Boxer dogs suffer from a heart disease called boxer cardiomyopathy (BCM), a disease that causes the heart to beat out of rhythm. BCM is also known as Boxer Arrhythmic Cardiomyopathy (BAC), Familial Ventricular Arrhythmia (FVA) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
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Causes
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Genetics mean that boxer dogs are prone to DCM. It is not known why boxer dogs' genetics put them at a high risk of developing DCM.
Symptoms
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A boxer dog with DCM sometimes shows a lack of interest in exercise or a decline in stamina. In some boxer dogs, a vet can detect an abnormal heart rhythm or unusual heart sounds with a stethoscope. Fainting is a more advanced symptom of DCM.
Tests
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Since boxer dogs are more prone to DCM than other dog breeds, it is a good idea to get them tested if they show the slightest sign of the disease. DCM is not easy to diagnose but a veterinary cardio specialist should be able to help.
Treatment
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There is no cure for DCM in boxer dogs, but the disease is manageable. Placing a defibrillator into the dog's heart can correct any abnormal heart rhythms. Medication and therapy can help slow down the progression of the disease.
Fatal
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Since DCM in boxer dogs is not always easily detectable, and it is not treatable, it can be fatal. As DCM advances it can lead to heart failure and death.
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