Balmain Vet’s Greyhound Veterinary Care
Greyhounds are different from other dog breeds in several distinct ways, both physically and behaviourally, due to their long history as sighthounds bred for speed and hunting:
We understand that Greyhounds are unique and have very different requirements when it comes to meeting their medical and anaesthetic needs. We see a lot of Greyhounds at BVH because we have a tailored medical approach to their needs. Our Vets are highly experienced in dealing with Greyhounds and understand their specific medical and anaesthetic needs.
What makes Greyhounds different to other dog breeds?
Bloodwork Differences Greyhounds have unique blood chemistry that can look abnormal on a standard panel but is in fact, normal for them:
- Higher red blood cell (RBC) count and hematocrit (PCV): This gives them superior oxygen-carrying capacity for sprinting.
- Lower white blood cell (WBC) count compared to other breeds.
- Lower platelet count (but normal clotting function).
Lower thyroid hormone levels (T4): Often misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism when they are perfectly healthy.
Anaesthesia Sensitivity Greyhounds are more sensitive to anaesthesia and sedatives, especially barbiturates, due to:
- Low body fat: They have less fat to absorb and buffer drugs.
- Different liver metabolism: They metabolize some drugs more slowly.
Thin Skin & Poor Fat Padding Their thin skin and minimal body fat make them prone to pressure sores, cuts, and bruising.
When lying on hard surfaces, they can develop calluses or ulcers, especially on elbows or hips.
Soft bedding is essential.
Temperature Regulation Issues - Greyhounds have poor tolerance for cold weather due to their low body fat and short coat.
- They can also overheat quickly in high temperatures because their build is optimized for short sprints, not endurance or thermoregulation.
Drug Sensitivities Some Greyhounds react poorly to common medications such as:
- Certain flea/tick preventatives (avoid those with organophosphates)
- Sulfa antibiotics
- Acepromazine (a sedative) – they may be more sensitive and require adjusted dosages.
Unique Heart and Chest Characteristics - Greyhounds often have enlarged hearts on X-rays and ECGs – a normal, breed-specific trait, not necessarily a sign of heart disease.
- Heart murmurs can sometimes be heard but are often benign.
Dental Health - Greyhounds, especially ex-racers, often have poor dental health due to diet and limited dental care during their racing years.
- Routine dental cleaning and care are very important.
- It is not uncommon for Greyhounds to require more frequent dental care compared to another breed of dog.
Fibrinolytic Syndrome in Greyhounds
Fibrinolytic syndrome is a post-surgical bleeding disorder seen primarily in Greyhounds. It is not due to poor clot formation, but rather due to excessive clot breakdown (fibrinolysis) that occurs several hours to days after surgery
What Happens: - The dog forms normal blood clots during surgery.
- 24–72 hours later, those clots are broken down too quickly, causing delayed internal or external bleeding.
Why Greyhounds? Greyhounds have:
- Unique fibrinolytic pathways (they break down clots faster than other breeds).
- A higher baseline fibrinolytic activity, making them more prone to this type of bleeding.
When It Matters: - After spay/neuter, dental extractions, orthopaedic surgery, or trauma.
- Postoperative bleeding may look like a failure of clotting, but clotting times (like PT/aPTT) are usually normal.
Management: - Antifibrinolytics like tranexamic acid can prevent or treat the condition.
- Prophylactic use of antifibrinolytics is common in surgeries on Greyhounds.
Hyperkalaemia in Greyhounds
Causes in Greyhounds
- Haemolysis during blood draws: Greyhound red blood cells are more fragile and may lyse (break open), falsely elevating potassium in lab results (a pseudohyperkalemia).
- Muscle trauma or damage: Can release potassium into the bloodstream.
- Anaesthesia – Whilst not fully understood, Greyhounds are prone to developing elevated levels of potassium during anaesthesia. Elevated levels of potassium can cause irregularities in their Heart rhythm which if undetected, or left untreated, can be fatal.
Expert care for your Greyhound
Why Choose Us?
Comprehensive
Services
From dog and cat vaccinations in the Inner West to emergency care, we cover all aspects of pet health.
Experienced
Team
Our highly skilled veterinarians bring decades of expertise in small animal medicine and surgery.
Convenient
Location
Serving Balmain, Inner West, Glebe, Pyrmont, and Haberfield, we’re easily accessible for all your pet care needs.
Compassionate
Care
We understand the bond between you and your pet and strive to make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
