At a glance
- Heart disease affects 17.2% of Salukis and requires annual cardiac screening for early detection
- Cancer is the leading cause of death at 35.6%, with liver cancer and lymphoma being most common
- These sighthounds are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, which starts as night blindness
- Deep-chested build makes them susceptible to life-threatening bloat requiring immediate emergency care
Salukis are remarkably healthy dogs with an impressive average lifespan of 13.3 years, slightly above the norm for purebred dogs. Yet like all breeds, these elegant sighthounds face specific health challenges that every owner should understand. The good news? Most conditions respond well to early detection and proper management.
You might notice subtle changes in your dog's behaviour or energy levels that could signal developing health issues. Recognising these early warning signs can make all the difference in your Saluki's quality of life and longevity.
Heart conditions require vigilant monitoring
Heart disease claims 17.2% of Salukis according to major UK breed surveys, making cardiac health a primary concern for owners. The most common issues include dilated cardiomyopathy, valve leakage, and heart murmurs that can develop gradually over time.
Watch for decreased stamina during walks, persistent coughing especially at night, or any episodes of fainting. These symptoms often appear subtle at first. Your dog might simply seem less enthusiastic about their usual activities or tire more quickly during exercise.
Annual cardiac examinations prove essential for early detection. Your veterinarian can identify heart murmurs or irregular rhythms before symptoms become obvious. An NT-proBNP blood test can reveal early heart dysfunction, whilst echocardiograms provide detailed images of heart structure and function when abnormalities are suspected.
Modern cardiac medications like pimobendan and ACE inhibitors can significantly extend quality of life when started early. As veterinary cardiologists note, "Heart murmurs can be an early sign of heart disease in your pet. With early detection and the proper medications, your dog can live for years with heart disease."
Cancer prevention starts with regular health checks
Cancer represents the most serious health threat to Salukis, accounting for 35.6% of deaths in the breed. Liver cancer and lymphoma appear most frequently, though hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and mammary cancers also occur, particularly in unaltered females.
Many owners first notice unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite and energy levels. Lumps, persistent sores, or abnormal bleeding warrant immediate veterinary attention. These signs can be subtle initially, which makes regular health monitoring so important.
Spaying and neutering significantly reduce cancer risks, especially for mammary and reproductive cancers. Annual physical examinations and blood work help catch developing cancers early, when treatment options are most effective. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine supports overall immune function, though these measures cannot guarantee cancer prevention.
Eye problems develop gradually but predictably
Progressive retinal atrophy affects many Salukis, beginning with difficulty seeing in low light conditions. You might first notice your dog hesitating at dusk or dawn, becoming more cautious on evening walks, or bumping into furniture in dimly lit rooms.
Other eye conditions include glaucoma, which causes redness, pain, and excessive tearing, and cataracts that create cloudy or hazy appearances in the eyes. These conditions can develop at any age, though progressive retinal atrophy typically appears in middle-aged dogs.
Annual eye examinations with your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist provide the best early detection. Unfortunately, no treatment currently exists for progressive retinal atrophy, but early diagnosis allows you to adapt your home environment as your dog's vision changes. As specialists explain, "With PRA, you may start to notice your dog struggling to see at first, particularly at dusk and dawn. At present, there isn't a treatment for this condition."
Bloat demands immediate emergency response
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat, poses a life-threatening emergency for deep-chested breeds like Salukis. The stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply and requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Recognise the warning signs: restlessness, pacing, unproductive retching, and a visibly distended abdomen. Your dog may show rapid breathing, pale gums, or complete collapse. These symptoms can develop within hours and prove fatal without emergency surgery.
Prevention focuses on feeding management and exercise timing. Avoid vigorous activity for at least two hours after meals, and consider feeding smaller, more frequent portions rather than one large daily meal. Some owners opt for prophylactic gastropexy, a surgical procedure often performed during spaying or neutering that prevents stomach twisting.
Veterinary emergency specialists emphasise the urgency: "GDV is an extremely painful condition that is fatal if emergency surgery is not performed immediately." Keep your emergency veterinarian's contact information readily available.
Dental disease starts earlier than expected
Salukis develop dental problems more frequently and at younger ages than many other breeds. Poor dental health causes pain, difficulty eating, and can lead to systemic infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Bad breath often provides the first warning sign, followed by red or swollen gums and reluctance to eat hard foods. Some dogs paw at their faces or show sensitivity when their heads are touched.
Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste like Virbac Enzymatic or C.E.T. Enzymatic formulations makes the biggest difference in dental health. Professional cleanings should be scheduled as recommended by your veterinarian, typically annually or bi-annually depending on your dog's needs.
Dental chews and toys like Greenies Dental Treats or Kong Dental Toys can supplement your home care routine. However, these products cannot replace regular brushing and professional cleanings.
Metabolic and urinary conditions require ongoing management
Hypothyroidism affects some Salukis, particularly unaltered females, causing weight gain, lethargy, coat thinning, and cold intolerance. Simple blood tests can diagnose thyroid dysfunction, and daily synthetic hormone medication effectively manages the condition. Once diagnosed and properly medicated, most dogs return to normal energy and weight levels.
Cystinuria, whilst rare, primarily affects intact males on high-protein diets. This condition leads to bladder stone formation requiring surgical removal. Watch for straining during urination, blood in urine, or frequent urination attempts. If your male dog has relatives affected by cystinuria, monitor protein intake carefully and consider regular urine testing through specialised laboratories.
Skin and coat problems also appear commonly, including pattern baldness called follicular dysplasia. Hair loss typically begins on the neck and backs of legs. Whilst no effective treatment exists for genetic pattern baldness, other skin conditions often respond well to veterinary dermatology care and medicated shampoos.
Building a proactive health plan
Regular veterinary care forms the foundation of Saluki health management. Annual examinations should include cardiac screening, eye checks, dental evaluation, and blood work to monitor organ function and detect early disease signs.
Keep detailed records of any changes in behaviour, appetite, energy levels, or physical appearance. These observations help your veterinarian identify patterns and make accurate diagnoses. Photography can document skin conditions or physical changes over time.
Emergency preparedness proves equally important. Know the signs of bloat, have emergency veterinary contacts readily available, and understand which symptoms require immediate attention versus those that can wait for regular appointments.
Most Salukis enjoy long, healthy lives when owners stay vigilant about breed-specific health risks. Early detection and appropriate management can significantly extend both lifespan and quality of life for these remarkable sighthounds.
