Why grit is unique to greyhounds

Greyhounds are unique for many weird and wonderful reasons as well as being complete enigmas. They have different ranges for their blood parameters, knee ligament damage is unheard of, and they can hurt themselves and show no reaction yet will let out blood-curdling GSOD if you dare cut their nails.

Unfortunately, another unique condition that is uniquely inherent to the breed is how easily they succumb to grit. This is primarily due to the combination of soft padded feet, thin pad tissue and a lack of pad fat which makes them highly prone to having foreign objects penetrating their paws.

'Grit' is the general term used to describe small pebbles or microscopic pieces of glass and debris which can become embedded in the pad, which over time can make their way into the fat of the pad.

Immediate telltale signs can be seen through limping, favouring one foot or lameness when walking on hard or uneven surfaces.

Upon close inspection, you may find pad damage (such as a small hole or wound). Your dog may also show signs of discomfort when any pressure is applied to the wounded area.

If the issue is not grit, your dog could have corns! They are often misdiagnosed by less experienced vets and can be a real problem for greyhounds. Corns are most commonly found on the pad and can also be very painful for the dog to walk on. If the issue does not resolve itself, they can require surgical intervention by a knowledgeable greyhound vet.

If you suspect your dog has grit you will need to make an appointment with your vet immediately. Your vet will be able to confirm the diagnosis through x-rays which will uncover any foreign bodies trapped in the paw fat.

If the grit has not made its way into the paw fat, it can be extracted from the surface. If the grit has migrated into the paw it will need to be surgically removed. Whilst the procedure sounds fairly straightforward, it is often described by vets as 'finding a needle in a haystack'.

Greyhounds generally make a full recovery with antibiotics, pain management and regular bandage changes in the weeks following surgery.

In extreme cases, vets may recommend varying levels of amputation.

The repercussions of tiny pieces of grit can be serious, painful and expensive. The good news is that you can easily prevent your greyhound from succumbing to grit by:

1.    Using greyhound boots on all walks

2.    Cleaning their paws after every walk