan has "looser hips" than other breeds and too often is mis-diagnosed as having HD when in fact it is not. Until more research is done in this area, we would encourage puppy owners to maintain a close relationship with their breeder to discuss any diagnosis and treatment options.
Bloat
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant deep chested breed, like the Great Dane, our beloved breed too often falls victim to bloat.
Bloat
It is important that you discuss signs, symptoms and emergency treatment of bloat with your breeder and veterinarian. Bloat is a life threatening emergency.
Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
"...Several national health surveys conducted by Purdue showed GDV
to be the second leading cause of death following cancer, in large and giant breeds" *
"...Therefore the large/giants are more prone to problems and react more strongly to stress resulting in bloat and/or disease. In the case of giant breeds, they are a freak of nature an exotic pet, and without (wo)man's intervention, they would not exist. We have pushed their physiology to the limit for the canine species, making them more prone to all diseases and conditions."**
Unfortunately too many great mastini have been lost to bloat. Despite the vast amount of research done on Bloat, no clear answer has been found. For as many articles that have been written by the University of Purdue there are twice as many refuting them. Mastini have bloated when they have had no food or water and right after they have eaten.
How do you know when your Neo is bloating ?
You will notice a pot belly or swelling \ distention of the stomach. If you were to tap on their stomach it would sound like tapping on a basketball. It is wise to become accustomed to what your Neo normally sounds like and feels like. Bloating means that their stomach is filling or full of gas\air. The stomach becomes very unstable and can twist on itself causing torsion which leads to death.
What to do if your Neo is bloating?
Call the Vet immediatley. Bloating is a life threatening emergency.
If your vet is unavailable, some breeders have had success administering Malox, Gas X and Therabloat. It should be noted that none of the previous are FDA approved for use on dogs. Malox is administered via a syringe down the throat 20 cc's, Gas X is administered 1 pill, Therabloat is admin'd 1 cc per 20# via syringe down the throat. I must admit that I have had these remedies work and on one occasion they did not work and the dog died.
What to do after a Neo bloats?
If you were able to get ahold of your Vet, now is the time to discuss a "stomach tack". Nothing can guarantee that your Neo will never bloat again, but "tacking" will keep the stomach from twisting or prevent torsion from occurring.
If you are still at home, keep your Neo calm - no food or water for at least 12 hours. Keep trying to get a hold of your vet. The dog should be seen regardless if it is still bloating or not.
Skin Issues
The skin is the largest organ of the Neapolitan Mastiff and often is the last to receive important nutrients.
Demodex
Ask your breeder if their lines are free of Demodex. If they have Demo in their lines I suggest you RUN!
Demodex is not common in the Neapolitan Mastiff. Often seen in their pendulous lips or under the chin.
Do Not buy a puppy from a breeder with Demodex in their bloodlines.
Staph infections are very common with Neo's. Take your Neo to the vet if you notice acne. Keep their skin under their chin clean ans dry. High humidity can cause skin irritation as well. Its very important after you bathe your neo you make sure he/she is thoroughly dried.
Anesthetic
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy dog and anesthetic is traditionally dosed according to the weight of the animal, in many cases this may be to much for the Neo.
High Risk Induction
The Neapolitan should be treated as a "High Risk" patient when it comes to anesthetic! During surgery and post surgery keep them warm .
We at Mastini Della Forte recommended if your vet does not have experience with neos please seek a vet that sees English Bulldogs
Heat
The Neapolitan is very Heat Intolerant. This breed is much like a giant Bulldog. It will not take long for a heat stroke to set in. You must think for your Neo. They will lay outside in the sun. If you live in a high humidity climate please consider this before bringing one home. You can not leave them outside in the heat and humidity. You will kill your Neo.
Ear Cropping.
We do not Crop our Neos ears or tails any-longer at Mastini Della Forte. We stopped many years ago. The risk associated with the anesthesia is too high. We show all of our Neo's Natural and have the top ranked Neos in the nation with ears and tails. This is an elective surgery and should you decide to crop your puppies ears and the puppies dies during the surgery we will not replace the puppy. This is an elective and cosmetic surgery we will not do.