THE GREYHOUND MAIL - APRIL 2003 IRON DEFICIENCY - THIEF OF PERFORMANCE
In recent articles I have highlighted that iron deficiency is the thief of performance and potential can never be realised unless deficiencies are corrected. However, there are ways to help that will result in revitalisation, improved performance and overall well being of the animal. In brief, clean out the parasites (worms) and adopt a regular worming programme using the most effective wormers (Eliminator and Canimax from Virbac are two good ones). Next, look at the diet. You may find this is not up to scratch. In hard times it is not unusual for trainers to use substitutes in the feed to save money. If you have using extra milk, grain, chicken, white meats or fish, your dogs may be short in iron. Also, according to Dr. John Kohnke, stock raised on pasture and soils depleted or iron may suffer the same fate and meat from such animals may also be low in iron. If one also considers anemia due to hard work and repeated racing (called "sport" anemia) it is easy to how shortage of iron, or poorly absorbed iron can affect performance. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IRON DEFICIENCY The answer is plenty. This is too detailed a subject to cover in this short article, but the first things to do to arrest iron loss should be; A     Adopt a regular worming programme using Eliminator or Canimax. B     Check the diet and make sure your feeding is not a major cause. C     Start building better blood. For this purpose two products stand out. They are Ironcyclen - an oral blood building supplement for greyhounds which is palatable, easy to administer and contains the requirements needed to correct iron deficiencies and achieve maximum performance. The other product is called BLOOD FOOD TABLETS. These are powerful vitamin and mineral tablets designed for short term treatment. They are economical and can be used as a pick me up for pups at half the adult dosage rate. Of course, other factors may be responsible for iron deficiency and it goes without saying that if in doubt always discuss matters like this with your Vet. While on the subject of poor performance, whether due to iron deficiency or not, the following advice, courtesy of Dr. Kohnke is worth noting. Give two Beta-K tablets over the tongue four hours before racing. Although iron deficiency is the thief of performance, adequate levels of Potassium are also important and are vital for normal nerve and muscle function. This is especially so in the nervous and excitable dog. Iron deficiency and Potassium shortage are two key points because they both relate to performance and the need to have the dog run to its potential. For more information about IRONCYCLEN, BLOOD FOOD TABLETS, ELIMINATOR AND CANIMAX TABLETS call VIRBAC on their toll free call line 1800 242 100 and ask would they send you information on these products. Allan Brown is a technical Journalist, Director of Performance Print and the Publisher of "The Greyhound Update"