Cirnechi are known as hardy dogs with very few inherited conditions, however, over the years that have been concerns that have appeared and responsible breeders have begun testing for. There have been issues that have appeared in the eyes, hearts, and inherited disease that has recently had a DNA test developed for called Cirneco Oculo-Neurological Syndrome (CONS).
There are currently no OFA CHIC requirements for the breed.
Like many other breeds, a Cirneco can also experience issues such as cataracts or corneal irritations, though these are much less common in the breed. Responsible breeders often screen breeding stock via OFA Eye Exams which are done by a veterinary ophthalmologist to check for early signs of any issues.
Heart
Though the breed is not typically noted as having a specific, high-predisposition breed-specific genetic heart defect, however, they can experience acquired conditions like valvular disease, heart murmurs, and congestive heart failure as they age. Responsible breeders often screen their breeding stock via OFA Basic Heart Test by a certified veterinarian.
Cirneco Oculo-Neurological Syndrom (CONS)
Cirneco Oculo-Neurological Syndrome (CONS) is an inherited, autosomal recessive disease found in the Cirneco dell’Etna. It causes progressive vision loss due to retinal degeneration — which can lead to sudden blindness — along with neurological symptoms such as tremors, atypical seizures, and involuntary movements (paroxysmal dyskinesia). Disease progression is typically rapid. The condition was identified in the breed in 2024. While CONS may be clinically misdiagnosed as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), it is a distinct disease. It is caused by a specific single base pair deletion in the AMPD2 gene, which affects an enzyme essential for normal neurological function, resulting in both ocular and neurological impairment.
Genetic testing can determine whether a dog is clear, a carrier, or affected with CONS. According to data maintained by the Cirneco Foundation, as of June 14, 2026, 11.7% of genetically tested dogs are carriers of the disease.
Although a statistically significant sample size has not yet been reached,2 genetic testing is strongly recommended — especially for dogs used in breeding. In the interest of breed welfare, the Cirneco Foundation encourages owners and breeders to submit their results to: health@cirnecofoundation.org
Responsible breeders have now begun testing their breeding stock for this disease. If the parents come back as CLEAR, then all puppies produced from the pairing will be Clear of the disease. If a dog came back as a CARRIER, then that dog can only be bred to a dog that is CLEAR. The results of this pairing would produce puppies that are either Clear or Carriers. If a dog is a CARRIER, it does not mean that the dog has the disease. What is means is that the dog carries one copy of the disease. The dog will live a happy normal life but in breeding if bred to a dog that is also a CARRIER then the results of the pairing will result in puppies that could be AFFECTED.
Leishmania
Leishmaniasis in dogs is a serious, chronic parasitic disease caused by single-celled Leishmania protozoa. It is spread by the bites of infected sand flies and is common in parts of Southern Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The illness targets the skin and internal organs, frequently leading to severe kidney failure. Common symptoms include hair loss (especially around the eyes), crusting, ulcers, hard lumps, abnormally long and curved nails, severe weight loss, low energy, fever, swollen lymph nodes, nosebleeds, joint pain, and increased thirst tied to kidney damage.
It is important to know and understand the symptoms of this disease as it is in the United States as well and has been present in the home country of this breed for millennia. Breeders in Italy and Sicily have a great understanding of this disease and do the necessary precautions when a dog has been found to have tested positive for the disease. If a dog does test positive for the disease, there is no cure for it, it can only be managed for the duration of the dog's life. NOTE: this disease is not limited to strictly Cirnechi as all dogs of all breeds can become affected with it.
There was a study that was published back in October of 2024 that states that the Cirneco dell'Etna like the Ibizan Hound has more of an immunity to the disease than other breeds. The link to the article can be found on the Cirneco Foundation website. Below is a button to the PDF of the study that was performed.
