Boxer Dogs & Heart Problems

Boxers are prone to cardiomyopathy.

Boxer dogs suffer from a heart disease called boxer cardiomyopathy (BCM), a disease that causes the heart to beat out of rhythm. BCM is also known as Boxer Arrhythmic Cardiomyopathy (BAC), Familial Ventricular Arrhythmia (FVA) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Causes

Genetics mean that boxer dogs are prone to DCM. It is not known why boxer dogs' genetics put them at a high risk of developing DCM.

Symptoms

A boxer dog with DCM sometimes shows a lack of interest in exercise or a decline in stamina. In some boxer dogs, a vet can detect an abnormal heart rhythm or unusual heart sounds with a stethoscope. Fainting is a more advanced symptom of DCM.

Tests

Since boxer dogs are more prone to DCM than other dog breeds, it is a good idea to get them tested if they show the slightest sign of the disease. DCM is not easy to diagnose but a veterinary cardio specialist should be able to help.

Treatment

There is no cure for DCM in boxer dogs, but the disease is manageable. Placing a defibrillator into the dog's heart can correct any abnormal heart rhythms. Medication and therapy can help slow down the progression of the disease.

Fatal

Since DCM in boxer dogs is not always easily detectable, and it is not treatable, it can be fatal. As DCM advances it can lead to heart failure and death.

References

• Boxer World: Boxer Health Testing
• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Boxer Buddies Rescue Inc.: Boxer Cardiomyopathy