Borzoi are sensitive, reserved sighthounds with a strong prey‑chase reflex; in busy lobbies they may quietly fixate on cats or small pets and suddenly lunge, so they do best with a calm, low‑stimulus wait area and gentle, minimal restraint. They’re often aloof with strangers and dislike rough handling; owners may describe them as quiet rather than “anxious,” even when stress shows as pacing, panting, or intense staring. Note for scheduling: sighthounds can be slower to recover from heavy sedatives/anesthesia, and as a deep‑chested breed they’re at higher risk for bloat/GDV—if an owner reports non‑productive retching, excessive drooling, restlessness, or a suddenly swollen belly today, escalate immediately.
Front desk script: Borzoi often prefer a quiet space and gentle handling—would you like to go straight to an exam room, and we’ll keep distance from cats or small pets? Please keep your dog on a secure leash and let us know if you notice intense staring or fixating so we can adjust where you wait. If you ever see unproductive retching, a firm swollen belly, or sudden collapse, tell us right away or head to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Borzoi, as deep‑chested sighthounds, have elevated risk for life‑threatening gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); owners should be told that sudden unproductive retching, a tight/distended abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, collapse or rapid worsening are emergencies—direct to the nearest ER immediately. Breed data show Borzoi can develop dilated cardiomyopathy and rhythm abnormalities (physiologic murmurs are also common), so fainting, sudden weakness, rapid or labored breathing, or unexplained exercise intolerance warrant prompt veterinary assessment. Like other long‑limbed giant breeds, Borzoi show higher incidence of bone tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma); new persistent lameness or a firm bony swelling should be scheduled for evaluation soon. Operational notes for staff: sighthounds may be more sensitive to some anesthetic drugs—flag before any sedation—and they often have naturally low T4/FT4; low thyroid screening values alone should not be over‑interpreted without veterinarian review.
Front desk script: If your Borzoi shows unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, sudden weakness, collapse, or very pale gums, please go to the emergency hospital now and call us on the way. This breed can also have heart rhythm/heart‑muscle issues—tell us about any fainting, coughing, or fast/labored breathing so the doctor can prioritize a cardiac check. New limping or a firm swelling on a leg should be booked for a near‑term exam. Before any sedation or if you’ve had low thyroid lab results, we’ll note sighthound‑specific considerations for the veterinarian.
Borzoi are gentle, athletic sighthounds with a strong chase instinct—keep them leashed and use secure fencing for runs; they shed seasonally and benefit from regular brushing. As deep‑chested dogs, they have an elevated risk for bloat/GDV; if you ever see a hard/swollen belly, nonstop unproductive retching, sudden weakness/collapse, or severe restlessness, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way. Borzoi can be more sensitive to anesthesia and some chemicals, so always tell any clinic they’re a sighthound and avoid over‑the‑counter products unless your veterinarian approves. Routine wellness care helps screen for large‑breed orthopedic and eye issues.
Front desk script: Borzoi are sweet, fast sighthounds—please keep them leashed and only allow running in a secure, fenced area. They do shed, so plan on regular brushing. Watch for red‑flag signs of bloat (hard/swollen belly, repeated dry heaving, sudden collapse); that’s an emergency—head to the ER now and call us en route. Also let us know before any procedure, as sighthounds can be more sensitive to some anesthetics.
Borzoi are deep‑chested sighthounds, so the highest‑frequency urgent call is suspected bloat/GDV: owners report unproductive retching, drooling, restlessness, a tight or enlarged abdomen, weakness/collapse—this is an immediate emergency and should be directed to a 24/7 ER without delay. Front desks also field many pre-/post‑procedure questions because sighthounds can be more sensitive to sedation/anesthesia; route these to a DVM and note any drugs used or planned. Lameness after sprinting or concerns tied to large‑breed orthopedics (e.g., hip/elbow dysplasia or OCD) are common scheduling calls—same‑day if non‑weight‑bearing, marked swelling, or significant pain, otherwise next-available. Owners may also ask about gradual vision changes (possible PRA risk); schedule a routine ophthalmic exam unless there is acute eye pain/redness (urgent).
Front desk script: If the caller reports dry heaving/retching with no vomit, a swollen or tight belly, pale gums, or collapse, advise: “This is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest 24/7 ER now; I’ll notify our team.” For limping, ask if the dog can bear weight; if not or there is obvious swelling, offer a same‑day exam, otherwise schedule the next available. For sedation/anesthesia questions, note that Borzoi are sighthounds and can be more sensitive; tell the client, “I’ll have the doctor review before any sedation—please don’t give any medications unless our veterinarian directs you.”
Borzoi have a long, silky double coat with frill and feathering that stays relatively clean but mats in friction areas; expect year‑round shedding with a heavy seasonal “coat blow.” For scheduling and owner expectations: routine brushing/deshedding 2–3 times weekly (daily during coat blow) is typical; minimal trimming is needed, but nails and hair between paw pads should be maintained, and mats behind ears/underarms/hind feathering should be checked. Large size and dense undercoat can make home bathing/drying difficult—offer referral to a professional groomer, especially during seasonal coat changes or if matting is present. Because sighthounds can have delicate skin and bony pressure points, handle gently and advise owners to check for nicks or rubs after runs; if they report open or rapidly worsening skin lesions, foul odor from skin/ears, or active bleeding, book a same‑day veterinary visit; uncontrolled bleeding or large open wounds warrant immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: Borzoi coats are long, silky, and double-layered—they shed all year and heavily during seasonal coat blows. We suggest routine brush‑outs/deshedding every 4–8 weeks (more often in spring/fall), or we can refer you to a groomer experienced with long double coats. If you’re noticing open sores, a rapidly spreading rash, strong skin/ear odor, or active bleeding, we should see your dog today; if there’s heavy bleeding or a large open wound, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Borzoi are large, deep‑chested sighthounds, so front-desk triage should always screen for bloat/GDV red flags (sudden abdominal enlargement, repeated non‑productive retching/dry heaves, excessive drooling, restlessness/pacing, weakness/collapse) and direct clients to emergency care immediately if present; for any appointment likely to involve sedation or anesthesia (e.g., dental, imaging, wound care), flag the chart as “sighthound—anesthetic plan needed,” route to a DVM for a brief pre‑anesthetic consult, and request prior anesthesia records, as sighthounds can have prolonged recoveries or greater sedative sensitivity.
Front desk script: Because Borzoi can be at higher risk for bloat, may I ask: is your dog’s belly suddenly swollen, are they trying to vomit without anything coming up, drooling a lot, unusually restless, weak, or collapsing? If yes, this may be a medical emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; I will alert our doctor. If no, and today’s visit could require sedation or anesthesia, our doctors tailor protocols for sighthounds; let’s schedule a brief pre‑anesthetic consult and I can request any past anesthesia records to have on file.
Borzoi care shifts by life stage: Puppies grow fast and need frequent visits through about 16 weeks for vaccine series, growth/behavior check‑ins, and large‑breed nutrition/exercise guidance; families often ask about safe off‑leash running and timing of spay/neuter (book a doctor consult to plan). In adults, schedule routine wellness and dental care; flag that Borzoi are sighthounds so the team can plan anesthesia/sedation appropriately for dentals or procedures; educate owners on bloat (GDV) risk in deep‑chested breeds and what red‑flag signs look like. From roughly 7–8 years, transition to senior scheduling with more frequent checkups (often every 6 months) and screening labs per doctor to monitor mobility, weight, dental disease, heart changes, and cancer. Escalate immediately if owners report non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, restlessness, weakness, or collapse—direct to the nearest ER now and notify the doctor.
Front desk script: For Borzoi puppies, we’ll set a series of wellness visits every 3–4 weeks until the core vaccine series is finished (around 16 weeks), with growth and behavior check‑ins. For adults, we’ll book annual wellness and dental care; please tell us ahead of time if any sedation or anesthesia is expected so we can note sighthound‑specific planning. Around age 7–8, we’ll move to senior checkups about every 6 months with screening tests as the doctor recommends. If you ever see retching without vomit, a suddenly swollen belly, or collapse, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Borzoi are large, deep‑chested sighthounds; keep communication calm and operational: offer low‑stimulus check‑in (car-to-room escort, quiet entry, non‑slip path), ask for a secure 6‑ft leash (no retractables), and confirm any prior sedation/anesthesia reactions so the medical team can note breed‑specific sensitivities. Set expectations for handling (ask what helps their dog feel safe; give space from other dogs; a basket muzzle can be provided if the care team recommends it). If the owner reports red‑flag signs of bloat—non‑productive retching, tight/swollen abdomen, sudden restlessness, pale gums, weakness/collapse—escalate immediately and direct to emergency care without delay.
Front desk script: “Thanks for bringing your Borzoi in—since they’re a sighthound, we’ll keep today’s visit low‑stress. You’re welcome to wait in your car and we’ll escort you straight to a quiet room; please keep a secure non‑retractable leash on.” “I’ll note in the chart that sighthounds can be more sensitive to some older anesthetics; our medical team will guide any medication or sedation decisions.” “If you ever see a tight, swollen belly with unproductive retching, sudden restlessness, pale gums, or collapse, that’s an emergency—go to the nearest ER immediately and call us on the way.”
Borzoi are deep‑chested sighthounds, so front desk should: 1) reinforce bloat/GDV awareness and emergency readiness—advise clients to seek immediate ER care (call us on the way) if they ever see non‑productive retching, sudden restlessness/drooling, or a rapidly enlarging, tight abdomen; 2) flag “sighthound—anesthesia considerations” on the chart and book a pre‑anesthetic consult and screening before any sedation/procedure; 3) when outside labs report a “low thyroid,” route results for DVM review and schedule follow‑up testing as needed, since sighthounds often have lower normal T4 and may not be hypothyroid.
Front desk script: Because Borzoi are deep‑chested, they have higher risk for bloat; if you ever see dry heaving/retching, a swollen tight belly, or sudden restlessness and drooling, this is an emergency—go straight to the ER and call us on the way. For any procedure with sedation or anesthesia, we’ll note Borzoi/sighthound status and set a pre‑anesthetic consult and screening. If a previous test showed a ‘low thyroid,’ our doctors interpret those using sighthound ranges and may recommend confirmatory testing; I can book that review for you.
Tall, quiet, sensitive sighthound; typically calm and reserved with strangers, preferring soft voices, slow movements, and minimal restraint. Seat in a low-traffic area; use a secure slip lead and be mindful of strong chase drive—keep separated from cats/small pets in the lobby. Flag any history of sedation/anesthesia sensitivity for the clinician (common in sighthounds). Front-desk red flags to escalate immediately: unproductive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, pale gums, weakness/collapse—treat as a true emergency.
Front desk script: “Borzoi tend to be gentle and sensitive, so we’ll keep things calm and move slowly with [Name]. Please keep [him/her] on a secure leash and away from cats or smaller pets while you wait. Has [Name] ever had any issues with sedation or anesthesia that we should note? If you ever see [Name] trying to vomit without bringing anything up or suddenly looking bloated, tell us right away—that’s an emergency.”
Borzoi are large sighthounds with a strong chase drive and can be flight risks—keep leashed and verify collar/harness fit during all transfers; they are not reliable off-leash outside secure fencing and may not be safe with cats or small pets. Many are quiet and sensitive, so calm, low‑stress handling and housing help during intake. As deep‑chested dogs, they carry risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat); red flags include non‑productive retching, a tight/rapidly enlarging abdomen, restlessness, pale gums, weakness, or collapse—this is a medical emergency and the dog should go to an ER immediately. Note in the medical record that sighthounds have breed‑specific anesthesia considerations and ensure a pre‑op plan with the veterinarian before any elective procedures.
Front desk script: This breed is a sighthound with a strong chase instinct, so please keep them leashed at all times and double‑check collar or harness fit during handoffs; they may not be safe with small pets. If you ever see unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, restlessness, or collapse, this could be bloat and is an emergency—go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way. We’ll also flag the chart for anesthesia notes before any future procedures.
Borzoi are typically quiet, gentle, and sensitive sighthounds that may be reserved with strangers and have a strong chase instinct. At check‑in, greet calmly, avoid looming over the dog, and confirm a secure collar/harness; use a clinic slip lead and avoid opening doors until the leash is secure. For waiting room flow, prioritize a straight‑to‑room or low‑traffic seating area away from cats and toy dogs, maintain extra space due to their size, and watch for stress signals (pacing, trembling, tucked tail, lip licking) to minimize restraint needs. For handoff, note “sighthound/prey drive—secure double‑leash; quiet entry; minimal restraint,” and share owner‑reported triggers. If during arrival or wait you observe nonproductive retching, a rapidly distending/tight abdomen, collapse, or escalating distress, alert medical staff immediately and treat as an emergency without completing routine check‑in.
Front desk script: Hi! Borzoi often prefer a calm, low‑stimulus check‑in—let’s get you straight to a quiet room and keep distance from small pets. Please keep a firm hold on the leash and let us know about any triggers or handling preferences. If you notice unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, or sudden collapse at any time, please tell us immediately—our team will treat that as an emergency.
Borzoi are deep‑chested sighthounds with elevated risk for life‑threatening gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat)—escalate to emergency care immediately for repeated unproductive retching/dry heaves, sudden firm abdominal distension, restlessness/pacing or “prayer” posture, drooling, weakness, or collapse. Treat as an emergency for any breathing difficulty, blue/white or very pale gums, seizures, inability to urinate, major trauma/bleeding, or loss of consciousness. Arrange same‑day escalation if there is sudden extreme lethargy or unusually prolonged sedation/weakness after anesthesia, sedatives, or new medications.
Front desk script: Because Borzoi are at high risk for life‑threatening bloat, signs like unproductive retching, a swollen/firm belly, restlessness, drooling, or collapse are an emergency—please proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now; I will notify our clinician. Trouble breathing, blue/pale gums, seizures, inability to urinate, or major bleeding are also emergencies. If this is sudden extreme lethargy or an unusually slow recovery after recent sedation or new medication, we need to see your dog today—I can arrange a same‑day urgent appointment.