Ex-racing Greyhounds dogs, once prized money makers at the Greyhound racetrack, until they were deemed unproductive and no longer wanted, often face a unique set of health challenges as they transition into pet life.

While Greyhounds can make wonderful companions and adjust well to home life, their former racing life can often leave them with specific health issues that require attention.

This Greyhound Dog Blog will act as a basic guide that covers the common Greyhound dog health issues and problems faced by ex-racing Greyhounds, their causes, management strategies, and tips for ensuring a smooth transition to a long and very healthy pet life.

This subject is in no way meant to scare you away from adopting a Greyhound dog.

In fact, my adopted Greyhound Sabrina has had very few health or behavior issues. Far less than my previous Doberman Pinschers.

If you have a chance, check out my previous Blog on what Greyhound health issues Sabrina experienced.

Potential Health Issues in Ex-Racing Greyhounds

Corns on the feet of greyhound dogs are a specific issue that can cause discomfort and pain

They are hard, callous-like growths that typically develop on the pads of the feet, usually on the pressure points or between the toes.

Symptoms of corns in greyhounds include:

• Lameness or limping

• Swelling or redness in the affected area

• Discomfort when walking or standing

• Visible hard, raised areas on the pads

Causes of corns in greyhounds can include:

• Repeated trauma: The repetitive stress from running or walking on hard surfaces can cause corns to form.

• Conformation issues: Certain foot structures or gait abnormalities might contribute to corns.

• Improper footwear or surfaces: Running on abrasive or hard surfaces without adequate foot protection can exacerbate the problem.

• Poor foot hygiene: Greyhounds need their nails trimmed regularly and if not unkempt nails can lead to corns.

Treatment and management of corns often involve:

• Veterinary examination: A vet will need to diagnose the issue accurately, which might involve examining the corns and ruling out other conditions.

• Foot care: Regularly trimming and grooming the nails can help prevent corns.

• Protective measures: Using Greyhound specific booties can help reduce the friction and pressure on the feet.

• Surgical intervention: In some cases, if a Greyhound’s corn is severe or persistent, a surgical procedure called a tendonectomy may be needed to treat the corn.

Prevention can include:

• Avoiding rough or hard surfaces whenever possible.

• Ensuring that your greyhound’s feet are regularly checked and maintained.

• Providing proper cushioning and support during activities that put extra stress on their feet.

If you suspect your Greyhound has corns, consulting with a veterinarian experienced in Greyhound corns is essential for appropriate treatment and management. 

Pannus (also referred to as chronic superficial keratitis) is a condition that involves the cornea and third eyelid of a dog's eyes

This eye disease causes a grayish-pink film to cover the eye and the cornea may become opaque as the disease progresses.

It typically affects both of the Greyhound’s eyes.

Pannus can also be described as:

The disease of Pannus involves an abnormal growth of blood vessels and pigmented tissue on the cornea, which can lead to a range of vision problems.

Symptoms of Pannus may include:

• Redness or inflammation of the eye

• Cloudy or pigmented areas on the cornea

• Discomfort or sensitivity to light

• Tearing or discharge

Causes of Pannus are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to an autoimmune response or environmental factors such as UV light exposure.

It can occur in Greyhound dogs but is actually more common in breeds like the German Shepherd Dog, but can occur in other dogs as well.

Treatment typically involves:

• Medications: Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.

• Protective measures: Specially designed Dog Goggles or other eye protection to shield the eyes from UV light.

• Regular monitoring: To adjust treatment as needed and prevent complications.

If you suspect your Greyhound has Pannus, it’s important to consult a veterinarian, preferably one with experience in treating eye conditions in dogs. They can provide a proper diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan to manage the condition.

Pannus has no cure at this time.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common greyhound dog health issues, especially in older greyhound dogs or those who have suffered injuries during racing

The repetitive stress of racing Greyhound dogs running at high speeds on unstable footing can lead to both painful joint damage and the development of arthritis.

Symptoms:

• Lameness or stiffness, especially in the morning or after exercise

• Difficulty getting up or climbing stairs

• Reduced activity or reluctance to play

• Lack of interest in activity and possible depression

Management and Treatment:

• Pain Management: Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.

• Physical Therapy: Controlled exercise and hydrotherapy can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

• Weight Management: Maintaining an ideal weight can reduce stress on the joints.

• Laser Treatment: Cold laser therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. Cold laser therapy treats the surface of the skin, while hot laser treatments affect deeper tissues.

Hip dysplasia in greyhounds is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain

This condition can be exacerbated by the physical demands put on the Greyhound dog while racing.

And once the Greyhound has left its racing life behind, the symptoms may present themselves for the first time and become notable to the greyhound’s new family.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty getting up from a lying position

• Swings of the hips or a “bunny hopping” gait

• Reduced range of motion and pain in the hip area

Management and Treatment:

• Medical Management: NSAIDs and pain relief medications.

• Surgical Options: In severe cases, procedures like total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy may be recommended.

• Supportive Care: Weight management and joint supplements can help manage symptoms.

Bloat in greyhounds is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas

Greyhounds are particularly susceptible due to this condition because of their deep bellied chests.

Symptoms:

• Distended abdomen

• Restlessness and pacing

• Unproductive vomiting and signs of discomfort

Management and Treatment:

• Emergency Care: Immediate veterinary intervention is critical. Treatment often involves decompression and surgery.

• Preventive Measures: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating.

• Bloat can very quickly turn into Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, a far more dangerous condition that does not have a good recovery record.

Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) are two difference conditions

Bloat is when the stomach fills with gas and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is when the gas filled stomach twists and flips.

GDV typically begins as Bloat and more often than not ends in loss of life.

As Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) are two very different but serious conditions - I will do a more comprehensive Blog post on this next week!

Heartworm disease in greyhound dogs is a serious condition transmitted by mosquitoes that can affect the heart and lungs

Ex-racing Greyhounds that have not been on heartworm prevention may be at risk.

Symptoms:

• Coughing and difficulty breathing

• Lethargy and reduced exercise tolerance

• Weight loss and swelling in the abdomen

Management and Treatment:

• Prevention: Regular use of heartworm preventatives.

• Treatment: If infected, treatment involves a specific medication regimen prescribed by a veterinarian.

Parasite or worm Infestations in greyhounds typically begin when the greyhound puppy is nursing from its mother

The Greyhound racing industry is not known to offer much in terms of preventative parasite care to its Greyhounds at any time.

But it is quite horrific to think that they as a group do not treat the Greyhound dogs they use for breeding with any parasite prevention medication.

Therefore the new born Greyhound puppies become infested with parasite infections while they are nursing from their mothers.

This is due to the sad truth that the mother’s milk is infected with parasites.

The fact is that all Ex-racing Greyhounds will most likely have been exposed to some kind of worms during their racing career.

Common infestations include hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Visible or non-visible blood in fecal matter

• Weight loss and poor coat condition

• Lethargy and abdominal pain

Management and Treatment:

• Deworming: Regular deworming protocols as prescribed by a veterinarian.

• Fecal Testing: Regular fecal exams to detect and address worm infestations.

• Staying out of unclean areas like high-traffic dog parks.

Ex-racing Greyhounds can suffer from dental issues due to previous poor diet and lack of dental care

Common dental issues in Greyhounds, include periodontal disease, tooth decay, and gum infections.

Symptoms:

• Bad breath

• Red or bleeding gums

• Difficulty eating or chewing

• Visible decayed or missing teeth

Management and Treatment:

• Dental Cleanings: Regular professional dental cleanings are essential.

• Home Care: Brushing teeth regularly and gentle scaling to remove tartar.

• Veterinary Check-ups: Regular dental exams to monitor and address issues.