If you’re a whippet owner, you probably want to know how to keep your beloved companion healthy and safe. Luckily, there are a number of ways to do just that. Read on to discover more about whippet health problems, including heart disease, allergies, epilepsy, cancer, and more.
Whippet heart disease
Heart disease is a common cause of death in Whippets, and is the number one cause of death in their golden years. Most dog heart disease results from weakened heart valves, which allow blood to leak back around the valve, straining the heart. If your pet has heart valve disease, they will likely have a heart murmur and outward signs of heart problems. To diagnose heart disease, your pet should be screened by a veterinary surgeon. This will allow you to determine the severity and potential treatment options.
Another common problem among Whippets is food allergy. This is a genetically inherited problem, and symptoms of food allergy include itchy skin, frequent ear infections, chronic vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnosing this disease is difficult, but with a prescription veterinary diet, your dog may be able to overcome it.
Other diseases that affect whippets include hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include hair loss, dry skin, and susceptibility to other skin diseases. Your pet may also be more prone to aggression and fearful behavior. Blood tests can be performed to diagnose hypothyroidism and treatment is typically involving replacement hormones.
Whippets may also suffer from a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. This disease affects all of the heart chambers and causes reduced contractile function. It may be secondary to other diseases, such as hypothyroidism or low blood taurine. If you think your pet has DCM, you may need to have a live exam conducted.
Whippet epilepsy
Genetic studies are underway to determine the causes of Whippet epilepsy and its health issues. A research team from the University of Helsinki and the University of Minnesota is working to identify the genetic basis of the disease. Whippets with EIH typically appear normal at rest but show symptoms of the disorder after they exercise for about five to 15 minutes. They may also display unusual behavior, including exaggerated lifting of each leg while walking, a choppy gait, a wide-based stance, and a lack of balance.
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of canine epilepsy, proper treatment can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures and prevent them entirely. Several drugs are available to treat the disorder, but you need to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering the medication. To get the best results, it is essential that you give your pet its medication regularly, at set intervals. It is also a good idea to film your pet during a seizure so you can document the symptoms and document the duration of the episode for your veterinarian.
Whippet use can cause serious side effects, including heart strain, seizures, and whippet overdose. If you are currently using whippets, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. First responders will use a defibrillator and rescue breaths to try to restart your whippet’s heart.
Whippet cancer
Cancer in Whippets is a serious threat to their lives, and early detection is the key to successful treatment. Certain types of cancer, such as canine leukemia, are treatable through surgery, while others are curable with chemotherapy. Early detection is essential, and veterinarians will test blood and look for lumps and bumps on your dog during routine exams.
Researchers have begun to look for genetic markers that may contribute to the development of Whippet cancer, including EIH. DNA samples from affected and normal Whippets are being genotyped to find risk genes. So far, 40 samples have been genotyped, but more are needed to identify the genes responsible for the disease.
Another serious disease that may affect Whippets is heart disease. This disease affects one of the four cardiac valves, and Whippets are more prone than other breeds to develop it. This disease can affect the ability of the valve to open and close. In advanced cases, it can cause heart failure.
Whippets are also susceptible to allergies. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy skin, and recurrent ear infections. Allergies are often caused by pollen, dust, or mold. An allergy to these substances may trigger your pet’s symptoms, and you should see a veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.
Whippet allergies
Whippet allergies can be a very real problem. Although they do not shed much, Whippets can produce a significant amount of dander. As a result, regular brushing and bathing can minimize the shedding and prevent pet allergies. However, regular brushing will not guarantee that your Whippet will never shed again.
Whippet allergies can be caused by a variety of factors, including mold, dust, and pollen. These allergens can cause sneezing, skin itching, and itchiness. Allergies are most likely to manifest themselves in the ear, belly, or folds of the skin. Symptoms generally appear between one and three years of age. Other symptoms include frequent ear infections and frequent licking of the face.
Unlike many dog breeds, Whippets have a single, short-haired coat. Because of this, they shed less than most breeds of dogs. However, dogs produce allergens in their saliva, urine, and dander. The dander that the dogs produce is responsible for many people’s allergic reactions.
While Whippets aren’t on any expert lists of high and low allergen dogs, they can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. It is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before adopting a Whippet if you suffer from allergies. It’s also recommended to keep your house clean and your pet well-groomed, as this can help minimize the symptoms of allergy-causing allergens.
Whippet intolerance to cold
Whippets are known to be intolerant of cold temperatures. There is no specific reason why this is the case, but some whippets may be more prone to cold temperatures than others. While this trait can be problematic for some whippet owners, it should not be ignored. In addition to intolerance to cold, Whippets may also be prone to several other health issues.
Whippets can be very prone to injury. They are susceptible to surface and musculoskeletal injuries. Whippets are prone to fractures in their paws and toes. Their tendency to play rough is a source of potential paw injuries. Although Whippets are generally gentle with other pets, they can be aggressive when around small animals. For this reason, they should be kept separated when not around other animals.
If your Whippet is allergic to cold, there are several solutions. Genetic tests are available. These are generally noninvasive and can be used to determine your dog’s risk of developing diseases. Genetic testing is also helpful for identifying the cause of an illness in a specific breed. Genetic tests for Whippets are not widely available.
Whippets are known for their easy-care coats, but they do require regular grooming. You will need to brush their teeth regularly, brush their ears, and keep their nails clipped. As with other breeds, Whippets shed hair, so a regular grooming schedule is essential for a healthy life.
Whippet’s intolerance to anaesthesia
Whippets are particularly sensitive to anaesthesia compared to other breeds. They are at risk of hypothermia while under anaesthesia, and a vet should be aware of this problem before administering the sedative. While it is rare for whippets to suffer a severe reaction to anaesthesia, they do need to be closely monitored during the procedure.
Cancer is a major killer of dogs in their golden years, and Whippets are particularly susceptible to certain forms. Fortunately, many cancers are curable or treatable with surgery, but it is important to diagnose the disease early. Regular blood tests and regular examinations with a veterinarian are essential to help detect cancer. A veterinarian will also check for lumps or bumps that could indicate cancer.
Food allergies are another common problem among Whippets. They can exhibit symptoms such as itchy skin and recurrent ear infections. A prescription veterinary diet is often prescribed to treat food allergies. Other health issues common to Whippets include cancer, epilepsy, and food allergies.
Whippets’ eyesight can be affected by a condition called corneal dystrophy. This disease affects the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. In some cases, it can cause small white crystals to accumulate, blocking vision. More severe cases of the condition can lead to complete blindness. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.