Do Boxer dogs have health problems?

• Boxer cardiomyopathy: This is a heart condition that is common to Boxers, characterized by an enlarged heart muscle, which can lead to arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and sudden death. Regular cardiac screenings are essential for early detection.

• Sub-aortic stenosis: Sub-aortic stenosis is an inherited heart condition that is most common in larger breed dogs and is present at birth. It occurs when a dog is born with an abnormally narrow aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. The narrowing makes it difficult for blood to flow properly through the heart and can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment.

• Degenerative myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative genetic disorder that causes progressive paralysis in the hind legs. There is no cure, and it can progress very quickly.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that is characterized by the heart muscles’ inability to contract properly, which ultimately leads to a decrease in blood pumping to the heart. When a dog has cardiomyopathy, both the heart chambers become enlarged after having to work harder to get blood through. The extra stress on the heart from the restricted blood flow often leads to congestive heart failure (CHF). The major symptoms of DCM include lethargy, anorexia, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, a swollen abdomen, and temporary loss of consciousness.

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, elbow dysplasia often results in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause

• Boxer colitis: This condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stool, and abdominal pain.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus: A sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen

• Hypothyroidism: Boxers are predisposed to hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues. Lifelong medication and regular monitoring are usually necessary for management.

• Cancer: Boxers have an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including mast-cell tumors, lymphoma, and skin tumors. Regular veterinary screenings are essential to diagnose and treat cancer early.