Greyhounds are known for their elegance, grace, and gentle nature, making them wonderful mates for the right person. With their sleek bodies and kind eyes, Greyhounds have a way of capturing hearts. They are often described as "40 mph couch potatoes" because of their surprising blend of speed and laid-back demeanor. A fun fact about Greyhounds is that they are incredibly fast, and capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour, making them the second fastest land animal after the cheetah!
If you're considering adding a Greyhound to your family, it's important to understand their unique health needs so they can live a long, happy, and healthy life. Today, we'll dig into some of these health challenges and what you need to know before welcoming a Greyhound into your home.
What Makes a Sighthound?
Sighthounds are a group of dog breeds known for their incredible speed and keen vision. Unlike other hunting dogs that rely on scent, sighthounds hunt by sight and speed, using their long legs and lean bodies to chase down prey.
Greyhounds, in particular, have been bred for thousands of years for their hunting prowess and later for racing. They are one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history that dates back to ancient Egypt. Depictions of Greyhound-like dogs have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, emphasizing their long-standing relationship with humans. Known for their gentle and calm demeanor off the track, Greyhounds make wonderful companions, blending athleticism with a sweet-natured temperament.
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What Makes a Greyhound Unique
Irregular Blood Values
One unique aspect of Greyhounds is that their blood values often don't match the normal ranges provided by laboratories. For instance:
- Red Blood Cell Count: Greyhounds typically have a higher red blood cell count than other breeds. This is likely due to their well-muscled bodies and their breeding for racing.
- Kidney Values: One of the kidney values in Greyhounds can appear higher than normal, again likely due to their muscular build.
- Thyroid Levels: Greyhounds often have lower thyroid levels. However, as long as they are not showing clinical signs of hypothyroidism (like hair loss, weight gain, seeking heat, or unusual tiredness), we usually don't supplement their thyroid levels. This can be a bit ironic since Greyhounds are known for being quite lazy!
Anesthesia and Surgical Considerations
Due to their unique physiology, greyhounds require special attention when it comes to anesthesia. We try to keep anesthesia sessions short and periodically check their electrolytes while they are under. This is important because Greyhounds can develop high potassium levels during prolonged anesthesia, which can be dangerous and lead to heart complications. By closely monitoring their electrolyte levels, we can prevent these potential issues and generally have a safer procedure.
Another important consideration is the risk of delayed bleeding, particularly in Greyhounds off the track. This condition, known as fibrinolysis, occurs when their bodies break down blood clots too quickly. To manage this, we often administer a medication called aminocaproic acid before and after surgery. This medication slows down the breakdown of clots, helping to prevent excessive bleeding and providing a smoother recovery process for the dog.
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Common Health Issues
Greyhounds are prone to a few specific health issues that are less common in other breeds:
- Corns: Greyhounds can develop corns on the bottom of their paws, which can be quite painful. This is similar to walking with a pebble in your shoe. Treatment options include shaving down the corn or, in severe cases, performing a tendon cut to relieve the discomfort.
- Dental Disease: Greyhounds are very prone to dental disease. Starting dental care early, including brushing their teeth, is imperative. Routine dental care can prevent severe periodontal disease and gum recession, helping your Greyhound keep their teeth healthy.
The Graceful Greyhound
Greyhounds are a unique and wonderful breed, but they come with their own set of health challenges that require special attention. Understanding these issues and working closely with your veterinarian can help you keep your Greyhound healthy and happy.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (410) 807-8193, or you can email us at hello@owingsmillsvet.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.