About the Health of Boxer Dogs

Boxers are a popular family pet in the United States. In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists boxers as the sixth most popular dog breed in the country. Boxers are considered to be intensely loyal and friendly, especially around children. They are generally a healthy breed, with an average lifespan between 10 to 12 years. However, boxers are predisposed to develop certain health problems, especially affecting their heart. Knowing these potential problems and keeping an eye out for the symptoms can help ensure a long and healthy life for your boxer.

Boxers are predisposed to suffer from a heart condition known as boxer cardiomyopathy. According to veterinarian Wendy Wallner, boxer cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the electric impulses of the heart, which causes the heart to beat erratically. Most boxers may not show any symptoms until the disorder is severe. Unfortunately, serious cases can lead to fainting and even death. This condition can be detected by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Wallner recommends having your boxer examined specifically for this disorder at the ages of 1, 2 and 5.

Boxers also have one of the highest rates of a certain brain tumor known as a glioma, according to the Purina Pro Club (see link in Resources). It is most common in older boxers and may cause seizures, odd behaviors and unsteadiness. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, your veterinarian will order a CT scan of the brain to look for tumors. Gliomas are notoriously difficult to remove surgically, so treatment typically consists of medication and radiation. The long-term outlook depends on the size and growth of the tumor.

DM is a disease that affects the central nervous system and causes problems with movement in the hind legs. It is most common in German shepherds, but is also a concern for boxers, according to veterinarian Tracy Hendrickson. Early cases of the disorder may cause shuffling or occasional loss of balance, while more severe cases can lead to total paralysis in the hind legs. There is no cure for DM, but veterinarians may recommend regular exercise, leg stretches and use of a dog cart to help cope with the symptoms.

Hypothyroidism is another common condition affecting boxers. The Purina Pro Club notes that hypothyroidism in boxers causes the thyroid gland to malfunction and interfere with proper hormone production. This disease is unfortunately hard to detect, and symptoms--including hair loss and weight gain--are typically not noticeable until the disease has progressed. Hypothyroidism can be detected via a blood test, and the Purina Pro Club recommends testing your boxer every year for the first four years of his life.

Boxers are susceptible to developing a sensitivity to acepromazine, a tranquilizer commonly used by veterinarians before medical procedures. According to Wallner, acepromazine is the most-frequently used tranquilizer in veterinary practice. Unfortunately, this tranquilizer has caused severe reactions in many boxers that include heart arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Wallner strongly urges all boxer owners to avoid using this medication.