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.     

Dog erythrocyte antigens 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 7, and Dal blood typing and cross‐matching by gel column technique

Background: Testing for canine blood types other than dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 (DEA 1.1) is controversial and complicated by reagent availability and methodology. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to use available gel column technology to develop an extended blood‐typing method using polyclonal reagents for DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 7, and Dal and to assess the use of gel columns for cross‐matching. Methods: Dogs (43–75) were typed for DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 7, and Dal. Methods included tube agglutination (Tube) using polyclonal reagents, a commercially available DEA 1.1 gel column test kit (Standard‐Gel) using monoclonal reagent, and multiple gel columns (Extended‐Gel) using polyclonal reagents. Blood from 10 recipient and 15 donor dogs was typed as described above and cross‐matched using the gel column technique. Results: Of 43 dogs typed for DEA 1.1, 23, 25, and 20 dogs were positive using Standard‐Gel, Extended‐Gel, and Tube, respectively. Typing for DEA 1.2 was not achievable with Extended‐Gel. For 75 dogs typed for DEA 3, 4, and 7, concordance of Extended‐Gel with Tube was 94.7%, 100%, and 84%, respectively. Dal, determined only by Extended‐Gel, was positive for all dogs. Post‐transfusion major cross‐matches were incompatible in 10 of 14 pairings, but none were associated with demonstrable blood type incompatibilities. Conclusions: Gel column methodology can be adapted for use with polyclonal reagents for detecting DEA 1.1, 3, 4, 7, and Dal. Agglutination reactions are similar between Extended‐Gel and Tube, but are more easily interpreted with Extended‐Gel. When using gel columns for cross‐matching, incompatible blood cross‐matches can be detected following sensitization by transfusion, although in this study incompatibilities associated with any tested DEA or Dal antigens were not found.     

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.     

Blood gas analysis and cooximetry in retired racing Greyhounds

Objective – The purposes of this study were to evaluate the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) in healthy retired racing Greyhounds via cooximetry, and to establish reference intervals for blood gases and cooximetry in this breed. Design – Prospective clinical study. Setting – University Teaching Hospital. Animals – Fifty‐seven Greyhounds and 30 non‐Greyhound dogs. Interventions – Venous blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and placed into heparinized tubes. The samples were analyzed within 30 minutes of collection using a blood gas analyzer equipped with a cooximeter. Measurements and Main Results – Greyhounds had significantly higher pH, PO₂, oxygen saturation, oxyhemoglobin, total Hb, oxygen content, and oxygen capacity and significantly lower deoxyhemoglobin and P₅₀ when compared with non‐Greyhound dogs. Conclusion – These findings support the fact that this breed is able to carry a higher concentration of total oxygen in the blood. As reported previously, this breed also has lower P₅₀ and, therefore, high oxygen affinity. In light of recent findings suggesting that in certain tissues a high affinity for oxygen is beneficial, this adaptation may be of benefit during strenuous exercise.     

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.     

Platelet concentrations and platelet-associated IgG in greyhounds

BACKGROUND: Greyhounds have lower platelet concentrations (PC) than dogs of other breeds have. No underlying cause has been investigated. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that Greyhounds have lower mean PC because of breed variation, not immune-mediated causes. Our secondary hypothesis was that PC is dependent on the method of analysis. ANIMALS: Sixty privately owned Greyhounds in Kansas. METHODS: Blood samples were collected into evacuated glass tubes containing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Blood smears were evaluated for platelet clumps. All 60 samples had PC determined by manual, impedance, and buffy coat analyzer methods. Results of the 60 samples were compared with results of samples with (n = 25) and without (n = 35) clumps, and with control dogs. Platelets were assayed for the presence of surface-associated antigen (PSAIgG) by direct immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The mean PC was below that of the control dogs for the impedance method (P < .001). No significant difference in PC was detected between analysis methods or between samples with or without platelet clumps. Three of 60 (5%) of the Greyhounds had PC between 50,000 and 100,000/microL with impedance analysis; no samples had < 100,000/microL via buffy coat analysis. PSAIgG was not identified in any samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The mean Greyhound PC for the impedance method was below the reference interval for control dogs but was not significantly different from PC determined by other methods. An immune-mediated cause for the lower PC was unlikely because no samples had PSAIgG. The decreased PC is most consistent with breed variation. As only 0-5% of samples, depending on analysis method, had PC < 100,000/microL, a Greyhound with a PC < 100,000/microL is not necessarily consistent with breed variation, thus diagnostic testing is indicated.     

The breed prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 in the Onderstepoort area of South Africa and its significance in selection of canine blood donors

The blood group antigen Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1.1 is clinically the most important canine blood group as DEA 1.1 antibodies are capable of causing acute haemolytic, potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions. Dogs do not have naturally occurring antibodies to DEA 1.1 but are rapidly sensitised by the first incompatible transfusion. The prevalence of DEA 1.1 in the general dog population is estimated at 42-46%. Canine blood donors registered with the Onderstepoort Animal Blood Bank (n = 93) as well as potential donors (n = 140) were typed for DEA 1.1 using a monoclonal antibody card kit. All dogs came from the Onderstepoort area, near Pretoria, Gauteng province, South Africa. Overall prevalence of DEA 1.1 was 47%. Prevalence was 47% in purebred dogs and 48% in mongrels. Distinct breed differences were noted with less than 20% of German shepherd dogs and Boxers and greater than 75% of Rottweilers, Great Danes, St Bernards and Dalmations testing DEA 1.1 positive. Knowledge of local breed differences will increase effectiveness of blood donor recruitment.     

Pharmacokinetics of oral terbinafine in horses and Greyhound dogs

The objective of the study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of terbinafine administered orally to horses and Greyhound dogs. A secondary objective was to assess terbinafine metabolites. Six healthy horses and six healthy Greyhound dogs were included in the pharmacokinetic data. The targeted dose of terbinafine was 20 and 30 mg/kg for horses and dogs, respectively. Blood was collected at predetermined intervals for the quantification of terbinafine concentrations with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The half-life (geometric mean) was 8.1 and 8.6 h for horses and Greyhounds, respectively. The mean maximum plasma concentration was 0.31 and 4.01 μg/mL for horses and Greyhounds, respectively. The area under the curve (to infinity) was 1.793 h·μg/mL for horses and 17.253 h·μg/mL for Greyhounds. Adverse effects observed in one study horse included pawing at the ground, curling lips, head shaking, anxiety and circling, but these resolved spontaneously within 30 min of onset. No adverse effects were noted in the dogs. Ions consistent with carboxyterbinafine, n-desmethylterbinafine, hydroxyterbinafine and desmethylhydroxyterbinafine were identified in horse and Greyhound plasma after terbinafine administration. Further studies are needed assessing the safety and efficacy of terbinafine in horses and dogs.     

Evaluation of platelet aggregation using a point-of-care instrument in retired racing Greyhounds

Veterinarians involved in Greyhound rescue have anecdotally observed that 10-15% of Greyhounds bleed profusely after simple surgical procedures. In most patients, platelet counts and hemostasis profiles are normal; therefore, it is possible that these dogs have platelet dysfunction. The PFA-100 is a novel point-of-care platelet function analyzer that has recently been evaluated as a rapid method to assess platelet function in dogs. The objectives of this study were to characterize platelet function in a group of healthy Greyhounds by means of the PFA-100. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein from 30 healthy Greyhounds. CBC, biochemical profile, PFA-100 assay with collagen/epinephrine (COL-EPI) and collagen/ adenosindiphosphate (COL-ADP), plasma von Willebrand factor antigen concentration (vWF:Ag), and vWF collagen-binding assay (vWF:CBA) were performed. PFA-100 closure times (CTs) with COL/ADP ranged from 63 to 92 seconds (mean +/- SD, 74.7 +/- 7.9 seconds) and with COL/EPI from 87 to 238 seconds (138 +/- 41 seconds); vWF: Ag ranged from 22 to 120% (87.52 +/- 25.5%) and vWF: CBA ranged from 36 to 102% (77.4 +/- 17.3%); and platelet counts ranged from 147 to 265 x 10(9)/L (194.6 +/- 31.64 x 10(9)/L). Greyhound CTs were significantly shorter than CTs in a mixed population of 50 healthy non-Greyhound dogs, in which the COL/ADP CTs ranged from 61 to 172 seconds (mean +/- SD, 87 +/- 21.6 seconds), and the COL/ EPI CTs ranged from 81 to 300 seconds (mean +/- SD, 183 +/- 67.6 seconds; P = 0.005 for COL/ADP CT; P = 0.001 for COL/ EPI CT). Also, platelet counts were significantly lower (P = 0.001) and packed cell volume was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in the Greyhound than in the non-Greyhound group. The PFA-100 is a reproducible method that can be used in the clinical setting to assess platelet function in Greyhounds; however, normal CTs in healthy Greyhounds are shorter than in other breeds. The results obtained in this study will be used to screen for abnormal platelet function in Greyhounds with postoperative bleeding.     

Juvenile Pancreatic Atrophy in Greyhounds: 12 Cases (1995–2000)

Background: This study describes compound failure of the endocrine and exocrine pancreas in Greyhounds, a condition that has not been reported in the veterinary literature.
Objective: To describe the clinical and pathologic findings in 12 Greyhounds with juvenile pancreatic atrophy.
Animals: Ten Greyhounds presented for necropsy examination and 2 sibling Greyhounds presented for clinical evaluation before necropsy, all with a history of small-bowel diarrhea.
Procedures: Retrospective study of laboratory and pathologic findings in 12 Greyhounds, including serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity assays, oral glucose tolerance testing, and serum anti-insulin antibody concentrations.
Results: Gross pancreatic atrophy was found in all 12 dogs. Histopathologic lesions were found in both the endocrine and exocrine pancreas and included acinar cell apoptosis, zymogen granule loss, cytoplasmic clearing or vacuolar change, lobular atrophy, islet loss, and lymphocytic or lymphoplasmacytic pancreatitis. Antemortem test results on the 2 Greyhound puppies indicated concurrent exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Compound failure of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas is rarely reported in dogs and neither disease is well recognized in the Greyhound. This condition is of potential economic importance to the Greyhound racing industry.     

White-coat effect on systemic blood pressure in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Greyhounds are known to have a higher systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) than non‐Greyhound dogs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the high systemic BP was because of the white‐coat effect. Animals: Twenty‐two healthy retired racing Greyhounds (RRG) enrolled in a blood donation program. Materials/Methods: We prospectively measured systemic BP in 3 environments: in the hospital by the investigator (Hosp), in the home by the investigator (H/I), and in the home by the owner (H/O). Five serial measurements of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (SAP, DAP, MAP) as well as heart rate (HR) were measured by an oscillometric method on the distal forelimb and distal hind limb in all 3 environments. Results: There was a significant difference for SAP, MAP, and HR between the Hosp and both H/I and H/O (P < .001); there were no significant differences for any of the parameters between the H/I and H/O environments. HR, but not SAP, MAP, or DAP (P < .05) decreased in RRG with multiple hospital visits for blood donation before this study. The hind limb SAP was significantly higher than the forelimb SAP (P < .05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: We conclude that the high SAP, MAP, and HR seen in the hospital setting are likely because of a white‐coat effect. Furthermore, consideration should be given to defining the parameters of normal BP in RRG according to the environment in which they are obtained.     

Comparison of various canine blood-typing methods

OBJECTIVE: To compare canine blood-typing results determined by use of the card (CARD), gel (GEL), Michigan State University (MSU), and tube (TUBE) tests. SAMPLE POPULATION: Blood samples from 23 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: Blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA were screened by use of each blood-typing method according to manufacturers' protocols. RESULTS: Strong RBC agglutination reactions were observed with dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 reagents of the CARD and GEL tests as well as MSU test (only after adding Coombs' reagent) in 9 blood samples. By use of the CARD test, RBCs from 4 additional dogs agglutinated weakly; on the basis of MSU test results, these 4 dogs were classified as DEA 1.2 positive. All blood samples agglutinated with the B antigen reagent of the TUBE test. All but 2 blood samples had strong positive reactions with the DEA 4 reagent of the MSU test. All but 3 blood samples reacted with the E antigen reagent of the TUBE test. Three blood samples agglutinated with the DEA 3 reagent of the MSU test and A antigen reagent of the TUBE test. Five blood samples had strong agglutination reactions with the DEA 5 reagent of the MSU test. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of the CARD test allows for rapid identification of DEA 1.1 but may produce weak reactions with blood from DEA 1.2-positive dogs. The GEL test is a reliable and rapid clinical laboratory method for identification of DEA 1.1. The MSU test requires Coombs' reagent for identification of DEA 1.1 and 1.2.     

Determinants of passive hip range of motion in adult Greyhounds

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ranges of normal pelvic limb range of motion in adult Greyhound dogs, and to explore which factors influence hip range of motion in a population bred to meet the specific demands of racing. Design A cross-sectional study design. METHOD: Thirty-two dogs (17 male and 15 female) 13 to 81 months old were randomly selected from a local pool of 160 Greyhounds. Goniometric measurements of hip, stifle and hock range of motion were recorded in triplicate. Signalment information collected included sex, weight and age of each Greyhound. The outcome factors for the study were range of hip flexion and hip extension. The theorised exposures, age, sex, weight, racing history and hock and stifle range of motion, were modelled against the outcome variables by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Male dogs were significantly heavier (P < 0.001) and older (P < 0.002) than female dogs. Mean hip flexion was 71.75 degrees and mean hip extension 128.10 degrees. The determinants of hip flexion were sex (P = 0.008) and range of stifle flexion (P = 0.002). Race training did not influence the range of hip flexion in the sample. Determinants of hip extension included range of stifle extension (P = 0.015), history of race training (P = 0.004) and hock flexion. The mean hip extension of raced Greyhounds was 134.95 degrees compared with 121.25 degrees for unraced Greyhounds (mean difference -13.70, 95% confidence interval -18.12, -9.29; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study has reported isolated pelvic limb joint range of motion in the racing Greyhound. Hip range of motion was affected by stifle range of motion, sex and race training. Dogs that had received race training had greater flexibility, possibly due to training having an active stretching role on muscles, tendons and other structures limiting the hip range of motion.     

Morphologic characterization of specific granules in Greyhound eosinophils

BACKGROUND: "Vacuolated" eosinophils (ie, eosinophils with empty, nonstaining granules) have been described previously in normal Greyhounds. However, to our knowledge, detailed studies of granules in vacuolated and normal eosinophils in this breed have not been performed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective study was to characterize some of the morphologic, ultrastructural, and cytochemical staining features of specific (primary) granules in both normal and vacuolated eosinophils in Greyhound blood. METHODS: Morphologic features of eosinophils in Wright's- and Diff-Quik-stained peripheral blood smears from 49 Greyhounds were compared with 200 blood smears from non-Greyhound dogs. Transmission electron microscopy was done on blood from 3 Greyhounds with vacuolated eosinophils and 3 with normal eosinophil granules. Blood smears from 4 of these dogs also were stained cytochemically with alkaline phosphatase (AP), chloracetate esterase (CAE), and alpha naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE). The morphologic features and tinctorial properties of vacuolated and normal eosinophils were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-six Greyhounds (53%) had vacuolated eosinophils and 23 (47%) had normal granulated eosinophils in smears stained with Wright's stain. Only 1% of eosinophils were vacuolated in non-Greyhound dogs. Twenty of the 23 (85%) Greyhounds with normal granulated eosinophils on Wright's-stained smears had vacuolated eosinophils in smears stained with Diff-Quik. Ultrastructurally, no morphologic differences were observed between granules of vacuolated and normal eosinophils. Both vacuolated and normal eosinophils in Greyhounds were positive for AP and negative for CAE and ANBE, as expected for normal dogs. CONCLUSION: Vacuolated eosinophils in Greyhounds likely reflect, at least in part, differential staining properties of the specific granules with different hematologic stains. Ultrastuctural and cytochemical features of eosinophil granules were similar in normal and vacuolated eosinophils from Greyhounds.     

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.     

Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 in dogs in Switzerland evaluated with the gel column technique

Canine blood typing has become an established and essential laboratory test due to the rising demand for safe and efficient blood transfusions. The most immunogenic and clinically important blood type is DEA 1.1. Little is known about DEA 1.1 frequencies or special characteristics among different canine breeds. 304 dogs were tested for DEA 1.1. DEA 1.1-typing was performed using a commercial gel column technique (ID-Gel Test Canine DEA 1.1, DiaMed, Cressier, Switzerland). Fifty-three percent of all tested dogs reacted positive for DEA 1.1, whereas 49 % of the mixed breeds tested DEA 1.1-positive. All Bernese mountain dogs (n = 22) and Rottweilers (n = 9) tested positive for DEA 1.1, while all Boxers (n = 8), Flat-Coated Retrievers (n = 9), and Border Collies (6) tested negative for DEA 1.1. The prevalence of DEA 1.1 in dogs in Switzerland was found to be comparable to that reported from other countries. The tested breeds were found to differ considerably in the frequency of DEA 1.1. This knowledge is useful for selection of blood donors. However, DEA 1.1 blood typing of donor and recipient prior to transfusion and cross matching in sensitized dogs is unavoidable.     

Seasonal vitamin D status of Greyhounds in Sydney

OBJECTIVES: To survey the vitamin D status of a population of Greyhounds in New South Wales, and to establish a reference range for plasma 25(OH)D. To investigate whether any seasonal fluctuation in vitamin D status is detectable in these animals. DESIGN: Vitamin D status was assessed in Greyhounds and crossbred dogs presented to the University of Sydney for teaching purposes over a 24 month period. PROCEDURES: Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was measured as an estimate of vitamin D status. Physical examination and plasma calcium concentration were used to verify the health of the animals, particularly with respect to metabolic bone disease. RESULTS: A plasma 25(OH)D concentration range of 10 to 76 nmol/L was found in healthy adult Greyhounds. There was no sex- or season-dependent variation in vitamin D status in Greyhounds. Concentrations in crossbred dogs did not differ significantly from those in Greyhounds. CONCLUSION: The reference range for plasma 25(OH)D concentration in Greyhound dogs is similar to that previously reported for humans. It would seem that healthy dogs in the Sydney region do not exhibit a seasonal fluctuation in their vitamin D status.     

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.     

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.