Greyhounds are known for their remarkable speed and agility, as well as their gentle temperament, making them a popular choice for many pet owners, especially when they take up residence on the couch! Although Greyhounds are less susceptible to developing CCL injuries or other acute orthopaedic injuries than other breeds, there is a common problem that often goes unnoticed but can cause severe lameness: the development of corns on their paw pads. This can be a painful condition that is often compared to the feeling of having a stone in your shoe while walking. Lets take a closer look at what these ‘corns' are, how to identify them, and how to treat them effectively.

Causes:
Corns in Greyhounds are hard, painful growths that typically appear on the paw pads. The exact cause of corns remains elusive, but several factors are believed to contribute:

1. Genetics: Some Greyhounds may have a genetic predisposition to developing corns, as they are more prevalent in certain bloodlines and sighthound breeds.
2. Weight Distribution: Greyhounds have slender legs and a unique weight distribution. The pressure placed on their paw pads during high-speed running can lead to the development of corns.
3. Environmental Factors: Walking on abrasive surfaces, such as concrete or gravel, can exacerbate the formation of corns over time.

Prevention: 
Maintaining the paw health of your Greyhound involves a proactive approach to prevent the development of corns. Several key preventative measures should be considered. Firstly, regular paw care is essential; frequent inspections of your Greyhound's paw pads help in the early detection of corns or any signs of damage. Secondly, proper conditioning of the paw pads is crucial, as keeping them moisturised and well-conditioned can help prevent excessive dryness, which is a contributing factor to corn formation. Additionally, weight management plays a significant role in preventing corns, as maintaining a healthy weight reduces the pressure exerted on the paw pads during physical activities. Lastly, it's advisable to choose walking surfaces carefully; whenever possible, opt for softer terrains like grass or sand, which can reduce the risk of corn development by minimising the abrasive effects on your Greyhound's paws.

 Corns can be a painful and debilitating condition for Greyhounds, causing acute lameness and distress. If you suspect your Greyhound has developed a corn, seek veterinary care promptly. By understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and exploring treatment options, you can help your doggo regain their agility and comfort, ensuring they continue to enjoy their active lifestyle.
​

Harnesses for Dogs Pros:

1. Even Distribution of Pressure: Harnesses distribute the force evenly across your dog's chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of neck strain or injury, making them an excellent choice for dogs that pull on the leash. They generally come in two different types; a restrictive harness or a Y harness 
2. Added Security: Harnesses provide added security, minimizing the chances of your dog slipping out of their collar.
3. Ideal for Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs with flat faces, such as bulldogs or pugs, benefit from harnesses as they reduce the risk of respiratory distress that can be caused by collars.
4. Types of harnesses: Generally speaking, harnesses come in two different types; the Y-shaped harness and the restrictive harness. The former sits close to the neck and loops under the chest while the restrictive straps across the front of the shoulders. There is speculation that the restrictive harness can limit the mobility of the shoulder while the Y-shaped harness can compress through the base of the neck if not fitted right.

Cons:

1. Not Ideal for Houdini Dogs: Some dogs are masters at escaping harnesses, so it's essential to choose a well-fitted and secure option if your dog tends to be an escape artist.
2. Size and Bulk: Some harnesses can be bulky and might not be suitable for very small dogs or dogs with thick fur. Look for lightweight and adjustable options.
3. Training Challenges: While harnesses are excellent for control, they might not offer the same level of training assistance as collars, which can make leash training a bit more challenging.

Anatomical Consideration

Understanding your dog's anatomy is crucial when deciding between a collar and a harness:

1. Neck Sensitivity: Dogs with sensitive necks or specific medical conditions, like cervical spine issues, should typically use harnesses to avoid exacerbating these problems.
2. Spinal column and intervertebral discs: There are seven vertebrae in the dog's neck separated by discs. Tension in these areas can cause injury to the spinal cord (housed inside the vertebral column) joints within the vertebra themselves or the discs. 
3. Muscles: You should always be thinking about 'what lies underneath the collar' if your dog is a regular puller or is prone to cervical spine issues.  There is a multitude of muscles that lie under the collar to help hold the dog's head up against gravity.  Collars can go on to cause muscle pain, stains or even contusions! Likewise, there are some important tendons and muscles that cross over the shoulder joint where a harness sits such as the bicep or supraspinatus tendon. 
4. Skin: When harnesses are in contact with skin, especially under the armpits and around the chest, they can cause skin irritations, especially if they are left on for too long or become wet.
5. Lymphatic system: The lymphatic system is a collection of tubules and nodes, filled with fluid, that help our immune system.  A collar can cause compression on these vital organs and cause swelling or impaired immunity. 
6. Respiratory Health: Breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) or respiratory issues should use harnesses to prevent pressure on their airways. The trachea is the windpipe which is C-shaped and has cartilage-shaped rings around it.  These rings can become impaired with a collar and can squeeze the trachea resulting in respiratory issues. 
7. Blood Vessels: Damage to the important arteries and blood vessels in the neck can lead to impaired blood flow to the brain due to pressure.
8. Nerves:  On either side of the neck are paired nerves that supply the neck and also the front limbs of the dog.  Pressure to these can lead to neurological signs and symptoms such as weakness, pain and impaired motor function. 
9. Thyroid:  This small, butterfly-shaped gland regulates metabolism, body temperature, heart and respiratory rate, brain development, cell growth, and mood. Mechanical pressure by a collar can damage this gland and cause issues like hypothyroidism.