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Everything You Need to Know About Greyhound Health
Known for their speed on a racetrack, Greyhounds have been a popular breed for years. Not commonly known about this sleek breed, is Greyhounds are quite laid-back.
Greyhounds, like all dogs, require a walk or two a day. In between walks they love lounging on the couch or in their bed.
If you adopt a retired race dog, it is essential to know what you should be looking out for health-wise. While they are not an unhealthy breed, understanding their common health issues will allow you to provide the best quality of life while in your pack!
The Most Common Greyhound Health Issues
Greyhounds and the Risk of an FCE
The Greyhound breed is known for its athleticism and speed. Greyhounds owners may not be aware that they are also at risk for Fibrocartilaginous emboli or FCE. An FCE occurs when a blood clot cuts off the blood flow in the spinal cord. An FCE or spinal stroke occurs suddenly in very active dogs. Sudden hind leg paralysis and back leg weakness are common with an FCE.
Mobility loss can be temporary or permanent. For the best outcome, your Greyhound needs to seek treatment immediately. As your dog heals, a wheelchair can be beneficial for back leg support and continued mobility.
Bloat in Greyhounds
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a serious condition and is fatal if left untreated. Commonly referred to as "bloat," GDV occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists. GDV develops without warning and can progress quickly. It is always an emergency. Greyhounds have deep narrow chest which could be a precursor to developing bloat.
- Extended Abdomen
- Tachycardia
- Acting restless
- Pale gums
- Retching
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling
If you see these conditions, you will need to take them to the E.R. for treatment immediately.
Preventing Bloat
To reduce the risk of bloat:
- Do not use a raised food bowl
- Feed smaller meals more frequently
- Restrict activity for 1-2 hours after meal time
- Never let the dog drink a large amount of water all at once
- No strenuous exercise on a full stomach
Some veterinary hospitals will recommend a gastropexy. A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that stops the stomach from twisting. Owners of large breed dogs may opt to have the surgery done when their dogs are young, typically at the time of neuter or spaying.
Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the bone. Osteosarcomas are tumors result from an abnormal production of cells that break down bone, and is likely to develop in older greyhounds. While this is an aggressive condition, your vet can best advise pain management and other treatments to ensure your greyhound is as comfortable as possible. Be on the lookout for:
- Overnight lameness
- Areas of hard swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Growth or Mass
- Indication of intense pain
Finding and addressing your dogs cancer diagnosis early will increase the likelihood of survival.
Greyhounds are known to suffer from a few different heart problems. Some heart problems are connected to the fact that they have a slightly larger heart than other dogs of the same size. The two most prominent cardiac concerns in greyhounds are heart murmurs and elevated blood pressure. To avoid misdiagnosis for these and other heart conditions you will want to see a specialist.
Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur is an issue where the heart's chambers do not adequately allow blood flow. A heart murmur diagnosis is by no means a life threatening. Many dogs with murmurs live a long, healthy life. The severity of a dog's murmur is rated on a scale from 1 to 6. A dog's heart murmur needs to be diagnosed by a Veterinarian.
High Blood Pressure
Another common issue Greyhounds may be at high risk for is high blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension can be caused by other diseases or singularly develop independently. Symptoms of high blood pressure often come on without warning., A common sign could either be a gradual, or sudden, onset of blindness due to blood vessel tears within the retina.
When untreated high blood pressure can cause cardiovascular complications and can weaken or damage the heart.
If you have a Greyhound or are looking to adopt one, be sure to know the common signs of high blood pressure and seek assistance from your Veterinarian.
- Nose bleeds
- Leg weakness
- Excessive tiredness
- Heart murmur
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Disorientation
Final Thoughts
Greyhounds do well in homes with children and are indeed a great family companion. Pet parents of Greyhounds have often referred to them as 'angels'. They are indeed a sweet and loving breed. There are a number of rescues that save greyhounds from the plight of racetracks both in the U.S. and in Europe. Almost never are Greyhounds bred for adoption as puppies because there are so many in need of rescue at these greyhound-specific rescues.
