Health Concerns in Italian Greyhounds
Italian Greyhounds are small, delicate appearing dogs but they aren't as fragile as they might appear. While IGs don't seem to display common illnesses like allergies, digestive, heart or back problems as frequently as some breeds, they are subject to a number of health issues in particular and have the potential for a number of inheritable problems.
Periodontal Disease
The most common health problems in Italian Greyhounds are periodontal disease and tooth problems. Without proper, frequent dental care from a young age, IGs can develop severe periodontal or gum disease quite quickly. Hypotheses for this are varied, including: tooth crowding because of relatively large teeth in a small head; tight lips trapping food particles against the teeth and; a relatively dry mouth that prevents the saliva from clearing food debris from the teeth. Whatever the reason, and it is probably no just a single issue, proper brushing remains critical for IGs oral health. Some of the effects of periodontal disease can include tooth loss and this can occur in Italian Greyhounds as early as one to three years of age.
In addition, the Italian Greyhound can also experience retained deciduous(baby) teeth. This occurs when the adult tooth erupts and the matching deciduous tooth hasn't fallen out. This condition requires a trip to the vet so that the retained tooth can be removed. According to a 1993 survey by the Italian Greyhound Club of America, 13.6% of IGs suffered from inflamed gums, 9.67% suffered tooth loss and 8.5% experienced retained deciduous teeth. |
Fractured Limbs
Also included in the IGCAs 1993 survey, 9.8% of respondents reported that their IG had fractured a limb in the previous year, particularly in puppies between four and twelve months. This seems to be related to the fact that the Italian Greyhound has long slender legs for their body size and a propensity to leap of off high surfaces. Close supervision in all IGs and puppies in particular can help reduce the possibility of breaks, and unsupervised IGs should be safely confined.
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Other Health Concerns
While periodontal disease and broken bones are the most common health concerns in IGs, there are a number of other hereditary issues that can be seen in the breed. These issues are all potentially moderated by breeding and those animals that suffer from them are not recommended to be bred.
Seizures and idiopathic epilepsy were the next most often reported health problems. Healthy dogs can begin to have seizures between two and five years of age without an identifiable cause. In many cases no treatment is required because of the infrequent and mild occurrences of the seizures. If the seizures are violent, frequent or clustered your vet will prescribe medication, normally the barbiturate Phenobarbital (phenobarb). Despite possible allergies to barbiturates, IGs tolerate oral phenobarbital as well as any other breed.
Cryptorchidism or Retained Testicles can also occur. This is a condition where the testicle or testicles do not descend during development. It can lead to an increased risk of testicular cancer and should be treated through neutering early on.
Colour Dilute Alopecia (CDA) is hair loss coupled to the coloured regions of a dilute coat. These colours include: blue; blue-fawn; fawn and the like. A dilute coat is one that is a lighter colour than the standard. Blue is the dilute coat for black and tan while fawn is the dilute version of red or brown. Dogs with CDA will display patchy to complete hair loss of the non-white fur areas. CDA is uncommon in Italian Greyhounds and only a small percentage of dilute coated dogs are affected.
The other reported health issue in the 1993 survey was hypothyroidism affecting less than 3% of respondents. Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, alopecia, or weight loss. This condition is treatable through hormone replacement.
Cryptorchidism or Retained Testicles can also occur. This is a condition where the testicle or testicles do not descend during development. It can lead to an increased risk of testicular cancer and should be treated through neutering early on.
Colour Dilute Alopecia (CDA) is hair loss coupled to the coloured regions of a dilute coat. These colours include: blue; blue-fawn; fawn and the like. A dilute coat is one that is a lighter colour than the standard. Blue is the dilute coat for black and tan while fawn is the dilute version of red or brown. Dogs with CDA will display patchy to complete hair loss of the non-white fur areas. CDA is uncommon in Italian Greyhounds and only a small percentage of dilute coated dogs are affected.
The other reported health issue in the 1993 survey was hypothyroidism affecting less than 3% of respondents. Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, alopecia, or weight loss. This condition is treatable through hormone replacement.
Other health concerns that were not seen during the 1993 survey but that should still be considered are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy which can lead to blindness; juvenile cataracts; Luxating Patellas (slipped stifles or dislocated kneecaps); Legg-Perthe's Disease, an orthopedic disease causing bone loss in the hips; autoimmune disorders; Portal Systemic Shunts (liver shunts); and inherited deafness. You should double check that these illnesses are not present in the breeding line you are considering purchasing from.