The Borzoi has to be one of the most elegant dogs on the planet and for such fine and slender dogs, they're a pretty healthy breed with many dogs living out their lives without ever developing any disorders. With this said, like many other deep chested dogs, they do tend to suffer from bloat which is a very serious condition that can prove fatal.

Below is a list of the health issues more commonly associated with the breed and for large dogs, the good news is the list is not very long at all. This is refreshing because unlike many other large pure breeds, the Borzoi as previously mentioned, is one of the healthier dogs around.

Bloat - Gastric Dilatation

Bloat is a serious condition which sees the stomach filling with air and if left untreated, it may well rotate which often proves fatal. This is because vital blood supply is cut off. Dogs showing any signs of a swollen stomach and restlessness, need to be taken to the vet as a matter of urgency. Other symptoms of bloat to watch out for include the following:

• Drooling
• A painful abdomen
• Problems breathing – which is typically fast and shallow

To reduce the chances of a dog developing Bloat, vets recommend that owners feed their pets a good hour before taking them out for any exercise. Water bowls should be placed higher too so that dogs don't have to lower their heads to drink out of them.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)

This is a condition that affects cartilage found in a dog's joints and is seen in many breeds including Borzois. It can affect any joint and sometimes several at the same time. It's thought growth rate has a lot to do with dogs developing the condition and symptoms are first noticed when they are around 4 to 9 months old.

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)

Dogs with HOD are often lame and although the cause is as yet unknown, it is thought diet may be partly responsible. Symptoms include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Painful, swollen joints
• Difficulty walking
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Sometimes this condition is fatal

Cardiomyopathy – a Heart Condition

This is a complex health disorder the breed is predisposed to suffer from. Dogs with the condition have a very rapid heart beat which also tends to be intermittent. All too often the condition goes unnoticed, but if dogs are severely affected, they may become extremely weak and even go into a coma which could prove fatal.

Transient Panosteitis

This is a condition that affects a dog's long bone and which typically occurs in breeds that grow too fast. The cause is unknown but is thought to be a genetic disorder which can be triggered by anxiety and stress. Dogs suddenly display certain symptoms for no apparent reason which includes being lame and feverish. They go off their food and as a result lose weight and condition. However, the condition resolves itself as dogs mature, but symptoms can often recur anything up to a year or more later.

Allergies

Borzois are also known to suffer from allergies which can be very frustrating when trying to establish just what triggers them. More often than not, vets have to carry out lots of tests to eliminate the triggers, but typically give dogs certain medication to make them more comfortable until a correct diagnosis can be made.

Thyroid Disorders

The breed is also prone to suffer from thyroid disorders which can negatively impact their metabolism. Once a condition has been correctly diagnosed by a vet, dogs are typically put on medication to control and manage the disorder on an ongoing basis.

Cancer

As a Borzoi reaches old age, they do tend to suffer from certain cancers which are worth knowing about so that if dogs develop any symptoms, a vet would be able to recommend the right sort of therapy for them to be given to make their lives as comfortable as possible sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

For such elegant and fragile looking dogs, the Borzoi is known to be a breed that doesn't suffer from too many hereditary health disorders. They boast long lifespans which can be anything up to 12 years and more if well cared for and given all the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy. They are stunning looking dogs that are remarkably quiet by nature with some never barking during their entire lives. They do need lot of exercise which means they are the ideal choice for people who love spending time in the great outdoors!