Because greyhounds are kenneled with a large number of other dogs and the population is highly transient, it is very likely that your dog has whipworm or roundworms or tapeworms or all three. Despite the best efforts of even the best kennels, one infected dog can be the source of contamination for the whole kennel unless all of the dogs are quarantined all of the time.

Intestinal parasites (worms) can cause blood in your dog's stool and result in general debilitation including indigestion, gas, weight loss, and dull coat. Bring a stool sample to the vet with your dog. All of these parasites are easily treated but may require some persistence.

Your dog should have a blood test and be placed on preventive heartworm medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Recently retired greyhounds may suffer from depressed liver function. This appears to be a temporary condition, but one that your veterinarian should take into consideration before treating your dog.

Thyroid-related symptoms appear to be common in sighthounds, including greyhounds. The typical symptoms include thin coat and "bald thighs." Dogs recently retired may lack fur on their thighs due to rubbing against the bedding in their crate. If the condition persists after several months in your home, your dog's thyroid levels can be tested by your veterinarian. Be aware that greyhound thyroid levels are typically a bit lower than other breeds (a good rule of thumb is that greyhounds T4s run about half that of other breeds; see Dr. Stack's web site below).

Greyhounds have no anatomical fat layer which in most other breeds acts, in part, as a filter for toxins. Commercially available flea collars should never be used on a greyhound. The ingredients that kill the fleas penetrate the dogs's skin and enter the spinal column resulting in serious illness and possibly death.

Several years ago -- before greyhounds were common pets and when barbituates were commonly used with procedures requiring anesthesia -- it was important to be sure your veterinarian was aware of greyhounds' inability to process these drugs. Modern anesthesia is safe for greyhounds, and odds are your veterinarian has several as patients.

Although virtually all retired greyhounds are fundamentally sound, they may get diarrhea as a result of changes in food or as a stress reaction. Brief periods of stress induced colitis are not uncommon in greyhounds making the transition into a new environment. These episodes may last from a few days to a few months depending on the dog.

For reasons of long-term health and to avoid more unwanted pets, ALL adopted greyhounds, both male and female, must be sexually altered (spayed or neutered). Some adoption programs have been able to provide these procedures for some of the greyhounds before adoption. For those dogs that are intact when adopted, it is the new owner's responsibility to see that the dog is altered as soon after adoption as possible.

For more information on greyhound health, visit Dr. Suzanne Stack's "Greyt Health" web site at http://www.greythealth.com.