WHAT ARE COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THE BREED?
The Fila suffers from of the same problems shared by many of the “giant” breeds such as the Mastiff and Great Dane. Most commonly these are hip and elbow dysplasia (CHD), bloat (gastric torsion or “colic” which requires immediate surgery and frequently results in the death of the dog), entropia (eye lashes which grow inward causing damage to the eye), and genetic related temperament faults. The Fila is very pain tolerant. They can be affected by any of these problems and yet not show any outward signs for long periods of time. This is especially true of CHD. The ONLY way to determine if a dog is free from dysplasia is by x-ray of the hip/elbow joints. I strongly recommend you see the OFA certification number for the dog (or its parents) rather than someones “word” the dog was “x-rayed” or “looks good” or “my vet said it was OK”. OFA certification can only be completed after the dog is 24 months old. Be sure your “guarantee” doesnt “run out” before then. OFA’d parents are not a guarante
