AGA - Weekly Newsletter #39
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Lana Henley
Oct 30, 2009, 12:58:29 PM10/30/09
to Austin Greyhound Adoption
Happy Halloween, Hounds and Hound Lovers!
It seems that those of us who labor to introduce the retired racing
greyhound to the public at M&Gs have another weekend off! Just
because AGA doesn't have anything scheduled, please consider taking
your grey with you when you go out. Walks around the neighborhood and
in the park are good. Be sure to take plenty of business cards! The
dogs DO attract attention!
SENIOR ADOPTIONS
Because AGA is now "springing the old broods" from the farms, it might
be helpful to have some information concerning your senior greyhound
as they enter their golden years of life. At this stage in life their
bodies are changing and due to the natural aging process they are now
prone to more health problems. However, with the advances in
veterinary medicine many diseases and conditions can be detected
early, allowing for treatment or even prevention.
Of paramount importance is an annual exam. With a simple blood test,
abnormal or failing organ function can be detected along with
diabetes, anemia, or infection. Eyes can be tested for glaucoma.
Abnormal lumps or growths can develop. Of course, having their teeth
cleaned and gums checked can prevent gum disease, decay and lost
teeth. Any time your grey is having anesthesia, be sure to remind
your vet that they are seniors and anesthesia should be administered
and monitored carefully.
Key observations that are important and may warrant a visit to the
vet:
1. Sustained significant increase in water consumption
2. Sustained significant increase in urination
3. Weight loss
4. Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2
consecutive days
5. Significant increase in appetite
6. Repeated vomiting
7. Diarrhea that lasts over 3 days
8. Difficulty in passing stool or urine
9. Sudden loss of housetraining
10. Lameness that lasts more than 3 days or lameness in more than 1
leg
11. Masses, open sores, or multiple scabs on the skin that persist
more than 1 week
12. Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts over 2 days
13. Increasing size of the abdomen
14. Increasing inactivity - in a greyhound? Are you kidding?
15. Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in a
specific area
16. Persistent coughing or gagging
17. Excessive panting
18. Sudden collapse or bout of weakness
19. A seizure (convulsion)
This topic will be continued next week.
SPEAKING OF SENIORS ...
"Time for Me" is currently being fostered at Bob Trapp's house. She
is 7 years old and has run her heart out in 70 - that's seventy -
races!!!!! Check out her stats on the National Greyhound Adoption
website. Her race name was "CTW Time For Me". Her picture and bio
will be up on our website shortly. She's a sweetheart and will be so
appreciative to anyone who will allow her to spend the rest of her
years in comfort.
Have a safe halloween! Dress up as a Greyhound Parent, to Trick or
Treating and Hug them hounds!!!
It seems that those of us who labor to introduce the retired racing
greyhound to the public at M&Gs have another weekend off! Just
because AGA doesn't have anything scheduled, please consider taking
your grey with you when you go out. Walks around the neighborhood and
in the park are good. Be sure to take plenty of business cards! The
dogs DO attract attention!
SENIOR ADOPTIONS
Because AGA is now "springing the old broods" from the farms, it might
be helpful to have some information concerning your senior greyhound
as they enter their golden years of life. At this stage in life their
bodies are changing and due to the natural aging process they are now
prone to more health problems. However, with the advances in
veterinary medicine many diseases and conditions can be detected
early, allowing for treatment or even prevention.
Of paramount importance is an annual exam. With a simple blood test,
abnormal or failing organ function can be detected along with
diabetes, anemia, or infection. Eyes can be tested for glaucoma.
Abnormal lumps or growths can develop. Of course, having their teeth
cleaned and gums checked can prevent gum disease, decay and lost
teeth. Any time your grey is having anesthesia, be sure to remind
your vet that they are seniors and anesthesia should be administered
and monitored carefully.
Key observations that are important and may warrant a visit to the
vet:
1. Sustained significant increase in water consumption
2. Sustained significant increase in urination
3. Weight loss
4. Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2
consecutive days
5. Significant increase in appetite
6. Repeated vomiting
7. Diarrhea that lasts over 3 days
8. Difficulty in passing stool or urine
9. Sudden loss of housetraining
10. Lameness that lasts more than 3 days or lameness in more than 1
leg
11. Masses, open sores, or multiple scabs on the skin that persist
more than 1 week
12. Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts over 2 days
13. Increasing size of the abdomen
14. Increasing inactivity - in a greyhound? Are you kidding?
15. Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in a
specific area
16. Persistent coughing or gagging
17. Excessive panting
18. Sudden collapse or bout of weakness
19. A seizure (convulsion)
This topic will be continued next week.
SPEAKING OF SENIORS ...
"Time for Me" is currently being fostered at Bob Trapp's house. She
is 7 years old and has run her heart out in 70 - that's seventy -
races!!!!! Check out her stats on the National Greyhound Adoption
website. Her race name was "CTW Time For Me". Her picture and bio
will be up on our website shortly. She's a sweetheart and will be so
appreciative to anyone who will allow her to spend the rest of her
years in comfort.
Have a safe halloween! Dress up as a Greyhound Parent, to Trick or
Treating and Hug them hounds!!!
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