Table of Contents Canine Hip Dysplasia (C.H.D.):
The incidence of hip dysplasia in Filas (as in many large breeds) can be a problem. However, Filas used for breeding should, among other things, be preliminary x-rayed starting at 4 months of age, and again for a definitive result at 2 years of age. Only dogs that are certified with normal hips should be bred. There are in the U.S.A. two different organizations that evaluate and certify x-rays by certified board radiologists: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (O.F.A.), and PennHIP.
Conscientious breeders have helped to control the incidence of this condition in the Fila Brasileiro breed.
Bloat-Canine Gastric Dilation-Volvulus(Gastric Torsion):
Bloat is a serious condition in which the stomach rotates, closing off both ends, and permits the accumulation of gases.This condition can kill quickly.
Some preventive measures are: feeding your dog with multiple smaller portions (two smaller meals a day is better than one large meal daily); refraining from allowing your dog to exercise one hour before and two hours immediately after his meal; and controlling the consuming of water that your dog drinks immediately after eating .
You should discuss this condition with your vet. He can list the obvious symptons and teach you some emergency measures to be taken to save your dog's life. If you find yourself in this situation, make haste to the emergency room. This is truly a race against time.
The incidence of bloat is common in many large breeds(especially animals with large, deep chests) mainly when the dog is a glutton.
