At a glance
- Bloat is the most serious health concern for Borzois, requiring immediate emergency veterinary care
- These dogs are unusually sensitive to anaesthesia due to their lean body composition
- Hip and elbow dysplasia can be managed effectively with proper weight control and joint support
- Regular genetic testing and health screening help identify potential issues before they become serious
Understanding bloat in your Borzoi
You might notice your Borzoi pacing restlessly after dinner, or see their abdomen looking unusually distended. These could be early warning signs of bloat, technically called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which represents the most serious health emergency these dogs face.
The symptoms develop quickly and can be subtle at first. Watch for restlessness, excessive drooling, dry heaving without bringing anything up, and laboured breathing. Many owners describe their dog seeming uncomfortable and unable to settle, often accompanied by a visibly swollen belly.
Prevention centres around feeding management. Divide your dog's daily food into smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large serving. Avoid vigorous exercise for at least an hour before and after eating. Some owners find success with kibble dispensers like the Houndsy Kibble Dispenser, which naturally slows eating and helps with portion control.
If you suspect bloat, immediate veterinary attention is essential. This condition can be fatal within hours, and surgery is often necessary to save the dog's life. Some veterinarians recommend gastropexy, a preventive surgical procedure that anchors the stomach to prevent future episodes. Learn more about GDV.
Managing joint health and dysplasia
Many Borzoi owners notice subtle changes in their dog's movement as they age. Difficulty rising from rest, decreased enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed, or stiffness after lying down can signal hip or elbow dysplasia developing.
These conditions stem from abnormal joint development and can affect dogs at various life stages. The good news is that early detection and proper management make a significant difference in your dog's quality of life. More on joint health.
Maintaining an appropriate weight is crucial, as excess pounds place additional stress on already compromised joints. Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain muscle strength and joint mobility without overexertion. Swimming, when available, provides excellent low-impact exercise for these athletic dogs.
Joint supplements can provide additional support, particularly for older dogs. Your veterinarian can recommend specific formulations based on your dog's individual needs and current joint health status.
Navigating anaesthesia sensitivity
When your veterinarian mentions any procedure requiring anaesthesia, it's important to discuss your Borzoi's breed-specific sensitivities. These dogs have unusually lean muscle mass and low body fat percentages, which affects how their bodies process anaesthetic drugs.
This doesn't mean avoiding necessary procedures, but rather ensuring your veterinary team understands the breed's unique physiology. Experienced veterinarians adjust anaesthetic protocols accordingly, using different drug combinations or dosages to account for these differences.
Before any scheduled procedure, discuss your dog's breed characteristics with the veterinary team. Many practices have specific protocols for sighthounds that help ensure safer anaesthetic experiences. Anaesthesia tips for sighthounds.
Recognising degenerative myelopathy
This progressive spinal cord disease typically affects older dogs, though it can occasionally appear in middle-aged animals. The condition develops gradually, often starting with subtle coordination issues in the hindquarters that owners might initially attribute to normal aging.
Early signs include slight dragging of the back feet, difficulty with stairs, or wobbliness when turning. The disease progresses slowly, and while there's no cure, supportive care can help maintain quality of life for extended periods. Understanding degenerative myelopathy.
Regular veterinary check-ups become increasingly important as your dog ages, allowing for early detection and monitoring of this and other age-related conditions. Physical therapy and mobility aids can help affected dogs maintain independence longer.
Protecting your dog's vision
Eye problems in these dogs can range from relatively minor issues to serious conditions that threaten vision. Progressive retinal atrophy and microphthalmia are among the inherited conditions that can lead to blindness if left undetected.
Regular eye examinations by your veterinarian help catch problems early, when intervention might still be possible. Some conditions develop slowly over months or years, while others can progress more rapidly.
Genetic testing provides valuable information about your dog's risk for inherited eye conditions. This information helps you and your veterinarian develop appropriate monitoring schedules and intervention strategies.
Creating a comprehensive health plan
Successful health management for your Borzoi combines proactive prevention with responsive care when issues arise. Regular veterinary check-ups form the foundation, allowing for early detection of developing problems before they become serious.
Work with your veterinarian to develop personalised recommendations for vaccinations, parasite prevention, and health screening schedules. These dogs may have different needs compared to other breeds, particularly regarding anaesthesia protocols and feeding management.
Keep detailed records of any health changes you observe, including when they occur and what circumstances might be related. This information proves invaluable during veterinary consultations and helps track your dog's health patterns over time.
Remember that genetic testing and health screening by responsible breeders provide crucial information about potential inherited conditions. This knowledge allows you to work proactively with your veterinary team to monitor for specific issues and implement preventive strategies when appropriate.
