POST RACE DISTRESS SYNDROME
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) members in conjunction with the Australian Greyhound Veterinary
Association (AGVA) have been investigating a condition in the racing greyhound which has been labeled
"Post Race Distress Syndrome", commonly referred to in the industry as "thumps".
The AGVA have become increasingly concerned regarding the occurrence of this condition which refers
to a breathing difficulty with the greyhound, and is characterized by a rapid irregular breathing almost
resembling a "hiccup". The affected greyhound will be distressed, stagger, and sometimes collapse with
general body muscle spasms. The heart rate is very rapid and a "jugular pulse" will often be seen in the
neck between the ear and chest on each side. The cause of the condition is not fully understood but
factors such as hot weather, dehydration, dogs racing too often or over distances they are not used to,
and excited prior to racing or trialing are considered potential issues.
AGVA President, Dr Chris Doyle has been investigating this condition for some time and through the
auspices of the AGVA recommended that GA commission research into the condition.
The GA Board did request statistical data on occurrence of this condition from the GA membership base
and it was discovered that "Post Race Distress Syndrome" does exist in all States and Territories, and in
New Zealand.
The AGVA have provided GA with a research proposal in regard to this matter which was proposed to
be undertaken by Murdoch University as part of a PhD for a veterinarian student interested in greyhound
medicine.
The GA Board after considering all of the information before them RESOLVED that it would fund the
research by Murdoch University under the guidance of the AGVA in an attempt to understand what is
causing "Post Race Distress Syndrome" in the greyhound and identify how it can be managed.
The GA Chairman, Mr Russell Ware, stated that:
"As it is now clear that this syndrome is occurring in all GA covered jurisdictions, a national (including
New Zealand) approach is desirable and appropriate."
Dr Chris Doyle, AGVA President, said:
"After several years of investigation it is time that this condition is fully understood so we as practising
veterinarians can manage the condition."
"The decision of GA is to finally find out what is causing this condition and indeed what is physically
going on instead of regarding it as a simple synchronous diaphragmatic spasm."
"Unfortunately in some circles it is being dismissed as a normal greyhound condition and treated as such
routinely at the track."
"In reference to the equine situation, greyhounds have different metabolism to horses and this post race
distress may not necessarily be treated the same as for horses."
"On behalf of the AGVA membership base we thank Greyhounds Australasia for their financial
contribution towards this project."
The project is expected to begin officially in late 2010 and is forecast to take between 12 to 18 months to
finalize.
For any inquiries please contact.
CRAIG TABERNER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
GREYHOUNDS AUSTRALASIA
PH: 03 9548 3500
About Greyhounds Australasia (GA)
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) comprises representatives from jurisdictional controlling bodies in
Australian States and Territories and New Zealand (the GA Directors).
The charter of GA is to support these jurisdictions via encouragement of a holistic approach to the
Australasian greyhound racing industry creating uniformity with the brand.
GA provides its stakeholders with value-added services and industry practices that support industry
integrity, maximize returns and ensures a sustainable future.
By virtue of the state/federal political system, individual jurisdictional controlling bodies control the
regulation and governance of racing, clubs and the functions and commercial activities of greyhound
racing under a local Racing Act of Parliament or like legislation.
Thus while all jurisdictions are represented on the GA Board, in general, the ultimate determination to
either accept or reject a GA recommendation is a decision for the individual jurisdiction. An exception
occurs when a GA Board resolution is passed by a certain majority as a "Compulsive Resolution", in
which case the resolution is binding on all GA member bodies.
