Best Pet Insurance for Borzois

GDV (bloat) is the leading emergency health risk for Borzoi. Their extremely deep chest makes them highly predisposed. Without emergency surgery within hours, GDV is fatal. Surgery costs $2,500–$7,500 depending on severity and how long the stomach was twisted. Prophylactic gastropexy — stomach tacking during elective surgery — reduces lifetime GDV risk dramatically and costs $300–$500. All Borzoi owners should know bloat's warning signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, excessive salivation, and restlessness. This is a life-or-death emergency.

Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the spinal cord, similar to ALS in humans. DM is documented in Borzoi; a DNA test for the SOD1 gene mutation is available. Initial symptoms are rear limb weakness and wobbling, progressing over 6–18 months to complete rear paralysis. There is no cure. Active physical rehabilitation ($100–$300/month) can slow progression and maintain quality of life. Wheelchairs/carts ($400–$800) allow mobility in affected dogs. Most owners eventually elect euthanasia when quality of life becomes poor.

PRA causes progressive degeneration of the retina in Borzoi, eventually leading to blindness. DNA testing is available for the breed. Night blindness is the earliest sign. There is no curative treatment; most affected dogs adapt well to vision loss in familiar environments. Annual CAER ophthalmology exams ($150–$300) monitor progression. Responsible breeders DNA-test all breeding stock for PRA status to reduce prevalence. Bilateral dilated pupils in low light and reluctance to move in darkness are early signs owners should recognize.

Like all sighthounds, Borzoi have extremely low body fat and altered drug metabolism, making them highly sensitive to standard anesthetic protocols. Barbiturate-based anesthetics in particular can cause prolonged or fatal respiratory depression in sighthounds. Borzoi also have difficulty maintaining body temperature during surgery. Any veterinarian (especially emergency vets) treating a Borzoi must use sighthound-specific anesthesia protocols. Always inform vets of sighthound status before any sedation or anesthesia — carry a card if needed.

Large sighthounds including Borzoi have elevated rates of osteosarcoma — bone cancer — particularly affecting the long bones of the limbs. Sudden, severe lameness and limb swelling in a middle-aged to older Borzoi warrants urgent radiographs. Treatment involves limb amputation ($2,000–$4,000) followed by chemotherapy ($3,000–$8,000) for a median survival of 10–12 months. Palliative radiation therapy ($3,000–$5,000) can reduce pain without amputation. Life expectancy without treatment is weeks to months due to progressive bone destruction and pain.