what health problems do whippets have

Addisons disease and certain autoimmune blood and skin disorders are also rare, but have been documented. This resulted in a pretty serious gash that required stitches and a stay overnight at a veterinary clinic. Toe injuries can be more persistent, and generally require a period of crate rest and reduced activity to heal successfully. Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Mitral valve disease is the most common form of canine heart disease seen in older dogs. In dogs with the bad gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. #5 Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA), #10 Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), Can Dogs Eat Chia Seeds? Many Whippets have what is known as an athletic or flow murmur throughout their lives. For more detailed Whippet Health Information, and information on how to participate in ongoing health studies of interest to Whippet breeders and owners, please visit the Whippet Health Foundation. However, its a health problem that usually worsens progressively and can result in heart failure in Whippets. MVD affects one of the four cardiac valves (the mitral valve), that work together to control blood flow entering and exiting the heart. Many geriatric Whippets live for several years after diagnosis while on one or more of the cardiac medications available. Testing for heritable diseases and defects, and the open and honest sharing of results and diagnoses, are key to this effort. Regular veterinary visits to ensure youre up to date with vaccinations, flea and worming courses are required too. Took to vet, they x-rayed her rib area, NO fractured rib, its been 10 days and the area is still inflamed, anyone out there can help understanding injury? Genetic eye defects have been found in the breed, but are still quite uncommon. Its not uncommon at all for some Whippets to experience: While Whippets need to stretch their legs and open up the gears, its important to be aware of the type of surface their running on. Usually the areas affected are the throat, chest, belly and the insides of the legs. They were first brought to the United States by English mill operators of Massachusetts. Our goal is to provide the best health care possible: health care thats based on her breed, lifestyle, and age. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. When provided with enough exercise shell make for a quiet and loyal friend. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, herage, and other factors. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. However, as with all breeds there are certain ailments and conditions that Whippets more experience more frequently than others. Of course! Sounds good so far, but when both copies of the gene are abnormal, muscles grow excessively large, and can cause reproductive health problems, along with decreased athletic performance due to overbulking. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). All dogs have them. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Whippet puppies can also have allergic sensitivity to certain foods, which causes vomiting or diarrhoea. How hypoallergenic are Whippets? A genetic test is available for this condition. Blood then leaks back around this valve and strains the heart. There is no known effective medical treatment to remove the deposits. They have an average life span of 12-14 years. Seek the advice of your veterinarian promptly if your Whippet comes up lame or with a swollen toe, and treat lacerations promptly as well. If your Whippet appears to have a problem with its ears, it should be checked as soon as possible. Whippets generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Whippets body, inside and out. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. The symptoms of Canine von Willebrands Disease can be: Like MVD, there isnt a cure for Canine von Willebrands Disease but it can be diagnosed through a blood test. Myostatin is a normal protein in all animals that regulates muscle growth. Secondary skin infections may occur. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by weakening of a valve. If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, we may be able to prescribe medications that could prolong his life for many years. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD . Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Without a protective coat, the skin of the Whippet can be torn if the Whippet runs fast through underbrush, and a Whippet generally gets the worst of any dogfight. We call this skin allergy atopy, and Whippets often have it. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. The most common injuries in the breed are skin lacerations and athletic/orthopedic injuries, particularly to the toes. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Whippet looking and feeling her best. The best thing to do to protect this particular health problem is to take care when your Whippet is off the leash, especially when youre walking them in forested areas or where theres underbrush they can catch their skin. Of course, any symptom of potential illness can often be attributed as something potentially serious by us as loving owners. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Gough A, Thomas A. For some reason Whippets seem to be more sensitive to anaesthesia than some other dog breeds. Cats age really quickly as kittens - their first 2 years are equal to our first 25! Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. AAHA Press; 2011. The good news is we have many years of experience with sighthounds and know to pay special attention to anesthetic problems such as: While we cannot eliminate his risk entirely, we are able to use anesthesia safely in these pets. While the WHF is an independent non-profit organization sustained by donations, it has close ties to the American Whippet Club, among which include the organization of the popular health clinics at each year's AWC National Specialty, and the promotion/sponsorship of research projects and studies of interest and importance to breeders and owners of Whippets, which are often publicized via the AWC's two publications--the Whippet News and the Whippet News Annual. Geriatric Whippets, even those whose hearts have been healthy in their youth, may develop some mitral or tricuspid valvular disease in their old age. Heritable deafness has been noted in some Whippet bloodlines, so if his ears are healthy and hes still ignoring you, a more thorough hearing workup may be needed, including brainwave analysis, if indicated. 2nd Edition. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Cardiac insufficiency, which shows up for the first time at ages of 12 and up is not considered genetic, but a by-product of the aging process in those dogs which are affected. Cancer is also a problem that is seen in elderly Whippets, along with kidney disease, but it is not a current area of interest in genetic research in Whippets. Cardiac disease in the Whippet is an area of mounting concern, some of it driven by increased sensitivity of diagnostic testing, but also by the perception, widely-held, that cardiac problems have been increasing in the breed in recent years. Participation in studies, and reporting of results from health testing via the WHF's Database and other online databases such as OFA are encouraged for all owners, whether they intend to breed their Whippet or not. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite. Corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition in Whippets that causes small white crystal deposits to form in one of the layers of the cornea. The danger of this condition is that it can cause excessive bleeding in cases of surgery or injury. Consequently it doesnt take much for them to pick up cuts and skin tears. Genetic eye diseases resulting in blindness or vision problems to younger dogs are very rare. These dogs usually adjust well to their diminished sensory circumstances if their environment is kept consistent. What You Need To Know, Can Dogs Eat Bok Choy? Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. They have short coats and very little body fat and so they have little protection against scrapes and scratches. Your Whippet counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Whippet live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www.Genesis4Pets.com. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. She was lethargic all day didnt run or want to jump up or down of couch. Normally a dogs immune system keeps the mites in check, but some breeds, like your Whippet, develop an overabundance of these mites. There are tons of considerations to factor into your decision, which can be overwhelming at times. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Before doing so, its essential to understand the prospective lifespan of your horse so you can ensure you take good care of your equine companion. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Whippet needs help. Jackson, Wyoming. Sometimes your Whippets kneecap (patella) may slip out of place (called patellar luxation). Or use the contact button at the top of the page to reach us. Well conduct tests to rule out treatable problems that have hair loss as a symptom, such as too little thyroid hormone. As most male companion Whippets will be neutered, a male puppy with one or both testicles undescended makes an equally good pet and should not be passed over when choosing a companion. A small percentage of Whippets have unilateral hearing (i.e. If you do find that one of your Whippets is diagnosed with any of these rare conditions, contact your breeder to inform them, and consider adding your dogs diagnosis to the Whippet Health Foundation Database at www.whippethealth.org. Although Whippets are not as prone to allergies as some breeds, they can still suffer allergic reactions to pollen, mold and dust. Then he kicks his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place, and hes fine again. In mid-2020, we took our Whippet Misty on a woodland walk close to where we live. Surgical procedures including spay/neuter, Ultrasonic dental cleanings, dental radiographs. While a Whippet at a healthy companion weight may look thin to people unfamiliar with the sighthound family of dogs, maintaining your Whippet at the proper weight and muscle tone is key to their enjoying an active and healthy life. One of the best things you can do for your Whippet is to have her spayed (neutered for males). Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. As far as purebred dog breeds go, Whippets are a pretty healthy bunch. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. In fact, your Whippets life span may be cut short by one to three years! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that usually affects middle-aged to older Whippets. Hip and elbow dysplasia are essentially unknown in the breed. Symptoms can include itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, and chronic vomiting or diarrhea. Well watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaquemeaning they look cloudy instead of clearwhen we examine him. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. If your dog has a heart murmur or outward signs suggesting heart problems, well perform testing to determine the severity of the disease. Whippets are typically lean and athletic. And unfortunately, your Whippet is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Available from: http://ic.upei.ca/cidd/breed/whippet, Breed Specific Health Concerns [Internet]. As with balding men, the hair gradually falls out and does not grow back. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Deaf Whippets can make successful pets if trained to hand signals and kept safe from traffic (which hearing Whippets often ignore as well). Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dogs quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. You may have also noticed these characteristics: Is it all worth it? All Rights Reserved. Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking), hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Dry, scaly, sometimes itchy hairless patches on face or paws, Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain, Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Lethargy, drooling, or abnormal behavior following drug administration, Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest, Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump, or bunny hopping. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. In severe cases surgery may be considered, but unfortunately, the crystals may return. Copyright 2018 Aubrey Animal Medical Center. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. Find out more about Canine von Willebrands Disease. Whippets have a number of idiosyncrasies that can increase the risk of anesthesia. Since 2004, the American Whippet Club has also been working with a group of researchers on a long-term study of Whippet hearts. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. All Rights Reserved, Common Whippet Health Issues and What to Know. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Testing him early in life can prevent drug-related toxicity. The American Whippet Club feels we have a generally healthy breed, but needs everyone's help to keep it so. AWC Supported Entry/Independent Specialties, 2018 National Specialty Catalog and Results, 2019 National Specialty Catalog and Results, 2017 National Specialty Catalog and Results. Aubrey Animal Medical Center supports the Veterinary Care Charitable Fund. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Although not that common, some Whippets suffer from hereditary deafness. Geriatric Whippets need additional warmth, which many owners provide in the form of custom-made sweaters and fleece pajamas. They are generally not prone to the frequent ear infections, skin allergies, joint problems, food allergies or digestive problems that afflict other breeds in a significant portion of their populations. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Whippets. can hear well from one ear but not the other). Your veterinary surgery should be aware of the risk of anaesthesia to sighthounds but it never hurts to ask should your Whippet need treatment requiring anaesthetics. However, this is part and parcel of responsible dog ownership. A General Note on Whippet Health Problems, Excessive bleeding after surgery or injury. Sadly, theres no cure for mitral valve disease, but once identified, factors such as regular veterinary checks, medication and regular non-strenuous exercise can help to manage the condition and prolong life. The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye. Von Willebrands disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Whippets. Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Whippet. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. MVD tends to affect Whippets at more advanced ages, but doesnt always present obvious symptoms. Indeed this is something weve experienced. Find out more detailed information about how much exercise a Whippet needs. It results in a thickening of the valve itself, which affects its ability to open and close properly. This advice should be tempered by the likelihood of this disease being prevalent in your areadiscuss this with your veterinarian if your breeder does not recommend or give vaccines which immunize against Lepto. Second edition. Early detection is critical! Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. All of the above problems are uncommon in our breed at present, and we would like everyones help to keep them so. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Usually the disease progresses slowly, doesnt hurt, and causes only minor vision obstruction, but partial or complete blindness is possible. The American Whippet Club recommends that all breeding stock be tested for normal hearing in both ears. This is not an exhaustive list, but the following serious health problems are known to affect Whippets. Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. While this presents certain problems, it doesnt mean you cant have a happy home with a deaf Whippet. Always see a veterinary professional as soon as possible, even if its just for peace of mind. Canine von Willebrands Disease is a disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly. Among current studies listed on the WHF website are studies centering on Mitral Valve Disease, Cleft Palates, Hemangiosarcoma, and other birth defects. 2011. Whippets are susceptible to bacterial and viral infectionsthe same ones that all dogs can getsuch as parvo, rabies, and distemper. If you cannot brush your Whippets teeth or scale tartar yourself, your veterinarian can perform regular dental cleanings. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. A prescription veterinary diet is often the best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy. A final note some of the Whippet health problems Ive listed here may seem frightening, and indeed some are. If it is true pattern baldness, we can offer supplements or hormones which may help, though there is no cure. Bell JS, Cavanagh KE, Tilley LP, Smith FW. Dont worrywell show you how! While many Whippets live a long time with mitral valve murmurs, a percentage of these will progress to congestive heart failure and/or cardiomyopathy at an unacceptably young age. Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Whippets in their golden years. It seems to affect Whippets more than many other breeds, which suggests its an inherited health problem. This helps them not only maintain weight but also eases the discomfort of any arthritis they may have developed with age. If the mitral valve doesnt close properly it makes the heart inefficient and means it has to work harder to move blood around the body. Unfortunately for us she ran rather too close to an upturned tree that had its roots exposed and caught the skin of her hind leg against it. My Dear Whippet is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Since Whippets are speed merchants with slight frames, they can injure bones, joints and muscles when theyre running at full pace. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. For years veterinarians simply avoided using ivermectin in herding breeds, but now there is a DNA test that can specifically identify dogs who are at risk for side effects from certain medications. In sever situations where blood loss is uncontrollable, Canine von Willebrands Disease can be life-threatening. Buying a horse is no simple feat. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. However, suturing results in speedy healing. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest herskin and ears. These are perhaps the health problems your Whippet will likely suffer from, since the appear to be the most common issues affecting them. Opinion is divided as to whether or not having just one, or no, testicles normally descended in the scrotum should be classed as a health problem, but to be sure, an undescended testicle is at an increased risk for turning cancerous, and should be removed. We want to keep your buddys teeth healthy so we will be watching his developing teeth closely. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep herhealthy. Compact does well in small living quarters, Needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, Fragile and easily injured because of her small size, Sensitive by nature, a bit slow to mature, hyperthermia (body temperature dangerously high) in nervous dogs, hypothermia (body temperature dangerously low) in dogs with a lean body conformation, prolonged recovery from some intravenous anesthetics and increased risks of drug interactions. I have had two other male whippets prior and never have I seen this on prior whippets; she ran out barking at night which isnt abnormal, next day however, she was hesitant to move out of her bed crate which is very unusual for her because she is always spunky n the morning and gets right out. It must be remembered though that by buying a whippet puppy from a reputable breeder and providing proper care, Whippets tend to remain happy and healthy throughout their lives. Contrary to what some people believe based on the Whippets lean appearance (theyre supposed to look skinny, Whippets tend to be a very healthy breed compared to some other purebred dogs. To that end, the American Whippet Club recommends that breeding stock be given periodic echocardiograms and individuals with significant cardiac disease findings at younger ages not be used for breeding. The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition. A few dog breeds, including the Whippet, occasionally have a mutation in one copy of the gene that makes myostatin, leading to significantly larger muscles and enhanced athletic performance. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Unfortunately for Whippets, they are prone to orthopaedic and musculoskeletal health problems. Painful muscle cramps are also reported in these dogs. Very elderly Whippets, as with any other dog, may gradually experience reduced vision and hearing. Although Whippets have a great sense of themselves, they can be quite scatty. Not the pet you want to chase down the street. They were bred for racing, often steeple chase and rabbit coursing. Find out about our experience of a Whippet skin tear injury. Are you allergic to dogs? Idiopathic epilepsy generally shows up between the ages of 1 and 3 years of age, and can be treated with medication. Shell feel better, and so will you!

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