Do Italian Greyhounds have health problems?

• Eye problems: The Italian greyhound’s large eyes make them prone to serious eye injuries. These include scratched corneas; corneal ulcers, when the deeper layers of the cornea are lost due to injury or foreign objects; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness. Eye examinations and genetic testing can help identify carriers and reduce the risk of passing on these diseases to future generations.

• Portosystemic liver shunt: Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a hereditary issue that obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Signs can include but are not limited to, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. PSS can be life-threatening if not treated early. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem.

• Von Willebrand’s disease: Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. It happens when a dog does not produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood cells used in clotting stick together. This results in dogs that are unable to clot properly and could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called the von Willebrand factor (vWF).

• Patellar luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. It can cause lameness or discomfort and might require surgical intervention in severe cases. 

• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: This degenerative hip joint disorder can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected hip joint. It might require medical management or surgical treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve the dog’s quality of life.

• Dental problems: Italian Greyhounds are prone to dental issues, such as periodontal disease, due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth daily, providing dental chews or toys, and scheduling professional dental cleanings, can help maintain their oral health.

• Hypothyroidism: This common endocrine disorder in dogs occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin problems. Lifelong medication and regular monitoring are typically required to manage the condition.

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an Italian Greyhound, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.