 | Heart murmurs have been found to be common
among Boxers. |
| It should be emphasised that these do not
affect health in the great majority (95%) of dogs. |
| The few dogs with very loud murmurs,
however, may be subject to fainting, and there may even be sudden death. |
| Aortic stenosis is the heart condition most
commonly associated with these heart murmurs, but cases of pulmonic stenosis and
cardiomyopathy, as found in other breeds, have also been detected. |
| Typically, clinical signs of aortic stenosis
first appear in the young adult although, rarely, puppies can be affected. |
| It should be stressed that minor
"flow" murmurs are commonly found in young Boxer puppies, as in other breeds,
but most disappear by about 16 weeks of age. Even if they persist there may be no cause
for alarm if they are quiet. Such genuine "flow" murmurs are not associated with
heart disease in the adult. |
| The incidence of Boxers with severe aortic
stenosis has increased in recent years, although the numbers of cases are still very low
in relation to the numbers of dogs bred. |
| To rectify the situation the Boxer Breed
Council has, with the aid of veterinary cardiologists throughout the country, developed a
system of testing based on simple stethescopic examination by the cardiologists. A
breeding control scheme has also been established. |
| Therefore, should a heart murmur, or any
heart condition other than a genuine puppy "flow" murmur, be recognised in a
Boxer it should be referred through the vet in charge to one of the cardiologists. The
breeder and the Breed Council geneticist should be informed of the result. |
| Dependent upon the findings the condition
may be treatable. |
| If a puppy "flow" murmur is loud
and persists, the vet in charge may recommend that further advice be sought from a
specialist cardiologist. |
| CONSULTANT CARDIOLOGIST: Anne French,
MVB DVC MRCVS, Lecturer in Veterinary Cardiology, The University of Edinburgh, Summerhall,
Edinburgh EH9 1QH. Tel. 0131 6506061 |
| CONSULTANT GENETICIST: Dr Bruce M
Cattanach, MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD. Tel. (Work) 01235
834393, (Home) 01235 835410 |
| SECRETARY TO THE BOXER BREED COUNCIL:
Mr David Webb, Higher Wychwood, West Anstey, South Molton, Devon EX36 3PF.Tel. 01398
341522
|
