site. They have put together a very educational group of articles. Please check these out.) Before choosing a veterinarian for your greyhound, you should determine if your selected doctor has knowledge of a greyhound's special needs. Do Not be afraid to question your vet thoroughly. Most veterinarians are very willing to learn about sighthounds if they are not familiar with them.
Anesthesia is something that should never be taken lightly, but if performed by a knowledgeable vet it can be safe for your greyhound. During the past several years' advancements in anesthesia, veterinarians' knowledge has grown to such a point that the risks are much less than they were.
The physiology of a greyhound is unlike other breeds for several reasons. The liver of a greyhound metabolizes drugs much slower than other breeds; also, the low percentage of body fat proportionate to its size plays a part in these differences. On the average, greyhounds have 16 percent body weight of fat as compared with 35 percent in mixed-breed dogs of comparable size. The blood level of some drugs in a dog's system falls by going into the fat. The less fat the dog has, the longer it will take for the blood level to fall. The quicker the drug leaves the body, the quicker the patient will wake up from anesthesia. Greyhounds have a history of becoming excitable and confused when waking from anesthesia. This is one more reason why the drugs used to anesthetize a greyhound should be the correct ones. You want your grey to recover from anesthesia in a prompt, pain-free manner.
Before any invasive procedure, which requires anesthesia, is done you and your veterinarian should determine the level of your dog's health. A complete examination should be done, including checking body temperature, heart and respiratory rates. A blood screening should always be done. The age, history and physical condition of the greyhound will determine what all blood tests should be done. Inserting an IV catheter is another wise choice. This will give the doctor direct access into the vein in order to inject any drugs necessary. It also can then be used for fluid therapy during the procedure. The blood pressure can be maintained easier if fluids are given during surgery. Should any complications occur having an open vein would also be a plus. Body temperature is also very important. This should be watched closely during the procedure - cold animals recover more slowly than warmer ones.
