Teton New Media; 2012. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Whippet. Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. I have a female whippet, she is 7.5 years old. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. Canine von Willebrands Disease is a disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly. In Whippets, allergies tend to manifest in itchy skin on their feet, tummy, skin folds or ears but they can also present as ear infections. Thanks for visiting! You should be able to detect at least two vertebrae at the top of the spine, ribs should not protrude but should be able to be easily felt under a thin layer of flesh and hipbones should not be sunk into fat so as to give the appearance of dimples. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. Crook A, Dawson S, Cote E, MacDonald S, Berry J. Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. Its best to stick to our recommended growth rate of no more than four pounds per week. AAHA Press; 2011. If it is true pattern baldness, we can offer supplements or hormones which may help, though there is no cure. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. MVD affects one of the four cardiac valves (the mitral valve), that work together to control blood flow entering and exiting the heart. The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Arthritis and spinal cord problems such as Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE) afflict some older Whippets, but the Whippet should be a fairly active breed until it becomes geriatric. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that usually affects middle-aged to older Whippets. These murmurs are innocent and an echocardiogram will confirm this, however, a portion of the Whippet population has some degree of minimal to mild mitral valve regurgitation, which can progress to significant mitral valve disease. 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. 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. Elderly Whippets will eventually succumb to something, and whether it is cancer, kidney failure, or cardiac disease, the last and best thing we can do for our beloved companions is to ease their passage when there is nothing more that can be done to alleviate their discomfort. Dont worrywell show you how! 2011. There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. However, most of us are not veterinarians and so diagnosing Whippet health problems should be left to experts. Although Whippets have a great sense of themselves, they can be quite scatty. Below you will find general information on Whippet Health. Painful muscle cramps are also reported in these dogs. Shes your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. By knowing about health concerns specific to Whippets, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www.Genesis4Pets.com. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Whippets body, inside and out. If your Whippet appears to have a problem with its ears, it should be checked as soon as possible. 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. 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. 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. However, its a health problem that usually worsens progressively and can result in heart failure in Whippets. Unseens potholes and turf divots can jar joints, muscles and bones and result in an orthopaedic injury requiring veterinary intervention. Geriatric Whippets, even those whose hearts have been healthy in their youth, may develop some mitral or tricuspid valvular disease in their old age. Bell JS, Cavanagh KE, Tilley LP, Smith FW. Unfortunately, Whippets are a bit more likely than other dogs to have this condition. When it is time for a dental cleaning, surgery, or minor procedures such as suturing a wound, anesthesia is usually necessary. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Horses can safely eat a wide variety of household foods which can make great supplements to a traditional diet. Currently, all WHF directors are also members of the American Whippet Club. Whippets are known to be one of the most sensitive breeds. Did you know your cat is technically considered a "senior" as soon as she hits 11 years old? 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. They have short coats and very little body fat and so they have little protection against scrapes and scratches. However, suturing results in speedy healing. Although not that common, some Whippets suffer from hereditary deafness. Of course things like traffic can be a concern for owners of deaf Whippets, but in reality you should never allow any Whippet off the leash when traffic is near even Whippets with the sharpest hearing will ignore the sound of traffic if they spot something they can chase. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: DNA testing is a rapidly advancing field with new tests constantly emerging to help in the diagnosis of inherited diseases before they can become a problem for your friend. Your email address will not be published. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest herskin and ears. Do you have experience of other Whippet health problems Ive missed. Not the pet you want to chase down the street. A large sample of Whippets evaluated at one of our biggest AWC National shows revealed a very low incidence of thyroid concern. Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Whippet. In dogs with the bad gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. Whippets are susceptible to bacterial and viral infectionsthe same ones that all dogs can getsuch as parvo, rabies, and distemper. It seems to affect Whippets more than many other breeds, which suggests its an inherited health problem. Find out more detailed information about how much exercise a Whippet needs. 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. Although Whippets are not as prone to allergies as some breeds, they can still suffer allergic reactions to pollen, mold and dust. Seek the advice of your veterinarian promptly if your Whippet comes up lame or with a swollen toe, and treat lacerations promptly as well. Whippets have a number of idiosyncrasies that can increase the risk of anesthesia. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Similarly, idiopathic epilepsy has been found in Whippets, but is similarly sporadic and rare. You may have also noticed these characteristics: Is it all worth it? Since Whippets are speed merchants with slight frames, they can injure bones, joints and muscles when theyre running at full pace. Because of this threat, the American Whippet Club recommends that all breeders have the eyes checked clear on their breeding stock. Unfortunately for Whippets, they are prone to orthopaedic and musculoskeletal health problems. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dogs quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovariesand usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Of course, Whippets need suitable exercise, proper care and a healthy diet but in general Whippets can have a healthy life of up to 12 to 15 years. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Your email address will not be published. Second edition. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Whippets are great human companions active outdoors, but quiet in the house. Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. Shell feel better, and so will you! Some Whippet puppies are born with mild murmurs, which they outgrow, but any murmur should be considered serious enough to warrant an echocardiogram by an experienced veterinary cardiologist. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. 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. Cats age really quickly as kittens - their first 2 years are equal to our first 25! Find out what to put in a dog first aid kit. Jackson, Wyoming. Well do periodic blood tests and look for lumps and bumps at each exam. AWC Supported Entry/Independent Specialties, 2018 National Specialty Catalog and Results, 2019 National Specialty Catalog and Results, 2017 National Specialty Catalog and Results. A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Whippet live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Mitral valve disease is the most common form of canine heart disease seen in older dogs. Whippets are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. Always see a veterinary professional as soon as possible, even if its just for peace of mind. Hip and elbow dysplasia are essentially unknown in the breed. 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. Her right front side just beside leg/shoulder was a 3-4 inch long and couple inch wide inflamed area which her body twitched if u touched it but if u pet beyond the twitching subsided. Most Whippet breeders do not recommend spaying or neutering your companion Whippet until it has completed growth, but at that point, most breeders and veterinarians feel that a Whippet that is not sold or destined for a breeding career should be altered, both to prevent unwanted puppies and to avoid the hormonal influences on behavior that can be difficult for the average owner (not to mention the smell and staining discharge that a bitch in season creates). Deaf Whippets can make successful pets if trained to hand signals and kept safe from traffic (which hearing Whippets often ignore as well). Symptoms can include itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, and chronic vomiting or diarrhea. Read my latest posts, receive dog food recipes & learn about special offers on Whippet products! However, this is part and parcel of responsible dog ownership. - but once they hit adulthood they age at around four-times as fast as humans. Consequently it doesnt take much for them to pick up cuts and skin tears. 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? This too suggests its an inherited health problem. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into hersystem in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. The most common injuries in the breed are skin lacerations and athletic/orthopedic injuries, particularly to the toes. Here are some guidelines to consider. University of Prince Edward Island. Required fields are marked *. Veterinary dental care and fatty acid supplementation can help prevent heart disease and weight control can help diminish symptoms. Normally a dogs immune system keeps the mites in check, but some breeds, like your Whippet, develop an overabundance of these mites. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Whippets. This page may contain affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no cost to you. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Ear infections left unchecked are painful and can cause lasting damage. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. Since 2004, the American Whippet Club has also been working with a group of researchers on a long-term study of Whippet hearts. Our goal is to provide the best health care possible: health care thats based on her breed, lifestyle, and age. The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition. All Rights Reserved. Toe injuries can be more persistent, and generally require a period of crate rest and reduced activity to heal successfully. If you are ever in any doubt about your Whippets health, dont wait to see if what youre worried about will just go away. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Sometimes your Whippets kneecap (patella) may slip out of place (called patellar luxation). Well conduct tests to rule out treatable problems that have hair loss as a symptom, such as too little thyroid hormone. As far as purebred dog breeds go, Whippets are a pretty healthy bunch. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. 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. One of the best things you can do for your Whippet is to have her spayed (neutered for males). We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Whippets in their golden years. My hope is that this post on Whippet health problems doesnt frighten you or give you concern that Whippets are unhealthy dogs theyre not. Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. 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. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. In severe cases surgery may be considered, but unfortunately, the crystals may return. 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. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD . For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. The American Whippet Club recommends that all breeding stock be tested for normal hearing in both ears. However, there are several common foods that are toxic to our equine friends. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by weakening of a valve. They were first brought to the United States by English mill operators of Massachusetts. Due to her smaller size, she makes an excellent house dog and companion. Many owners give raw marrow bones or other chew items to help keep back molars largely free of tartar, but in most cases this alone will not be sufficient, so check your adult Whippets mouth regularly to make sure that tartar buildup is not present. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. 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. Pets with heart valve disease (sometimes called mitral valve disease) have a heart murmur. Then he kicks his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place, and hes fine again. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. Buying a horse is no simple feat. Testing for heritable diseases and defects, and the open and honest sharing of results and diagnoses, are key to this effort. Most Whippets do very well with regular vet checks, vaccination as recommended by your veterinarian, a healthy diet, heartworm and external parasite preventative as recommended for your area of residence, regular nail trims, and attention paid to their dental health. Again, the echocardiogram administered by a cardiologist familiar with Whippet hearts is the way to assess whether or not a murmur heard by your general practice veterinarian warrants medication and follow-up, or whether it is simply a flow murmur. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. 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. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Regardless, Whippets seem to be at risk of hypothermia and resultant serious complications when under anaesthesia. Given that theyre such fast runners, a small scratch for some dog breeds can result in something far more serious for Whippets. 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. Idiopathic epilepsy generally shows up between the ages of 1 and 3 years of age, and can be treated with medication. If you would like to make a personal donation or learn more about their organization, please click on the links below. Historically this has been attributed to Whippets having a low body fat to muscle ratio, resulting in an inability to properly break down and remove anaesthetic drugs from the body. (Yes, dogs can get braces!) Indeed this is something weve experienced. And unfortunately, your Whippet is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. However, as with all breeds there are certain ailments and conditions that Whippets more experience more frequently than others. There is no known effective medical treatment to remove the deposits. 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. Whippets are typically lean and athletic. In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. Sadly, because hemangiosarcoma is an especially aggressive type of cancer, and the prognosis isnt good and late stage identification usually means survival is unlikely. Both male and female Whippets are prone to pattern baldness. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. These are perhaps the health problems your Whippet will likely suffer from, since the appear to be the most common issues affecting them. Like MVD, there is a higher prevalence of the disease in Whippets compared to some other breeds. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. 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. 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. Find out more about Canine Hemangiosarcoma. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.