Do Greyhounds have any genetic abnormalities common to the breed?
Because racing Greyhounds are bred exclusively for function and temperament rather than to emphasize a particular “look,” they have no genetic-related abnormalities. For example, they have one of the lowest incidences of hip dysplasia of all the breeds. Greyhounds’ low percentage of body fat makes them somewhat sensitive to some anesthesia agents, but there are commonly used anesthetics that are safe for Greyhounds.(See the “Help and Tips pages”, anesthetics). Adopters should discuss anesthesia requirements with their veterinarian and make sure that he is familiar with Greyhound sensitivities in this area. Greyhounds should not wear flea collars, but the new flea treatments like Advantage and Frontline are safe for them.
