BLOOD TEST MACHINE

Hi TAS,

Mate this is a difficult one for several reasons;

Firstly a hematology blood analyzer that accurately provides both red and white blood cell analysis is an extremely expensive piece of equipment, and requires a certain level of proficiency in using it. As an example, with that type of equipment even the way the blood sample has been collected can have an effect on the result of the test. They also require very careful handling to ensure that the calibration of the equipment stays accurate.

In other words generally not something suitable for most greyhound trainers.

The other option is a basic blood centrifuge which will provide some indication of the red blood cell quantity in relation to the blood plasma, and thereby the Packed Cell Volume or Hct.
This does provide some information that is of value to the trainer by allowing to maintain a check on the anemia state of the greyhound, however even that requires a fair amount of knowledge and experience to use to the best advantage.

Again unfortunately for a reasonable quality centrifuge you can pay a lot of dollars, and right now if I went back into training greyhounds I doubt very much that I would bother to again purchase a centrifuge.

If you do wish to enquire about a centrifuge suitable for blood analyses:
Espresso Personal Microcentrifuge
Contact sales on 039757 4300 - Auinfo@thermofisher.com

There again a better option may be to enquire around for a second hand machine.

Cheers,
Tom

Hi Tas,

That machine detects changes in body temperature.

The theory being that if there is an injury it increases inflammation, and that this inflammation increases the temperature of the tissue at the injury site. So that if you can obtain an accurate picture of the areas of slightly higher temperature on the body it would provide you with the location of injuries.

I did extensive testing of a similar system some 15 years ago and found it of dubious value, and not worth the expense.

This type of system is just not accurate enough to detect all types of injuries as some cause very little inflammation, and in some instances there can be an increase in local body temperature due to causes other than an injury.

There is no substitute for running your hands over the dogs body and gently feeling all of the muscle tissue and bone surfaces in finding injuries. Nor is a machine such as that a substitute for using your eyes and closely observing the muscle structure and shape of the greyhound.

I have often been amazed that some trainers were unable to see a severely damaged muscle on a greyhound that was severely swollen or had just about disappeared until it was pointed out to them.

Cheers,
Tom