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Dilated Cardiomyopathy - A Boxer Heart Disease
What is This?
Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a specific heart disease that affects Boxer dogs. The heart becomes swollen. This then causes the dog’s heart to become weak and unable to work as it should. This is one of the most serious Boxer dog heart problems.
What are the Symptoms?
Usually, if a Boxer gets this heart disease, the onset will happen between the ages of 2 and 7 years old.
The symptoms are:
• Difficulty breathing – your dog may appear out of breath after a simple walk
• Coughing
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Increased need for water – sometimes so severe that the dog’s stomach will protrude due to drinking a huge amount of water
What Causes This?
This particular Boxer heart disease is thought to have an array of causes. More studies are being done; however as of know the following may contribute to this canine disease:
• Genetic factors
• Lack of nutrients – most specifically the amino acid Carnitine
• Infectious diseases
• Toxic poisoning
• Immune abnormalities
How is this Diagnosed?
Once you notice the possible symptoms of this canine disease, you should bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian or a specialist will perform:
• An echocardiogram
• Doppler exams to rule out other canine heart diseases
Is this Treatable?
Medicine will be given; however the dog will usually have a decreased life span. Sadly, once diagnosed and on the proper medication, a Boxer dog will usually only live 6 months to 3 years.
• Enzyme inhibitors and blocking agents will be given
• Taurine supplements are sometimes given – although not conclusive, preliminary testing shows that his dog supplement may reverse the damage
• Medicine to help the heart function better – this may include Lanoxin, Digoxin or Digoxin.
• Diuretics are given to control fluid buildup in the dog’s lungs
• Medication to control arrhythmias (uneven heart beats)
• An owner is usually instructed to obtain a stethoscope to monitor the dog’s heart rate at home and to keep a daily log
Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a specific heart disease that affects Boxer dogs. The heart becomes swollen. This then causes the dog’s heart to become weak and unable to work as it should. This is one of the most serious Boxer dog heart problems.
What are the Symptoms?
Usually, if a Boxer gets this heart disease, the onset will happen between the ages of 2 and 7 years old.
The symptoms are:
• Difficulty breathing – your dog may appear out of breath after a simple walk
• Coughing
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Increased need for water – sometimes so severe that the dog’s stomach will protrude due to drinking a huge amount of water
What Causes This?
This particular Boxer heart disease is thought to have an array of causes. More studies are being done; however as of know the following may contribute to this canine disease:
• Genetic factors
• Lack of nutrients – most specifically the amino acid Carnitine
• Infectious diseases
• Toxic poisoning
• Immune abnormalities
How is this Diagnosed?
Once you notice the possible symptoms of this canine disease, you should bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian or a specialist will perform:
• An echocardiogram
• Doppler exams to rule out other canine heart diseases
Is this Treatable?
Medicine will be given; however the dog will usually have a decreased life span. Sadly, once diagnosed and on the proper medication, a Boxer dog will usually only live 6 months to 3 years.
• Enzyme inhibitors and blocking agents will be given
• Taurine supplements are sometimes given – although not conclusive, preliminary testing shows that his dog supplement may reverse the damage
• Medicine to help the heart function better – this may include Lanoxin, Digoxin or Digoxin.
• Diuretics are given to control fluid buildup in the dog’s lungs
• Medication to control arrhythmias (uneven heart beats)
• An owner is usually instructed to obtain a stethoscope to monitor the dog’s heart rate at home and to keep a daily log
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Copyright
1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
Copyright
1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
