---- The Greyhound ----

Strong, fast, and light on its feet, the Greyhound can gallop up to an incredible 45 mph. Bred to be calm, patient and gentle, Greyhounds are popular all over the world for their racing skills as well as their docile behavior.
The Greyhound's popularity began 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. The Pharaoh, King Tutankhamen, transformed the breed into a symbol of royalty. From then on, Greyhounds were the breed of choice for noblemen throughout Egypt, Rome and England.

Greyhound coloring is very diverse, ranging from black to white to brown to blue to brindle. The greyhound sports a distinctive body structure -- muscular and deep-chested, with long slim legs and a narrow face and head. This tall, thin canine may look a little unusual at first, but if you look closer you will see not only a perfectly aerodynamic dog, but a lifelong companion as well.


Famous Greyhound Owners
Babe Ruth
Queen Elizabeth I
King Tut

Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease which causes a breakdown of structures in the spinal cord that impair the ability of nerves to communicate with the muscles in the rear legs. Affecting adult dogs between the ages of 5 and 14, Degenerative Myelopathy often initially results in hindquarter weakness, lack of coordination in the rear legs, knuckling under while walking, and loss of balance. While it is a painless disease, it can eventually lead to complete paralysis of the rear legs as well as loss of bowel and bladder control.

German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes are the most affected breed. Degenerative Myelopathy has also been reported in other large and medium breeds, including the Collie, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Olde English Sheepdog, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Although there is no cure, vitamin supplementation and a regular exercise regimen can sometimes help reduce the symptoms and maintain muscle control and strength. If you notice signs of weakness and loss of coordination in your dog's rear legs and feet, discuss it with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Prompt treatment may slow the progression of Degenerative Myelopathy.