At a glance
- Bloat (GDV) is the most life-threatening emergency for Borzois due to their deep chest structure
- Joint disorders like hip dysplasia and bone diseases in puppies require early recognition and intervention
- Heart conditions and degenerative myelopathy commonly affect older dogs in this breed
- These dogs have unique sensitivities to anaesthesia that require specialised veterinary protocols
Understanding bloat: the most critical emergency
You might notice your dog becoming restless after dinner, pacing around the house with an increasingly swollen belly. This could be the early signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, which represents the most serious health threat facing Borzois today.
The deep chest conformation that gives these elegant sighthounds their distinctive silhouette also predisposes them to this life-threatening condition. When bloat occurs, the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply and causing shock. Without immediate veterinary intervention, this condition can prove fatal within hours.
Watch for these warning signs: restlessness, abdominal swelling that makes the belly appear distended, dry heaving without actually vomiting, excessive drooling, laboured breathing, and inability to stand comfortably. If you observe any combination of these symptoms, consider it a veterinary emergency requiring immediate attention.
Prevention strategies can significantly reduce risk. Feed smaller, frequent meals rather than one large daily portion. Avoid vigorous exercise for at least an hour before and after eating. Many veterinarians now recommend prophylactic gastropexy, a surgical procedure that fixes the stomach in place, often performed during routine spay or neuter surgery. Using portion-control feeders can help regulate meal size and slow rapid eating, both important factors in bloat prevention.
Recognising joint and bone disorders
Many Borzoi owners first notice something's wrong when their previously agile dog starts showing reluctance to jump into the car or seems stiff after resting. Hip and elbow dysplasia, inherited joint malformations, cause progressive pain and arthritis as dogs age.
Early symptoms include difficulty rising from a lying position, stiffness that improves with gentle movement, subtle limping, reluctance to exercise, and decreased overall activity levels. These signs often develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss as normal ageing until the condition becomes more severe.
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) presents differently, typically affecting younger dogs with sudden onset lameness, joint swelling, and obvious reluctance to move. This developmental disorder causes cartilage flaps to form within joints, creating significant discomfort that requires prompt veterinary diagnosis through imaging studies.
Treatment approaches vary depending on severity. Maintaining healthy weight reduces stress on affected joints, while regular moderate exercise helps preserve mobility. Joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin may provide some benefit, though severe cases often require surgical intervention. Responsible breeders perform genetic and radiographic screening to reduce the incidence of these inherited conditions.
Bone diseases in growing puppies
Have you wondered why your energetic puppy suddenly became lethargic and reluctant to play? Two serious bone diseases can affect young dogs: hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) and panosteitis, both requiring immediate veterinary attention.
HOD presents as an inflammatory condition causing swollen, painful joints accompanied by fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. This condition can prove fatal if severe, making prompt veterinary care absolutely critical. Treatment focuses on supportive care to manage pain and inflammation while the condition runs its course.
Panosteitis causes sudden lameness that may shift from one leg to another, often accompanied by fever and weight loss in growing puppies. Sometimes called "growing pains," this condition usually resolves naturally but may recur multiple times during the growth period. While less dangerous than HOD, it still requires veterinary diagnosis to rule out other serious conditions.
Both conditions likely result from a combination of genetic predisposition and dietary factors. Early veterinary diagnosis ensures appropriate supportive care and monitoring for potential complications.
Heart conditions and cardiac screening
When your typically energetic dog starts showing weakness during normal activities or seems to tire easily during walks, heart problems might be developing. These dogs can develop cardiomyopathy and tricuspid valve dysplasia, conditions that affect heart muscle function and valve structure.
Symptoms often appear gradually: weakness during exercise, occasional fainting episodes, exercise intolerance that worsens over time, and sometimes irregular heartbeat patterns that owners might notice during quiet moments. Some dogs show no obvious symptoms until the condition becomes advanced.
Regular cardiac screening becomes increasingly important as dogs reach adulthood. Veterinary examination can detect heart murmurs or irregular rhythms before symptoms develop. While these conditions cannot be cured, medications can often improve quality of life and slow disease progression when started early.
Neurological and sensory concerns
Sometimes the first sign of degenerative myelopathy appears as subtle weakness in the hind legs, perhaps a slight wobble or difficulty navigating stairs. This progressive spinal cord disease typically affects older dogs, gradually leading to hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis.
Currently, no cure exists for degenerative myelopathy, but physical therapy and supportive care may help slow progression and maintain quality of life for as long as possible. Early recognition allows owners to make environmental modifications that help their dog adapt to increasing mobility challenges.
Eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, can also affect the breed. Regular ophthalmologic examinations help detect these conditions before significant vision loss occurs, allowing for early intervention when possible.
Allergies, thyroid issues, and anaesthesia sensitivity
You might notice your dog scratching more frequently or developing skin irritation that doesn't respond to basic care. Allergies commonly affect these dogs, causing persistent itching and skin problems that require veterinary diagnosis through allergy testing. Treatment typically involves medications and environmental management strategies.
Thyroid problems can affect metabolism, causing weight changes, coat quality issues, and energy level fluctuations. Veterinary diagnosis through blood testing leads to hormone therapy that usually manages the condition effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, Borzois show extreme sensitivity to anaesthesia due to their low body fat percentage and unique metabolism. This sensitivity requires veterinarians to use specially tailored protocols during any surgical procedures. Always ensure your veterinarian understands this breed-specific concern before any procedure requiring sedation or anaesthesia.
When to seek immediate veterinary care
Certain symptoms require emergency veterinary attention. Signs of bloat, including swollen abdomen, retching without vomiting, restlessness, and difficulty breathing, represent true emergencies requiring immediate care.
Sudden lameness or joint swelling in puppies might indicate serious bone diseases like HOD or panosteitis. Progressive weakness, difficulty walking, signs of heart distress such as fainting or rapid heartbeat, and persistent skin irritation all warrant prompt veterinary evaluation.
Regular preventive care, including annual examinations with orthopedic, cardiac, and eye evaluations, helps detect breed-specific issues before they become serious problems. Working with a veterinarian familiar with sighthound health concerns ensures your dog receives appropriate care tailored to their unique needs.
