Boxers make great pets, but they are prone to many health problems, including potentially lethal problems. These problems can be compounded if the boxer is not getting enough exercise or eating a diet that is not nutritious enough. According to the American Boxer Rescue Association, one of the reasons boxers are abandoned in animal shelters is because the owners do not want to deal with medical costs.
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Heart Problems
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According to "The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Health" (see Resources), the most common heart problems in boxers are aortic stenosis (a defect of the aortic valve) and atrial anomolies (defects in the heart chambers).
Blood Clotting Problems
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Boxers are prone to two types of blood clotting problems: Factor II deficiency (where the blood will not clot) and Factor VII deficiency, where the boxer cannot make a clotting chemical called prothrombin, making the dog prone to nosebleeds.
Digestive Problems
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According to the American Boxer Club (see Resources), boxers are prone to bloat (similar to colic in horses), pancreatitis and pyloric stenosis (a defect of the stomach where the opening for food is far too small).
Brain Tumors
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Several breeds of dog are prone to brain tumors, and the boxer is one of them. Symptoms include not recognizing anyone, coordination problems and walking in circles.
Deafness
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According to "The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms," all colors of boxers are prone to deafness, but it happens mostly to white or mostly white boxers. The deafness can be in one ear or both (see Resources).
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