This particular canine disease hits the Boxer breed more than any other dog breed in the world. It causes ulcers in the lining of the dog’s large intestine. This, in turn, causes the dog to have diarrhea and/or blood in the bowel movements.
Intervertebral disk (IVD) disease in canines can be quite serious. It may cause loss of motor function, loss of coordination and in sadly, in some cases, paralysis. While more common among certain breeds, a dog of any breed may develop this.
This is a stomach condition - not to be confused with bloat - and there is no clear understanding of why this is seen in some dog breeds but not others.The Boxer and the Boston Terrier are both prone to this. (Both dog breeds do have similar bone structure of their heads) and it is also seen among some small breed dogs.
Pyloric Stenosis is when the muscles around the stomach’s exit become very thick. With vomiting and bloating occurring, it is important to have this treated. There may be rapid weight loss due to the symptoms.
The time span between eating and vomiting is what will distinguish 'regular' vomiting from this stomach disease. Normally, when a dog eats, the food is gone from the dog’s stomach about 8 hours later. While a dog may vomit right after eating when having this health problem, he or she will also vomit up to 24 hour later…when there would usually be no food left in the stomach. This points to the food being “stuck” in the stomach because of the thickened muscles.
With this Boxer dog stomach problem, the vomit will usually contain large pieces of undigested food.
It is diagnosed by carefully documenting when the dog eats and when the dog vomits. Barium studies with X-rays may show the narrowed stomach outflow.
In mild cases, the vomiting does not happen often and a dog can live a normal life without treatment. In severe cases, treatment must be given right away; if not, the dog can succumb to this canine disease.
Medication will be given to help the dog’s stomach muscle rest and loosen. Surgery may be needed in some cases. The tightened muscle is removed or the exit area of the dog’s stomach is widened. Thankfully, the majority of surgeries are very successful.