INJURY CHART

BY VETSEARCH

Careful observation during a race, or replay of a race video, of the way a greyhound jumps at the start, negotiates the bends, chases, rotates its tail, or throws a limb to the side can give useful clues to location of injuries.

This diagram illustrates some of the possible injuries that result in

changes of direction, failing to chase, or loss of speed.

An examination of the greyhound after the race should focus on these areas, but a full examination and muscle check should still be carried out, with referral to your vet to confirm your suspicion and advice on treatment.

Frightened to Jump Chronic wrist pain / often pull up Metacarpal (shin) soreness, lame after race	Poor Jump from Traps / Boxes Poor eyesight, pannus, conjunctivitis Trapped testicle(s) Lumbo-sacral pain	Start to mid First Bend Deviates suddenly to outside of track Right hip support soreness Trapped testicle(s) Right gracilis (back) muscle Fractured hock
Start of First Bend Deviates suddenly across track to rail Left shoulder triceps soreness Fracture of left fibula bone	Mid First Bend Slows down, runs wide Older greyhounds right forearm bone soreness Lure sight loss Cramping?	End of First Bend Props, tail raised, or runs off to outside Right hip support soreness Right gracilis (back) muscle rupture Lumbo-sacral soreness Metacarpal (shin) soreness if not chasing
Acceleration first Straight Slow acceleration /fail to chase, head up, high stepping gait Poll or cervical injury	Start of Second Bend Loses speed, tail up, not chasing, maintains direction. Right hock sprain Left wrist sprain Metacarpal (shin) soreness if tail rotates side to side.	Mid Second Bend Runs wide, loses speed Sharp spare rib bruising to left hind Subclinical cramping - check in catching area Right hock fracture if enters final straight on three legs
End of Second Bend Slows down, continues lame, pulls up holding right hind limb off ground Fracture of right hock - check in catching area Shortened front stride, rotate or elevates tail - metacarpal (shin) soreness	Back Straight Changes driving leg left to right, wobbles side to side, throws out left hind Left hip support soreness Lumbo-sacral soreness - check track leg area Young greyhound learning to gallop	Final Straight Swings or windmills left hind, runs off to side after last bend Near side hip support injury slows down - drops back Cramping, fractures, toe injuries - check in catching area.
Catching Area Holds one front limb off ground - wrist sprain or metacarpal (shin) soreness Check for subclinical cramping - hard back and knotted hind limb muscles Phlegm on flanks - tracheitis Breathing distress - respiratory disease electrolyte imbalances anaemia Collapse - heat stress