Boxers - Health Issues

Acepromazine

Acepromazine is a tranquilizer commonly used as a pre-anasthetic agent.

WARNING !! Do not use on Boxers!

In many cases, acepromazine has been shown to cause severe lowering of blood pressure as well as potentially serious arrythmia of the heart.

It is unknown why the boxer dog is sensitive to this tranquilizer, but adverse reactions are common.

In case you need quick, reliable information....click here for the Animal Poison Control Center

Difficulty Breathing

Because of their short wide heads, boxers are predisposed to snore and have respiratory problems. While the snoring may be cute, it's something that a boxer owner should be aware of

Congenital Cardiovascular Defects including boxer cardiomyopathy

Boxers are prone to dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart muscle stretches out and causes the electrical impulse that regulates heart contraction to travel through the heart in an inefficient manner. DCM can ultimately lead to heart failure.

Arthritis and Dysplasia

This is a very common Boxer health problem that aldo affects many different dog breeds. It appears to be quite common in pure bred large breed dogs of which Boxers can fall into that category. In order to help prevent the onset of this condition you should try and avoid obesity in your Boxer, and take them to the vet each year for regular checkups.

Cancer

Boxers can be afflicted with cancers affecting a variety of organ systems, including:

Mast Cell Tumor (MCT)

Skin and internal organs such as the spleen, liver and heart

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)

Also affects the skin and internal organs

Lymphoma

Affects the lymphatic system (the circulatory system, paralleling arteries and veins allowing for movement of immune system cells) and internal organs

Metabolic Disease

Metabolic diseases affect a dog’s glandular system. Hypothyroidism (a low-functioning thyroid gland) commonly affects Boxers as they age and lends a predisposition to skin problems, weight gain, generalized weakness, neurologic abnormalities and other conditions. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is relatively easy to treat with hormone replacement. The symptoms are typically resolved when blood levels are appropriately regulated.

Bloat

Bloat is a life-threatening disease of deep-chested dogs. The incidence may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day; sticking to a premium dog food diet without table scraps -- especially spicy or rich table scraps; and by allowing a dog to digest his meal before indulging in strenuous exercise. However, bloat cannot be completely prevented, so vigilance is necessary to make sure that the dog gets to a clinic as soon as possible after the symptoms are noticed.

Brain Tumors

Several breeds of dog are prone to brain tumors, and the boxer is one of them. Symptoms include not recognizing anyone, coordination problems and walking in circles.

Deafness

According to "The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms", all colors of boxers are prone to deafness, but it happens mostly to white or mostly white boxers. The deafness can be in one ear or both