Boxers (also known as German boxers) have more heart problems than many other dog breeds, according to "The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms." Boxers get arrhythmogenic right ventricular heart cardiomyopathy so often that is it is commonly called "boxer caridomyopathy."
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Consideration
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In boxer cardimyopathy, the heart cannot pump blood properly and can cause fainting or sudden death. Treatment is to prevent the heart from stopping.
Diagnosis
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There are no signs other than fainting (or suddenly dying), the boxer's heart is tested by electrocardiogram or a Holter monitor which the dog needs to wear for 24 hours.
Medication
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Michigan Veterinary Specialists recommends using sotalol (Betapace) to help regulate heartbeat. The boxer may also need an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drugs in boxers with hearts that have severe problems pumping.
Prevention
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All boxers or boxer-mixes should get a genetic screening test in order to see if they have boxer cardiomyopathy from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Boxers that test positive can be put on Betapace.
Warning
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The American Boxer Club claims that heart problems such as boxer cardiomyopathy are genetic. Boxers with heart problems should never be bred.
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