|
Philadelphia Greyhound Connection, Inc. |
|
Health And Medical Info
For a more
in-depth look, usually to determine kidney/liver functions, the veterinarian may also ask for a “Chem Panel”.
This will give them information about: If you don’t understand what
your veterinarian has ordered, ask. Greyhound
bloodwork has enough differences from “other dog” bloodwork to sometimes make it deceivingly “normal”
or “abnormal” if one isn’t familiar with these differences. The salient differences are discussed below.
Greyhounds: Other Breeds: Greyhounds
have significantly more red blood cells than other breeds. This elevates parameters for RBC, hemoglobin, and PCV/HCT, and
is the reason greyhounds are so desirable as blood donors. Most veterinarians are aware of this difference. WBC Other greyhound
CBC changes are less well known. The greyhound’s normally low WBC has caused more than one healthy greyhound to undergo
a bone marrow biopsy in search of “cancer” or some other cause of the “low WBC.” Platelets Likewise,
greyhound platelet numbers are lower on average than other breeds, which might be mistakenly interpreted as a problem. It
is thought that greyhound WBCs, platelets, and total protein may be lower to physiologically “make room” in the
bloodstream for the increased red cell load. T.P. & Globulin Greyhound
total proteins tend to run on the low end of normal — T.P.s in the 5.0’s and 6.0’s are the norm. While the
albumin fraction of T.P. is the same as other dogs, the globulin component is lower. Creatinine Greyhound
creatinines run higher than other breeds as a function of their large lean muscle mass. A study at the Auburn University College
of Veterinary Medicine found that 80% of retired greyhounds they sampled had creatinine values above the standard reference
range for “other dogs.” As a lone finding, an “elevated creatinine” is not indicative of impending
kidney failure. If the BUN and urinalysis are normal, so is the “elevated” creatinine. T4 These figures
are from a University of Florida study of thyroid function in 221 greyhounds — 97 racers, 99 broods, and 25 studs —
so it included both racers and “retired.” While greyhound thyroid levels are a whole chapter unto themselves,
a good rule of thumb is that greyhound T4s run about half that of other breeds. Urinalysis And lastly,
the good news — greyhound urinalysis is the same as other breeds. It is normal for males to have small to moderate amounts
of bilirubin in the urine. Sources: M.R. Herron, DVM, ACVS, Clinical
Pathology of the Racing Greyhound , 1991. C. Guillermo Couto, DVM, ACVIM, “Managing Thrombocytopenia in Dogs & Cats,”
Veterinary Medicine, May 1999. J.Steiss, DVM, W. Brewer, DVM, E.Welles, DVM, J. Wright, DVM, “Hematologic & Serum
Biochemical Reference Values in Retired Greyhounds,” Compendium on Continuing Education, March 2000. M. Bloomberg, DVM,
MS, “Thyroid Function of the Racing Greyhound,” University of Florida, 1987. D. Bruyette, DVM, ACVIM, Veterinary
Information Network, 2001.
The Wrath of Grapes
Discover why grapes and raisins prove
toxic to dogs
Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever
who often got himself into some sticky situations. Usually, his escapades were harmless. But one day, he managed to snag a
box of raisins from the pantry and ended up eating an entire pound of the sweet treats. Other than being exasperated by Magoo's
behavior, his guardians didn't think much about it. They knew that lots of people shared grapes with their dogs and often used raisins as training rewards. So it hardly seemed the kind of emergency that required a call to
the veterinarian. In fact, if Magoo's parents had called the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) just a few years
ago, they would have been told not to worry about it.
Through
the Grapevine Around 1989, the APCC began noticing a trend in dogs who had eaten grapes or raisins: Nearly all developed acute renal (kidney) failure. As more cases were reported, enough data was generated in the database to help veterinarians identify and treat dogs at risk. In all of the cases, the ingredients for potential acute renal failure were the same. Whether the ingested grapes were purchased fresh from grocery stores or grown in private yards didn't seem to matter, nor did the brand eaten. And the ingested amounts varied considerably, from over a pound of grapes to as little as a single serving of raisins. The cases weren't from any specific region, but instead came from across the United States. The database showed that dogs who ate the grapes and raisins typically vomited within a few hours of ingestion. Most of the time, partially digested grapes and raisins could be seen in the vomit, fecal material, or both. At this point, some dogs would stop eating (anorexia), and develop diarrhea. The dogs often became quiet and lethargic, and showed signs of abdominal pain. These clinical signs lasted for several days -- sometimes even weeks. When medical care was sought, blood chemistry panels showed consistent patterns. Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels) was frequently present, as well as elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorous (substances that reflect kidney function). These chemistries began to increase anywhere from 24 hours to several days after the dogs ate the fruit. As the kidney damage developed, the dogs would produce little urine. When they could no longer produce urine, death occurred. In some cases, dogs who received timely veterinary care still had to be euthanized. Why did the fruit cause the dogs to become ill? No one knows. Suspect grapes and raisins have been screened for various pesticides, heavy metals (such as zinc or lead), and mycotoxins (fungal contaminants) and so far, all results have come back negative. In the cases where the grapes were grown in private yards, owners confirmed that no insecticides, fertilizers or antifungals had been used on the fruit. "Raisin"
the Success Rate Thanks in part to the AnTox database, grape or raisin ingestion can be easily identified and treated. Today, a dog can make a complete recovery from this potentially fatal condition. Dr. Means is a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Illinois. Reprinted from ASPCA Animal Watch, Summer 2002, Volume 22, Number 2, with permission from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128-6804. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ LOW THYROID CONDITION IN GREYHOUNDS We have heard about a number of Greyhounds being evaluated
for low thyroid
condition soon after adoption. Sometimes, for no reason other than a thin hair coat, a veterinarian will run a T4 blood test.
If this reading is below the range considered normal for most dogs (1.0 to 4.), the vet will prescribe thyroid hormone supplements.
Before you have your dog tested, or begin this therapy, you should read the following information, which we have compiled
from Greyhound literature, and our own experiences over the last several years. · When you adopt a Greyhound, it
is under a great deal of stress from transportation and exposure to a whole new way of life.
It may be newly spayed or neutered. Greyhounds frequently receive various medications at the track (e.g. unspayed females
are kept on hormones to prevent going into heat). Any of these factors could cause or contribute to low thyroid test results. · Some dogs react to the adoption
process by becoming withdrawn, but perk up after a few days in their new home. Greyhounds are normally low energy dogs, saving
their strength for the chase. Unless there are serious symptoms of low thyroid levels (extreme lethargy, depression, lack
of appetite) you should wait at least six to eight months before you consider testing for low thyroid levels. This will allow
time for your dog's system to stabilize to the new diet and environment, and will give a truer reading of your dog's health.
We feel that hair loss alone is not a serious symptom. It may be the result of rubbing on the crate in the kennel or the general
stress of the racing life. It should, in most cases, come back with a good diet and a little care from the new owner. · When testing thyroid levels always check three
(3) factors, T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), following the University of Michigan protocol. Together, these
three factors give a more accurate appraisal of the condition of your dog's thyroid.
Greyhounds are typically in the lower range (near 1.0 for T4). Current thinking is that this may be normal for Greyhounds.
We have seen greyhounds who became aggressive
when medicated to higher levels. ·
Once started on thyroid medication, the body's ability to produce the natural hormone(s) can be suppressed. The dog may have
to be kept on medication for the rest of his life, although some dogs have been successfully removed from all medication with
good results. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SKUNK REMEDY 1 gallon 3% hydrogen peroxide (first aid kind) 1 cup baking soda 1 teaspoons dishwashing liquid (not dishwasher) Apply the solution to your dry Greyhound, carefully avoiding his eyes. Thoroughly
work the solution into his fur for five full minutes. Rinse him thoroughly. Repeat as necessary. NOTE: This mixture cannot be stored.
Do not place it in a closed container. Discard any
remaining solution as soon as you are finished. |
||||||
