HEALTH-GREYHOUNDS ARE DIFFERENT: Eye & Nail Issues
OK what is Pannus and Pemphigus? And why do greyhounds get them? First, your must know that one affects the eyes and the other the toes and are not related except that they may be autoimmune in nature.
Pannus
The very short answer is that Pannus is chronic superficial keratitis or inflammation of the cornea. It is a progressive disease and needs to be seen by a veterinary eye specialist as soon as possible. Greyhounds seem to have a higher incidence of Pannus than other breeds and GreySave has had one or two come in with the early stages of the disease. It is possibly caused by immunological factors and maybe even some track related eye irritant damage though that has not been proven. The symptoms include vascular or pigment changes of the clear cornea that gives them a whitish, pink or brown discoloration. This typically starts at the outside edge of the clear cornea and extends inward. The blood vessel ingrowth and pigmentation of the cornea may progress across the entire corneal surface and in extreme instances may result in blindness. If you see this condition in your greyhound’s eye you should see a specialist very soon as they have medications to help arrest the progress. Additionally, you should ask the vet about eye protection for your grey when they are outside. Check out this article by the specialists at Eye Care for Animals for more information on Pannus.
The very short answer is that Pannus is chronic superficial keratitis or inflammation of the cornea. It is a progressive disease and needs to be seen by a veterinary eye specialist as soon as possible. Greyhounds seem to have a higher incidence of Pannus than other breeds and GreySave has had one or two come in with the early stages of the disease. It is possibly caused by immunological factors and maybe even some track related eye irritant damage though that has not been proven. The symptoms include vascular or pigment changes of the clear cornea that gives them a whitish, pink or brown discoloration. This typically starts at the outside edge of the clear cornea and extends inward. The blood vessel ingrowth and pigmentation of the cornea may progress across the entire corneal surface and in extreme instances may result in blindness. If you see this condition in your greyhound’s eye you should see a specialist very soon as they have medications to help arrest the progress. Additionally, you should ask the vet about eye protection for your grey when they are outside. Check out this article by the specialists at Eye Care for Animals for more information on Pannus.
Pemphigus or Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO)
The short version of this medical issue is that SLO is the most common immune-mediated toe nail bed disease that results in abnormal nails and eventual nail loss. The signs of SLO or Pemphigus are usually an acute onset of nail loss. Initially, one or two nails are lost, but over a course of a few weeks to several months, all nails may slough.
The short version of this medical issue is that SLO is the most common immune-mediated toe nail bed disease that results in abnormal nails and eventual nail loss. The signs of SLO or Pemphigus are usually an acute onset of nail loss. Initially, one or two nails are lost, but over a course of a few weeks to several months, all nails may slough.
Partial regrowth typically occurs, but the nails are misshapen, soft or brittle, discolored. They often slough again. The affected feet are often painful and/or itchy. Affected dogs are otherwise healthy. But to diagnose the actual cause of the nail loss your vet dermatologist will need to rule out fungal and bacterial infections. Once that is done your greyhound can be treated with antibiotics and nutrients and get on with its life as a couch potato.
For more information see the Dermatology for Animals article at http://www.dermatologyforanimals.com/faq-49/
Dr Stack has a good description and article on the topic on Greythealth.
See http://www.greythealth.com/toenails.html
For more information see the Dermatology for Animals article at http://www.dermatologyforanimals.com/faq-49/
Dr Stack has a good description and article on the topic on Greythealth.
See http://www.greythealth.com/toenails.html
ADDITIONAL TOPICS IN THIS SECTION
Greyhounds & Heatstroke
Happy Tails
Skin Issues & Foxtails
|
Blood Chemistry
Digestive Issues
Leg, Skeletal Issues, Limping
|
Greyhounds & Bleeding Issues
Poison, Toxins & Metabolism
Anesthesia & Medicine
|
Greyhound Teeth/Dental Tips
Corns
|
