If you want a boxer dog, you should be aware of the health problems it can suffer from. This breed of dog can last up to 10 years of age but may have a shorter lifespan if they are afflicted with a significant health problem. There are three in particular that can be quite devastating. These are: cardiomyopathy, SAS and CHD. Since you care for your pet as a member of the family, it is important to have it checked once a year. If your boxer is suffering from an illness, the best thing you can do for him/her is to catch the problem early. Your vet can do very detailed tests for heart problems, hip dysphasia, and thyroid problems. They can also tell you if your boxer has unusual health problems, such as degenerative myelopathy or a brain tumor.

Boxer dogs can suffer from five very common genetic conditions. They are aortic stenosis or subaortic stenosis (AS, SAS), hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia, boxer’s cardiomyopathy, and corneal dystrophy.

AS or SAS

If your boxer dog seems to tire easily or notice faint heart murmurs, then he could be suffering from aortic stenosis or subaortic stenosis. This condition occurs when the aorta contracts, reducing blood flow throughout the body, including the heart. When there is a restriction of blood flow through the body, the heart has to work even harder. Your vet can diagnose this condition for you and your pet.

hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a genetic condition that can alter your pet’s appearance and behavior. Some of the more common symptoms include: hair loss, persistent skin conditions, growth retardation, and a sluggish lifestyle. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication to start the thyroid working properly.

Hip dysplasia

Among many other common ailments that boxer dogs suffer from is hip dysplasia. When a boxer’s hip joints seem to be wearing out, he is likely to be in quite a bit of pain and severe stiffness. This situation worsens as the dog matures into old age. There is no cure for hip dysplasia and if the problem is too severe, a hip replacement may be necessary.

boxer’s cardiomyopathy

It can be very scary to learn that your pet has boxer’s cardiomyopathy. Only when you learn it are you likely to bury your dog. Cardiomyopathy is deadly because it causes the heart to beat in an unusual way. Usually noticed in mature-aged dogs, a veterinarian’s routine exam is likely to miss this fatal condition. As a pet owner, you should have your vet examine your pet looking explicitly for this problem.

corneal dystrophy

When your boxer dog has been diagnosed with corneal dystrophy, do you know what that means? It is a condition that makes the corneas of the eyes uneven. If there is an unevenness, ulcers may appear, causing total blindness or loss of vision. You can do pain management techniques or even have surgery to correct the condition.