Idiosyncrasies in Greyhounds That Can Affect Their Medical Care These Athletes Have Been Bred for Speed and an Even Temper

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PEER-REVIEWED Idiosyncrasies in greyhounds that can affect their medical care These athletes have been bred for speed and an even temper. But some irregularities in greyhounds will affect how to clinically assess and treat these dogs. Make sure you’re prepared for the next greyhound that visits your practice.

William E. Feeman III, DVM OVER THOUSANDS of years, greyhounds platelet count of 100,000/µl or less Animal Medical Centre of Medina have been bred and selected for speed. should be tested for ehrlichiosis and 1060 S. Court St. This selective breeding may explain a other tick-borne diseases. Protatek Refer- Medina, OH 44256 number of the idiosyncrasies we see in ence Laboratory* provides discounts on the breed today. Retired racing grey- serologic tests for tick-borne diseases in hounds are becoming more common pets retired racing greyhounds. Symptomatic and more common patients in veterinary treatment of thrombocytopenia that in- hospitals. It is estimated that about 18,000 cludes doxycycline and, in some cases, greyhounds are placed into homes as pets corticosteroids can be considered. annually. This article will familiarize practi- tioners with some idiosyncrasies in grey- White blood cell counts hounds that can affect their medical care. and morphology Greyhounds routinely have lower white blood cell counts than other breeds Complete blood count idiosyncrasies (Table 1).1,3 Lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were all found to be Packed cell volume lower in greyhounds than in nongrey- It is well-known that greyhounds have hounds.3 These findings are rarely clini- a significantly higher packed cell volume cally relevant and are not necessarily in- (PCV) than other breeds (Table 1).1 Values dicative of immunosuppressive disease or are routinely above the upper reference overwhelming infection. range used by most laboratories.1,2 PCVs Greyhound eosinophils have empty as high as 65% are not uncommon and granules and lack the more classic orange are considered normal. PCVs less than granules, making them appear vacuo- 45% likely indicate some degree of ane- lated. This finding seems to be more com- mia in a greyhound despite the fact that mon in slides stained with Diff-Quik the value may fall within the reference (Dade Behring) than in those stained with range of most laboratories. Giemsa and can cause the eosinophils to be misidentified as toxic neutrophils.4 Platelet counts Greyhounds have lower platelet Serum chemistry profile idiosyncrasies counts than other breeds (Table 1).2 Ref- erence values for greyhound platelets have been reported to be as low as Creatinine and BUN concentrations 64,000/µl.3 One complicating factor in in- Greyhounds have significantly higher terpreting greyhound platelet counts is creatinine concentrations than other ehrlichiosis, a rickettsial tick-borne disease known to cause thrombocytopenia. *Protatek Reference Laboratory, 574 E. Alamo St., In my opinion, a greyhound with a Suite 90, Chandler, AZ 85225; (480) 545-8499.

592 AUGUST 2005 Veterinary Medicine breeds (Table 1).5 These higher concentrations, primarily attributed to the TABLE 1 Laboratory Values in Greyhounds and Other Dog Breeds* breed’s large muscle mass, often lead to a misdiagnosis of early renal disease. Fe- Laboratory Test Greyhound Values Canine Reference Range male greyhounds have higher blood PCV (%) 41.4–64.2 37–55 urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations than 3 Platelets (ϫ10 /µl) 64–292 160–416 other breeds.1 Greyhound glomerular fil- WBC (/µl) 1,800–14,600 6,000–17,000 tration rates are similar to those of non- Seg (/µl) 3,690–7,298 3,000–11,400 greyhounds (Drost WT, Couto CG, Fis- Lymph (/µl) 246–3,198 1,000–4,000 chetti AJ, et al., Department of Mono (/µl) 0–820 150–1,350 Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio Creatinine (mg/dl) 0.8–1.6 0–1 State University, Columbus, Ohio: Un- Total T (nmol/L)** 2.1–37 10–45.5 4 published data, 2005). In dogs, raw food Free T by dialysis (pmol/L)** 1.3–32.2 3.9–39.9 4 diets increase BUN concentrations and, in Globulin (g/dl) 1.4–4.2 3.8–5 some cases, creatinine concentrations.6 Sodium (mmol/L) 149–157 142–150 Many active greyhound racers and some Chloride (mmol/L) 110–122 110–121 retired racers are fed a raw food diet, so Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 0–0.7 0.1–0.3 their BUN and creatinine concentrations *Source: References 3, 6, and Drost WT, Couto CG, Fischetti AJ, et al., Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State could be further elevated in the absence University, Columbus, Ohio: Unpublished data, 2005. **Total and free T reference values for greyhounds are at the lower sensitivity of the assay, which may make diagnosing of renal disease. 4 hypothyroidism based solely on these hormones impossible. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism should only be made in a greyhound Perform a urinalysis and measure with supporting laboratory test findings (elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone response test result, decreased total and free T 4 urine specific gravity with a refractometer concentrations) and appropriate clinical signs. in any greyhound with a slightly elevated creatinine concentration. Absence of proteinuria and a urine specific gravity Many greyhounds are inactive and cold- Other idiosyncrasies greater than 1.020 suggest that the creati- intolerant and have caudal thigh alope- Greyhounds have lower globulin nine concentration is likely normal for cia. These signs may not be a result of concentrations and higher sodium, chlo- that particular patient. hypothyroidism. The thigh alopecia is ride, and bilirubin concentrations than referred to as bald thighs syndrome (see other breeds (Table 1), although these Thyroid hormone concentrations below) and is not consistently thyroid findings are rarely misinterpreted or clin- Greyhounds have lower thyroid hor- hormone-responsive.9 ically relevant.3 mone concentrations (total thyroxine [T ] Hypothyroidism should only be diag- 4 and free T by equilibrium dialysis) than nosed in a greyhound based on the results 4 Cardiologic idiosyncrasies other breeds (Table 1).7 The clinical rele- of a full thyroid profile (total T concentra- 4 vance of this is controversial in veterinary tion, free T concentration by equilibrium Greyhounds may have mildly enlarged 4 medicine. Some veterinarians think that dialysis, total triiodothyronine [T ] and free hearts and mild heart murmurs that can 3 most greyhounds are hypothyroid and T concentrations, and a thyroid-stimulat- occasionally be considered normal. The 3 should be supplemented with levothy- ing hormone response test) and support- murmur is known as a physiologic flow roxine, whereas others think that the ing clinical signs. (Total T and free T con- murmur and is considered idiopathic but 3 3 lower concentrations are normal for the centrations in greyhounds are similar to most likely relates to turbulent blood breed. those in other breeds.) The Diagnostic flow associated with a high stroke vol- One greyhound adoption program Center for Population and Animal Health ume.10,11 The physiologic flow murmur suggests that greyhounds that show shy- at Michigan State University** performs a can be characterized as systolic (not ness or anxiety receive thyroid supple- complete thyroid panel and can provide holosystolic), loudest over the left base, mentation regardless of thyroid hormone interpretation by veterinary endocrinolo- and low intensity (grade III or less)10,11 concentrations.8 I disagree with this and gists who have extensive knowledge of a and must be distinguished from murmurs think greyhounds are often oversupple- greyhound’s normal thyroid hormone due to cardiac diseases. Mild generalized mented with thyroid hormone replace- concentrations. heart enlargement is also a common find- ment medications. Greyhounds normally ing in many normal greyhounds, even show many outward signs that might be **Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, many years after retirement. confused with signs of hypothyroidism. P.O. Box 30076, Lansing, MI 48909-7576; (517) 353-0621. Echocardiographic idiosyncrasies

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Greyhound idiosyncrasies (cont’d)

FIGURE 1 1. Numerous most consistent laboratory abnormalities comedones and include mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, papules on the hypoalbuminemia, elevated alanine sternal area of a transaminase activity, and proteinuria.17 greyhound with ventral comedo Treatment is supportive and includes ap- syndrome. propriate topical and systemic antibiotics (Reprinted from selected based on culture and sensitivity Burkett G. Skin results (note that Staphylococcus species diseases in are often cultured but are thought to be greyhounds. a secondary pathogen).18 Those grey- Vet Med 2000;95: hounds with azotemia should undergo 115-124.) 2. This 6-year-old intravenous fluid therapy and sympto- neutered male ex- matic treatment. racing greyhound shows the alopecia Ventral comedo syndrome characteristic of bald FIGURE 2 Ventral comedo syndrome affects thighs syndrome. many greyhounds. Comedones occur (Reprinted from most commonly along the ventral thorax Burkett G. Skin diseases in and may be secondary to pressure-point greyhounds. contact of a greyhound’s deep chest Vet Med 2000;95: with the ground.18 This contact allows 115-124.) for the implantation of the hair shaft within the hair follicle that acts as a for- eign body, which results in inflammation and causes obstruction and comedo formation (Figure 1). This condition is rarely clinically relevant and is only a cosmetic problem. It can be treated with benzoyl peroxide- or keratolytic-containing shampoos or gels.18 Antibiotics are not indicated unless a secondary pyoderma noted in greyhounds include enlarged breeds.14-16 It is thought to be caused by is present. left ventricular cavity dimensions, in- Escherichia coli 0157:H7 toxin.14 The creased left ventricular and septal wall first clinical signs noted are inflamed Bald thighs syndrome thickness, and increased systolic time and painful cutaneous swellings that Bald thighs syndrome is a nonpru- intervals when compared with nongrey- may crust and progress to slow healing ritic and noninflammatory alopecia af- hounds. These differences were signifi- ulcers ranging from a few millimeters to fecting the caudal aspect of the pelvic cant despite corrections for body surface several centimeters in length. The most limbs (Figure 2). The lesions can be area and body weight.12 Greyhounds are commonly affected sites include the progressive and can involve the ab- also known to have significantly higher hocks, stifles, or medial thighs. In rare domen. Primary differential diagnoses mean arterial pressures than nongrey- cases lesions may be noted on the fore- for the syndrome include demodicosis, hounds (118 mm Hg vs. 98 mm Hg).13 limbs, thorax, or ventral abdomen. Gen- dermatophytosis, hypothyroidism, hy- eral malaise and inappetence is often peradrenocorticism, and sex hormone associated with this period. Renal dis- imbalances.18 There is no specific treat- Dermatologic idiosyncrasies ease occurs in 25% of cases and may ment for this condition, which has no occur up to 10 days after the onset of known cause. Thyroid supplementation Alabama rot signs. will stimulate hair growth in euthyroid Idiopathic cutaneous and renal Alabama rot is diagnosed by histo- dogs, so be cautious if using levothy- glomerular disease, also known as Al- logic examination with supporting com- roxine to treat this condition.19 The syn- abama rot, is a rare disease seen more plete blood count, serum chemistry, and drome will resolve in many greyhounds frequently in greyhounds than in other urinalysis results and clinical signs. The a few months after retirement.18

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Corns Treatment consists of high doses of Greyhounds seem to be susceptible to essential fatty acids, immunosuppressive corns.20 Corns are keratotic growths most medications, and systemic and topical commonly found on the footpads that antibiotics as indicated.22 Some dermatol- can result in marked pain and lameness. ogists have found that the combination The primary differential diagnoses are of tetracycline, niacinamide, and high plantar and palmar warts. The true cause doses of essential fatty acids (180 mg of corns is unknown, but corn formation eicosapentaenoic acid/10 lb) effectively may be due to the absence of a thick controls this disease without concurrent fatty layer in the greyhound footpad that corticosteroid administration. Long-term absorbs shock and protects the skin and medication may be necessary to control footpad.20 The absence of this fatty layer the condition.22 results in a concussive force between the phalanx and footpad that may cause Orthopedic idiosyncrasy corns to form.20,21 Another theory is that corns result from trauma to the footpad, Central tarsal bone fractures are one of which heals and becomes fibrous and the most common career-ending orthope- scarred.20,21 dic injuries of active racing greyhounds.23 Treatment of corns has included ad- These injuries can often be surgically re- ministering topical products containing paired, although many trainers and res- salicylic acid (KeraSolv Gel—DVM Phar- cue groups lack the financial resources to maceuticals), surgically removing the treat surgically. Extended rest (six to 12 corn (about 50% of corns will recur months) and casting are another treat- within one month to one year after sur- ment option often used. Although gery), and amputating the digit. Digit am- swelling and arthritis will develop in the putation can present complications be- affected tarsus if surgery is not per- cause corns can occur in the remaining formed, most greyhounds will still main- digits.21 If a corn is excised, perform a tain a high quality of life. histologic examination of the lesion to confirm the diagnosis. Reproductive idiosyncrasies Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy Clitoral hypertrophy occurs in many re- Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy cently retired female greyhounds. Female is the most common cause of multiple greyhounds are routinely given testos- toenail loss (onychomadesis, ony- terone injections at the racetrack to pre- chogryphosis, onychoschizia) on multi- vent estrous cycles. One of the long-term ple paws in greyhounds. This condition, sequelae of these injections can be cli- also known as pemphigus, does not toral hypertrophy.24 In some cases this seem to affect the footpads or other condition has been confused with her- areas as it does in other breeds. Defini- maphroditism. If a greyhound is asymp- tive diagnosis requires amputation and tomatic, the condition does not require histologic examination (sample sent to a treatment.24 Abnormalities in the internal dermatohistopathologist) of the third reproductive organs would potentially be phalanx, but definitive diagnosis is of concern and could be addressed at the rarely necessary since most dogs re- time of neutering. spond to treatment without a definitive diagnosis. Ideally, all secondary infec- Anesthetic idiosyncrasies tions should be resolved before biopsy. Differential diagnoses include bacterial Greyhounds have a reputation among infection, fungal infection, neoplasia, veterinarians and owners as having many and autoimmune disease. anesthetic idiosyncrasies. The nervous

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demeanor of some greyhounds and the moval of the patient from gas anesthet- support) without the use of dantrolene if stress of a hospital setting can lead to po- ics, external cooling, and respiratory the condition is diagnosed early enough. tential gastrointestinal upset, hyperther- support.27 Even with appropriate treat- Many anesthesiologists say that if a dog mia, and unreliable response to anes- ment, this disease can be fatal. Malig- survives an episode of anesthetic hyper- thetic premedications. A greyhound’s nant hyperthermia is definitively diag- thermia without receiving dantrolene body conformation can also predispose it nosed based on the results of a caffeine then the dog does not have malignant to hypothermia during anesthesia. Grey- contracture test on fresh muscle tissue hyperthermia.29 hounds have a relatively high body and suggestive serum chemistry and surface-to-volume ratio and a low aver- blood gas analysis results (elevated cre- Anesthetic agents age body fat (17% average body fat for atinine kinase or aspartate transaminase Greyhounds have lower hepatic clear- greyhounds compared with 35% average activities, elevated CO concentrations, ance of thiobarbiturates than nongrey- 2 body fat for mixed breeds).25 Many safe low pH, and, occasionally, low bicar- hounds, which results in prolonged re- anesthetic protocols are available for bonate concentrations) during a malig- coveries after repeated doses of the drug. greyhounds. Monitoring preoperative and nant hyperthermia episode.27 An ery- Complete recovery in these cases may postoperative temperatures is important, throcyte osmotic fragility test can also take up to eight hours, compared with as it is for any pet. be performed, but finding a commercial one or two hours in nongreyhounds. laboratory that performs this test may Many anesthesiologists think that a single Anesthetic hyperthermia be difficult.28 injection of a thiobarbiturate will not be Malignant hyperthermia and nonma- Stress hyperthermia is more com- harmful to a greyhound,29 but I think that lignant hyperthermia, or stress hyper- monly seen in greyhounds than true ma- too many other safer anesthetics are available to justify its use. A ketamine-diazepam combination Malignant hyperthermia is and propofol are the two most commonly used injectable anesthetic proto- most likely to occur while cols (tiletamine/zolazepam is an alterna- tive to ketamine and diazepam but the dog is exposed to inhalant anecdotally seems to result in rougher recoveries).26 As with any breed, pre- anesthetics. medication to decrease stress and pain will result in less stressful recoveries. thermia, can affect greyhounds. Malig- lignant hyperthermia.29 It can occur at Lower doses of acepromazine should be nant hyperthermia is a rare inherited any time but is more likely in recovery. used in greyhounds (< 0.1 mg/kg), as genetic disorder of skeletal muscle that Greyhounds are well-known for their greyhounds appear to be more sensitive results in the mutation of calcium chan- large muscle mass. Many greyhounds to acepromazine’s effects, which can nel protein within muscle cells. This also suffer from separation anxiety or prolong sedation and worsen hypother- mutation results in muscle contraction stress when hospitalized. I think both of mia.29 Acepromazine is usually adminis- and increased metabolism, which leads these factors may help explain why grey- tered intramuscularly with an opioid. to the production of not only excess hounds seem to suffer from stress hyper- Maintaining anesthesia with isoflurane or carbon dioxide but also excess heat, re- thermia more than other breeds. As ani- sevoflurane is preferred because they are sulting in a life-threatening hyperther- mals awake from anesthesia, many shake metabolized to a lesser degree than mia.26 Malignant hyperthermia can be or shiver as a natural response to mild halothane or methoxyflurane, though triggered by gas anesthetics (not in- hypothermia, pain, or disorientation. In halothane is considered acceptable. jectable anesthetics), extreme exercise, some greyhounds, this response seems Halothane is more well-known for trig- and stress. It is most likely to occur dur- to be exaggerated, and many continue gering malignant hyperthermia than ing the procedure or while the dog is the warming process beyond normal isoflurane or sevoflurane. exposed to inhalant anesthetics. The body temperatures and may reach in ex- only treatment for true episodes of ma- cess of 105 F (40.5 C). These animals Conclusion lignant hyperthermia is an intravenous may respond well to supportive treat- injection of the muscle relaxant dantro- ment (anti-inflammatories, intravenous Greyhounds have many idiosyncrasies lene in addition to supportive intra- fluids, external cooling, pain medica- that can affect their medical care. Being venous fluid therapy, immediate re- tions, muscle relaxants, and respiratory aware of these idiosyncrasies will pre-

598 AUGUST 2005 Veterinary Medicine vent misdiagnoses and allow for more ap- retired greyhounds. Compend Contin Educ Pract M, et al. Cutaneous and renal glomerular vascu- Vet 2000;22:243-248. lopathy in a great dane resembling ‘Alabama rot’ of propriate treatment and diagnostic testing. 4. Iazbik MC, Couto CG. Morphologic characteri- greyhounds. Vet Rec 2002;151:510-512. Many studies are pending publication that zation of specific granules in Greyhound 15. Carpenter JL, Andelman NC, Moore FM, et al. eosinophils. Vet Clin Pathol 2005;34:140-143. Idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vascu- will describe additional idiosyncrasies. For 5. Feeman WE 3rd, Couto CG, Gray TL. Serum lopathy of greyhounds. Vet Pathol 1988;25:401-407. those veterinarians interested in learning creatinine concentrations in retired racing Grey- 16. Hertzke DM, Cowan LA, Schoning P, et al. hounds. Vet Clin Pathol 2003;32:40-42. Glomerular ultrastructural lesions of idiopathic cu- more about greyhounds and interacting 6. Wynn SG, Bartges J, Dodds WJ. AAVN Nutri- taneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy of with other veterinarians who also work tion Research Symposium, June 2003 (abst). greyhounds. Vet Pathol 1995;32:451-459. 7. Gaughan KR, Bruyette DS. Thyroid function 17. Cowan LA, Hertzke DM, Fenwick BW, et al. with greyhounds, please visit the Grey- testing in Greyhounds. Am J Vet Res 2001;62:1130- Clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities in hound Health Research and Information 1133. greyhounds with cutaneous and renal glomerular 8. Wolf D. Medical information you need to know vasculopathy: 18 cases (1992-1994). J Am Vet Med Network Web site at www.ghrin.org. about Greyhounds. Philadelphia, Pa: National Assoc 1997;210:789-793. Greyhound Adoption Program. 18. Burkett G. Skin diseases in greyhounds. Vet 9. Schoning PR, Cowan LA. Bald thigh syndrome Med 2000;95:115-124. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS of Greyhound dogs: gross and microscopic find- 19. Credille KM, Slater MR, Moriello KA, et al. Special thanks to Dr. Richard Bednarski, Dr. Walter ings. Vet Dermatol 2000;11:49-51. The effects of thyroid hormones on the skin of Threlfall, Dr. Lori Hitchcock, Dr. Guillermo Couto, 10. Hitchcock L, Ohio Veterinary Cardiology Ltd, beagle dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2001;15:539-546. and Dr. Suzanne Stack for their help in writing this Akron, Ohio: Personal communication, 2005. 20. Swaim SF, Amalsadvala T, Marghitu DB, et al. article. 11. Kittleson MD, Kienle RD. Signalment, history, Pressure reduction effects of subdermal silicone and physical examination. In: Small animal car- block gel particle implantation: a preliminary diovascular medicine. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, study. Wounds 2004;16:299-312. REFERENCES 1998;44-46. 21. Borghese IF. Corns and warts: definitions, 12. Snyder PS, Sato T, Atkins CE. A comparison of causes and treatments. Available at: www.thera- 1. Sullivan PS, Evans HL, McDonald TP. Platelet echocardiographic indices of the nonracing, paw.net/docs/Corns,%20and%20warts.pdf. Ac- concentration and hemoglobin function in grey- healthy greyhound to reference values from other cessed 2004. hounds. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1994;205:838-841. breeds. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1995;36:387-392. 22. Auxilia ST, Hill PB, Thoday KL. Canine sym- 2. Porter JA Jr, Canaday WR Jr. Hematologic val- 13. Cox RH, Peterson LH, Detweiler DK. Compari- metrical lupoid onychodystrophy: a retrospective ues in mongrel and greyhound dogs being son of arterial hemodynamics in the mongrel dog study with particular reference to management. J screened for research use. J Am Vet Med Assoc and the racing greyhound. Am J Physiol 1976;230: Small Anim Pract 2001;42:82-87. 1971;159:1603-1606. 211-218. 23. Anderson MA, Constantinescu GM, Dee LG, 3. Steiss JE, Brewer WG, Welles E, et al. Hemato- 14. Rotermund A, Peters M, Hewicker-Trautwein et al. Fractures and dislocations of the racing logic and serum biochemical reference values in

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greyhound part II. Compend Contin Educ Pract Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 1999;14:38-43. Am Vet Med Assoc 1991;198:989-994. Vet 1995;17:899-909. 26. O’Brien PJ, Pook HA, Klip A, et al. Canine stress 28. Axlund TW. Exercise reduced collapse in 24. Threlfall WR, The Ohio State University Vet- syndrome/malignant hyperthermia susceptibility: dogs, in Proceedings. West Vet Conf 2004. erinary Teaching Hospital, Columbus, Ohio: Per- calcium-homeostasis defect in muscle and lympho- 29. Bednarski R, The Ohio State University Vet- sonal communication, 2005. cytes. Res Vet Sci 1990;48:124-128. erinary Teaching Hospital, Columbus, Ohio: Per- 25. Court M.H. Anesthesia of the sighthound. 27. Nelson TE. Malignant hyperthermia in dogs. J sonal communication, 2005.

cent and not indicative of heart 8. Which statement is true regarding anes- CE QUESTIONS 2 CE hours pathology. thesia in greyhounds? b. Heart murmurs in greyhounds are al- a. Isoflurane and sevoflurane are both ap- You can earn two hours of Continuing ways clinically relevant and indicative of propriate for use in greyhounds. Education credit from Kansas State Uni- heart pathology. b. Thiobarbiturates should be avoided. versity by answering the following ques- c. Heart murmurs in greyhounds may be c. Malignant hyperthermia, stress hyper- tions on greyhound idiosyncrasies. Circle innocent physiologic murmurs or can thermia, and hypothermia are all risks only the best answer for each question, be indicative of heart pathology. associated with anesthesia in and transfer your answers to the form on d. Physiologic heart murmurs in grey- greyhounds. page 612. hounds are normally a grade V or VI. d. Lower doses of acepromazine should e. Physiologic heart murmurs in grey- be used in greyhounds. Article #1 hounds are normally holosystolic. e. All of the above 1. Which is a common finding on a complete blood count in a greyhound? 5. Which statement is true regarding corns 9. Which would be the most reasonable a. High platelet count in greyhounds? next step in working up a healthy grey- b. Low PCV a. They can cause marked lameness in a hound with a mildly elevated creatinine c. High neutrophil count greyhound. concentration and normal BUN d. High PCV b. Surgery is the treatment of choice and concentration? e. High lymphocyte count is curative. a. Complete urinalysis c. Corns may return after surgical removal. b. Measurement of glomerular filtration 2. Which is a common finding on a serum d. A and B rate chemistry profile in a greyhound? e. A and C c. Starting a therapeutic renal diet and a. Low BUN concentration rechecking blood work in four weeks b. High creatinine concentration 6. What is the most common cause of d. Ultrasonography c. High T4 concentration multiple toenail loss on multiple paws in a e. Radiography d. Low alanine transaminase activity greyhound? e. High globulin concentration a. Pododermatitis 10. What is a primary differential diagnosis b. Dermatophytosis for a greyhound with less than 100,000 3. Which is true regarding greyhound thy- c. Trauma platelets? roid hormone concentrations? d. Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy a. Normal for the breed a. Caudal thigh alopecia is a common e. Squamous cell carcinoma b. Tick-borne disease sign of hypothyroidism. c. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia b. Greyhounds often have normal thyroid 7. Which statement is true regarding ma- d. All of the above concentrations below the reference lignant hyperthermia? e. None of the above ranges listed by most laboratories. a. It must be treated with the muscle re- c. A low total T4 is adequate to establish a laxant dantrolene. diagnosis of hypothyroidism in a b. Not all anesthetic hyperthermia in grey- Coming next month in greyhound. hounds is caused by malignant d. Appropriate clinical signs must be pres- hyperthermia. ent to establish a diagnosis of hypothy- c. Inhalant, not injectable, anesthetics may roidism in a greyhound. result in malignant hyperthermia. e. B and D d. Elevated creatinine kinase or aspartate Recognizing and treating transaminase activities and acidosis disseminated intravascular 4. Which statement is true regarding heart are suggestive of malignant murmurs in greyhounds? hyperthermia. coagulation a. Heart murmurs in greyhounds are inno- e. All of the above

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