BOXER
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
by Jennie Bullock

     Boxers are muscularly built, short haired, brachecephalic (short-muzzled) dogs.  As such they will need a daily source of exercise, both to expend penned-up energy and to maintain muscle tone. Their short hair tends to necessitate their being house-dogs, since they will not have a great tolerance for the cold. Being short-muzzled they will have difficulty in hot humid weather.
     For the most part, they are content to rest upon the couch, as part of the family. They are however, ever-ready when the family wants to "burn-off some energy" in play.
     In spite of their robust structure and nature; there are a number of medical conditions to which Boxers are prone. As with any dog breed; a well-bred Boxer will tend to have less problems than a poorly bred dog. Your best assurance of getting a healthy pup is to purchase a pup from a responsible reputable breeder.

The most common medical conditions associated with Boxers are:

Hip Dysplasia
     The hip joint is a ball and socket connection.  If the joint is malformed the head of the femur will not properly align with the cup of the hip socket.  This misalignment can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, with proper diet and exercise the animal can lead a full and active life. In more severe cases surgical correction or euthanasia are the only alternatives.  The most common indications of hip dysplasia, in small dogs, is when the dog older.  Generally with this late-life onset surgical correction is never required. Your veterinarian can X-ray your dog's hips for evaluation.
For further information please see: Medical Index/ Hip Dysplasia.
 

Corneal Ulcers (aka indolent ulcer, recurrent corneal erosion, or ulcerative keratitis) :

      Any scratch  or injury to a dog's eye can result in an ulcer.  Ulcers must be treated by a veterinarian immediately or there will be some loss of sight.  Only a veterinarian can determine the best treatment or combination of treatments for your dog.  Some lines of Boxers appear to have more eye problems than others.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Corneal Ulcers.

Bloat (GDV)
     Bloat must not be ignored.  If your dog looks "bulgy", is pacing with anxiety and drooling a bit, he cannot sit or lie down comfortably and is in general distress, get moving now, get to a veterinarian.
For more information, please see: Medical Index/G.V.D. or bloat.

Hypothyroidism
       This disease affects many breeds of dog.  A simple blood test will determine the existence of the condition.  The symptoms can include skin and coat problems, sudden onset of aggressive behavior, itching, lethargy, musky odor, and many more to keep it simple.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Hypothyroidism.

Cardiomyopathy
     Cardiomyopathy is a term used to describe a condition which occurs to the heart muscle, when one or more diseases cause inflammation and scarring.  This inflammation and scarring causes an enlargement of the heart itself, and the chambers within the heart dilate and become less efficient in supplying the body and organs with blood.  The end result of a dog suffering from this condition is that the heart muscle will eventually weaken and the dog will develop congestive heart failure, and will die.
For further information please see Medical Index/Cardiomyopathy.

Gingival Hyperplasia
     Gingival Hyperplasia is the enlargement of the gums. It can occur along the sides of, or over the teeth.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Gingival Hyperplasia.
 

Distichiasis

       Some dogs have a double row of eyelashes. These double eyelashes normally occur on the lower eyelid. Their presence causes irritation of the eye similar to that of Entropion.  Surgery is required for correction.

Tumors
     Boxers are prone to both benign and malignant tumors. These seem to occur more often in some bloodlines than in others. At this time the causative factors are purely speculative.

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