Italian Greyhound Society United Kingdom.

Fractured Limbs: Nature or Nurture?:

Dr Russell Hodges BDS:

The long, fine, slender bone of the Italian Greyhound gives the breed an increased predisposition to limb fractures, compared with a breed of more substantial bone. It is therefore inevitable that in this breed fractures do occasionally occur. This does NOT IN ANY WAY mean that it is normal for an Italian Greyhound to fracture a leg; rather the possibility is greater due to the fine skeleton.

If a fracture is to occur then it is most common between the ages of 4 and 12 months. During this adolescent stage puppies may be especially gangly and coupled with their fearless outlook, this can lead to an unfortunate accident, as at this stage bone is forming and growing at a rapid pace and has not had time to become fully mature and calcified.

The most common fracture (after tail fracture which is ubiquitous) is a fracture of the radius and ulna bones of the foreleg just above the pastern.

There are a number of schools of thought regarding factors that may increase the likelihood of an IG suffering a fracture. Some believe there to be a genetic basis. (Others refute (or deny! ) this) and another group believe that fractures are more to do with the way in which a puppy is reared/an IG is kept. Of course there are also those who are of the opinion (myself included) that fractures are likely to have some basis in genetics ("nature") AND that "nurture" plays an immensely important role also. An understanding of the anatomy and bio physiology of bone should lead the more inquisitive and contemplative mind to a reasonable conclusion that the aetiology of limb fracture in the Italian Greyhound is multifactorial.

If, therefore, it is to be assumed that there are multiple contributing factors to limb fracture in the IG steps must be taken to minimise each of these risk factors. All responsible and caring breeders of the Italian Greyhound have a duty to breed healthy stock free from genetic problems.

Dogs that are from parents with a history of fractures appear to have an increased incidence of fracture themselves. Indeed, some bloodlines appear to have a greater incidence of fracture than others. This would lead one to consider the likelihood of a genetic link with respect to fracture. Research into this is in its infancy and while no definitive link has been proven, medical imaging studies (in the USA) of dogs with a history of multiple fractures have shown a definite pattern of reduced density of bone when compared to that of dogs who are "fracture free". This may again suggest a genetic basis. It would be reasonable to consider that, therefore, increased bone density may to some extent be protective.

This is NOT to be confused with coarse bone or large size. A small IG may have just as dense bone or in actual fact may have bone that is denser than a larger individual. Indeed, larger specimens in the breed also break their legs.

It may be reasonable to conclude, with respect to the genetic component, that there is a real possibility that there may be an inherited link between IG's that have a greater than average (I am reluctant to use the word normal) fracture incidence. Therefore it is surely only ethical and responsible to refrain from breeding from stock that have a history of multiple fracture and certainly from mating dog to bitch when both have, in the past, fractured a limb. This, I understand, is an opinion widely held in North America and most of Europe , although for some reason this does not appear to be an attitude widely subscribed to in the UK . In fact the Canadian IGC clearly state on their website, that they discourage breeding from fractured stock. It is surely reasonable to refrain from the same until it is proven that there is NOT a genetic link?!

Probably the most important area to consider in the minimisation of leg fracture in the IG is "Nurture".

A well reared puppy which is well exercised and has built up good bone density and muscle will be less likely to fracture. There are many factors that can contribute to this.

Appropriate nourishment of the "in whelp" bitch is very important. Her food should be increased appropriately to allow her to cope with the demands of the developing puppies inside her. If there is insufficient calcium (amongst other nutrients, including protein, fats, vitamins and minerals)in her diet for the puppies needs to allow for ossification of their developing skeleton then calcium will be mobilised from her own skeleton. This may eventually lead to problems of eclampsia in the bitch due to an abrupt hypocalcaemia (which may be fatal - and may also be due to a number of other causes - this is just one possibility!) and of course there is no guarantee that the puppies have received enough nutrients either. The need for supplementation of the diet with calcium and other nutrients is a decision to be made - this may be discussed with your vet, or other knowledgeable breeders.

The role of a quality diet that is balanced and nutritious cannot be underestimated. Premium quality foods are the only foods that should be used, whether this is commercially available pet food or a natural diet is a matter for personal consideration. Cheap pet foods are never adequate to provide an IG with the best in balanced nutrition. Good diet can help maintain good bone. Similarly it is important that the IG gets sufficient food for their needs. The belief that one can prevent a puppy growing too tall by cutting down its food is an erroneous (and unacceptably cruel) one. This is far more likely to compromise the formation of dense bone and therefore may increase the risk of fracture.

Every care should be taken in the home to ensure that likely obstacles and accident sites are removed or left out of the reach of the IG. (This is not as easy as IG's seem to manage to overcome most barriers). Provided this is done and the IG is not able to indulge in dangerous activity no harm should befall him/her.

It is important not to be too protective of the IG. An IG that is confined to a cage for most of the time or is allowed only very limited exercise will never be allowed to learn for itself what it can and can't safely do. We all learn from our mistakes and the IG is no exception. Free exercise and especially free running (which surely is very much a "raison d'être " for an IG). Will allow the IG to really build up good density of bone, and of course strong muscle around said bone, which is equally protective. Contrary to widespread belief, free exercise DOES NOT spoil an IG for the show ring and helps to promote the condition and soundness required for the ring

A dog kept caged (for prolonged periods) is not healthy - neither psychologically nor physically. It would appear that caged dogs do not have the opportunity to build up dense bone or muscle and also they will have far less coordination. These factors together may increase fracture risk. I would suggest that if you want a pet in a cage then you should keep a hamster and not an IG!

It would appear that the risk of fractures may be kept to a minimum by careful and responsible breeding, as well as taking every care to ensure that a puppy is raised to the highest standards of dog care encompassing diet, exercise and the environment in which they live. In other words we should consider both Nature AND Nurture when we are planning a litter and also in the daily care of our adult dogs.

* Please note that this article represents the personal opinions of the author (which have been reached after considering various sources of information) and that the contents of this article are not intended to constitute veterinary or medical advice.
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