Scottish Deerhounds are typically calm, people-friendly sighthounds that vocalize little, but their strong chase instinct can be triggered by fast motion or small animals (cats, rabbits, pocket pets) in lobbies; seat them away from these stimuli and keep leashes short. As very large, lean sighthounds with low body fat and relatively thin skin, they may find hard or slippery surfaces uncomfortable—offer a non‑slip mat and soft bedding, and use a floor scale with traction. Stress signs may be subtle in quiet Deerhounds; ask owners about arousal around movement and tolerance for handling. Deep‑chested conformation increases GDV (bloat) risk—if an owner reports non‑productive retching, a suddenly tight/distended abdomen, hypersalivation, and restlessness (often around meals), alert a clinician immediately and treat the call/arrival as an emergency.
Front desk script: “Thanks for bringing your Deerhound in—these gentle sighthounds sometimes get excited by fast movement or small pets. We’ll seat you in a quieter area; is your dog more comfortable with a non‑slip mat or soft blanket?” If the client mentions non‑productive retching, a firm swollen belly, heavy drooling, or sudden restlessness after eating, say: “Those signs can be urgent in deep‑chested breeds—please stay on the line/come straight in while I alert the medical team now.”
Scottish Deerhounds have several breed‑linked risks to flag at check‑in: life‑threatening gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat) in deep‑chested dogs; inherited bleeding tendencies (Factor VII deficiency and a Deerhound‑identified delayed post‑operative hemorrhage variant causing hyperfibrinolysis); dilated cardiomyopathy reported at higher rates in large/sighthound breeds; a very high osteosarcoma (bone cancer) risk; and androgen‑dependent cystinuria in intact males. Immediate emergency escalation: sudden nonproductive retching, a tight/swollen abdomen, collapse, or a male straining/not passing urine. Same‑day escalation: fainting, new labored breathing/coughing, persistent limb lameness with bony swelling, or unexpected bruising/oozing after a procedure. For scheduled procedures, note this breed’s bleeding‑risk status in the chart and alert the medical team.
Front desk script: Thanks for bringing your Deerhound in—this breed can be prone to bloat, certain bleeding issues, heart disease, bone cancer, and (in intact males) urinary stones. If you see unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly, or your dog can’t urinate, please come in or go to the ER immediately. If there’s fainting, heavy breathing, sudden severe lameness with swelling, or unusual bleeding/bruising after a procedure, we’ll arrange a same‑day doctor assessment. For any upcoming surgery, we’ll note possible bleeding risk and inform the medical team.
Large, gentle sighthound that needs daily on‑leash or fenced exercise and weekly brushing; generally quiet and affectionate. Key health watchouts: life‑threatening bloat (GDV) in deep‑chested breeds—signs include restlessness, non‑productive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, and sudden weakness/collapse; males are predisposed to cystine bladder stones—straining to urinate or not urinating is an emergency. Deerhounds may carry a Factor VII clotting deficiency and, like other sighthounds, can have unique anesthesia considerations—always tell us before any sedation or surgery.
Front desk script: They’re calm, friendly giants who need daily exercise and simple weekly coat care. If you ever see a swollen, hard belly with unproductive retching, sudden weakness/collapse, or your dog is straining or unable to urinate, go to the emergency hospital now. Please tell us before any procedure—this breed has bleeding and anesthesia considerations we plan for. We can also review everyday topics like feeding and exercise at your next visit.
Front desk teams most often hear from Scottish Deerhound owners about: possible bloat (sudden restlessness, repeated retching without vomit, drooling, tight/enlarged abdomen—treat as an emergency), male dogs straining or unable to urinate consistent with cystine stones (urgent/emergency), post‑procedure oozing or bruising given breed‑linked bleeding tendencies (same‑day/urgent), new or persistent limb lameness/swelling in this giant breed, and reduced exercise tolerance or fast/labored breathing that may indicate heart issues; non-urgent but common reasons include rapid‑growth wellness checks, weight/nutrition questions, and anesthesia‑planning notes—flag “sighthound breed” for veterinarian review.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Scottish Deerhound. If you see a tight or enlarged belly, nonstop retching without vomit, restlessness/collapse, or a male dog that cannot pass urine, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and I can provide directions. If there is bleeding or bruising after a recent procedure, new significant lameness, or heavy/rapid breathing, we should see your dog today; I’ll alert the doctor and reserve a same‑day slot. For non‑urgent concerns, I can book the next available visit and note Deerhound-specific considerations for the veterinarian.
Scottish Deerhounds have a harsh, crisp, 3–4 inch, weather-resistant coat with softer hair on the head/belly and light leg fringe; routine care is usually a weekly slicker/comb-out with occasional hand-stripping of ear/feathering to keep the coat tidy and textured. Baths are infrequent (coat may feel softer right after) and the breed’s giant size means longer bath/dry times—book extended grooming slots or a groomer familiar with large sighthounds and hand-stripping. After runs in fields, prioritize quick checks of toes, ears, armpits, and tail fringe for burrs/foxtails; avoid aggressive de-matting on delicate skin and refer difficult mats or sensitive areas to a professional groomer. Escalate same day if owners report sudden limping or paw swelling, persistent head-shaking, intense sneezing, or a draining wound after outdoor activity; if there is breathing trouble or an eye injury, advise immediate ER care.
Front desk script: Their coat is a wiry, easy-care type—most owners do weekly brushing and schedule periodic tidy-ups; because they’re very large, we book extra time for baths and drying. We can refer you to a groomer experienced with hand-stripping if you prefer to maintain coat texture. After hikes, please check between the toes, ears, and coat for burrs/foxtails. If you notice sudden limping, paw swelling, persistent head-shaking, or intense sneezing after outdoor time, we recommend a same-day veterinary exam; trouble breathing or an eye injury should go to the ER now.
Scottish Deerhounds are giant, deep‑chested sighthounds with front‑desk priorities around emergency GDV triage, breed‑specific bleeding/anesthesia flags, and urinary obstruction risk in males. Treat unproductive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, sudden restlessness, collapse, or pale gums as an immediate emergency and direct to ER. Ask male callers about straining to urinate, repeated attempts with little output, or vocalizing—route as emergency/same‑day due to cystine stone risk. Before any sedation or surgery, note the breed on the chart and route for clinician review because Deerhounds have documented delayed post‑operative hemorrhage (DEPOH) and Factor VII deficiency; confirm any bleeding history or genetic test status if known. For new non‑weight‑bearing lameness or a firm limb swelling (high osteosarcoma risk), book same‑day/next‑day. For fainting, new exercise intolerance, or breathing distress (possible cardiac involvement), escalate to same‑day or ER if dyspneic.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Scottish Deerhound—this breed has a few safety flags we take seriously. If you’re seeing a tight, swollen belly or unproductive retching, or if a male is straining to urinate, this is an emergency; please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and I can call ahead. For planned sedation or surgery, our doctor will review breed‑specific bleeding/anesthesia risks—has your dog ever had unusual bleeding or genetic testing noted? For sudden severe lameness, collapse, or breathing trouble, we’ll arrange a same‑day exam or direct you to ER based on current signs.
Puppy (to ~18 months for this giant breed): schedule q3–4 week visits until vaccines are complete, with weight/growth monitoring and early checks for congenital issues and socialization needs. Adult (~1.5–7 years): book wellness every 6–12 months; front-desk should flag owner reports suggestive of breed risks—deep-chested bloat/GDV, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, cystinuria, and bleeding disorders (e.g., Factor VII/DEPOH)—such as non-productive retching, abdominal distension, new limb lameness/swelling, exercise intolerance, trouble urinating, or unusual bleeding/bruising. Senior (~7+ years): move to at least semiannual exams with mobility/weight and aging-screen discussions and earlier appointments if appetite, stamina, or urination changes arise. If a Deerhound shows non-productive retching, a swollen/painful belly, pale gums, sudden collapse, or extreme restlessness, direct to the ER immediately and notify the veterinarian.
Front desk script: For Deerhound puppies, we’ll schedule check-ins every 3–4 weeks to finish the vaccine series and track giant-breed growth. As adults, plan wellness visits every 6–12 months; for seniors (around 7+ years), please book at least every 6 months. If you ever see unproductive retching, a tight or swollen belly, weakness/collapse, or pale gums, this is an emergency—go to the ER now and call us on the way. Also tell us promptly about new limping, breathing changes, trouble urinating, or unusual bleeding so we can prioritize your appointment.
Scottish Deerhounds are giant, deep‑chested sighthounds, so front‑desk teams should: flag the chart for “sighthound/anesthesia considerations”; proactively ask about any past anesthesia reactions and any history of unusual bleeding or genetic test results (e.g., Factor VII deficiency or delayed post‑operative hemorrhage) before scheduling procedures; set owner expectations that this breed has higher risk for bloat (GDV) and bone cancer, and coach red‑flag phrasing—“trying to vomit but nothing comes up,” a tight/bloated belly, heavy drooling, sudden restlessness, or collapse—so staff can trigger emergency protocol immediately; for non‑urgent issues like new, persistent limb lameness or firm swelling over a long bone, offer the next soonest appointment; and reduce friction on site by reserving a larger exam room, using non‑slip flooring, and ensuring access to a large scale.
Front desk script: Because Deerhounds are deep‑chested sighthounds, if you ever see him trying to vomit with nothing coming up, a tight or swollen belly, heavy drooling, or sudden restlessness, please come in immediately or go to the nearest ER—those can be emergencies in this breed. For today, I’ll note sighthound anesthesia considerations on his chart—has he ever had anesthesia, unusual bleeding, or genetic testing for bleeding disorders? I’ll reserve a larger exam room and capture any ongoing lameness or limb swelling so the doctor can prioritize his visit.
Scottish Deerhounds are deep‑chested sighthounds with elevated risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat)—advise owners to know red‑flag signs (sudden unproductive retching, tight/distended abdomen, collapse) and seek emergency care immediately. The breed also has documented inherited bleeding risks (Factor VII deficiency and Deerhound‑specific delayed postoperative hemorrhage/DEPOH); before any sedation, dentistry, or surgery, confirm bleeding‑risk test status and book pre‑op labs with a morning drop‑off and next‑day check‑in. Deerhounds have a high, heritable risk of osteosarcoma—promptly schedule evaluation for new, persistent limb lameness or firm bony swelling. Intact males are predisposed to androgen‑dependent cystinuria/urinary stones; triage straining to urinate, frequent attempts with little output, or blood in urine as urgent/emergency. Maintain accurate weight/appetite notes and ensure annual wellness visits include breed‑specific risk review.
Front desk script: Because Deerhounds are at higher risk of bloat, if you ever see unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, collapse, or sudden severe distress, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. Before any procedure, our doctor prefers Deerhounds have bleeding‑risk status on file (Factor VII/DEPOH) and current pre‑op labs—may I note any prior test results and schedule the pre‑op visit? If your dog develops new persistent limping or leg swelling, or if a male Deerhound strains to urinate or produces little/no urine, please call us right away so we can arrange a same‑day/urgent exam.
Calm, gentle, and sensitive sighthound; handle with a quiet, low-stress approach, minimal restraint, non-slip footing, and strict leash/door control due to strong chase drive. At intake, note any history of post-operative bleeding or known genetic status (Factor VII deficiency or DEPOH) and ask about recent urinary issues in males (cystinuria risk). What usually matters most: deep-chested, giant-breed risk for life-threatening bloat/GDV; breed-linked delayed postoperative hemorrhage and other bleeding tendencies are recognized; some lines have cystine stone issues. If you observe non-productive retching, sudden abdominal distention, restlessness/collapse, or a male straining to urinate with little/no output, alert the medical team immediately and treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: “Scottish Deerhounds are gentle but powerful, so we’ll keep things calm and move slowly. Please keep your dog leashed and close, as sighthounds can bolt after movement. If you notice gagging/retching without vomit, a suddenly tight or swollen belly, or straining to urinate, tell us right away—these can be emergencies in this breed.”
Scottish Deerhounds are giant, deep‑chested sighthounds, so intake and adopters should be briefed on two high‑yield risks and one common lab nuance: (1) Gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat) can occur in deep‑chested breeds—educate fosters/adopters to seek emergency care immediately for non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, drooling, restlessness, weakness, or collapse. (2) Deerhounds have documented breed‑specific bleeding risks around surgery/trauma—delayed postoperative hemorrhage linked to hyperfibrinolysis and a separate Factor VII deficiency; flag the breed before any spay/neuter or sedation, document any prior abnormal bleeds, and ensure 24–48‑hour post‑op monitoring for spreading bruising, pale gums, lethargy, distended abdomen, or bleeding from the wound—escalate urgently if noted. (3) Like other sighthounds, Deerhounds often have lower total T4 despite being clinically normal; avoid labeling hypothyroidism from a screening TT4 alone and ask the veterinary team to use breed‑aware thyroid interpretation. Also note a markedly increased osteosarcoma risk in this breed—new focal limb swelling or persistent lameness should prompt timely veterinary evaluation.
Front desk script: This breed has a few safety flags we share up front. If you see non‑productive retching, a rapidly swelling belly, or sudden collapse, go to the emergency vet immediately as bloat can be life‑threatening. After any surgery, please watch closely for 24–48 hours for spreading bruising, pale gums, weakness, a tight/large abdomen, or ongoing wound bleeding and contact us urgently. Before scheduling spay/neuter or sedation, we’ll alert our veterinarians that this is a Scottish Deerhound so they can use breed‑aware anesthesia, bleeding, and thyroid protocols.
Scottish Deerhounds are large, gentle sighthounds—typically calm, polite, and sometimes reserved with strangers—but they have a strong chase/flight reflex. For check‑in and waiting room flow, use a quiet area or direct‑to‑room/car‑wait when possible; seat away from cats and small pets; keep doors closed; and use two‑point control (owner’s leash plus clinic slip lead). Provide a floor scale, non‑slip mats, and extra space/time to settle. In handoff notes, flag “deep‑chested, GDV‑risk breed” and document any recent non‑productive retching, abdominal swelling, restlessness, drooling, weakness, or collapse—if observed on site, state “Emergency Deerhound—possible bloat” and alert the veterinarian immediately for triage.
Front desk script: Welcome! Deerhounds are gentle but can be shy and have a strong chase instinct, so we’ll keep things quiet and away from small pets. Please keep a secure leash on; we’ll add our slip lead before moving and use the floor scale. If you notice gagging without vomit, a suddenly swollen belly, heavy drooling, sudden restlessness, or collapse today, tell us right away—this is an emergency and we’ll take you straight to the treatment team.
Scottish Deerhounds are high risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat): non‑productive retching, a tight/distended or painful abdomen, restlessness, pale/blue gums, weakness or collapse require immediate emergency referral. Intact male Deerhounds are predisposed to cystinuria/urethral stones—straining to urinate, frequent attempts with little or none produced, blood in urine, vomiting, a firm painful belly, or inability to pass urine is an emergency. Sudden collapse/fainting, rapid or labored breathing at rest, or pale/blue gums are cardiac red flags and should go to the ER now. Marked, sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness with limb swelling or acute bone pain warrants same‑day clinician evaluation.
Front desk script: Given this breed’s risks, the signs you described may be an emergency. If there is retching without vomit with a tight/bloated belly, trouble breathing or collapse, or straining/not passing urine, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately—do not wait or give home care. If there is sudden severe lameness or a painful, swollen limb, we’ll schedule a same‑day doctor exam and imaging; if breathing worsens or gums look pale/blue at any point, switch to ER right away.