Pasqua!!!

Presto ci sarà Pasqua...ma l'ovetto si aprirà prima....:;))))...ogni tanto si vede e si sente un leggero frullare...

UTILISSIMO SUI GREYHOUNDS!!!

back to Greyhound Behavior homepage Health Concerns in the Retired Racing Greyhoundby Judy Kody Paulsen, Founder, GCNM (Excerpt from Winter/Spring 2002/2003 issue of GCNM News) (Photos of some of the greyhounds that have succumbed to various diseases over the years have been placed throughout this article as a memorial.) "Cruiser" James Since the inception of retired racing greyhound adoption, we've probably all heard at least once, the comment that greyhounds are not likely to develop some of the more common canine diseases since they are "athletes" and "bred to be healthy". We don't hear of hip dysplasia and various other maladies that tend to strike some of the large-breed dogs, and generally speaking, the greyhound is capable of living to the ripe old age of about 15. However, during a racing greyhound's career, it is exposed to many things that threaten the longevity and immediate health of this magnificent breed. There are basically three main concerns of health risks for the racing greyhound: environmental, infectious and dietary. Veterinarians who are familiar with the conditions these dogs are subjected to during breeding, training, and racing are likely to recognize the subtle signs and symptoms necessary to diagnose and treat some of the obscure ailments with which racing greyhounds can be afflicted. Unfortunately, the majority of veterinarians who care for these dogs after placed into adoptive homes are far less likely to consider some of the less common diagnoses. Finding a veterinarian who is qualified to care for retired racing greyhounds is not as easy as asking "Do you have any experience with racing greyhounds?", as the most typical answer will be "Absolutely, I trained on greyhounds in vet school!". The truth is, yes, most vets have trained on greyhounds because of the common practice of disposing of unsuccessful or injured racing greyhounds by giving them to vet schools. But the training is not in diagnosing and treating the dogs; the most common exposure vet students have to greyhounds is in what are called "terminal" practices, meaning the dogs are given general anesthesia in order to practice surgical techniques or anatomical identification, then they are not revived. The skill of diagnosing and treating racing greyhound ailments is not acquired during training of this type. States that do not have greyhound race tracks will be in especially short supply of greyhound experts, so it may be your responsibility to obtain information for your veterinarian that will assist in caring for your retired racer. Acquiring a copy of Care of the Racing Greyhound, by Blythe, Gannon and Craig, will give you and your vet an excellent source of general information regarding diagnosing and treating retired racing greyhound injuries and illnesses. This book can be ordered through The National Greyhound Association at 1-785-263-4660. Although this comprehensive reference book is lacking in some of the more recent research findings alluding to racing greyhound disorders, it is loaded with valuable knowledge. Of help to your veterinarian is having some type of history regarding what states the dog has been in so that it may be determined whether he has been in areas endemic with specific diseases. If this information is not available, it is safe to assume the dog has been in several states as they are frequently transported to different tracks, depending on their performance rating. Tick-borne disease is one such illness that is more common in some areas than others and can often be overlooked as a differential diagnosis when vets are not accustomed to seeing animals in their area affected with these elusive illnesses. At one time, many adoption programs were routinely testing greyhounds for tick-borne disease, but the expense and controversy over when, how or if a dog should be treated slowly eliminated this as a common procedure unless the dog was exhibiting symptoms suggestive of "tick fever". The late Rolf Gazella and his beloved Allie & Taja (both deceased) Alabama Rot and Valley FeverDiseases such as "Alabama Rot" and "Valley Fever" are rarely considered by vets unfamiliar with a racing greyhound's history. Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis —not to be confused with Coccidiosis, which is an intestinal disorder), can produce vague symptoms such as coughing, joint swelling, neurologic dysfunction, weight loss and radiographic findings that mimic bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Most common in Southern California, Arizona and southwest Texas and less prevalent in New Mexico, Nevada and Utah, this disease is caused by inhalation of a soil borne fungus and is treatable. Alabama Rot (Idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular disease) has been reported only in greyhounds and is believed to be associated with toxins produced by bacteria such as E. coli, which is commonly found in the raw meat racers are fed. The earliest and most notable sign of this disease is skin lesions which begin as reddened, crusty, slow-healing ulcers and are found mainly on the hocks, stifles or thighs and occasionally on the front legs, chest and abdomen. Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment for this disease and renal failure occurs in about 25% of the cases. Ventral Comedo Syndrome Numerous skin diseases found in racing greyhounds and not common to other breeds can make dermatologic complications a concern among greyhound adopters. Misdiagnosis of some of the benign types of skin abnormalities in greyhounds accounts for a great deal of unnecessary, expensive, invasive procedures, and worry for adopters.  One such anomaly in greyhounds is "ventral comedo syndrome" and is quite common in adult greyhounds of either sex. This condition results from frictional and pressure-point contact with dirty and/or abrasive bedding. A greyhound's deep chest in association with harsh or soiled bedding can often result in a condition that is commonly characterized in humans as "blackheads". Diagnosis is generally not difficult since this syndrome is visually distinct on the deepest part of the chest and appears in clumps or individual dark deposits just under the skin. Scrapings, cultures and biopsies should not be necessary to diagnose this benign, superficial condition. Occasionally, some pustules may accompany the comedones (blackheads) and can be treated with systemic antibiotics, but considering the negative effects of overuse of antibiotics, the necessity of treatment should be carefully evaluated. Keep in mind that this skin condition is of more concern to the observer because of its visual appearance than to the patient. The dog is no more aware of the presence of this than you are of comedones anywhere on your body. "Ruger" Carey Bald Thighs Syndrome"Bald thighs syndrome" is a condition that has puzzled the greyhound community since the beginning of dog racing. Initially thought to have been caused by friction created when the dog moves about in its crate and rubs against the sides, it is now thought to be of a metabolic nature. Most noticeable after greyhounds begin an intensive training program for racing, it is now believed that the stress of racing and/or training may cause the baldness as a result of chronically high concentrations of cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress). Although there has been speculation that hypothyroidism may contribute to this condition, supplementation with levothyroxine sodium is not consistent in resolving the bald thighs syndrome. As with ventral comedo syndrome, this condition is of concern to adopters mainly because of its cosmetic appearance, but does not appear to have any systemic effects on the dogs and there has been no consistently effective treatment. Occasionally the bald patches may resolve after a long break from the stress of racing, but in some, the hair may never completely regrow. Pemphigus/Symmetrical Lupoid Onchodystrophy (SLO) A fairly common autoimmune disease in greyhounds is pemphigus, also know as symmetrical lupoid onchodystrophy (SLO), which causes loss of the toenails. Pemphigus also involves the footpads and interdigital skin (between the toes), whereas true SLO involves only the nails. Treatment of these diseases can be frustrating and is often misdiagnosed as fungal or bacterial. Unfortunately, the only way to definitively diagnose pemphigus/SLO is by amputating the end toe bone, including the nail, as a pathologist can make the diagnosis only by observing the skin/nail junction. But this unnecessary and expensive approach is somewhat radical when there are other solutions. Treatment with prednisone to target the underlying autoimmune disorder is by far the most effective and can result in dramatic improvement in comfort within the first few weeks of treatment. Combined with chorphenerimine (an antihistamine) to control the itching of the skin around the nails, the use of prednisone can make a marked difference in this disfiguring, uncomfortable disease. The most popular dosage for this in greyhounds is 15 mgs of prednisone daily for a week and then tapering to 5 mg every other day for long term. The chlorphenerimine is in 4 mg tablets. (This information is from Suzanne Stack, DVM, of Arizona. Dr. Stack has been involved in the treatment of racing and retired racing greyhounds for several years.) Hypothyroidism and Possible Causes Hypothyroidism in greyhounds is a subject of much discussion and disagreement. It has long been recognized that normal thyroid concentrations in greyhounds differ from those in the general canine population - often being in the low normal reference range or even slightly below the low end of normal thyroid panel values.  "Teasin" Cheval Many drugs administered to racing greyhounds, including corticosteroids, which suppress the immune system; phenylbutazone - an anti-inflammatory drug; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole - an anti-bacterial/sulfa drug; anti-convulsants; and testosterone (routinely given to females to prevent them from coming into season) can influence blood tests that determine thyroid function. According to Dr. W. Jean Dodds, director of HEMOPET animal blood bank in Irvine, CA, most cases of hypothyroidism result from a process known as autoimmune thyroiditis. Her theory is that the above mentioned drugs and/or exposure to viruses, can trigger the autoimmune disease process. Dr. Dodds keeps 150 retired racing greyhounds at her facility (after a year of being blood donors, they are adopted out) and thus has ample opportunity to evaluate their blood characteristics. Dr. Dodds is an advocate for limiting the frequency of vaccinations if your dog may be susceptible to autoimmune disorders. State laws govern the frequency of rabies vaccinations and these can vary anywhere from annually to every three years, depending on the state. She always allows at least two weeks between vaccinating for rabies and any other disease, so as not to over-tax the immune system. In Dr. Dodd's opinion, after the age of 10 years, booster vaccines are generally not needed and might be inadvisable if obvious signs of aging or disease are present. Discuss this with your veterinarian, as it is usually a matter of professional opinion. Other illnesses may also influence thyroid panel results and ideally should be eliminated before testing. It is also believed that a smaller dose of thyroid supplementation than typically used in other breeds can maintain a greyhound. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism should be based on a patient's clinical signs and history combined with supporting laboratory data, rather than blood values alone.  Blood Values Blood values in greyhounds have been shown to differ from those of other breeds. As discussed above, thyroid levels are an example of this. Because of the hematologic characteristics in racing greyhounds, blood abnormalities may be incorrectly diagnosed in the retired racer. The diagnosis of a blood disorder can be a valid one, but occasionally the diagnosis is based solely upon laboratory results rather than actual clinical findings. Unless a greyhound exhibits actual signs of a blood disorder, invasive diagnostic techniques and treatments should be carefully considered before implementing.  "Lotto" and "Bart" Paulsen A condition referred to as thrombocytopenia (reduction in the number of platelets in the blood) can result in bleeding into the skin, spontaneous bruising and prolonged bleeding resulting from injury or surgery. When clinical signs (bruising or abnormal bleeding) are evident, there is most likely cause for concern as this can indicate the presence of disease or poisoning. However, some veterinarians may consider a greyhound to be thrombocytopenic purely on the basis of comparing a greyhound's bloodwork to standard reference ranges in blood values and may perform extensive, unnecessary workups to rule out disease, even when no clinical symptoms or findings are present. Studies have also confirmed that greyhounds can have significantly lower white blood cell counts (WBC) than what is considered normal for other breeds. These laboratory findings can produce heightened concern in the veterinarian and thus the adopter, and the pursuit of seemingly endless tests and procedures that can be avoided if the greyhound is without clinical signs of illness. Other values that have shown to be different when compared to the average dog are: higher PCV (packed cell volume); lower serum total protein concentration; lower serum albumin concentration and higher RBC (red blood cell count). The bottom line here is that if your greyhound is not symptomatic of any blood disorder but a routine blood test has revealed suspicious results, be sure to advise your vet of the peculiarities of the greyhound before agreeing to any further testing. Certainly if your greyhound is ill and has any signs of a bleeding disorder, further tests should be conducted to rule out the presence of disease. Remember, too, that ingesting certain forms of poisons can elicit a bleeding response and immediate treatment will increase your dog's chance of survival. Hemorrhaging of any nature should be taken seriously and it is urgent to have the dog evaluated by a veterinarian. Gastrointestinal Disorders Frequent episodes of "kennel flu" (also called "blowouts") can affect a greyhound's overall health and the ability of the immune system to ward off illness. Kennel flu is a vague term that encompasses many forms of sickness greyhounds contract during their careers as racers. Often the result of eating meat contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, various symptoms will occur throughout the kennel where the diseased meat has been consumed. Vomiting, diarrhea, high fever and sometimes death will result from ingesting contaminated meat. Giardia, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and Listeria are the most common disease-causing organisms found in the diets and environments of the racing greyhound. Many of these organisms can lie dormant in the dog's system until certain stressors (training, racing, transporting, relocation, surgery and anesthesia) produce illness. Clinical signs can vary from poorly formed stools to mucousy, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Frequent de-worming while at the track and use of multiple products and perhaps too much of any given product can produce diarrhea and other symptoms. "Damon" with Claire Simpson Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of gastrointestinal disorders characterized by inflammation of the small or large intestine. Food allergies and protein sensitivities can produce this disease and it can be controlled with proper diet once the specific form of the disease is diagnosed. Management of IBD requires patience on the part of the adopter as relapses are common and many food trials are often necessary to get the disease under control again. Infectious agents such as giardia, salmonella and campylobacter have all been implicated as possible causes for this disease. Various dietary approaches have been used to control these disorders along with antibiotics. Brown Urine Occasionally, after a greyhound has been relocated, if their diet is changed, or with overuse of muscles, a discoloration of the urine will be evident. Many types of stress can trigger this event in racing or retired racing greyhounds and its mechanism is not yet fully understood when there is no obvious trauma. This syndrome has been an observation of particularly astute greyhound trainers and adopters. Even though anecdotal in nature when it occurs in relocated greyhounds, it bears mentioning as it can be the source of much consternation to the new adopter. Urinalysis will most certainly reveal increased levels of bilirubin in the urine, however, the condition usually will resolve spontaneously and without intervention of treatment. The initial observation of dark, brownish urine in a newly adopted greyhound is most likely benign in nature and will respond favorably to removing the greyhound from the stressful environment of training and racing. However, if the greyhound is exhibiting other signs of illness and the discoloration of urine persists after a few days, further evaluation by a veterinarian should be conducted. Chronic Superficial Keratitis (Pannus) CSK is a chronic, progressive disease of the cornea of the eye. CSK can result in blindness over a period of years, but can be treated to retard the progression of the disease. Treatment ranges from steroids to artificial tears to topical immunosuppresive drugs.  Positive diagnosis of this progressive disease can be difficult in racing greyhounds due to their history of corneal irritation resulting from debris being kicked into the eyes during racing. Differentiating between old corneal irritation/infection and CSK can fool even the most discerning veterinarian's eye. CSK presents as growth of blood vessels onto the cornea (the window-pane of the eye) from the temporal (outer) aspect of the sclera (the white of the eye). This blood vessel growth is accompanied by a thickened, dark pigment and occasionally some evidence of grayish scarring. In certain dogs, hyperpigmentation is present and does not indicate CSK if it is non-progressive. "Frankie" Mayberry During racing, the greyhound's eye is exposed and collects a considerable amount of debris that hits the cornea with amazing force. Immediately following the race, it is customary for the eyes to be flushed out with water to dislodge this debris. Unfortunately this process is often done under careless, hurried conditions and rather than using sterile irrigating solutions, water from drinking buckets is suctioned into a non-sterile device which then is squirted forcefully onto the eyes. Abrasions from debris and the occasional scraping of the irrigation device across the cornea are not uncommon. Infectious organisms harbored in the water, suction device or the debris can infiltrate these abrasions and create permanent scarring resulting from infection. Scarring from infections can produce a strikingly similar appearance to the vessel growth and whitish opacities seen in CSK. Be sure your veterinarian is aware of the above described frequent, mechanical irritation of the racing greyhound's eyes so that this may be taken into consideration when a diagnosis of CSK is being contemplated. Anesthesia in Greyhounds Most veterinarians know that barbiturates should not be used in greyhounds. Even the ultrashort-acting barbiturates have prolonged action in this sensitive breed. Greyhounds do not metabolize toxins as readily as other breeds and for this reason, certain drugs can produce liver dysfunction. For surgery requiring general anesthesia, inducing anesthesia with ketamine and diazepam and maintaining them on isoflurane is the preference of most vets with extensive experience in greyhounds. Some vets prefer the slower recovery time of halothane to reduce the risk of injury from post-anesthetic excitement, especially in orthopedic procedures, but halothane can be toxic to the liver. Be sure your veterinarian is familiar with the sensitivities of the greyhound before scheduling any procedure requiring general anesthesia. Accidental Poisoning of Greyhounds By far, the most common threat to a greyhound's life and health is the casual attitude of the adopter who uses pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and chemicals used for lawn and garden maintenance. It cannot be emphasized enough that greyhounds are hyper-sensitive to environmental toxins. Even the most conscientious user can unintentionally poison their animal companion. Improper dilution of products can make them extremely toxic, and in cases where the adopter relies on the expertise of a lawn, garden, or pest control service, there would be no way of determining if this grave error has been committed. Common symptoms of an animal suffering from exposure to toxins are: hypersalivation (drooling); vomiting; diarrhea; constricted pupils; ataxia (staggering, unsteady gait); depression; dyspnea (labored breathing); muscle tremors; bradycardia (slow heart rate); seizures and sometimes, death. Not all of the symptoms may be present and occasionally, there may be what is termed "sympathetic stimulation", where the symptoms may be reversed (dilated pupils rather than constricted; rapid heart rate rather than slow; hyperactivity rather than depression, etc.).  "Hood" Severson and "Sassy" Slezak both amputees Many toxicants can produce the above described symptoms and therefore toxicity should always be considered as a diagnosis when a dog presents with any combination of these findings. Immediate attention by a veterinarian is required. Any history of toxic substances the animal may have had contact with is necessary in order for your vet to make an accurate diagnosis and treat the animal accordingly. Sometimes symptoms are not apparent until a few days after exposure to the toxin, so be sure to think back to the previous few days in your dog's life when recounting the history to your veterinarian. Avoiding the use of all environmental toxins is the best protection for your animals. Even chemicals that have been approved for use around animals (flea collars, powders, etc.) can prove deadly for some animals. Always have your dog on a leash when outside your own property and do not allow your pet access to other yards - national forests and open space areas are also targeted for use with traps and poisons to control certain pests and non-native plants. Remember that greyhounds cannot tolerate many substances that would not pose a risk for most animals. Treat your greyhound as you would a human infant - don't expose them to toxic chemicals of any nature. Musculoskeletal Injuries The nature of a racing greyhound's life is that of regular training and competing. It is rare for a racing greyhound to escape a career of racing without injury. The most common injuries are fractures of the leg bones; toe injuries and muscle tears are prevalent also. Some injuries can become chronic in nature. Fractures of the scapula (the shoulder blade) or spine of the scapula (the wafer-thin bony ridge running down the length of the shoulder blade) occur with a blow to the shoulder when the greyhound lunges from the starting box or strikes fences, rails or posts at the track (or similar objects after going into adoptive homes). Calcified deposits over the shoulder blade are usually unrelated to fractures in this area and are a result of lying on hard surfaces in crates for extended periods. These calcifications are usually movable upon examination and do not cause pain. Removal of these is unnecessary and if done, would be only for cosmetic purposes. Be sure to provide your greyhound with plenty of soft bedding, especially if they have signs of this mechanical irritation. Numerous types of injuries to the right hind limb result from running counter-clockwise on a circular track, thus producing extreme stress on this area as they propel themselves through the first curve. "Hock problems are the number one bone breakdown racing injury in greyhounds. The hock is the most complicated set of bones and joints in the body - it is the same as the ankle joint in humans and sustains the same high incidence of sprains", according to Care of the Racing Greyhound; Blythe, Gannon and Craig. Veterinarians interested in and experienced with racing greyhounds will attain a greater rate of success recognizing the varied musculoskeletal injuries (acute or chronic) and will be more likely to recognize when surgery is needed and whether it will produce the desired outcome. A veterinarian that has not seen a lot of racing greyhounds will most likely have trouble recognizing the common, chronic problems arising from the trauma of training and racing and perhaps will be puzzled by their appearance and what approach to take in treatment. A second opinion by a widely respected expert in the field of treating racing greyhounds, even if out-of-state, will likely cost less than a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian not well-versed in racing greyhound anomalies. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) Without a doubt, the most insidious, deadly disease commonly found in greyhounds, is osteosarcoma (bone cancer). This is a malignant form of cancer that can manifest with a slight limp and progress to extreme discomfort with visible swelling at the site of the cancer or may present with minimal symptoms of tenderness and become suddenly critical with a pathologic bone fracture (a bone break that occurs with little or no trauma to the area). There is a high percentage of lung metastases with osteosarcoma. The long-term prognosis for a dog with this type of cancer is poor. Wu Wechter This disease has become a major focus for a few specialized veterinary groups who have recognized its prevalence since the proliferation of retired racing greyhound adoptions. Several studies are currently being conducted to investigate frequency of occurrence and possible causes for what appears to be a cancer that has become endemic among retired racing greyhounds. Current modes of treatment include amputation of the affected limb and/or types of chemo- or radio-therapy with or without amputation. Another less common approach is a type of bone graft to salvage the limb, but this procedure is available at a very limited number of animal treatment centers and still considered somewhat experimental. As with humans, chemo-therapy can often have undesirable side effects, and adopters should take this into consideration when evaluating the various options. Initial X-rays may not reveal the typical appearance of osteosarcoma and in the instance of a bone fracture, repairing the break may be suggested if cancer is not suspected. For this reason, a thorough history of how the break occurred is necessary in order to differentiate between a traumatic fracture and a pathologic one. Repair of a broken bone that is cancerous will ultimately result in another break at or near the original site, at which time repeat X-rays of the site most likely will be definitive in diagnosing osteosarcoma. Usually, veterinarians prefer to have a bone biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. However, it is important for the adopter to understand that the biopsy in itself is an invasive procedure which produces considerable pain with possibility of infection during the post-biopsy period while awaiting pathology reports (at least several days) to verify the sample is indeed osteosarcoma. "Pharaph" Sims The ultimate goal in the case of osteosarcoma (and all diseases) should be to relieve discomfort and promote a good quality of life. The dog’s age and response to pain should be of utmost concern when determining which approach to take. Some adopters choose pain management over surgical intervention until the dog’s quality of life is visibly diminished. Your veterinarian can prescribe narcotic pain relievers for maximum effect should you decide to take this route. Depending on how advanced the cancer is and the degree of discomfort exhibited, euthanasia may be the best approach and certainly the least traumatic for the dog. It is we humans who fear the loss and have difficulty letting go, but the kindest and most humane treatment may be to give them eternal freedom from pain rather than prolong the inevitable. ................ Seeking a second opinion should always be considered in any situation where you are being advised to take radical steps to treat a problem in your greyhound. At any time you feel uncomfortable with the approach or answers your veterinarian provides, don't hesitate to go elsewhere to confirm a diagnosis, treatment or symptom. Be sure to take all medical records with you to each veterinarian consulted - this is invaluable in making sure certain results and tests are not overlooked and for many other reasons, too. Your greyhound deserves the best care and you deserve answers in a compassionate, respectful manner - whenever this is absent, it's time for a change. Ask for referrals from the adoption program that co-ordinated the adoption of your greyhound. Be informed and seek the care of veterinarians who are open to learning about this unique dog and it's most unusual background as a racer - you'll be glad you took these extra steps.

non male!!!

Molti ammalati sono tali perchè il loro cervello muore di fame e nil corpo si ribella e si ammala di lombaggine o di cancro. Questa è la teoria su cui si basa il mio lavoro. Ogni disturbo fisico ha la sua radice nel cervello. Si tratta solo di nutrire il cervello e di farlo riposare ed esercitare a dovere e il corpo rimarrà sano e immune da ogni malanno. Ma quando il cervello è ammalato, far inghiottire medicine al paziente serve quanto buttarle giù dal lavello , a meno che- e questo è un limite assoluto- a meno che lui non vi creda.- Benson , Tutti i racconti di fantasmi-

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senior citizen hounds

by Lynda Adame

Lyssa Granillo still likes to snuggle with her favorite toy. Lauren Granillo

I’ve never owned an older Greyhound. There, I feel much better being up-front with all of you about that fact. My own Greyhounds, Cody and Tice, are both middle aged dogs; still active, energetic, and healthy. Not too far down the road though, they will both enter their golden years and I want to be prepared for this inevitability. This led me to collect quite a bit of research and information about living with geriatric dogs, some of which might be useful to other Greyhound owners as their own dogs approach old age.

When is a Greyhound considered old?

Based on the information I have gathered, the aging process varies with breed and lifestyle. Most veterinarians consider large dogs (fifty-one to ninety pounds) old when they are nine to eleven and a half years of age. We are beginning to see Greyhounds, in adoptive homes, reach ages of twelve to sixteen years.

What are the physical changes an older dog might undergo?

Surprisingly, research shows that aging dogs experience many of the same changes that aging humans undergo. Loss of muscle tone is usually the most obvious change, resulting in the neck and body looking flabbier. Weight management should be a high priority as Greyhounds age, and weighing your dog every few months can give you a heads up on physical problems. Extra weight is hard on most dogs but is particularly difficult for an aging Greyhound, a breed that is meant to be lean. Daily grooming will keep you in touch with any new lesions, bumps, lumps, discoloration’s or bad breath. If you find anything suspicious, report it to your vet. It’s particularly important to note that female dogs spayed later in life are in a high risk category for mammary tumors; daily grooming will help detect these in your female Greyhound. Grooming also aids in circulation, assists the dog in grooming areas it can no longer reach, and helps distribute natural skin oils leading to a healthier coat.

An impaired resistance to temperatures, both hot and cold, can become apparent in a geriatric dog. Since Greyhounds are uniquely sensitive to heat and cold in their early years, be extra observant that their environment is neither too cold nor too hot as they age.

Arthritic joints may create aches and pains as a dog ages, making it more difficult for the Greyhound to keep its anal-genital region clean. Arthritis and joint pain management are a key area to monitor in a retired athlete. Even if your dog showed no joint sensitivity as a youngster, old injury sites can flare up as they calcify with age. This type of discomfort is treatable with a variety of medications including: over the counter pain medication (Ascriptin® for instance), prescription medication (vet-dispensed) such as Rimadyl®, as well as homeopathic treatments such as Glycoflex, and shark cartilage. Acupuncture is another option for a Greyhound with joint pain; check with your veterinarian for a referral. Greyhounds experiencing the aches and pains of arthritis will benefit from a soft padded surface on which to sleep. Egg crate foam is highly recommended for this purpose, as it cushions joints and evenly distributes a dogs’ weight.

Grooming Your Older Dogs

You may find you are spending more time as the toenails can require more frequent trimming and the dogs skin may begin to dry out. Loss of hearing may occur and should be suspect if your geriatric dog suddenly begins to ignore you when you speak to it. Problems in vision are a possibility. If your older Greyhound suddenly begins to bump into furniture, injures itself more often, or becomes fearful of common things (such as canine and human friends, or going for a W-A-L-K) consider that it’s vision may be failing and have your veterinarian take a look.

Tooth and gum disease are fairly common in the older dog, and Greyhounds are no exception. Most dental procedures require a dog be anesthetized for a short period of time. Be VERY certain that your veterinarian is using a Greyhound-safe anesthetic, such as Isoflurane. Geriatric pre-surgical panels are required by most veterinarians after a dog reaches eight years of age. A standard panel will include a CBC and Urinalysis.

Kidney disease and failure

Kidney disease and failure become more common as dogs age so keep an eye out for increased thirst and other symptoms of kidney failure. Most veterinarians recommend testing organ function at least once a year in older dogs. New research is showing that high protein levels in food do not lead to kidney dysfunction. However, protein levels are important to monitor if the kidneys are already showing impairment. Incontinence may appear in older spayed females (and even some males) and is treated with estrogen supplements.

While some conditions (like heart trouble) may preclude exercising your older Greyhound, most healthy dogs will benefit from some form of regular exercise to help keep their joints supple, their weight down, and their minds active. Walking is probably best for an older dog, even if it’s a slow walk.

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

Automatically vaccinating a dog every year, or every few years, is an area of much controversy and research these days. It is now possible for veterinarians to check a dog’s blood for appropriate antibody levels, rather than vaccinate the dog every few years. For older dogs, or dogs with compromised immune systems, this may be an interesting new approach to canine vaccinations. For further information, have your veterinarian contact Colorado State University at (970) 491-1101 (ask for “Diagnostics”), or contact Protatek Reference Lab at (602) 545-8499.

What if your Greyhound becomes bed-ridden?

While this is an unpleasant thought, many dogs have spent content years in various stages of repose. Hammock-type beds are recommended because they disperse the pressure placed on the dogs’ body and allow urine to pass through where it can be soaked into padded Bedliners (purchased through hospital stores). Pressure sores will likely develop on bed-ridden dogs. To help prevent pressure sores you will need to move the dog from side to side and massage the pressure points often. Ammonia breaks down the keratin layer of the skin, making sores worse, thus keeping the dogs’ body elevated from its urine will help in treating and avoiding pressure sores. Desitin™ is wonderful to use on a bedridden dog as it forms a barrier between the urine and the dogs’ body, thus protecting the most delicate of skin. You can also dab liquid antacid (Maalox™) on the sores, after cleaning and drying the area. The antacid changes the pH of the skin and promotes healing.

Behavioral and Mental Changes

Older dogs tend to be more complacent, less energetic and less curious. They may be forgetful and sleep more. Crankiness and irritability are common. The senior dog may become less tolerant of changes in its environment. You may want to consider having someone check on the dogs in your home, rather than kenneling them, when you must leave on vacation. Kenneling an older dog can be extremely stressful and it’s not uncommon for them to go off their feed, become over-anxious, or bark frequently. Continuing to provide varied stimuli in their lives may help mitigate some of the more behaviorally rigid and less tolerant aspects of the aging process. This can be as simple as taking a different route on each day’s walk, or working on some easy training commands or tricks.

What are the mental changes older dogs may experience? Cognitive dysfunction is a new area of research, in canine geriatrics, and some amazing breakthroughs have been made in recent years. Cognitive dysfunction, also referred to as senility, is recognizable by the following signs: Inattention to environment, loss of house training and the inability to recognize familiar people, places, or animals. Other signs include confusion, changes in sleep cycle, decreased interest in food or unexplained weight loss, development of compulsive and/or repetitive behavior, tremors, shaking, whining and/or whimpering. Cognitive dysfunction can also manifest itself as Separation Anxiety in the older Greyhound. The latest research centers around treating the dog with l-deprenyl, a medication that appears to enhance cognitive function in many older dogs.

“Cognitive dysfunction, also referred to as senility, is recognizable by the following signs: Inattention to environment, loss of house training and the inability to recognize familiar people, places, or animals.”

The thought of our beloved Greyhounds aging is something most of us would rather not contemplate. It is a reality, however, and knowing what to expect can help us better deal with the problems and issues that might occur. These dogs have become an integral part of our families. They deserve to live out their lives in a dignified and well cared for manner, surrounded by those that they love and who love them in return. I plan to share many more years with Tice and Cody, and wish the same for you.

Webmaster’s note: Tice lived to the ripe old age of 15.

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La primavera era tutta vestita di boccioli e canti di uccelli , era quell'estasiante momento dell'annoin cui i segugi della primavera hanno ucciso l'inverno e, mentre raggiungevamo il ciglio della collina che sovrastava i boschi, lei si fermò e spalancò le braccia. Oh la sensazione che da la primavera!-esclamò- i narcisi il vento dell'ovest...e le ombre delle nuvole. Come vorrei afferrare tutto tra le mie braccia.Spuntano miracoli dappertutto nella campagna,Che sole, che profumo!bBevili fino in fondo perchè sono l'unica medicina divina. A volte si ha bisogno di questa medicina con tutte le cose tristi e terribili.il dolore , l'angoscia e la decadenza che ci circondano. Ma suppongo che perfino queste ridestino lo splendore della forza e della sopportazione.....-
E adessocon tutta la sua giovinezza, la sua bellezza e il suo fascino, taceva per sempre nel grande silenzio....-
Benson, Tutti i racconti di fantasmi-

That's AMORE!

I LEVRIERI 2....queste perle sono mia creazione:))))

ELOGIO DEI LEVRIERI_
I Levrieri non hanno l'ambizione alla dominanza, il loro umano è un compagno, non è da dominare, non è una continua guerra gerarchica come può essere per altri cani, che non mi interessano per niente nei loro comportamenti...
I Levrieri sono predatori, possono sembrare crudeli verso gli altri animali, ma ai nostri occhi, non ai loro...
I Levrieri non ti mettono le zampe e la testa sulle spalle o il muso sotto il braccio e la mano per dominarti ma per dimostrare affetto, tenerezza o cercare protezione e conforto, un pat pat sulla testa è sufficiente, poi si può mandarli via...
Coi Levrieri non serve- mangia per primo l'umano, passa per primo l'umano...
I Levrieri vanno salutati quando si torna a casa, non vanno ignorati, altrimenti si avviliscono e si offendono, ci restano proprio male...
I Levrieri maltrattati perdono la vivacità dello sguardo, l'allegria, si spersonalizzano, si estraniano con la mente, quando perdono la fiducia è duro riconquistarla...
I Levrieri ti scrutano, ti osservano, ti leggono nel pensiero, capiscono tutto. le cose che gli chiedi le elaborano, hanno un loro cervello e lo usano. prendono iniziative, non sono soldatini, automi...
Coi Levrieri si parla, si discute, si gasticola e loro capiscono...
I Levrieri a volte non hanno voglia di coccole, si sottraggono, altre volte le cercano loro, bisogna accettarlo come parte del loro carattere...
I Levrieri di buon umore, sereni e allegri sono buffi e spiritosi e si divertono a prendere in giro...
I Levrieri sono pieni di dignità....
I Levrieri sono pieni d'amore e lo dimostrano in mille modi delicati, con mille sfumature..
I Levrieri sono collaborativi...ma fino a un certo punto...
Privare un Levriero della sua gioia, della sua spontaneità, della sua dignità, snaturarlo. è peggio che ucciderlo..
I Levrieri fanno i dispetti e si divertono
I Levrieri non sono falsi, sono leali.continua:)))

I LEVRIERI

Da “Our Levriers” di Xavier Przezdziecki

Carattere  Qual è la caratteristica più peculiare del levriero, quella fisica o quella mentale? Centinaia di anni come compagno dei cacciatori della steppa ha spinto il levriero a dividere la vita con la famiglia umana ,ma ancora salvaguarda la fondamentale indipendenza avuta in eredità dai suoi antenati selvaggi. Piuttosto paradossalmente, in contrapposizione al bisogno di indipendenza del levriero, c’è un bisogno uguale di affetto per l’uomo la cui presenza cerca costantemente- come se quelle attività di caccia e di sport così importanti per lo sviluppo fisico, abbiano bisogno di un elemento complementare che garantisca un sereno ambiente familiare. Anche vivendo in gruppo il levriero riconosce la prerogativa dell’uomo come capo.Osservatore, diffidente, perspicace ed obbediente a seconda delle circostanze, conserva un latente istinto predatorio senza il quale un Levriero non è un Levriero. Socievolezza e carattere da adulto dipendono dai loro contatti con gli umani durante le prime settimane di vita.Per ribadire ancora una volta: le prime settimane,i primi mesi, sono fasi determinanti.- Vista e stili di caccia  Negli spazi aridi e ventosi che costituivano l’originale habitat del Levriero, non c’era l’odore a segnalare la presenza della preda. Così i Levrieri hanno imparato a  fissare l’orizzonte per lungo tempo, scrutando il panorama,fermando e fissando lo sguardo su ogni più lieve movimento. Quando fissa la preda, si acquatta a metà e poi comincia a strisciare, celando la sua presenza il più a lungo possibile. Il Levriero non caccia in branco, ma può cacciare in coppia. I due animali si tengono d’occhio l’un l’altro e quando uno si ferma e si acquatta, l’altro istantaneamente fa lo stesso, così continua questa avanzata furtiva…..  Il Levriero ha un senso di individualismo che rifiuta la disciplina del branco- Il fatto che il levriero non usa l’olfatto per cacciare non significa che non abbia questo senso. Quando viene offerto un mazzo di rose , qualche signora lo annusa,altre lo guardano solamente….   Fisiologia  Pensando solo a due funzioni fisiologiche, respirazione e circolazione sanguigna,si rivela ampiamente la natura originale del levriero. Nel  cane comune nessuno ha lacapacità toracica propria del Levriero. Solamente la sua linea è sufficiente a dimostrare questo fatto. Nessuna specie del genere canino ha un apparato circolatorio comparabile con quello del Levriero. C’è una stupefacente differenza tra il peso del cuore di ogni animale del genere canino e quello del Levriero.Mentre il cuore di un pastore tedesco rappresenta l’1.5 del peso del corpo , quello del del Levriero è più del doppio di questa percentuale. Il cuore di un Borzoi rappresenta il 3.17 del peso del corpo, quello di un Greyhound il 3.25 . Un’altra peculiarità riguarda il ciclo estrale.  Nel Levriero il ciclo è spesso annuale, con un periodo di giorni fecondi più lungo che nelle specie canine, che va dall’ottavo giorno al 14mo. Le femmine di Levriero possono restare fertili fino al 18mo giorno e anche più, un accoppiamento tardivo è desiderato nell’ambiente delle corse per ottenere una maggioranza di maschi nella cucciolata.  Osservazioni finali  Durante questo XX secolo , la storia e la scienza hanno ciascuna rivelato che l’esistenza dei Levrieri è datata prima della creazione delle specie canine – così confermando il lavoro di Linneo, che, persino nel XVIII secolo, mise i Levrieri come specie a sé. Da questa data storica e scientifica abbiamo ora preso alcune osservazioni in più relativamente alla natura del Levriero, contributi per mettere in risalto le specifiche peculiarità che separano il Levriero sia dalla specie canina che dalle altre specie del genere “canino”. Brevemente, le caratteristiche morfologiche , anatomiche, sensoriali, fisiologiche,mentali ed etologiche mostrano chiaramente che il Levriero è una specie originale. Il Levriero diffidente  L’affetto che il Levriero prodiga alla sua famiglia umana è controbilanciato da una attitudine alla diffidenza, una mentalità legata alle sue origini selvatiche e spesso interpretata erroneamente, ma è un elemento di protezione che riguarda la fauna in generale. Nel corso della domesticazione, la diffidenza diminuisce in vari gradi,ma è con il Levriero che rimane più persistente. Il grado di diffidenza varia da razza a razza, anche da linea a linea e a seconda delle condizioni di vita. Il Greyhound da corsa , tenuto da persone estranee e con una vita spesa tra la pista e il canile , è meno diffidente del levriero che si lancia da una tenda di beduini per esplorare il territorio dove lo sciacallo si aggira furtivamente , osservando con prontezza per seguirlo e contendergli la preda. Come per l’ovest, dove un Levriero può essere giudicato solo per il pedigree per essere presentato in esposizione. A dire il vero l’atmosfera di molte expo è l’esatto contrario di un ambiente naturale: pubblico, abbaiare incessante , altoparlanti assordanti… Questi Levrieri non sempre viaggiano in modo confortevole e spesso a lungo solo per essere spinti al momento nel luogo dell’esposizione. Molto probabilmente mostrano la loro diffidenza, non il modo di accingersi a vincere la tanto desiderata acclamazione! Comunque, sebbene sia adeguato concedere al Levriero il massimo di libertà per permettergli di svilupparsi il più naturalmente possibile, è anche appropriato farlo familiarizzare col mondo esterno e particolarmente col rituale dello show-ring. L’introduzione alle expo sarà più agevole se avrà il suo padrone al suo fianco e se si sentirà sicuro; in questo modo la diffidenza non si risveglierà. Come per il loro comportamento durante le loro attività sportive, la fiducia in se stesso nell’azione di inseguire la preda o lo zimbello porta via ogni senso di diffidenza o di prudenza.-

ERBA!!!!!!!!!!!!

I giardini di marzo si vestono di...erba alta!!!! il mio incubo!!!

Cena sociale!

Questo blog sta languendo... ultimamente non ho molte news e per un pò non faremo ne expo nè coursing se tutto andrà come
deve andare...:))) un mese è gia passato.....:))) allora diciamo che venerdì c'è stata la cena sociale del gruppo cinofilo Vallesina piacevole come sempre, ottima cucina e premiazione di Danka come Campionessa Italiana di coursing:))) bella soddisfazione ancora!:))) Peccato io giusto reduce da ll'estrazione di un molare....