![]() Regular checkups to monitor disease progression.Providing ramps or easy stairs for dogs to climb up the bed or the couch.Some doctors will recommend health management strategies in addition to medications to alleviate pain and improve your boxer’s quality of life. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.Īlthough surgery is an option, especially for subaortic stenosis, it is not recommended due to the risks and low success rate.Mild congenital heart diseases usually have a good prognosis and can be managed with medications, including: Many veterinarians may suspect your dog has heart disease based on the symptoms and the examination results.Īn electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram can further confirm which part/s of the dog’s heart has problems. They will also listen to your dog’s breathing using a stethoscope to check for heart murmurs or fluid buildup in the lungs.Īn x-ray may be recommended as a preliminary examination to check for fluid in the lungs or any abnormality in your dog’s heart size. Your veterinarian will initially conduct a physical examination to palpate for any swelling in the skin or the abdomen. None of these symptoms are normal, and they should all be checked out by a licensed vet as soon as possible. That’s why it helps to consult your vet as soon as you notice the symptoms above. Sadly, sudden death due to heart failure is relatively common among boxers with CHDs. It can be challenging to distinguish a heart defect based on the abovementioned symptoms.Īs discussed, many dogs with CHDs may have one or more conditions, and the symptoms may overlap. However, they also share similar symptoms, as shown below: ![]() Various congenital heart diseases can have different symptoms. While some dogs have only one CHD condition, it is not rare for them to have a combination of two or more heart defects. Dogs with mitral dysplasia have a weakened mitral valve that allows blood to backflow to the left atrium from the left ventricle. Normally, the blood from the left ventricle should go to the aorta. Mitral dysplasia. Although more common in cats, mitral dysplasia is another widely observed CHD among boxers.It can cause extra effort or pressure on the heart to pump blood harder because the blood from the left ventricle cannot enter the aorta smoothly. Subaortic stenosis. Boxers and other large dogs are more at risk of subaortic stenosis due to the narrow opening of the aortic valve.This condition results from a developmental defect in the atrial septum, leaving an opening that allows blood movement between the two atrial chambers. However, some conditions are so severe and life-threatening that pet parents may face difficult decisions about their dogs’ medical care.īoxers are more susceptible to CHDs, requiring pet parents to have their boxer puppies examined early, especially if the parent dogs have a history of heart disease. Some of these conditions may be mild and could even go unnoticed throughout a dog’s life. Many dog breeds are prone to congenital heart diseases (CHD) or heart defects resulting from developmental problems inside their mothers’ wombs. Read on to learn more! Congenital Heart Diseases I will discuss the various health issues to watch out for when raising a boxer, their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management. While these conditions sound severe, early detection and proper management can help boxers live a normal, happy life. Some common boxer health issues include congenital heart diseases, tumors, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Like many other dog breeds, boxers are susceptible to several health issues that you need to address early on to ensure they can enjoy their lives to the fullest. They are brave and confident but can also be friendly and cheerful. Boxers are known as one of the most intimidating dog breeds, but every pet parent knows what softies they can be.
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