What is Patella Luxation?
The patella is another name for the kneecap, which is a thick, triangular-shaped bone that protects the knee joint. In an IG with normal knees, the patella sits in a groove and rides up and down as the leg bends and stretches. With a luxating patella, the kneecap is prone to slipping in the groove …
Treatment when an Italian Greyhound has a leg fracture
When an Italian Greyhound fractures a leg, X-rays or a CT scan are performed to assess the broken bone and plan the treatment. Many Vets will refer you to an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Specialist Referral Hospital. They will however, give your IG sedation, painkilling treatment and apply a support bandage to prevent further damage and make your dog …
If you suspect your Italian Greyhound has a leg fracture
It is vital that a Veterinary surgeon is consulted for a fracture or if you suspect a fracture, if not immediately obvious. Generally if an IG fractures its leg(s) it is usually the fore limb(s) or front leg. You will hear a blood-curdling scream as the dog feels intense pain. Commonly the lower part of the …
Tips to reduce the risk of leg fractures with Italian Greyhound puppies
Italian Greyhound puppies in particular are incredibly lively and care needs to be taken to ensure they don’t damage their limbs. Having long slim legs, compared to their body mass and their desire to run and jump can make them more vulnerable to leg fractures. Adults too can have accidents, which result in leg fractures. Bones provide …
Flea & Tick Treatment
It is currently standard practice for vets to recommend monthly “spot-on” treatments for flea and tick prevention. Many dogs use these treatments without any problems however, the chemical (both active and non-active) ingredients are increasingly an area of concern, especially for Italian Greyhounds as a breed. Concerns About Chemical, Spot-on Treatments Frontline is a commonly …
Ongoing research into Inherited Epilepsy
One of the most serious genetically inherited illnesses affecting Italian Greyhounds is Inherited Epilepsy, or Idiopathic Epilepsy which results in a dog having seizures, usually developing in an affected Italian Greyhound between the ages of 3½ – 6 years old. A seizure can take many forms but once the seizure starts the dog is unconscious …
Finding an Italian Greyhound
Most puppy buyers use the internet to look for puppies. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you realise that bad breeders know where their buyers are and they know how to pull them in. A breeder may sound very credible – much loved pet Italian Greyhounds, mum and dad both available at home …
Autoimmune Diseases in IGs – Health Lectures
In 2012 I was lucky enough to go along to the US Italian Greyhound Specialty Show held in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The IG Specialty is the biggest Italian Greyhound Speciality in the US, organised by the Italian Greyhound Club of America (IGCA: http://italiangreyhound.org) and it attracts hundreds of IGs and their owners from all over the …
Is an Italian Greyhound right for you?
By Helen Rishworth This article was first published in Our Dogs (http://www.ourdogs.co.uk) in May, 2008. Published here with additional photography by Christine Chau. Italian Greyhounds are an incredibly loyal and loving breed but they are not suitable for everyone. Here, I will explore the Italian Greyhound’s character, personality and needs in an attempt to help …
The approach to Judging Italian Greyhounds
By Helen Rishworth Much discussion is currently circulating the show world regarding the development programmes that are in place for upcoming judges. The strengths of existing structures and potential improvements which could be introduced to support judges wishing to progress up judging lists are being examined. At present, individuals need to attend and pass various …