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Health Concerns for the Boxer Dog The following is a list of the conditions Boxers are predisposed to. It is by no means, a complete list nor does it imply your Boxer will automatically suffer from one or more diseases listed here. You should consult your licensed veterinarian for additional information and medical care. Acne ~ Waxy deposits clog the hair follicles in areas such as the chin. Acne does not affect the overall health of the Boxer, so treatments should not be aggressive or overdone. Some Boxers will have an outbreak from playing with rubber toys (like KONGS, etc...) Aortic Stenosis ~ This disease is hereditary and means there is an obstruction below the aortic valve. A veterinarian can diagnose this condition in a variety of ways including x-rays and an ECG. Some dogs require medication. This is a serious condition that can result in sudden death. Dogs who have this condition should never be bred -even if he is a "normal" littermate. Bleeding Disorders ~ Boxers are prone to several bleeding disorders including von Willebrand's Disease, Factor VII deficiency and Prothrombin disorder. Cancer ~ The overall incidence of cancer is incredibly prevalent in the Boxer dog. Mast-cell tumors and histiocytomas and lymphomas are common. Demodicosis ~ Boxers are one of the most common breeds affected by this condition. Demodex mites are on the skin of all dogs; however, some dogs are born with a defective immune system and so generalized demodicosis (mange) becomes an issue. The condition is thought to be genetically transmitted. Dogs with a history of demodicosis or generalized demodicosis should never be bred. Dilated Cardiomyopathy ~ This refers to a defect of the heart muscle. Essentially, the heart is not an effective pump and the dog eventually dies from heart failure. This condition is extremely common in the Boxer. It is believed to be genetic. Routine vet exams are recommended for young and middle-aged adults. There is no cure for cardiomyopathy. Responsible breeders should know the medical history going back at least three generations and should not use dogs in their breeding program who suffer from this condition. |
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