Introduction

• Greyhounds run under strict rules. The race tracks are oval with long front and back straights. The racing surface is compressed wet sand.
• They always run in an anticlockwise direction chasing a lure.
• The majority of races are run over approximately 480 meters. Shorter (sprint) and longer (distance or marathon) are usually included on the race card, as are hurdle races.
• The average speed of a middle grade Greyhound is 36 miles per hour. This can only be maintained for less than one minute.
• Greyhounds race on average three times in 14 days.
• The racing career begins at about 18 months of age and usually finishes at four years of age.

Etiopathology of racing injuries

Clinical examination

Muscle injuries

Fractures

Ligament injuries and sprains

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Guilliard M J (2006) Proximal interphalangeal joint instability in the dog. JSAP 44 (9), 399-403 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Canine Sports Medicine and Surgery. (1998) Eds. M S Bloomberg, J F Dee & R A Taylor. W B Saunders Company, Philadelphia.
• Bythe L L, Gannon J R, Craig A M (1994) Care of the Racing Greyhound: Guide for Trainers, Breeders and Veterinarians. Santa Barbara, Ca: Veterinary Practice Publishing Co.