Some of you who know me well will know of my passion, addiction and love of all things sighthounds. While I adore every dog I meet, for our household sighthounds rule:-) We have lived with, fostered, loved and lost them over the past 25 years and they are awesome!
Something you might not know about greyhound or greyhound crosses is that there is a bleeding disorder that affects them called “hyperfibrinolysis syndrome”.
The clinical signs can vary from a little localised bruising to life-threatening generalised haemorrhage after trauma or surgery. Why this happens is not as yet fully understood. They may have one surgery and not be affected, but the next time they can be.
So what can be done about it? Well, the risk of delayed post-operative bleeding can be significantly decreased with the administration of a drug such as tranexamic acid (TEA), which is readily available.
If your dog is having elective surgery, they can be treated perioperatively (before and after) to limit the risk of bleeding. There is a test that can be done to see if your dog is likely to suffer with hyperfibrinolysis syndrome, however it is not readily available.
If your dog has a trauma, such as runs into something or is attacked, be aware that this can also create excessive bleeding. If you have any doubts, contact your vet ASAP for advice and treatment.
Please feel free to share with your sighthound friends, this knowledge may save a life.
The picture is of Flo, one of our fosters three years ago, just because she is gorgeous!
