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Aortic Stenosis - Heart Condition in Boxer Dogs
What is Boxer Aortic Stenosis?
The is one of the more common Boxer dog heart problems. This is a canine health condition in which there is a partial block to the normal flow of blood in the dog’s heart, as it flows out through the dog’s left ventricle through the aorta. Because of this blockage, the Boxer dog's heart must work much harder and faster than normal.
What are the Symptoms of This Canine Heart Condition?
• A heart murmur – this often is found during a routine exam at the veterinarian
In very serious cases, the symptoms of this canine health issue will mimic canine heart disease:
• The Boxer dog will become very tired and weak
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Panting and/or coughing
• Fainting after exercise
• In very severe cases, the beating of the dog’s heart will be very clearly seen in the dog’s veins of the dog’s neck, even at complete rest or sleep
Is This Fatal to Dogs?
Yes, it can be. The abnormal heart rhythms in a dog can lead to sudden death.
How is this Diagnosed?
Once a heart murmur is detected, your Boxer dog should be referred to a canine heart specialist either before or after the following tests are done:
• Determine the exact location of the most intense area of the murmur – the murmur will be graded on a scale of 0/6 to 6/6
• Time how often this happens
• Perform X-rays of the dog’s chest
• Perform an ECG of the Boxer dog – which will determine the severity of the heart valve’s narrowing.
What is the Treatment for this Canine Heart Condition?
No matter what the degree of this health condition, a dog’s owner should make sure:
• The Boxer dog does not ensure excessive exercise; this is especially important in hot weather
• Keeping the dog at the proper weight will help ease stress on the dog’s heart
Medication
Beta-blocker medication for dogs may be prescribed if:
• The Aortic stenosis is severe (graded as 5/6 or 6/6)
• There are signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (this means when the heart muscle cells become enlarged
• Dogs with signs of VPCs. (Ventricular Premature Complexes)
Beta-blockers help a dog to tolerate exercise, reduce the stress on the dog’s heart and prevents abnormal heart rhythms.
What are the Symptoms of This Canine Heart Condition?
• A heart murmur – this often is found during a routine exam at the veterinarian
In very serious cases, the symptoms of this canine health issue will mimic canine heart disease:
• The Boxer dog will become very tired and weak
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Panting and/or coughing
• Fainting after exercise
• In very severe cases, the beating of the dog’s heart will be very clearly seen in the dog’s veins of the dog’s neck, even at complete rest or sleep
Is This Fatal to Dogs?
Yes, it can be. The abnormal heart rhythms in a dog can lead to sudden death.
How is this Diagnosed?
Once a heart murmur is detected, your Boxer dog should be referred to a canine heart specialist either before or after the following tests are done:
• Determine the exact location of the most intense area of the murmur – the murmur will be graded on a scale of 0/6 to 6/6
• Time how often this happens
• Perform X-rays of the dog’s chest
• Perform an ECG of the Boxer dog – which will determine the severity of the heart valve’s narrowing.
What is the Treatment for this Canine Heart Condition?
No matter what the degree of this health condition, a dog’s owner should make sure:
• The Boxer dog does not ensure excessive exercise; this is especially important in hot weather
• Keeping the dog at the proper weight will help ease stress on the dog’s heart
Medication
Beta-blocker medication for dogs may be prescribed if:
• The Aortic stenosis is severe (graded as 5/6 or 6/6)
• There are signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (this means when the heart muscle cells become enlarged
• Dogs with signs of VPCs. (Ventricular Premature Complexes)
Beta-blockers help a dog to tolerate exercise, reduce the stress on the dog’s heart and prevents abnormal heart rhythms.
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Copyright
1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Copyright
1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
