Best Pet Insurance for Whippets

Whippets can develop several cardiac conditions including mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. Athletic Whippets often have physiologically larger hearts (athlete's heart) — distinguishing benign athletic heart from true cardiomyopathy requires echocardiography ($300–$600). Symptomatic cardiac disease is managed with medications including pimobendan, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors ($100–$300/month). Annual cardiac auscultation is recommended, with echocardiography if a murmur is detected. Cardiac disease in Whippets tends to progress slowly relative to larger breeds.

Corneal dystrophy is a hereditary condition causing lipid or mineral deposits in the corneal layers, leading to white or gray opacities. The condition is generally slowly progressive and often does not cause significant vision impairment. Annual ophthalmology exams ($150–$300) monitor progression. In advanced cases causing discomfort or significant vision impairment, superficial keratectomy ($800–$2,000) may be considered. Regular CAER ophthalmology exams are recommended by the AKC parent club.

Congenital deafness occurs in Whippets, associated with the pigmentation genes affecting coat and eye color. BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing ($100–$200) definitively identifies affected puppies. Deaf Whippets can live full, happy lives with appropriate training adaptations using visual cues and hand signals. No medical treatment exists. Responsible breeders BAER test litters, especially from color-pattern breedings associated with higher deafness risk.

Whippets have thin skin, a single short coat, and minimal body fat, making them highly susceptible to skin lacerations, abrasions, and thermal sensitivity. Cold weather requires coats or sweaters to prevent hypothermia. Skin wounds from running in brush or fencing are common — treatment ranges from minor wound care ($50–$200) to sutures ($300–$600) for deeper lacerations. Their thin skin also means anesthetic preparation (shaving, scrubbing) requires gentle care. Sunburn can occur in sparsely-coated areas.

Like all sighthounds, Whippets are highly sensitive to barbiturate anesthetics (thiopental, propofol in high doses) and certain drugs due to their low body fat percentage, which affects drug metabolism. They can experience prolonged recovery, respiratory depression, and hypothermia under general anesthesia. Veterinarians familiar with sighthound anesthesia protocols use alternative drug protocols (isoflurane gas anesthesia, medetomidine). Always inform any veterinarian that your dog is a sighthound before any procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia.