Health Testing Recommendations from the Italian Greyhound Club of America as approved by the Club’s Board of Directors
Fortunately for their owners, Italian Greyhounds (IGs) are a relatively healthy breed. Despite their fragile appearance, IGs are both sturdier and healthier than they appear to the casual observer. Obviously, due to short hair and little body fat, they are not suited to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures, but many do live happily in northern climates. Given their adventurous spirit, IGs, especially young IGs, should be monitored for safety in activities. Allergies, leg injuries, digestive issues, seizures and auto immune disorders have been reported in some IGs, but not to any great extent.
Despite their overall good health, there are some inherited problems that all IG owners should be aware of, and for which the dogs should be monitored. Tests, including genetic tests, are available for some of the conditions that may affect IGs:
Health Tests for Italian Greyhounds
- OFA Patella Evaluation – evaluation from veterinarian, once after age 12 months
- OFA Thyroid Evaluation – blood test, annually from ages two to four years and then bi-annually until age 8 years
- OFA Ophthalmologist Evaluation – eye exam, annually until age 10 years
Following are Additional Tests Recommended for Breeders of Italian Greyhounds
- Susceptibility to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – DNA Test – once, any age – click to order from UC Davis VGL
- Susceptibility to Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma (PCAG) – DNA Test – once, any age – click to order from UC Davis VGL
- Familial Enamel Hypoplasia – DNA Test – once, any age – click to order from UC Davis VGL
- Canine Genetic Diversity Testing – DNA Test – once, any age – click to order from UC Davis VGL
- Brucellosis – prior to each breeding. While brucellosis is not an inherited disease, it is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Brucella Canis. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in breeding stock. It occurs worldwide, affects all kinds of dogs, and can potentially be transmitted from dogs to humans. Therefore, the IGCA recommends brucellosis testing of all breeding pairs prior to each breeding.
