Acute phase protein concentrations in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Retired racing Greyhounds are popular as pets. Greyhounds have several differences in physiological values compared with other breeds, including lower serum α‐ and β‐globulin concentrations. We hypothesized that lower acute phase protein (APP) concentrations could contribute to lower α‐ and β‐globulin concentrations in this breed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare serum concentrations of several APPs in Greyhounds with those of other dog breeds. Methods: We measured the serum concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), acid‐soluble glycoprotein (ASG), ceruloplasmin (CP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in 15 clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and 11 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy nonGreyhound controls using previously validated methods. Results were compared by Student's t‐tests. Results: The concentration of Hp by both colorimetric and immunoturbidimetric methods was significantly lower in Greyhounds than in nonGreyhound dogs (P=.0009 and .019, respectively). The concentration of ASG was also significantly (P=.007) lower in Greyhounds, but CRP and CP concentrations were not significantly different between groups. SAA concentration was below the detection limit of the method in all dogs. Conclusions: The low serum concentrations of Hp and ASG should be taken into consideration when interpreting APP results in Greyhounds. Because both Hp and some ASG migrate in the α‐globulin fraction, these results may explain the low α‐globulin concentrations in Greyhounds.     

Hematologic values in young pretraining healthy Greyhounds

BACKGROUND: Greyhound dogs have numerous clinicopathologic differences compared with other dog breeds, most notably in their hematologic profiles. The hematologic differences are likely related to breed; however, the influence of other factors, including age, sex, and training, has not been fully determined. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess hematologic values in young, healthy, pretraining Greyhounds and to determine the effects of age and sex on these findings. METHODS: Jugular venous EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were collected from 43 healthy, pretraining Greyhounds between 5 and 13 months of age. Samples were analyzed within 24 hours of collection on an Abbott CELL-DYN 3500R hematology analyzer. Mean hematologic results for different age groups, and correlation with age and sex were determined for each analyte. Results were compared with adult canine, nonbreed-specific reference intervals. RESULTS: From the age of 9 to 10 months, Greyhounds had higher HCT, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC counts compared with adult canine reference intervals. Younger Greyhounds (5-6 months) had values comparable with reference intervals. Mean total WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts tended to be toward the lower end or below the reference intervals. HCT, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC counts were correlated positively with age, and platelet count was correlated negatively with age. No differences were found based on sex. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that significant hematologic differences exist in pretraining Greyhounds by 9 to 10 months of age, when compared with adult canine, nonbreed-specific reference intervals; however, these differences are less marked in Greyhounds 5 to 6 months old. Given these findings, it is unlikely that factors such as training or racing are responsible for differences in hematologic values between adult Greyhounds and other breeds.     

Effects of racing on hematologic and serum biochemical values in greyhounds

Blood samples were collected on nonracing days from 57 racing Greyhounds at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 13 weeks, and 16 weeks after the beginning of the racing season. Hematologic and biochemical tests were performed to detect marked changes induced by stress of racing. In general, these Greyhounds were healthy. Rhabdomyolysis was detected in one dog. In several other dogs, possible subclinical muscle injury was identified by increased serum creatine kinase activities. Mean serum Ca concentrations tended to decrease during the racing season. None of the tests was a good predictor of racing performance. Mean values for several hematologic and biochemical tests were different from those of other breeds of dogs.     

Effects of racing and training on serum thyroid hormone concentrations in racing Greyhounds.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of racing and training on serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in Greyhounds. ANIMALS: 9 adult racing Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Serum thyroid hormone concentrations were measured before and 5 minutes after a race in dogs trained to race 500 m twice weekly for 6 months. Resting concentrations were measured again when these dogs had been neutered and had not raced for 3 months. Postrace concentrations were adjusted relative to albumin concentration to allow for effects of hemoconcentration. Thyroid hormone concentrations were then compared with those of clinically normal dogs of non-Greyhound breeds. RESULTS: When adjusted for hemoconcentration, total T4 concentrations increased significantly after racing and TSH concentrations decreased; however, there was no evidence of a change in free T4 or total or free T3 concentrations. Resting total T4 concentrations increased significantly when dogs had been neutered and were not in training. There was no evidence that training and neutering affected resting TSH, total or free T3, or free T4 concentrations. Resting concentrations of T3, TSH, and autoantibodies against T4, T3, and thyroglobulin were similar to those found in other breeds; however, resting free and total T4 concentrations were lower than those found in other breeds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Except for total T4, thyroid hormone concentrations in Greyhounds are affected little by sprint racing and training. Greyhounds with low resting total and free T4 concentrations may not be hypothyroid.     

Echocardiographic measurements in greyhounds, whippets and Italian greyhounds--dogs with a similar conformation but different size

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of body size on various echocardiographic measurements in dogs of widely differing size, but identical body conformation. DESIGN: A randomised echocardiographic study of healthy sighthounds. ANIMALS: 60 dogs comprising an equal number (20) of racing Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Following sedation with acepromazine and morphine, and acclimatization, a thorough echocardiographic examination was performed on each dog using standard methods. RESULTS: Dimensions measured echocardiographically were highly correlated with body size. These data were subsequently examined using analyses of variance and regression. Body surface area was the best overall predictor of dimensional measurements. In comparison to previous studies using dogs of differing size and conformation, the spread of values for measurements plotted against body surface area showed substantially narrower ranges. Thus, the relationship between echocardiographic measurements and body surface area was much closer for dogs with an identical somatotype than for dogs of differing size and conformation. Commonly used ejection phase indices (fractional shortening, ejection fraction and velocity of circumferential fibre shortening) were negatively correlated with body size. In contrast, the thickening fraction of the left ventricular posterior wall, another ejection phase index, was independent of body weight and body surface area for all three breeds and when the data were pooled. CONCLUSION: Taken in consideration with previous work, this study demonstrates that body conformation and body size both influence canine echocardiographic measurements. Commonly used ejection phase indices are significantly affected by body size, with larger sighthounds having lower values. A more appropriate method of quantitating left ventricular function may be the determination of the thickening fraction of the left ventricular posterior wall.     

Prevalence of and intrinsic risk factors for appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs: 179 cases (1996-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) in Greyhounds compared with other breeds and identify potential intrinsic risk factors associated with development of OSA. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 179 dogs with primary appendicular OSA. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs in which primary appendicular OSA had been diagnosed between 1996 and 2005 were reviewed. Prevalence and crude odds ratios for OSA were calculated for various breeds by comparison with a reference population of mixed-breed dogs. Age and sex were examined as potential risk factors for the 3 breeds with highest prevalence. RESULTS: Breed period prevalence of OSA was highest for Greyhounds (21/339 [6.2%]), followed by Rottweilers (51/969 [5.3%]) and Great Danes (13/297 [4.4%]); all 21 Greyhounds with OSA were identified as having retired from racing. Sex was not identified as a risk factor for OSA in these breeds, but in all 3 breeds, risk of OSA increased with age. Greyhounds were significantly older at the time of OSA diagnosis (mean, 9.9 years) than were Rottweilers (8.3 years) and Great Danes (7.8 years). Rottweilers and Great Danes were more likely to have OSA involving the forelimbs than the hind limbs. The most frequent lesion sites for all 3 breeds were the proximal end of the humerus and distal end of the radius. The proximal end of the femur was also a common site for the Greyhounds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study suggested that Greyhounds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes had an increased risk of developing OSA, compared with mixed-breed dogs.     

Serum protein electrophoresis in retired racing Greyhounds

BACKGROUND: Retired racing Greyhounds are becoming common as pets. Because of their unique physiology, results of routine laboratory tests are frequently outside the reference interval for dogs. Compared with other breeds, Greyhounds have low serum protein concentrations, but the concentrations of different serum protein fractions have not been reported. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to evaluate the results of serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) in healthy, retired racing Greyhounds and compare them with a control group of age- and gender-matched non-Greyhound dogs. METHODS: Agarose gel electrophoresis was done using a standard method; the gels were stained with amido black and scanned with a Cliniscan 2 densitometer (Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX, USA). Protein fractions were identified by visual inspection of the electrophoretogram. A Student's t-test assuming equal variances was used to compare the concentration of the different fractions between groups. RESULTS: The concentrations of total protein, total globulins, and alpha-1-, alpha-2-, beta-1-, and beta-2-globulins were significantly lower and the albumin to globulin (A:G) ratio was significantly higher in Greyhounds than in non-Greyhound dogs (P < .05). There was no significant difference in albumin or gamma-globulin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum protein concentrations in Greyhounds are the result of low concentrations of a- and b-globulins. These results should be kept in mind when evaluating both healthy and sick Greyhounds. Additional studies are needed to identify the individual proteins associated with low alpha- and beta-globulin concentrations in Greyhounds.     

Effects of phenobarbital on thiopental pharmacokinetics in greyhounds

The effects of phenobarbital on the pharmacokinetics of thiopental (15 mg/kg IV) were investigated in 12 trained racing Greyhounds. Phenobarbital (16 mg/kg of body weight, PO, q 24 h), administered for 14 days, reduced the area under the curve of plasma concentration of thiopental vs time from 10,688 micrograms.min/ml to 3,224 micrograms.min/ml. Furthermore, the time to recovery from anesthesia (ie, return to standing position) decreased from 103 minutes to 35.7 minutes after phenobarbital. These effects were attributed to an increase in the metabolic clearance of thiopental, as a result of induction of liver enzyme activity by phenobarbital. These results suggested that hepatic metabolism, in addition to distribution, is a factor that must be considered when assessing the difference in drug disappearance rates between Greyhounds and other breeds of dogs.     

Serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM in retired racing Greyhound dogs

Background: Greyhound dogs have significant physiologic, hematologic, and biochemical differences when compared with other breeds, including significantly lower serum globulin concentration owing to decreases in the α‐ and β‐globulin fractions. The specific proteins that account for differences in globulin concentrations are not known, but IgA and IgM, both β‐globulins, are potential candidates. Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure serum IgG, IgA, and IgM in clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and compare the results with those of age‐ and sex‐matched non‐Greyhound dogs. Methods: Study animals included 25 Greyhound and 20 non‐Greyhound dogs. Total protein, albumin, and total globulin concentrations were determined. IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured using a commercially available radial immunodiffusion kit. The Student t‐test assuming equal variances was used to compare concentrations of immunoglobulins between groups. Results: Serum concentrations of IgA and IgM in Greyhounds (IgA=49±20 mg/dL; IgM=132±47 mg/dL) were significantly lower than concentrations in non‐Greyound dogs (IgA=70±39 mg/dL; Ig M=212±78 mg/dL). Concentrations of IgG did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Mean serum IgA and IgM concentrations in Greyhounds were lower than those in non‐Greyhound dogs. This may contribute to low serum concentrations of β‐globulins in Greyhounds. Specific reference intervals are recommended for Greyhounds to avoid possible misdiagnosis of IgA or IgM deficiency.     

Effects of time of collection and sample processing on von Willebrand factor concentration in retired racing greyhounds

Background: Concentrations of von Willebrand factor (vWF) are less than 30% in approximately 10% of Greyhounds. Hypothesis: That sample collection, processing, and storage can affect the concentration of vWF in plasma of Greyhounds. Animals: Nineteen healthy former racing Greyhounds. Methods: Prospective study: Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein of dogs at 4 times during the day. Samples were divided and processed in each of 3 ways. The 1st tube was centrifuged immediately, the 2nd tube was kept in a household refrigerator, and the 3rd tube was kept at room temperature for 3 hours before centrifugation and processing. Results: There were no significant differences in the vWF concentration between different sample storage and processing (P=5.31). There was no statistically significant diurnal variation in vWF concentration in the samples evaluated (P=.37). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Time of sample collection and short‐term storage temperature do not influence the vWF concentration in retired racing Greyhounds.     

Serum creatinine concentrations in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Greyhounds frequently have laboratory values that are outside reference intervals established for dogs. Our recognition of increased serum creatinine concentrations in several Greyhounds posed a problem when evaluating a Greyhound with suspected renal disease.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare serum creatinine concentrations between Greyhound and non-Greyhound dogs.
Methods: Thirty retired racing Greyhounds and 30 age-and gender-matched control non-Greyhound dogs were evaluated. Serum creatinine concentrations in both groups were measured using a standard biochemical method and compared statistically using a Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: Creatinine concentration was significantly higher in the Greyhounds ( P < .01) than in the control group.
Conclusion: Greyhounds have a higher serum creatinine concentration than do non-Greyhound dogs. This idiosyncrasy should be taken into account when evaluating healthy Greyhounds and those with suspected renal disease.     

Anesthesia of the sighthound

The sighthounds are an ancient group of dog breeds that have been selectively bred for high-speed pursuit of prey by sight. Probably as a consequence of this selection process, these dogs have a number of idiosyncrasies that can potentially adversely affect their anesthetic management. These include (1) nervous demeanor which can lead to stress-induced clinical complications, such as hyperthermia; (2) lean body conformation with high surface-area-to-volume ratio, which predisposes these dogs to hypothermia during anesthesia; (3) hematological differences such as a higher packed cell volume and lower serum protein compared with other dog breeds which may complicate interpretation of preanesthetic blood work; (4) Impaired biotransformation of drugs by the liver resulting in prolonged recovery from certain intravenous anesthetics, especially thiopental; and increased risks of drug interactions. Safe anesthetic management of sighthounds should include sedative premedication and appropriate use of analgesic drugs to minimize perioperative stress. Thiopental, or any other thiobarbiturate, should not be used in these dogs. Propofol, ketamine/diazepam combination, and methohexital are recommended alternative intravenous anesthetics. Avoid coadministration of agents that inhibit drug biotransformation, such as chloramphenicol. Inhalation anesthesia using isoflurane is the preferred anesthetic maintenance technique. Core body temperature should be monitored closely and techniques to minimize hypothermia should be employed both during anesthesia and into the recovery period.     

VERTEBRAL HEART SIZE IN RETIRED RACING GREYHOUNDS

The vertebral heart size (VHS) is used to objectively assess cardiac dimensions on thoracic radiographs. A high VHS suggest the presence of cardiac pathology, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative atrioventricular valvular disease, pericardial effusion, pericardioperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia, tricuspid dysplasia, ventricular septal defect, or patent ductus arteriosus, among others. However, breed or body conformation can influence the VHS. Because Greyhounds have a high prevalence of physiologic systolic murmurs associated with high aortic velocity, and large cardiac dimensions when compared with dogs of similar size, they are frequently suspected of having heart disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the VHS in normal Greyhounds with those in Rottweilers, and a group of dogs from various other breeds using both analog and digital radiology. The VHS was significantly higher in Greyhounds (P< 0.0001), when compared with Rottweilers and to other dog breeds. The mean VHS on lateral radiographs for Greyhounds was 10.5 +/- 0.1, for Rottweilers it was 9.8 +/- 0.1, and for mixed breed dogs it was 10.1 +/- 0.2. This study confirms that the relative cardiomegaly reported in necropsy and echocardiographic studies in Greyhounds is easily detected using plain radiography and the VHS.     

Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Retired Racing Greyhounds

Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a polypeptide found specifically in cardiac muscle tissue that has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of cardiomyopathy. Increases in cTnI are associated with myocardial pathologic processes. However, high serum cTnI concentrations have been observed in normal Greyhounds.
Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Greyhounds have cTnI concentrations higher than non-Greyhound dogs, and that a separate reference range should be established for Greyhounds.
Animals: Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein from a group of 20 healthy Greyhound blood donors.
Methods: Analysis of serum cTnI was performed with an immunoassay system with a detection level of 0.01 ng/mL, as described previously. The Greyhound values were compared with 2 groups of Boxers with and without arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and to a group of non-Boxer control dogs from a previous study.
Results: The mean cTnI concentration in Greyhounds was significantly higher ( P < .0001) than that in non-Greyhound control dogs, although not significantly different from normal Boxers ( P = .50), or Boxers with ARVC ( P = .58). Greyhound serum cTnI concentrations were in the range found in Boxers with ARVC. The proposed reference range for cTnI in Greyhounds is 0.05–0.16 ng/mL.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Greyhounds have a reference range for serum cTnI concentrations that differs from that of other previously published reference ranges for dogs of other breeds. Until a broader database and more precise reference range can be established, caution should be exercised in interpreting serum cTnI concentrations in Greyhounds with suspected cardiac disease.     

Comparison of the trotting gaits of Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds

OBJECTIVE: To compare the trotting gaits of Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds to determine whether differences in locomotion are attributable to differences in their manner of moving or to body size and shape differences between these 2 breeds. ANIMALS: 8 healthy 5-month-old Greyhounds and 5 healthy Labrador Retrievers between 6 and 18 months old. PROCEDURE: A series of 4 force platforms was used to record independent ground reaction forces on the forelimbs and hind limbs during trotting. Values of stride parameters were compared between breeds before and after normalization for size differences. Standard values of absolute and normalized stride period and stride length were determined from linear regressions of these parameters on relative (normalized) velocity. Forces were normalized to body weight and compared at the same relative velocity. RESULTS: Greyhounds used fewer, longer strides than the Labrador Retrievers to travel at the same absolute speed. After normalization for body size differences, most measurable differences between breeds were eliminated. Subtle differences that did persist related to proportion of the stride that the forefoot was in contact with the ground, timing of initial hind foot contact relative to initial forefoot contact, and distribution of vertical force between the forelimbs and hind limbs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that apparent differences in the trotting gait between Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds are mainly attributable to differences in size, and that dogs of these 2 breeds move in a dynamically similar manner at the trot.     

Comparison of the radius of curvature of the ulnar trochlear notch of Rottweilers and Greyhounds

OBJECTIVE: To compare radius of curvature along the ulnar trochlear notch of Rottweilers and Greyhounds to determine whether morphologic differences exist that may contribute to the cause and pathogenesis of fragmented coronoid process in Rottweilers. SAMPLE POPULATION: Paired elbow joints from 13 Rottweilers and 14 Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Elbow joints were radiographically scored on the basis of severity of osteoarthritic lesions. The articular contour of each ulnar trochlear notch was digitized. The radius of curvature at defined points along the ulnar trochlear notch was compared between breeds. RESULTS: Radius of curvature of the ulnar trochlear notch was not a constant function of arc length in either breed but had a consistent characteristic appearance in both breeds. Radius of curvature was greatest at each end of the ulnar trochlear notch and had 2 peaks in the midportion of the notch in both breeds. These peaks occurred farther distally in the notch and were larger in Rottweiler ulnae than Greyhound ulnae. A significant difference in mean radius of curvature was detected between breeds at these peaks. Greyhounds had significantly greater mean radius of curvature at the end of the medial coronoid process, compared with Rottweilers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Radius of curvature of the ulnar trochlear notch is a complex function of arc length in Rottweilers and Greyhounds. The waveform has a consistent characteristic appearance in both breeds. Although significant differences were identified between breeds, associations between these differences and cause or pathogenesis of fragmented coronoid process in Rottweilers were not apparent.     

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement of bone-mineral density in the distal aspect of the limbs in racing Greyhounds

OBJECTIVE: To determine those bones in the distal aspect of the limbs of Greyhounds with fatigue fractures that have the greatest left-to-right differences in bone-mineral density (BMD). SAMPLE POPULATION: Limbs obtained from 20 Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the distal aspect of each limb and isolated bones from 10 dogs with a fracture of the central tarsal bone (CTB) of the right pelvic limb was performed. High-resolution scanning was performed on excised bones, and BMD measurements of CTB also were obtained from limbs of dogs without a CTB fracture. RESULTS: The BMD of the accessory carpal bone and calcaneus was not significantly different from the BMD of those bones in the contralateral limb. Although BMD of the CTB of the entire right pelvic limb and isolated bones from dogs with a CTB fracture was lower, compared with values for the entire left pelvic limb, values for isolated CTB from dogs without a CTB fracture were not significantly different. Metacarpal or metatarsal and thoracic or pelvic limb significantly affected BMD for measurements of the entire limb and isolated bones. Left-to-right differences in BMD were greatest for metacarpal 5. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Asymmetric adaptive remodeling of metacarpal 5 can be detected by DXA. The potentially confounding effects of CTB fracture and unknown racing history made it difficult to interpret BMD changes in the CTB of these specimens. Densitometry could be developed as an in vivo assessment for risk of fractures in racing Greyhounds.     

Results of a web-based health survey of retired racing Greyhounds

BACKGROUND: Adoption of retired racing Greyhounds has become increasingly popular during the past decade. To date, research has focused on the physiologic and clinicopathologic peculiarities of Greyhounds but there is little published information on disease prevalence in the breed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of disease in retired racing Greyhounds. ANIMALS: In this study, 747 Greyhounds were used. METHODS: A standardized survey method was used, and survey responses were collected by an Internet survey. Owners could answer a survey for every Greyhound that they had owned since January 1, 2005. RESULTS: Of the 692 eligible participants, 441 (63.7% response rate) completed surveys for 747 Greyhounds. The mortality rate for Greyhounds within the 2-year period was 15% (113 of 747 died). The most common cause of death reported was cancer (66 dogs, 58%), and the most common type of cancer listed as the cause of death was osteosarcoma (28 dogs, 25%). The most commonly reported groups of diseases or disorders were skeletal (232 dogs, 33%), skin (197 dogs, 28%), digestive (132 dogs, 18%), cancer (94 dogs, 13%), and endocrine (85 dogs, 11.9%). Forty-five percent of Greyhounds diagnosed with cancer and 6% of the overall population had osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results of this study can be used by veterinary researchers to continue to investigate the most common diseases in this population. As more retired racing Greyhounds enter the pet population, the results of this study will help educate veterinarians and owners about the most prevalent diseases in the breed.     

Seroprevalence of babesiosis in Greyhounds in Florida.

An indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to serologically survey Greyhounds from 10 kennels that are part of the racing Greyhound industry in Florida. Age of dogs ranged from 11 months to 11 years. Additionally, 50 adult non-Greyhound pet dogs were consecutively surveyed. Of 393 Greyhounds tested, 181 (46%) were seropositive for babesiosis; pet dogs were seronegative. Slightly higher percentage of seropositive males than females was observed, but this difference was only significant (P less than 0.01) in the 2- to 5-year age class. Male dogs less than 2 years old had significantly (P less than 0.01) lower seroprevalence than did male dogs greater than 2 years old. All 46 Greyhounds that were actively racing at the time of sample collection were seronegative. Dogs were classified into 2 groups on the basis of whether the kennel owner had sought veterinary attention for anemic pups. The 5 kennel owners that had sought veterinary attention (group A) had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher seroprevalence (78.5%), compared with the 5 that had not sought veterinary attention (group B; 23.0%). Seroprevalence of babesiosis in Greyhounds in Florida was comparable to that reported in a limited survey of other southeastern states. It appears to be higher than that in the pet population. Breeding kennels in Florida and other southeastern states from which anemic pups originate should be screened for babesiosis.     

Biceps Brachii and Brachialis Tendon of Insertion Injuries in Eleven Racing Greyhounds

Objective— To report injuries of the biceps brachii (BTI) or brachialis (BrTI) tendons of insertion in 11 racing Greyhounds.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Greyhounds (n=11).
Methods— Medical records (1990–2006) of racing Greyhound dogs with BTI injuries were reviewed. Preinjury, injury, and posttreatment information was obtained via trainer telephone questionnaire and individual greyhound race data. Outcomes between surgical and conservative management were compared.
Results— Dogs had elbow hyperextension, positive biceps test, and forelimb circumduction and 82% were male, whereas Queensland's male to female ratio of racing Greyhounds was almost equal. Eight dogs had right BTI injuries. Nine dogs had surgically confirmed tendon injuries: 5 combined BTI and BrTI, 2 mid-body BTI, 1 musculotendinous BTI, and 1 ulnar tuberosity avulsion fracture. Seven dogs were treated surgically (3 loop pulley sutures, single radial screw and washer, suture screws or fracture fixation in lag fashion), 2 dogs were euthanatized at surgery, 2 were rehomed and hence managed conservatively. All surgically treated dogs returned to near preinjury performance; 6 returned to racing and at least 4 won races in the same or higher grade. One conservatively managed dog returned to "pet" function. No dog reinjured its BTI or BrTI.
Conclusion— BTI and BrTI avulsions are rare acute traumatic performance injuries of racing Greyhounds.
Clinical Relevance— Preinjury racing performance can be achieved with early surgical repair of BTI and BrTI and optimal postoperative management.