Greyfort Greyhounds

To train greyhounds and be successful is not easy but certainly possible, providing some basic common sense rules are followed, strictly adhered to, and you have a little bit of the right kind of luck.
As the saying goes, “you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” and every successful trainer will tell you that the selection of suitable racing stock is the first step to winning races.
This saying has even more validity when it comes to breeding your own racing stock
One of the worst mistakes I ever made was keeping a bitch for breeding, in the knowledge that she had very little ability, and in the forlorn hope that maybe the right sire would make her produce a litter of handy greyhounds.
Thousands of dollars later, I had to face the fact that this bitch would never be worthwhile breeding proposition.
A sorry position to find yourself in, and one I would not wish on anyone; besides the heartache, it is also an expensive lesson to learn.
When you buy a greyhound puppy or breed a litter, you cannot realistically expect the offspring to be faster than the slower of the two parents. I know it does happen, but that is the exception not the rule.

PHYSICAL LIMITING FACTORS It is simple mechanics that the physical structures of the greyhound to some extend limits it’s speed, as well as dictate how sound this greyhound will race.
In my opinion the preferred physical shape of the racing greyhound is as follows:
Front Legs Viewed from above you should be able to draw a straight line from the outside front edge of the shoulder blade to the centre of the elbow joint, the centre of the wrist joint, and finish central on the foot.

Any deviation away from this standard may cause some long-term injury problems.
For instance, in some greyhounds the point of the elbow protrudes outwards, this will increase the possibility of track-leg problems, simply because it reduces the clearance between the front leg, and the inside of the hind leg during part of the stride.
The wrist needs to continue in a straight line in relation to the long bones in the front leg, any sideways angulation will increase the strain on the ligaments and tendons of the wrist joint, and may lead to long term repetitive strain damage.
The feet should be neither turned inward nor outward.
While galloping the greyhound rotates the foot in the direction of it’s running line, and if the feet are turned naturally outward this will in turn force the elbow to turn outward, again reducing the clearance to the inside of the hind leg.
Many trainers will select a greyhound with turned in feet (pigeon toed) in the belief that this may reduce the chance of track-leg occurring, as the elbow turns inward during the stride, but doing so will turn the elbows closer to the trunk, possibly hampering the galloping action, in particular if the greyhound has a broader than normal rib cage.
The other problem that occurs with a pronounced inward turn on the foot, is that this will increase the strain on the rail side wrist joint while driving through the turns.

The Shoulder Blades When viewed from the side, they should angle forward approximately 36 degrees in relation to a vertical line drawn from the tip of the blade to the ground.

This will allow the front legs to reach maximum forward extension without undue strain to the muscles of the shoulders, in particular the Long Head of the Triceps.
The shoulders should be closely coupled to the trunk, with the top of the blades level with the spine.
Shoulder muscles should be well developed and defined without excessive bulk; if the front end looks bigger and more developed than the hindquarters, it is likely that the greyhound is suffering from a lower back problem, or some type of bone damage to the hind legs.

The Wrists When viewed from side on, these should be a straight continuation of the front leg, or stand slightly forward at the foot.

Any weakness in the ligaments or bones of the wrist joint that allow the wrist to flex forward unduly, will not only result in further ligament strain and possibly damage to the Carpal bones, but if severe enough may also reduce the length of the greyhounds stride.

Head and Neck The only feature of the head and neck that may affect the galloping action, and thereby the speed of the greyhound, is that the head and neck should be carried well forward, as this will reduce the up and down movement of the head during the stride.

The size and shape of the head is rather unimportant when it comes to pure speed.
However, I must admit that I prefer a greyhound with a head that looks almost too small for its body, rather than the other way around.

Ribcage The ribcage should be reasonably flat and not bulge outwards, as this may interfere with the smooth straight action of the front legs.

As far as the depth of the chest is concerned, it is generally accepted that the underside of the Pectoral muscles should be somewhere in line with the tips of the elbow joint when viewed side on, and thereby providing good depth, and sufficient space for the heart and lungs.

The Spine This should be broad and well muscled, either straight or with only a slight arch to the lower portion, and with a strong well-muscled coupling to the pelvic area.

Greyhounds with a flat spine or only a slight arch, will be able to extend the hind legs out further.
This type of spine is capable of going concave during the full extension part of the stride, and this reduces the tension on the upper muscles of the hind leg, such as the Tensor Facia Lata and Lateral Vastus.
It has been said, that the greater the distance between the pin bones and the start of the tail, the faster the greyhound is capable of running.
There is some truth in this observation, as it gives a good indication of the type of pelvic bone where the hind legs are set back further, again allowing for easier extension of the hind legs.

Hind Legs and Hocks Most of the driving power of the racing greyhound is derived from the lower spine and the muscles of the hind legs; it is for this reason that the hindquarters should be well developed, and possibly the most prominent feature of the greyhound.

The pelvic area should be broad with good development to the Gluteal muscles.
When viewed from above and behind, the hind legs may curve out slightly from the hip to the knee and then form a straight line to the foot allowing the dog to stand slightly wider with the hind feet than the front feet.
The line from the tip of the Tarsus (the uppermost part of the hock) to the foot should be straight, as any sideways angulation in the Tarsus / Metatarsus junction will eventually lead to hock damage.
Many greyhounds have hind legs that are turned out, where the foot instead of facing straight to the front of the greyhound faces slightly outward.
This slight deformity does not to appear to affect the speed of the individual greyhounds, however, I believe that on a tightly turning racetrack this may increase the side slip of the hind foot, and thereby contribute to the chance of hock damage.
The hind leg when viewed from the side, should again show a well developed muscle structure, and hocks that are straight from the tip of the Tarsus to the foot, with good angulation where the hock joins the rest of the hind leg.
The greyhound when standing normally, should stand with the hind feet well back, to the extent that the hocks are almost in a vertical position.
Straight hocks should not be confused with a structural deformity known as “cow hocked”; this is a problem that thankfully occurs only rarely. Where when viewed side on, the hind leg is virtually a straight line from the knee to the ground and the greyhound looks as if it is walking on stilts.
The greyhounds that I have seen with this problem, appear to be able to run with reasonable pace in a straight line, but tend to lose balance on tight turns.
The only other observation I should make in relation to the muscle structure of the hind legs, is that greyhounds with a larger than normal Extensor Pedis muscle (the muscle at the outside front of the hind leg just below the knee), appear to have more early speed after jumping from the boxes, than the greyhounds with less development in this area.

The Feet It is an old saying and a corny one, but very true “A greyhound runs on its feet”. Well sprung and knuckled toes will reduce the strain on the wrists, and allow the greyhound to cope with different surfaces, while flat or splayed feet will cause no end of problems with Sesamoids, tendons, and wrist ligaments.
MENTAL ATTITUDE I have trained a number of greyhounds who looked like the greyhound equivalent of Greek gods, and had unlimited ability, but no matter what I did, just would not try in a race.

Then there were greyhounds that looked like superstars, but had no pace at all, or as they say in the classics, were absolutely legless.
At the same time, I have trained many greyhounds with some structural problems and only limited ability, that tried their hearts out and won their share of races simply by never giving up.
That brings us to the only point that really matters.

What makes one greyhound a better performer than the next greyhound?
Simple answer: the greyhound’s attitude!

In other words: it is the greyhound’s attitude to chasing and competing that wins the races; while the structure of the body and muscle tissue, are simply a limiting factor.
All you can do is to breed with, or select greyhounds from keen chasing parents, rear them on the best of food, educate them with care and patience, and hope for the best.
As far as fast twitch muscle fibre is concerned, again this is inherited, and the same rules apply. If one or both of the parents could not or would not run fast and race keenly, why breed or buy a greyhound from that bloodline?
However, if you do buy a greyhound from the right parents, why not pick one out that has all the physical attributes required for a long and successful racing career.

With most of the various information sections, the accent has been on understanding the scientific testing that can be done to detect those health problems that may severely affect a greyhound’s performance.

However, for any trainer it is essential to be able to recognise the early signs of ill health, before it becomes a major problem requiring expensive Veterinary or laboratory work, and much can be deduced by simply having a good look at the greyhound!
A greyhound should look like a fine racehorse, shining glossy coat, clearly defined muscle structure with veins clearly showing, bouncing on its feet and full of energy.
It is extremely difficult for most Veterinarians and Chiropractors alike, to point out to their trainer clients the obvious general condition problems that may exist with some of their greyhounds, problems that in the long term increase the likelihood of muscle and stress damage.
In the past I have tried to point out some of these to my own clients, only to lose them for good. There again, no one likes to feel they are being criticised, even if it was during a genuine attempt to help them improve the greyhound’s performance.

DEHYDRATION AND SKIN TONE Because a major portion of the fluid reserve is stored within the skin, skin tone is a good guide to the greyhound’s general state of hydration, and dehydration is often the first sign of something going amiss.
Slight Dehydration The skin is slow to spring back above the coupling, but snaps back OK above the saddle area.

TREATMENT: provide 40 ml of Vitrate or Recharge in 2 cups of milk and water twice daily for the next two days. Re-access the distance the dog is running over and increase sodium and potassium in diet.

Moderate Dehydration The skin is slow to spring back above both the coupling and saddle, but it does flatten out and there are no signs of weight loss or excessive urine production.

TREATMENT: provide drinks as for slight dehydration, plus inject the greyhound with 2 ml of TRIDENOSEN or similar in each back leg daily for two days, reduce work to walking only until the problem resolves.
Re-access the greyhound’s workload, and have a hard look at the diet and general state of health.
If the problem does not resolve itself within 7 days, blood test to check for infection, sodium, potassium, acid-base balance and PCV.

Severe Stress Skin over coupling feels tight and is difficult to lift and slow to return, and the greyhound is usually drinking large amounts of water at this time.

Seek urgent VETERINARY advice, including intravenous fluids.

Severe Dehydration The skin stay’s ridged after having been lifted up; the greyhound has lost weight and appears lethargic, is drinking excessive amounts of water and produces copious amounts of almost clear urine, generally in a slow dribble.

Seek urgent VETERINARY advice, including intravenous fluids.
Do not run the greyhound for at least 14 days, even if he appears to have recovered, and when you do, start with a 250 Meter handslip every third day for 3 runs, before running behind the lure again. Starting with a 14 second run and increasing only by 2 seconds every 2nd run.

BODY SHAPE The shape of the greyhound’s body structure, and how it stands, will also provide some clues to both the health and soundness of the dog.

When the dog is standing relaxed, is he standing with all four feet equally taking the weight, or is he leaning slightly one way, with a foot just resting on the ground?
If that is the case, careful examination of the pads, toes, wrist joint, wrist tendons and muscle structure, including the area where the leg joins the trunk is indicated. If this occurs with a front limb, also carefully examine the area at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades, and the saddle muscle area.
The toes are they well knuckled, or are some of the toes straighter or flat on the ground?
Again careful examination of the appropriate toes and tendons is required.
If some of the toes are flatter than others, TENS contracting treatment (toe flexion) to the muscles that operate the toes may improve the functioning of the toes, and reduce the chance of further toe Sesamoid, or toe tendon damage.
When you lift the front of the dog slightly off the ground, by placing one hand under the chest the other under the neck, do both front legs hang straight down with the toes pointing to the ground, and are both front legs exactly equal lengths? When you lower him slowly to the ground, does he place both feet on the ground at the same time?
If the answer is no, then careful examination of the muscles of the shoulder, base of the neck and THORACIC spine is indicated on the side where the leg is being held shorter.
If the leg is held forward, examine the muscles on the front of the shoulder and chest, or if the wrist of one leg is slightly flexed backwards, examine the muscles of the forearm.
The shoulder muscles, are they the same size and structure on each side of the dog, or are some of the muscles bulging out more than others? A muscle slightly larger than its twin on the other side may indicate muscle damage in the body of the muscle, or at its origin.
Are the muscles of one shoulder visibly flatter than the same muscles on the other side of the dog? If so, there may be some damage or compression to the nerves that operate those muscles, and examination of the upper THORACIC spine as well as the muscles themselves is required.
Is the spine strong and solid, with good strong lumbar muscles on each side, or are some of the spinal segments sticking up further than others, lifting the hair up on one side of them?
Reduced lumbar muscles may indicate weight loss, stress or dehydration, while some raised spinal segments, in particular those of the central spinal area, could indicate pain in the kidneys, gut or bladder, as well as possible spinal muscle spasm.
The ribcage, is it flat and well covered, or are the ribs on one side bulging out a little more than on the other side? Too many ribs clearly showing may indicate weight loss, stress, or dehydration. While a slightly bulging ribcage, more on the left side of the dog than on the right, is a likely indicator of an enlarged liver, and past or current liver problems.
The hindquarter of the dog is that in proportion to the front half, or does the hindquarter really belong to a smaller dog?
Greyhounds require good strong hind legs and coupling, as most of the driving power is derived from this area.
When a greyhound has a smaller hindquarter in relation to the front half of the body, this may indicate that the greyhound is using the front legs rather than the hind legs for driving power.
The cause of this may be a severe and long standing lower back problem. When spinal damage occurs during rearing, there is often a marked reduction in the development of the hind quarters, due to both pain and nerve compression.

COAT CONDITION  The hair of the coat will also provide some insight into the greyhound’s current state of health.

It should consist of soft shiny hair with a soft undercoat of smaller finer hairs, and the coat should be light and flat, clearly showing muscle structure.
Thick Woolly Coat Carbohydrates provide not only the energy for muscle function, but also for body heat.
A thick woolly coat indicates the animal has a real need to conserve energy and heat.
TREATMENT: blood test to check for infection, examine the diet for sufficient carbohydrate content, possibly increasing the kibble or biscuit portion and look at the kennel arrangements.
A thick woolly coat does not provide the ideal conditions for cooling down after a race or hard run, and will increase the amount of panting the dog has to do.

Soft Dry Coat With increased amounts of dandruff after a wash or hydro bath.
TREATMENT: Add cod liver oil and blood building supplement to the diet.

Soft Dry Coat With irregular bald patches on area’s where the dog has been laying or rubbing
TREATMENT: Add cod liver oil, blood building supplement, and zinc from kelp or green leaf vegetables to the diet. Blood test for Thyroid function (free T4)
Soft Dry Coat With a narrow strip of straight hard shiny hair along spine
TREATMENT: Blood test for kidney and liver function, worm the dog twice 14 days apart with a broad-spectrum wormer. Add cod liver oil and blood building supplement to diet, treat for two weeks with Liver Tonic, and reduce workload.
Soft Dry Coat Interspersed with hard coarse hair showing a distinct kink or curl at the end of each hair.
TREATMENT: Blood test for kidney and liver function, worm the dog three times 14 days apart with a broad-spectrum wormer, and again 14 days later for hook worm only. Increase protein content of diet (meat), add cod liver oil and blood building supplement, treat for four weeks with a Liver Tonic, and reduce workload.
Note: A distinct kink, hook or curl, at the end of the hair generally indicates worm load, and or severely increased toxicity levels.
Almost Normal Coat Not quite shiny enough with the hair curving slightly up at the end of some top hairs
TREATMENT: Add cod liver oil to the diet and treat with Liver Tonic for one week, reduce workload slightly.
Thin Shiny Coat With some loss of hair to the outside of back legs and under the chest
It is not unusual for a racing greyhound in hard work to lose some hair in these areas.
If performance is poor, obtain a Thyroxin T4 or free T4 blood test.
THE EYES There are a number of infections and problems that affect the eyes and all of them are best treated by your Veterinarian.
However, by carefully looking at the eyes there is some important information available about your dog.
In a healthy greyhound with a good blood count, and the right Haemoglobin levels, the area above and directly adjacent to the iris, will have what can only be described as a sky blue halo.
And as the Haemoglobin and therefore the oxygen content of the blood reduce, this area becomes grey.
While just inside the top edge of the iris, you may see a slight white line in the surface of the eyes of some greyhounds; this could indicate past or current liver problems.
Past liver problems may also be indicated by what appears as a brown stain in the outside corners of the eyes. This may show as a light to dark brown area to the white of the eye, clearly defined where it is exposed to sunlight.
It is my belief that increased blood levels of BILIRUBIN due to liver damage, and the subsequent jaundice effects, plus the action of ultraviolet light on the eyes, are the cause of this phenomenon.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? Examples and likely combinations of visible changes and possible ill effects
(1)
SKIN TONE: OK.
COAT: OK.
EYES: The blue halo has gone grey
BODY SHAPE: OK.
REFERRED PAIN: None.
POSSIBLE CAUSES: Reduced HAEMOGLOBIN levels.
EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE: Reduction in ability to run on, slight stress symptoms.
(2)
SKIN TONE: Slight dehydration.
COAT: Slightly less shine and the ends of some of the hairs are curling away from the body.
EYES: The blue halo has gone dark grey
BODY SHAPE: OK.
REFERRED PAIN: Pain in the junction of the LUMBO-DORSAL FACIA and LATISSIMUS DORSI. (5 mm above the bottom edge of the muscle over the coupling in behind the last rib.)
POSSIBLE CAUSES: Reduced kidney function due to infection and or excessive stress.
EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE: Reduction in overall ability.
(3)
SKIN TONE: Moderate dehydration.
COAT: Less shine with the ends of a large number of hairs curving away from the body.
EYES: The blue halo has gone dark grey, faint white line in the iris on the upper-side edges of both eyes, most visible in the left eye.
BODY SHAPE: Rib cage slightly enlarged at the last four ribs on the left side of the dog, and the LUMBAR segments T2 – T4 may be protruding above the rest of the spine.
REFERRED PAIN: Pain in the junction between the LUMBO-DORSAL FACIA and LATISSIMUS DORSI, the LUMBO-DORSAL FACIA and the crest of the ILIUM, upper TRAPEZIUS muscle.
POSSIBLE CAUSES: KIDNEY and or LIVER damage, severe viral or bacterial infection, or severe stress over a long period of time.
EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE: This dog is ill and should not be running at all.
It should be clearly understood that the external visible signs that warn of possible illness or damage, might be quite minor compared to what is happening inside the greyhound’s body.
Unless you are prepared to pay for a complete blood and urine profile every month, all minor changes in the appearance of the greyhound should be carefully observed and noted.
Taking a good look everyday at the skin tone, coat, eyes, and body shape of your greyhound, can alert you to possible health issues long before they become a performance affecting problem.
And it is worth doing, even when you believe the greyhound is performing at its best.
The health and well-being of the greyhound, is the total responsibility of the trainer, everything that happens to the greyhound, happens because of an action or decision by the trainer.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT RACING WEIGHT? There is no doubt that every trainer will tell you, the best racing weight for any greyhound is the weight it runs fastest at.
However, to get to this ideal weight can be a little involved, as it depends on a number of factors.
Assuming that the diet is right, and the greyhound is fit and healthy, the first item to take into consideration is the greyhound’s natural body structure.
A bulky short-coupled muscle structure is designed for fast explosive speed, while the flatter long-coupled muscle structure is better suited to slower longer strides covering more distance.
Reducing the bulk of the short-coupled muscled greyhound may allow it to run smoother and further, but it will be at a cost to early speed.
Increasing the bulk of the long-coupled muscled greyhound, may provide for increased early pace, but at a cost in distance.
Therefore it is the adjustment to muscle structure, rather than the overall weight of the greyhound, that influences the way it runs, and how fast it runs over a designated distance.
There is also a fine line between reducing the greyhound’s muscle bulk to gain extra distance, and having the greyhound stress or cramp due to insufficient muscle energy storage.
(Energy meaning all the electrolytic and energy components required for muscle contraction)
To increase muscle bulk: Anabolic Steroid injections (STANAZOL) 1 ml weekly for 4 weeks then 1 ml every two weeks, increase complex carbohydrates 10% and protein 5% in diet.
To reduce muscle bulk: Soften the diet to include more broth and reduce solid meals by 5%.
Increase general massage and stretching Physiotherapy.
It should be remembered that increasing a greyhound’s weight would proportionally increase the stress on bones and joints, but will often reduce the general level of stress, and aid in post race recovery.
The opposite will occur when weight is reduced.
MUSCLE STRUCTURE, SPEED and INJURIES A muscle does not only have to contract rapidly; it also has to stretch sufficiently to allow for full extension of the limb.
Increased muscle bulk and increased muscle tone increases speed of contraction, and thereby increases the speed of the greyhound.
On the other hand, excessive bulk and excessive muscle tone may reduce the extension of the limb, thereby reducing the greyhound’s stride, and therefore its speed.
Excessive muscle tone also increases the likelihood of muscle tears as the limb is fully extended under pressure.
Many of the main muscles are in the form of biceps (two parts), and triceps (three parts). Excessive muscle tone in one part of a muscle compared to the remainder of the muscle, almost guarantees muscle sheath damage between the various sections of the muscle.
WHEN IS A GREYHOUND TOO THIN? An increase in weight is certainly warranted when the junction between the coupling and the last rib becomes a deep groove, rather than a slight concave.
In the situation where the space between the last two ribs becomes a deep groove, not only does the food need increasing, but also the stress levels on the greyhound require some rapid readjustment.
WHEN IS A GREYHOUND TOO FAT? 75% 0f the fat in the body is stored in the subcutaneous tissue including the skin.
Therefore the thickness of the skin is a good guide to excessive body fat.
If it feels like tissue paper the dog is too lean, there again, if it feels like pinching the skin around your own waist, the dog is most definitely too fat.

STRESS WHAT IS IT?
WHAT DOES IT CAUSE?  AND WHY?

To be stressed is to be fatigued and close to breaking point
Stressed and fatigued metal breaks, and in the biological sense this is also true of the body.
However, because there are so many processes involved in normal body function, a fatigue or breakdown in one or more of these processes, or the excessive stimulation of others, totally throws the whole system out of balance.
As these progresses beyond a certain point, the ability of the body to function normally is reduced, and the first thing to go out the window is the ability to perform exercise at a high level.
All body processes are interrelated, and depend on enzymes or hormones produced by other body processes.
Which in turn depend on available fuel (food), and also on what functions they have to perform. This controls what levels of enzymes and hormones are produced, which governs body processes that trigger other body processes etc. etc.
Biology is an extremely involved subject, and many people have spent a lifetime unravelling some of its complexities.
Therefore, any greyhound trainer who believes they can control and influence the way a greyhounds body functions, by the addition of chemical additives to the diet in various quantities, or the injections of various substances, are really kidding themselves.
In the short term it may get the results they are looking for, in the long term, it causes more damage than can possibly be imagined.
The same applies to unsuitable training techniques, they simply over stress or fatigue some body processes. This causes progressively worse imbalances, and further reduces the ability of the body to cope with stress.
You must keep in mind that all greyhounds are different, and have different tolerance levels. What will be an acceptable routine for one may totally destroy the next greyhound.
Excessive protein or the wrong type of protein in relation to the required protein-carbohydrate balance, and this depends on the level of exercise. May cause the body to burn protein for energy instead of carbohydrate, and so increase the quantity of waste it has to get rid off.
Excessive quantities of vitamins and additives in the diet may also increase the amount of waste the system has to eliminate.
It is also worth noting that the manufacturers of the huge quantities of food additives available to the greyhound trainer are in the business of selling products, and selling more is the name of the game.
Many of these products are extensively advertised with, if not direct promises, at the very least with hints of possible improvements in performance.
Most of the food additives I have examined, have a recommended dosage up to twice as much as I believe is required for good health, when they are added to the greyhounds normal diet.
If the advertising convinces the trainer that they are giving the greyhound something that may improve the performance, there is no doubt that many of them will increase the dosage even further, thereby causing the dogs system even more wastes to cope with.
It is all good and well to say that food additives are easily eliminated from the body, however, in many instances this involves the dogs kidneys, and in most greyhounds these are already a much abused organ, and not necessarily capable of functioning at an optimum level.
Vegetable oils, when added to the diet may reduce the absorption of essential fatty acids normally obtained from a meat diet, and this reduces the body's ability to synthesise some essential steroid hormones.
The daily use of alkalising agents, chemical kidney flushes, or so called acid neutralisers, cause major problems with normal body processes by increasing the elimination of some of the essential electrolytic ions and buffering agents from the body.
It is also important to note that acidic urine does not necessarily indicate that the greyhound’s body is over loaded with acid waste products; in some instances of acidic urine the plasma is in fact alkaline, as in intra cellular acidosis.
When we start a greyhound in training, the whole program is aimed at slowly improving the health and fitness of the greyhound, thereby allowing it to cope with progressively harder runs, until it attains peak fitness.
However, if you examine this a little further, you realise that it's not only the heart, lungs, and muscle system that need to increase in fitness, but also the system that stores energy in the body, and most importantly the system that eliminates toxic wastes from the body.
It only stands to reason, that if you provided a large quantity of glucose in the diet each day, and so provided the body with instant useable energy, the part of the system that stores energy will never attain its full potential.
The same applies to providing the greyhound with an alkalising diuretic or acid neutraliser after each and every run. It not only stops the waste removal part of system learning how to cope with a hard run, but may also destroy the health of the dog by stopping the kidneys from doing their job, increasing fluid loss, and the possible loss of potassium from the system.
Take the situation where you have a greyhound that plays up in the kennels prior to a run.
The barking and panting the dog does in the kennel or dog trailer is likely to cause respiratory alkalosis due to excessive carbon dioxide removal by the lungs.
On top of that, when you have a greyhound that gets over excited before a race, it is also extremely likely that after 6 or 7 runs, this dog will also be suffering from some degree of Hyperadrenocorticism, that is an over stimulated adrenal gland.
Let’s examine this greyhound’s likely condition at this point in time just prior to the run.
Possible respiratory alkalosis due to panting and barking
Possible intra cellular acidosis due to the potassium loss caused by the hyper- adrenocorticism
It is also extremely likely that the greyhound will also be anaemic to some extend, because haemoglobin is destroyed in the process of the body's attempt to buffer the toxic waste that is being produced.
Now give the dog his race start or a trial, and then lock the dog up in a small space, such as a racetrack kennel or a dog trailer, and let it pant some more. Then take the dog home and give it a good dose of an alkalising agent, which will further increase potassium and fluid loss.
You now have a greyhound where the biological system is so far out of balance, that no matter what you give it, recovery is extremely slow, and if the greyhound is raced or run again in three or four day's time, the problems are simply aggravated.
Or worse still, the trainer may decide that this greyhound needs resting for ten days, and then runs it over the same distance again.
Soon you have a greyhound that starts cramping, or suffers from increased muscle soreness, and muscle damage that is slow to repair, no matter how hard you work on it.
Next up is the increased pain in the nerve pathways due to spinal muscle spasm or muscle contraction, and the increased levels of wastes in the body due to what is by now poor kidney function.
By this time off course the dog will be on two Potassium tablets a day to combat the Potassium loss, and then it will need Anabolic Steroid injections to combat the muscle damage and muscle wasting.
This will aggravate the already depressed Thyroid gland due to the Hyperadrenocorticism.
That means the dog will have to go on Thyroxine tablets to offset the depressed Thyroid gland.
This will unfortunately cause some imbalance in the Calcium absorption rate, which means you will have to increase the Calcium intake to avoid hairline fractures.
You will also have to watch the dose rate of Thyroxine as overdosing has been suspected of causing heart muscle damage in racing greyhounds.
At this stage it is also a good idea to start feeding some lard, as this may help the dehydration you’re trying to keep under control.
But if you do that, you should also put the dog on a Methionine supplement to try and avoid fatty liver problems.
And heaven forbid lets not forget the Electrolyte supplement, this must of course be given in extra large doses, because lets face it this is supposed to fix the dehydration.
By now you are well into the veterinary treatments, and the dog will have had at least two blood tests, and one or two courses of antibiotics.
Because stress causes an increase in the white cell count and alkalising agents increase the likelihood of urinary tract and kidney infections.
Then of course it will also have had a treatment for the anaemia, and a treatment for a depressed immune system, which is damaged by the Hyperadrenocorticism, which is caused by the stress, that was caused by the training methods.
Sarcastic? Maybe so. Far fetched? Certainly not!
This is exactly what happens to far too many greyhounds, greyhounds that showed lots of potential, but never had a racing career.
Some greyhounds suffer from stress problems more than others do, and it is the excitable over keen hard chasers, that require the most amount of patience in race preparation.
As a general rule, for this type of greyhound it is best to consider the time spent running, rather than the distance covered.
Because it is the amount of energy the greyhound is capable of using before it becomes stressed, is the only important consideration, and this should include the energy it wastes prior to the run by barking panting and shaking.
From experience, I have found that even an extremely unfit greyhound that has had only one weeks worth of solid walking, can handle a 14 second run behind the lure, and one 14 second run improves fitness enough for an 18 second run.
However, it then takes a minimum of two runs over each distance, before increasing the next run by an additional 4 seconds.
Until such time as the greyhound starts running over two turns, this increases the stress factor considerably.
If for instance, the last two runs of the greyhound were over the 25-second distance on a U turn track; the run over two turns should not be more than 25 seconds, such as a hand slip at Sandown.
It may then take two or three hand slips before the greyhound is allowed to run the full distance, depending on how well the greyhound recovers from each run.
It is also extremely important, not to increase the distance or time spend running, until the greyhound runs the current distance, and pulls up reasonably sound and free of stress.
Many trainers run their greyhounds on straight tracks in the belief that this is not as stressful as circle running. If this is done as an easy hit out between circle runs, it is a great idea.
However, the overuse of a straight track brings its own problems, particularly in relation to increased breakdown of the muscles in the left hind leg.
When the greyhound is allowed to spin around quickly at the end of the straight, without the benefit of soft sand in the catching pen, this may also result in injury to the lower spine, wrists or right hock.
The next factor is the time spent resting between runs; the general rule is a minimum of two clear days, but not more than five. If for any reason the time spend off is longer than five days, you should reduce the greyhounds next run by two seconds for each additional day’s rest counting from the fifth day.
The next item to take into consideration is the amount of energy used by the greyhound prior to running, and this may be difficult to judge. However as a rule of thumb for a highly excitable dog I reduce the time spend running by 5 seconds for each half-hour the dog has to wait.
There have been a number of occasions when I've taken a greyhound back home from a trial without running it, simply because the wait was to long for the dog. There have also been times when I have taken a distressed dog out of the kennels for a late race, and have been concerned enough by its condition to request that the greyhound be scratched from the race.
There is a real chance of causing permanent health damage by racing or running a dog already suffering from severe stress.
However if you do get caught out, and the greyhound has a harder run than you anticipated, there are some things you can do to minimise the effect on the dog.
First of all cool the dog down properly, and then walk him around until he stops panting before re-kennelling or making the trip home.
All of which should be standard practice at all times for every greyhound after every run.
As soon as the greyhound is home in his own kennel, provide a drink of one cup of milk one cup of water and add 40 ml of Vitrate liquid concentrate or an appropriate dose of Recharge, then provide his normal evening meal.
There are some injections that may be of some benefit to the greyhound at this time.
My preference is for a product called Tridenosen manufactured by Nature Vet; inject 2 ml into each back leg. If this not available, you may substitute with 1 ml of DADA 250 + 3 ml of a product called Tripart distributed by Equipharm, Tripart and DADA 250 may be mixed into the same injection.
Provide the same drink again the next morning, and monitor the greyhound’s condition carefully during the day; at any sign of stress repeat the injections again that night. If there is no rapid improvement by the next morning, or the greyhound’s condition deteriorates, in particular signs of excessive water drinking and or excessive amounts of clear urine, seek urgent Veterinary attention.

ACID-BASE BALANCE
CHLORIDE AND BICARBONATE

The determination of serum chloride and bicarbonate levels is mainly concerned with establishing the pH of the blood, and to determine the existence of either Acidosis, or Alkalosis.
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS Describes any clinical condition in which HYDROGEN IONS accumulate in the blood plasma, because of an excessive quantity of acidic waste in the blood, due to excessive exercise, and or reduced kidney function.
The excessive amount of hydrogen ions in the blood may cause the transfer of hydrogen ions into the cell, to maintain balance, potassium ions then shift out of the cell. This will reduce the ability of the muscle cell to function normally.
Acidosis also favours retention of potassium in the body fluid, due to the lower levels of bicarbonate entering the kidneys.
Therefore greyhounds with metabolic acidosis may have normal or slightly higher levels of serum potassium; however the cells (intra cellular fluid) may be low in potassium (INTRA CELLULAR ACIDOSIS).
METABOLIC ALKALOSIS Any clinical condition, in which there is a deficiency of HYDROGEN IONS in blood plasma, this may be caused by excessive intake of alkalising medication, or from loss of acids due to severe vomiting.
INTRACELLULAR ACIDOSIS   In greyhounds suffering from HYPERADRENOCORTICISM, potassium depletion may cause an increase in HYDROGEN IONS within the cell, this is then followed by the excretion of acid urine despite the fact that the blood plasma may be alkaline, and the greyhound may be suffering from METABOLIC ALKALOSIS.
The use of alkalising agents in response to a dipstick urine test (acid urine) will only aggravate the condition.
Correcting the low potassium level is essential for recovery.
RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS This refers to any clinical condition where CARBON DIOXIDE production in the body tissue, exceeds the ability of the lungs to remove it.
Respiratory acidosis is not common, except in extremely severe lung infections, or when lung function is depressed, either under anaesthetic, or from inappropriate drug use.
RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS This refers to any clinical condition where CARBON DIOXIDE removal by the lungs, exceeds its production by body tissue.
Respiratory alkalosis is relatively common in low-grade lung inflammation, such as kennel cough, or any condition that includes hyperventilation.
Greyhounds suffering pre-race stress syndrome, may suffer from respiratory alkalosis as a result of excessive barking.
However, body defence mechanisms in the case of respiratory alkalosis are extremely efficient, and the condition normally clears quickly without treatment.
Unless of course, the greyhound stresses as a result of a hard race, and quite often greyhounds that suffer pre-race stress syndrome, also suffer from Hyperadrenocorticism in which case the RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS may be complicated by METABOLIC ALKALOSIS.
BODY FLUID pH is normally maintained within narrow limits despite the continuous addition of large quantities of metabolic acids from the various processes within the body, and additions of carbon dioxide from cell function.
Three different types of mechanisms defend against any large changes of the blood pH
These are:
Chemical Buffers Buffers are compounds that can absorb or donate HYDROGEN IONS as may be required; these include proteins, phosphates, sodium bicarbonate, and haemoglobin
Shifts in Ions HYDROGEN IONS may shift into (where they are chemically buffered), or out of the body cells as may be required.
Response by Body Organ’s  The kidneys can either retain or excrete acids, while the lungs, via increased or lowered breathing, can regulate ACID-BASE BALANCE by either retaining or expelling CARBON DIOXIDE.

• Stressful conditions, such as abrupt changes in normal routine (a change of kennel or new dog in the kennel).
• The diet should be carefully analysed for any deficiencies, in particular for trace elements.
• Check for worm infestations such as tape, round or hookworm.

SERUM SODIUM and BODY FLUID REGULATION

It is sodium that is primarily responsible for the level of fluid in the body, and the distribution of water between the inside (Intra cellular), and outside (Extra cellular) of the cells.
Problems associated with deficit and excess of sodium reflect this function, deficit-causing dehydration, while excess could cause problems as severe as brain damage.
Cell membranes are relatively impregnable to sodium, but are easily penetrable to water, and any sodium ions that do gain access to the cell interior are actively pushed back into the extra cellular fluid by pumps in the cell membrane.
This pumping action depends on Potassium Ions, and as sodium is pushed out of the cells, potassium is pumped in. In this way, potassium maintains the intracellular pressure.
Since water easily flows between the intracellular (inside the cell), and extra cellular (outside the cell) fluid, concentrations of both these major fluids is always the same.
Normal regulation of body fluid volume also depends up on a balance between water loss, and water intake.
If increased drinking is not compensated by increased urine loss, body water must increase, end result, over hydration of the cells.
On the other hand, if increased drinking does not compensate urine loss, body water decreases, with resulting cellular dehydration.
The stimulation to drink is generated in, what is called the primary thirst centre of the brain, and the basic stimulation for the primary thirst centre is intracellular dehydration.
Stimulation of the primary thirst centre may also be triggered by volume and pressure receptors located in some of the larger blood vessels.
A reduction of 8% in blood volume or pressure can induce thirst, and stimulate the release of an anti diuretic hormone (ADH).
While a 2% change in the extra cellular fluid volume will also cause ADH release, and cause the kidneys to reabsorb water, and concentrate the urine.
In addition to water reabsorption, ADH also increases the reabsorption of Urea.
This is important, as Urea influences the ability of the kidneys to reabsorb water.
However, stimulation of the primary thirst centre is not the only mechanism that determines water intake in normal animals. Food intake as well as exercise, also triggers thirst in anticipation of possible water needs before any actual cellular deficiencies can occur.
Sodium balance is closely regulated and maintained within narrow limits regardless of large variations in the dietary intake of sodium. Although sodium is excreted from both the gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys, it is the kidneys that primarily regulate sodium balance.
Several factors influence this function; this includes a mineralocorticoid called Aldosterone secreted by the Adrenal Cortex, the volume of blood flow through the kidneys, and the availability of ADH and Urea.
In a normal healthy dog nearly 75% of the fluid that passes through the kidneys is reabsorbed
Essential to this function are Aldosterone, ADH, Urea, and Sodium.
Anything that affects the available levels of these substances will affect the ability of the kidneys to function normally.
So called acid neutralisers, alkalising diuretics, some infections (viral and bacterial), toxic substances and kidney disease, all reduce the ability of the kidneys to reabsorb water, and cause various levels of dehydration and loss of essential substances, such as potassium.
Low Serum Sodium (Hyponatremia) Low sodium levels can be due to decreased intake, or increased excretion of sodium.
Any decrease in the serum sodium concentration following sodium loss is initially corrected by a reduction of both thirst and ADH secretion, reducing fluid intake and increasing urine volume.
In this manner serum sodium concentration is maintained, but at the expense of body fluid volume, causing rapid dehydration.
With progressive sodium loss, extra cellular volume (hydration) keeps on reducing, and at a critical point, (8% reduction in blood volume) blood vessel volume receptors stimulate extreme thirst and ADH production, causing a water gain, and a rapid decrease in serum sodium concentration.
Hyponatremia is characterised by signs of dehydration, decreased skin pliability, weak pulse, and the increased production of urine with low specific gravity (Polyuria).
High Serum Sodium (Hypernatremia) High serum sodium causes water to transfer out of the brain into the extra cellular fluid, resulting in severe weakness and coma. Severe heat-stroke, excessive sodium administration, and kidney failure, may also cause high serum sodium.
This is life threatening, and requires immediate and appropriate therapy, which will depend on the degree of dehydration.

CALCIUM and MUSCLE FUNCTION

In addition to calcium's structural role in bone, the concentration of Calcium Ions within the body is critical for normal muscle contraction.
Muscle fibres are connected to the nervous system via neuromuscular junctions; these junctions release a substance called ACETYLCHOLINE, the released acetylcholine binds to special receptors on the muscle fibres
This produces electrical activity by stimulating the movement of SODIUM and POTASSIUM IONS through the cell membrane, although this binding occurs for only a few milliseconds, it creates far more electrical activity than is required to stimulate muscle contraction.
This electrical activity generated on the surface of the muscle fibre is conducted into the cell, where it causes the release of CALCIUM IONS.
The calcium ions then modulate the acetylcholine, and stimulate contraction of the muscle fibres. (MYOFIBRILS)
A pump within the muscle cell returns the calcium ions to the cell, keeping the concentration of calcium ions in the myofibrils at an extremely low level, except when required for the next muscle contraction.
Calcium is present in the extra cellular fluid in three forms, IONISED, bound to ALBUMIN, or combined with CHLORIDE or BICARBONATE.
Only ionised calcium is biologically active in muscle contraction.
Most laboratory methods for measuring SERUM CALCIUM simply measure the total serum calcium, however this provides no real guide to the availability of IONISED CALCIUM.
Nor does simply measuring total serum calcium take into consideration changes in calcium value's depending on blood pH
ALKALOSIS decreases ionised calcium, while ACIDOSIS has the opposite effect.
Special equipment is needed to measure ionised calcium.
Low Serum Calcium   (Hypocalcemia) The initial symptom of low serum calcium may simply be an episodic weakness after a hard run.
If severe, the symptoms may include muscle tremors, panting, nervousness, seizures, and increased body temperature.
These signs may be sporadic instead of constant.
HYPOCALCEMIA is potentially life threatening and should be treated without delay.
High Serum Calcium (Hypercalcemia) Although high serum calcium in greyhounds is rare, depending on the cause, the symptoms may include: depression, anorexia, constipation, weakness, Polydipsia / Polyuria (excessive water drinking and urine production) and cardiac arrhythmia's.
When high serum calcium is coupled with elevated SERUM PHOSPHORUS levels it may cause soft tissue mineralization, and severe kidney damage due to kidney calcification.
Severe HYPERCALCEMIA may be fatal.

CHOLESTEROL and FATTY ACIDS

Fatty acids are an essential part of the diet, and influence the growth of skin, healthy hair, kidney function and optimum utilisation of energy.
The ability to breakdown the fatty acid to components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream depends upon the availability of bile and pancreatic juice.
The Cholesterol part of the fatty acids is also required for maintaining energy levels, and the production of steroid hormones.
Cholesterol from egg yolk, meat and cod liver oil is easiest to absorb, while the addition of fatty acids from plant oils to the diet, such as peanut, corn or safflower oil reduces the absorption of cholesterol.
The body also synthesises cholesterol, mainly in the liver.
The cholesterol in the bloodstream is mostly derived from cholesterol synthesised by the body, while the fatty acids in the diet contribute to fat stores.
Approximately 50% of all body fat are stored in subcutaneous tissue (under the skin), while less than 5% is stored in muscle tissue.
The liver plays a central role in the processing of cholesterol, both by synthesising cholesterol and adding it to the blood, and removing it by oxidisation and excreting it into the bile.
However, both the thyroid and the adrenal gland influence the speed at which the liver processes fatty acids and cholesterol.
Low thyroid levels may lead to increased fat storage, as well as elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, while prolonged high levels of blood cholesterol may further reduce thyroid function.
Hyperadrenocorticism (severe stress) will also reduce thyroid function and increase the levels of cholesterol.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT DEVICES

ULTRASOUND Ultrasound treatment is one of the most widely used methods of repairing soft tissue injuries.
The high frequency sound waves (1000 MHz) that radiate from the applicator head produce both heat and a micro massage effect within the muscle fibres, and the heat so produced dilates the blood vessels, while the micro massage effect breaks up blood clotting.
The frequency of the sound wave produced is extremely important, because at 1000 MHz it has a penetrating ability of around 6 centimetres or more (2-½ inches), while at a frequency of 3000 MHz this penetrating ability is reduced to 1 centimetre (1/2 inch).
Limitations The use of ultrasound is strictly limited to the treatment of soft tissue injuries, such as damage in muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments.
Contraindications Ultrasound radiation should never be used for the treatment of bone fractures as it produces excessive heat on the bone surface, creating extreme bone pain, and the likelihood of permanent damage to any muscle or tendon attachment at the radiated area.
The use of ultrasound treatment too soon after the occurrence of an injury may increase internal bleeding at the injury site.
The excessive use of ultrasound produces a feeling of fatigue, and should not be used within 24 hours of racing.
PULSED MICROWAVE Pulsed microwave may be used in all types of injuries where the application of deeply penetrating heat is deemed to be beneficial, and may be used for both soft tissue damage, and bone fractures.
Limitations Because the heat produced by the pulsed microwave covers a large area, it also radiates the sound tissue around the injured muscle, limiting its use to a general treatment of soreness due to stage 1 injuries, and minor bone fractures.
Contraindications Due to the fact that microwave radiation has been linked to various types of cancer, and the danger this represents to both the patient and operator, the use of microwave radiation as a therapeutic treatment tool has largely been discontinued for general medical use.
The heat produced by the pulsed microwave has a tendency to “cook” or “dry out” the muscle tissue, and therefore its use should be limited to one treatment every 24 to 36 hours.
The use of microwave radiation over large areas of the body produces a feeling of extreme fatigue and debility, and should not be used within 48 hours of racing.
LASER Since its introduction as a therapeutic treatment device, laser treatment has been surrounded by a great deal of “hype”, and it is “reputed” to be able to treat anything from a torn muscle to a sore tooth.
Unfortunately some of its treatment reputation is unwarranted; however the use of laser therapy is beneficial in all areas where stimulation of healthy cell growth is required.
This includes all soft tissue injuries, trauma on the skin surface, the bone periosteum, as well as reduction of fibrosis tissue and scar tissue.
Laser therapy seems to be more effective when used around 48 hours after an injury has been injected with a sclerosing agent. The sclerosing agent stimulates rapid scar tissue formation, and while this is occurring, laser therapy appears to improve healthy cell growth rather than scar tissue.
Limitations Because of the fact that the laser treats such a small area at each application (about the size of a ten cent piece) and the requirement that sufficient energy needs to be absorbed into each area, laser treatment can be quite time consuming.
Therefore its use tends to be limited to the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries.
While the cost is still high, the advent of multi head laser units has certainly improved the use of laser therapy for larger soft tissue injuries.
It should however be clearly understood that the effectiveness of laser is dependent upon the output of each laser diode. For effective healing it is accepted that an absolute minimum of 2 Joule of energy (preferably 4) is delivered to the injury site in each treatment.
One joule of energy is delivered by a 1000 milliwatt laser in one second. Therefore a 100 milliwatt laser will take 10 seconds to deliver the same amount of energy.
Purchasing a cheaper 30 milliwatt laser can therefore be poor economy, as this laser will take 66 seconds, or just over one minute to treat an area the size of a ten cent piece with the minimum required 2 joule of energy.
Contraindications There are currently no known contraindications to the laser as a therapeutic device.
PULSED MAGNETIC FIELD As for laser, the original introduction of pulsed magnetic field as a therapeutic treatment device was surrounded by a great deal of unwarranted “hype”.
Pulsed magnetic field may be used in all soft tissue areas where a low level of blood flow stimulation may be beneficial, such as in a “tying up” syndrome, or in those Greyhounds that suffer from tightness and excessive muscle tone all over the body.
However it is in the treatment of bone trauma that pulsed magnetic field treatment really is worthwhile, as its most beneficial effect is on the bone matrix, where it at least halves normal healing time.
Limitations The use of pulsed magnetic field to treat minor muscle trauma is simply not worthwhile, a good liniment will have a similar beneficial effect.
Contraindications It has been reported in the media that pulsed electromagnetic fields have been implicated in causing cancerous brain tumours
Due to the fact that magnetic field has a greater effect on the kidneys than muscle tissue; excessive use may lead to loss of electrolytes from the body.
INFRARED HEAT LAMPS Infrared heat may be used in all areas where low level penetrating heat is deemed beneficial.
Limitations The use of heat only on muscle tissue has a minimal beneficial effect, unless it is combined with massage.
Infra red heat lamps have a limited penetrating ability.
Contraindications The use of heat alone on damaged muscle tissue may lead to excessive scar tissue formation.
The use of an infrared heat lamp too soon after incurring muscle trauma may increase internal bleeding.
The use of an infrared heat lamp may cause excessive heat on the skin surface.
If liniments are to be applied they must be applied after the treatment is completed, not before

THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT GUIDELINES

LASER AND LASER TREATMENTS The word Laser Stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation.
Laser light is produced by exciting atoms in such a manner that they collide with each other. During this collision in the excited state, each atom releases photons; some of these photons lock together and travel in the same direction, wavelength and frequency.
Thus by exciting a specific substance and producing a chain reaction of the atoms, a coherent light is produced; this phenomenon is called Stimulated Emission.
This Light is then Amplified by refocusing it into a tight beam and allowing it to Radiate out.
When a laser beam is applied to living tissue it produces both a thermal, and a photochemical reaction.
The ability to focus the laser beam into a tightly controlled area, and the thermal cell destruction phenomena, are being used successfully in both major surgery, and plastic surgery.
Sophisticated techniques have been developed using high intensity lasers that have a considerable advantage over conventional surgical methods by reducing scarring, and by providing better control over bleeding.
Photochemical reactions follow the application of low energy laser beams, and consist of the reactions that occur when the cells take in the light energy, and incorporate this into their metabolic processes.
The intake of laser light causes the cell mitochondria to produce more energy, thus stimulating cell replacement, it increases ATP production providing more useable energy, and it causes a reduction of nerve cell excitability, providing instant reduction in pain and inflammation levels.
The energy produced by the laser light is measured in Joule, 1-Joule equals the energy produced by a 1000 mw laser in 1 second, or the energy produced by a 10-mw laser in 100 seconds.
Therefore a 4-joule treatment with a 30-mw laser will require 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
It is also important that the laser tip is held stationary on the treatment area; this reduces laser light loss, and maintains penetrating ability.
Treatments For a worthwhile healing effect of muscle or ligament damage, and depending on the type of injury being treated, it is generally accepted that 2 to 8 Joule of laser energy needs to be absorbed by each 2x2 cm area of tissue at each treatment session.
Therefore the time spent treating each area depends entirely on the output of the laser.
Most injuries will require from 10 to 20 treatments.
It should also be noted that the joule output as described is based on a laser with a continuous beam, not a pulsed beam, as this dramatically reduces the joule output.
Acupuncture Low output lasers are especially effective for acupuncture treatments, as each treatment spot only requires 0.5 joule of energy absorption.
Safety Lasers emit powerful light radiation that can damage the eye retina, never stare directly into the laser beam, or allow others to do so.
All persons within the treatment area should wear suitable eye protection.
Allow laser treatment only when the hand piece tip is pressed firmly onto the treatment area.
Remove highly reflective surfaces from the treatment area, such as stainless steel fittings and mirrors. Do not allow anyone, especially children, to play with a laser.
APPLICATION NOTES FOR ULTRASOUND THERAPY Ultrasonic therapy is the principle of applying waveform energy at frequencies above the normal range of hearing, but lower than radio frequencies.
Ultrasonic therapy uses a frequency of one million cycles per second (1 megacycle).
Normal range of hearing ceases above 20,000 cycles per second.
Ultrasonic energy penetrates body tissues to a depth of 5 cm or more, and affects the tissues in three ways simultaneously, thermally, mechanically, and chemically.
Thermally, the energy is transformed to heat, increasing blood flow and stimulating healing.
Mechanically, it has a stirring action within the tissue, providing a cellular micro massage effect.
Chemically, it increases cellular permeability and the diffusion of ions into and out of the cells.
The blood supply and lymph drainage are improved, more than by the application of heat alone.
In inflamed tissues, acid breakdown products are drained away.
Muscle spasms and pain are relieved in skeletal muscle, ligaments and tendons.
Ultrasonic therapy is normally applied utilising two different types of output; they are continuous wave, and pulsed wave.
The use of continuous ultrasound is generally limited to cases where the major aim is to deliver heat to the muscle tissue, or in large muscle bulk that is capable of absorbing the heat so produced.
Treatment with pulsed ultrasound reduces the heat effect, but enhances the micro-massage effect.
Pulsed ultrasound is best employed when treating small muscle areas, or when ultrasound treatment is undertaken to ligament or tendons, as in most instances this treatment will involve radiating the bone under the ligament or tendons.
When continuous ultrasound is used for this type of treatment it increases the chance of causing periosteum (bone) pain.
Each pulse of ultrasound energy consists of a large number of individual vibrations, which cause specific reactions to occur within the tissue, these reactions remain, until the next pulse arrives.
It is therefore unnecessary to increase power or exposure time, when pulsed beams are used.
Cautions In Ultrasound Therapy Always use a good coupling agent such as a quality clear ultrasound gel, the addition of any type of liniment to the coupling medium is totally contraindicated.
For two reasons: The addition of any particles to the coupling agent will reflect some of the energy produced by the ultrasound back into the ultrasound head, increasing the temperature of the face plate, and increasing the chances of damaging the barium titanite crystal.
Liniments are formulated to produce heat on the surface of the skin, and contain ingredients that may cause either kidney or liver damage when the ultrasound energy punches them through the skin and they have to be excreted from the body via the blood stream and the internal organs.
Over-Dosage Of ultrasound produces a general feeling of fatigue and debility, which may also be accompanied by headaches and nausea.
It is therefore not a good idea to treat your Greyhound with ultrasound therapy in the 24 hours prior to racing.
Selection Of Dosage It is desirable to always use the smallest effective dosage; the use of a short high dose is not equivalent in effect to a longer period of low dosage.
In general start with a low intensity 0.8 to 1.0 watt per cm for fresh injuries, and in subsequent treatments increase the dosage slowly to a maximum of 1.8 watts per cm.
Deep Seated Injuries Due to the absorption in the tissues, ultrasound energy decreases with depth, after penetrating a tissue layer of 5 cm the intensity is reduced to half of its original value.
For deep-seated injuries when the power of the output needs to be increased to 2.0 watts per cm it is best to use a pulsed output to reduce the heat in the upper layer of muscle.
Should the head of the ultrasound unit get hot?
Not more than a comfortable body temperature, if the head gets hot there is something wrong with the unit.
Always unplug the ultrasound unit when not in use, or at the very least turn off the power point, it is far to easy for the unit to be turned on accidentally and burn out the face plate.
TENS APPLICATIONS T.E.N.S this abbreviation stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, the term Transcutaneous simply meaning “through the skin”.
TENS treatment utilises short electrical pulses that are designed to penetrate the skin and travel along the nerve pathways to the brain.
The main function of this is to interfere with the pain impulses that travel along the same pathways, providing pain relief for many chronic problems.
However a considerable body of evidence exists that indicates that the electrical pulses produced by the TENS also stimulate healing in damaged muscle tissue, and in damaged bone surface.
Pain Relief An analgesic reaction may be achieved by setting the unit switch to NORMAL, the FREQUENCY to 100 and INTENSITY to 5.
Position one ELECTRO PAD on each end of the painful muscle or joint.
Treatment time is 30 minutes or more, and may result in a pain control period of 6 to 36 hours.
Caution, the masking of pain prior to strenuous exercise may result in a more severe injury.
To Accelerate Healing Place the 4 ELECTRO PADS close around the injury site, with the pads of each pair being placed directly opposite each other. The field of maximum stimulation is central to each pair.
Set unit switch to NORMAL, FREQUENCY to 100 and INTENSITY to 5.
Treat for 10 minutes twice daily for 3 days, and then treat as for severe muscle strain.
Severe Muscle Strain Place one ELECTRO PAD of a pair at each end of the muscle to be treated, set unit switch to NORMAL, FREQUENCY to 4 and slowly increase INTENSITY until a slight twitching movement is noted in the muscle being treated. Treatment time is 1 minute for the first treatment and 3 minutes for the next two daily treatments.
Thereafter treat as for general muscle strain.
General Muscle Strain Place one ELECTRO PAD of a pair at each end of the muscle to be treated, set unit switch to BURST, and slowly increase INTENSITY until full but comfortable contractions are achieved.
Treatment time is 1 to 3 minutes twice daily for 3 days.
Treatment should be comfortable for the patient, if any signs of pain or discomfort are noted REDUCE INTENSITY, check setting, and resume treatment at a lower setting.
Electro Pads It is vital to ensure good electrical contact between the pads and the area being treated. This is best done using a good conductive clear ultrasonic gel.
After each treatment rinse pads in warm water, and allow to dry.
Please Note There are a large number of different brands and types of TENS treatment units on the market, and the controls may vary to the examples given. However it is essential that the unit design include a burst setting, as this is the only setting suitable for muscle re-education or contracting.
WHY TENS TREATMENT? The Greyhound is racing over 515 meters and hurts itself, and you treat the injury with an ultrasound or laser until the damage is repaired. Unfortunately at this point in time, the rest of the Greyhound is capable of running over 515 meters, except the muscle you have treated and healed.
The healed muscle does not have the muscle tone to stand up to racing over the same distance, and you have two choices. Either give the Greyhound 2 or 3 runs over a shorter distance until the muscle tone in the healed muscle catches up with the rest of the body, or you follow up the ultrasound or laser treatment with either muscle contractor treatment or TENS treatment and re-tone the muscle.
Failure to do this is the main reason the same muscles keep breaking down run after run.

EXAGGERATED PAIN RESPONSE (REFERRED PAIN) A severe pain response in a muscle or on some bone surfaces without the presence of contributing factors such as bruising, muscle fibre disruption, fluid etc. or an inflammatory reaction on the bone surface generally indicates a sensitised nerve pain response.
The basic explanation is this: the touching sensation is transmitted to the brain along the nerve pathway, picks up pain at the site of the spinal spasm, and registers as pain only.
In fact, a recent and severe muscle injury that includes muscle fibre disruption will exhibit a lower pain response than most sound muscle tissue when squeezed.
Simply because the disruption of muscle fibres also disrupts the nerves that conduct sensations, and the initial release of fluid into the area also contains some natural pain killing substances.
It is not unusual for a greyhound to finish last in a race and to be sent to the track Veterinarian by the stewards for an examination, and to be given “the no apparent injury” by the Veterinarian.
Only to turn up the next day with an obvious injury, such as a torn GRACILIS or a severely damaged SEMITENDINOSUS much to the disgust of the trainer, who then blames the Vet. for not finding the problem on the night.
All I can say is, the Veterinarian never had a chance, fresh injuries like that, unless they fill with fluid immediately are extremely difficult to detect, particularly on a greyhound straight off the track.
This can make checking for injuries extremely difficult, on the one hand you have severe pain response in an area that does not contain an injury (referred pain), on the other hand you may have a severe injury that may provide an extremely low pain response (torn muscle)
A good case for learning to check for injuries by touch rather than by pain response only
EXCESSIVE PAIN IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS MAY BE CAUSED BY A SPINAL MUSCLE SPASM.  Lower part of the CEHALO-HUMERAL (base of the neck), compression to C5/C7
Upper part of the PECTORALIS MAJOR (chest coupling), compression to C6/C7
Lower part of the PECTORALIS MAJOR (chest muscle), compression to C7/T1
DELTOID along the edge of the SPINE OF THE SCAPULA, compression to C7/T1
BICEPS in the body of the muscle, possibly due to compression to C7/T1
Wrist flexion, possibly due to compression to C8/T1
Medial surface of the lower RADIUS, compression to C8/T1
Upper TRAPEZIUS (saddle muscle), compression to T1/T2
In the junction between the LUMBO-DORSAL FACIA and LATISSIMUS DORSI, compression to L3/ L4
In the junction of LUMBO-DORSAL FACIA and the crest of the ILIUM, compression to L5/L7
In the lateral surface of the TIBIA just below the level of the PERFORANS, compression to    L4/L5
In the lateral lower surface of the POSTERIOR SARTORIUS, compression to L6/S2
In the lower edge of the GLUTEUS MAXIMUS, compression to L6/S2
In the GASTROCNEMIUS, compression to L6/S2
In the rear of the TARSUS – METATARSUS junction, compression to L6/S2
Pain on fully extending the front leg, possibly due to compression to C7/T3
Pain on fully extending the rear leg, possibly due to compression to L5/S2
All of the above referred pain problems would benefit from spinal adjustment.
However, this is a specialised field, and unfortunately takes a considerable amount of practice and learning.
To simply rotate or twist the neck or spine of the greyhound in the vague hope that it may fix the problem, is dangerous to say the least.
Inexperienced and/or rough treatment, more often than not will cause a spasm in other parts of the spine or neck, or worst-case scenario, damage the spine permanently.
Under no circumstances should any spinal adjustment include sharp forceful downward pressure with the hand, as this may damage the area each side of the spinal segment being forced downward.
It is extremely important that any adjustment to a compressed nerve be done one spinal segment at a time.
Many of the spinal spasm problems of the greyhound would be far better treated and relieved by heat, thorough massage, gently stretching and more massage than by rough or inexperienced manipulations.

• Do not attempt spinal manipulation without a valid reason.

• Under no circumstances should spinal manipulation be attempted if there is swelling or fluid on any part of the spine.

• Do not attempt spinal manipulation if the dog has eaten its main meal within the last 4/6 hours.

• Do not attempt spinal manipulation unless the dog has been properly emptied out.

• Do not attempt spinal manipulation if the problem is severe enough to cause paralysis or partial paralysis of any limbs; this requires X rays and qualified Veterinary treatment.

• Do not attempt spinal manipulation if the greyhound exhibits more than three classic signs of referred pain.

• 1 No other symptoms other than the inability to extend one or both hind legs fully
  2 The above + a reduction in the size of the left GLUTEUS MEDIUS
  3 All of the above + a reduction in the size of the right GLUTEUS MEDIUS
  4 All of the above + a reduction in the size of both the BICEPS FEMORIS muscles
  5 All of the above + damaged tissue on the right hand side of L7 allowing fractional sideways movement of L7.
  6 All of the above + a fractured spine of L7 capable of being pushed sideways both left and right.

GENERAL MUSCLE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

• 1.  SCUTULARIS – action: to move ears.
  2.  ZYGOMATICUS – action: to move top lip.
  3.  PAROTID GLAND
  4.   MASSETER – action: to raise lower jaw and close mouth.
  5.  MAXILLARIS – action: to move nose and lip.
  6.  NASALIS – action: to move nose.
  7.  WHISKER BED
  8.   BUCCINATOR – action: to move lip.
  9.   DIGASTRICUS – action: to depress the lower jaw and open mouth.
  10.  MYLO-HYOID – action: to support or raise the tongue.
  11.  STERNO-HYOID – action: involved in swallowing.
  12.  STERNO-THYROID – action: involved in swallowing.
  13.  THYROID GLAND
  14.  CEHALO-HUMERAL – action: to advance the limb or draw limb and head together.
  15.  MASTOIDEUS – action: to raise head or neck.
  16.  SPLENIUS – action: to extend or incline head.
  17.  JUGULAR VEIN
  18.  SERRATUS MAGNUS – action: to extend or turn the head.
  19.  ANGULARIS – action: to lift the lower end of the SCAPULA.
  20.  HUMERUS
  21.  ACROMION – action: to flex the shoulder joint
  22.  SCAPULAR DELTOID – action: to flex the shoulder joint and rotate the HUMERUS outward.
  23.  ACROMION DELTOID – action: as for SCAPULAR DELTOID.
  24.  CEHALO-HUMERAL – action: to advance the limb or draw limb and head together.
  25.  CEPHALIC VEIN   
  26.  SPINE OF THE SCAPULA
  27.  UPPER TRAPEZIUS – action: to raise the shoulder or carry it forward.
  28.  LOWER TRAPEZIUS – action: as for UPPER TRAPEZIUS.
  29.  LATISSIMUS DORSI – action: supports the forelimb and carries the trunk forward.
  30.  INFRASPINATUS – action: to adduct the HUMERUS and rotate it outward.
  31.  GREAT OBLIQUE – action: to flex the spine, or incline it laterally.
  32.  RECTUS ABDOMINIS – action: the principal FLEXOR of the spine.
  33.  INTERCOSTALS – action: in breathing.
  34.  SCALENUS – action: to draw the shoulder backward.
  35.  PECTORALIS MINOR – action: to draw the shoulder downwards and backwards.
  36.  PECTORALIS MAJOR – action: to adduct, flex and rotate inwards the forelimb.
  37.  EPITROCHLEARIS – action: to draw the forelimb backwards.
  38.  FLEXOR CARPI ULNARIS – action: to flex the CARPUS and foot.
  39.  PERFORATUS – action: to flex the toes and the whole foot on the forearm.
  40.  ANCONEUS – action: to raise the capsule of the elbow joint.
  41.  FLEXOR CARPI RADIALIS – action: to flex the CARPUS on the forearm.
  42.  PRONATOR TERES – action: rotate the RADIUS and turn the paw downward and outward.
  43.  PERFORANS – action: to flex the toes and foot.
  44.  SUBCUTANEOUS VEIN
  45.  PISIFORM BONE
  46.  PLANTAR PADS
  47.  METACARPUS
  48.  LONG TRICEPS – action: to extend the forearm.
  49.  OUTER TRICEPS – action: to extend the forearm.
  50.  BRACHIALIS – action: to flex the forearm.
  51.  EXTENSOR CARPI RADIALIS – action: extends the METACARPUS on the forearm.
  52.  EXTENSOR DIGITORUM COMMUNIS – action: extends the toes and foot.
  53.  EXTENSOR DIGITORUM BREVIS – action: extends the three outer toes and foot.
  54.  EXTENSOR CARPI ULNARIS – action: to extend the CARPUS with slight outward rotation.
  55.  FLEXOR CARPI ULNARIS – action: to flex the CARPUS and foot.
  56.  EXTENSOR OBLIQUE – action: to extend the first toe (dewclaw).
  57.  ANNULAR LIGAMENT
  58.  CARPUS
  59.  PHALANGES
  60.  SUPRA SCAPULAR GLAND
  61.  1st SARTORIUS – action: to adduct the leg and carry the thigh forward.
  62.  2ND SARTORIUS – action: as above.
  63.  VASTUS INTERNUS – action: to extend the leg.
  64.  ADDUCTOR MAGNUS – action: to adduct and rotate the thigh outwards, push body forward.
  65.  SEMIMEMBRANOSUS – action: to extend the thigh and flex the knee.
  66.  GRACILIS – action: to adduct the thigh.
  67.  SEMITENDINOSUS – action: draws back the thigh and pushes body forward.
  68.  GASTROCNEMIUS – action: to extend the foot on the TIBIA.
  69.  POPLITEUS – action: to rotate the TIBIA sideways and outward.
  70.  PERFORATUS – action: to flex the toes, draw the foot back, and bend the knee.
  71.  PERFORANS – action: to flex the toes and draw the foot backwards.
  72.  PERFORANS AUXILIARY – action: to flex the toes.
  73.  TIBIALIS ANTICUS – action: to bend the foot forward and upward.
  74.  LUMBO DORSAL FASCIA – action: to assist in spinal flexion.
  75.  CREST OF ILIUM
  76.  LONG TENSOR FASCIA – action: to flex the thigh.
  77.  SHORT TENSOR FASCIA – action: to flex the thigh.
  78.  GLUTEUS MEDIUS – action: to extend, rotate or adduct the thigh.
  79.  GLUTEUS MAXIMUS – action: to adduct the thigh and rotate the knee outward.
  80.  GREAT TROCHANTER – action: muscle insertion point (GLUTEUS).
  81.  ISCHIUM – action: insertion point for GEMELLUS – action: to carry the thigh forward.
  82.  SEMIMEMBRANOSUS – action: to extend the thigh and to flex the knee.
  83.  ERECTOR – action: to raise the tail.
  84.  CURVATOR – action: to draw the tail sideways and upward.
  85.  FASCIA LATA – action: to flex the thigh.
  86.  SEMITENDINOSUS – action: flex the knee, draw back the thigh and push body forward.
  87.  BICEPS FEMORIS – action: flexes the leg, when leg is fixed it rotates the PELVIS.
  88.  DEPRESSOR – action: to depress the tail.
  89.  GASTROCNEMIUS – action: to extend the foot on the TIBIA.
  90.  GREAT SAPHENOUS VEIN
  91.  PERFORATUS – action: to flex the toes, draws back the foot and bend the knee.
  92.  PERFORANS – action: to flex the toes and draw the foot backward.
  93.  CALCANEUM
  94.  TARSUS
  95.  METATARSUS
  96.  TIBIALIS ANTERIOR – action: to flex or rotate the foot.
  97.  EXTENSOR PEDIS – action: to extend the toes and draw the foot forward.
  98.  LONG PERONEUS – action: to turn the lower end of limb outwards.
  99.  SHORT EXTENSOR – action: to extend the toes.
  100. PHALANGES

BONE STRUCTURE

INNER SIDE OF LEFT FRONT LEG & LEFT HIND LEG

L/H Side: INNER SIDE OF LEFT FRONT LEG- MUSCLE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

• 1.    TERES MAJOR – action: to flex the shoulder joint and draw the forearm back.
  2.    SUBSCAPULARIS – action: to extend the shoulder joint and push arm forward.
  3.    LATISSIMUS DORSI – action: supports the arm and carries the trunk forward.
  4.    SUPRASPINATUS – action: extends the HUMERUS.
  5.    EPITROCHLEARIS – action: to draw the arm backwards and aid the TRICEPS.
  6.    CORACO-BRACHIALIS – action: to advance the arm-rotate inwards-extend shoulder joint.
  7.    LONG TRICEPS – action: to extend the forearm.
  8.    BICEPS – action: to flex the forearm.
  9.    INNER TRICEPS – action: to extend the forearm.
  10.  HUMERAL VEIN
  11.  HUMERUS
  12.  CEPHALIC VEIN
  13.  OLECRANON
  14.  FLEXOR CARPI ULNARIS – action: to flex the CARPUS and foot.
  15.  INNER EPICONDYLE OF HUMERUS
  16.  EXTENSOR CARPI RADIALIS – action: to extend the METACARPUS on the forearm.
  17.  PERFORATUS – action: to flex the toes and the whole foot on the forearm.
  18.  ROUND PRONATOR – action: to turn paw downward and outward by rotating the RADIUS.
  19.  FLEXOR CARPI RADIALIS – action: to flex the CARPUS on the forearm.
  20.  SUBCUTANEOUS VEIN
  21.  RADIUS
  22.  PERFORANS – action: to flex the toes and foot

• 1.    CREST OF ILIUM
  2.    SCIATIC SPINE
  3.    FEMORAL ARTERY
  4.    FEMORAL VEIN
  5.    PSOAS MAGNUS – action: to flex and rotate the thigh and incline the lumbar region laterally.
  6.    PSOAS PARVUS – action: to flex the pelvis on the spine.
  7.    TENSOR VAGINA – action: to flex the thigh and tense its muscle sheath.
  8.    RECTUS FEMORIS – part of the QUADRICEPS – action: to extend the leg.
  9.    PECTINEUS – action: to flex, adduct, and rotate inward the FEMUR.
  10.  ANTERIOR SARTORIUS – action: to adduct the leg and carry the thigh forward.
  11.  GRACILIS – action: to adduct the thigh.
  12.  POSTERIOR SARTORIUS – action: to adduct the leg and carry the thigh forward.
  13.  VASTUS INTERNUS – action: to extend the leg.
  14.  ADDUCTOR – action: to adduct and rotate the thigh outwards and push the body forward.
  15.  SEMIMEMBRANOSUS – action: to extend the thigh and flex the knee.
  16.  SEMITENDINOSUS – action: draws back the thigh and pushes the body forward.
  17.  GASTROCNEMIUS – action: to extend the foot on the TIBIA.
  18.  INNER SAPHENOUS VEIN
  19.  POPLITEUS – action: to rotate the TIBIA sideways and outward.
  20.  SAPHENOUS VEIN
  21.  TENDON OF THE BICEPS
  22.  PERFORATUS – action: to flex the toes, draws back the foot and bend the knee.
  23.  PERFORANS – action: to flex the toes and draw the foot backwards.
  24.  SMALL PART OF PERFORANS
  25.  TIBIALIS ANTICUS – action: to bend the foot forward and upward.
  26.  FLEXOR ACCESSORIUS – action: to flex or rotate the foot.
  27.  EXTENSOR PEDIS – action: to extend the toes and draw the foot forward.
  28.  UPPER ANNULAR LIGAMENT
  29.  LOWER ANNULAR LIGAMENT
  30.  TENDON OF TIBIALIS ANTICUS
  31.  TENDON OF EXTENSOR PEDIS
  32.  TENDON OF PERFORATUS

THE BONES, TENDONS, AND LIGAMENTS OF THE LEFT FRONT FOOT

THE BONES, TENDONS, AND LIGAMENTS OF THE LEFT HIND FOOT