A SERIOUS question for a concerned boxer owner....

[jakester]

Please don't take offense at my post but I'm honestly curious about the overall health of our beloved boxers.

After spending countless hours reading many posts here on Boxerworld, I'm quite alarmed at the amout of health problems related to our boxers. Again, this could be just a small amount of problems being shared in comparison to the amount of boxers in the world. That's what I'm curious about......

So my question is, is there any boxers out there that have lived their enitre life without MAJOR health problems such as tumors, cancer, bone problems, seizures, vomiting issues, etc.etc.????

If so, can you please share your success stories with me.

I don't want to sound negative at all but I would be overjoyed to hear some stories from people that have had healthy boxers from day one until the end.......

It's not that I don't plan on doing whatever it takes to my Jakester healthy and happy for many years to come, it's just that there seems to be alot of POTENTIAL problems out there. I realize these arn't just dedicated problems to boxers alone but to any breed dog as well as mixed breed dogs.

It just gets me depressed thinking that Jake will undergo many of these health problems.......maybe someone can cheer us up and share some wonderful stories of clean bills of health so we can have an optimistic outlook on Jake's future health.

Jason, Tammy, & Jake

 

[Krikkit]

Jason, it can be depressing to think of our babies going through so much :( You are right, it happens in other breeds, and cross / mixed breeds as well .... There are some Boxer 'problems' that can be prevented by good breeding, but others are just basically the luck of the draw. Don't get too depressed about it - just take each day at a time.

So my question is, is there any boxers out there that have lived their enitre life without MAJOR health problems such as tumors, cancer, bone problems, seizures, vomiting issues, etc.etc.????

My first Boxer Bo lived to 14.5 without 'major' health problems but there were some 'minor' ones, including arthritis in his spine as he aged. Tess lived to 14, again without 'major' problems but we did have a couple of lumps and bumps removed when she was older. It would be really hard to find a dog of any breed who spent their entire life without any health issues, at the very least they are probably going to be arthritic when older .....

Rebel lived to 13.5, never any issues whatsoever until he was 11 when cancer struck (lymphosarcoma).

You can see their photo when elderly here: http://www.boxerworld.com/photo/showphoto.php?photo=20076&password=&sort=1&cat=500&page=1

Sharon

 

[tanya22]

Keep in mind people mainly post when they have problems so you are getting a shewed view. I am sure if you visited other breed forums there would be similar threads.
Ava is my 5th Boxer. The second was hit by a car but the rest lived into their teens. The third did pass in her sleep from cancer at 14 years. The last was put to sleep at 13 years with no medical complications except for the last year when arthritis plagued her. Poor baby.
Try not to worry, do your best and put the rest in Gods hands.

best of luck

Michelle

 

[Lively]

My first boxer BJ lived a very long life and as far as I know he's still around (he belonged to a old boyfriend ) He never had any problems. Just normal trips to the vet. He's 13 now.

My Kona on the other had is one of those stories that you may not want to hear. We helped her to the bridge a month ago. She was 4 1/2 and battled lymphnode cancer for a year.

My opinion. I really believe that health testing plays a major part in a boxer living a long and healthy life. But that doesn't mean that without testing Jake has any less chance of a great life.

Simular sites for another breed probably have their health issue stories also. Could be that people don't spend a lot of time at BW if they have nothing going on with their babies but happiness. Some people could come here just for advice on problems.

Best of luck!
Ali

 

[jakester]

Wow, I'm quite impressed by the testimonials........I didn't realize Boxers lived into their teens (although it's probably not common) but that was quite pleasing to read.

Great pic Krikkit of your boxers.......look wonderful

Again, I'm pleased to read that quite a few have had good luck. Again alot of it is the luck of the draw.......

I totally expect problems with a dog when they get up in years like over 8 years of age......arthiritis and similar problems should be expected and I plan on that happening......

I was just getting the vibes that many many boxers were having major issues during their prime years (1 - 8 years old).

I don't really worry all that much but since we are childless at this moment, we love Jake more than words as I'm sure everyone can imagine.

Thanks again for everyones stories and the their time to read this thread

Jakester.....

 

[Draymia]

I have had two live to be 13. My guys average 10-12 years. I have lost three to cancer, but considering I have from four to eight dogs at any one time, that is not bad. Right now I own seven. Their ages are 12, 11, 5, 5, 3, 8 months & 7 months. The 12 year old is in great condition and I have my fingers crossed for at least another year or two. The 11 year old is having some problems, so I probably won't have her in another year. :(

We do have some big problems in the breed, but most live to a nice old age. If we can test to increase the odds for a healthy puppy, it is a crime to not do so.

:D

 

[VTbxrFan]

My parents boxer is 12 and going strong. He recently required surgery to repair a torn ligament, and he has developed some arthritis, but he had no health problems for the first 10 years of his life.

 

[Debbie Magon]

Not only does health testing of breeding stock play an important role in health but so does diet, lifestyle and general genes.
Dogs that come from lines that live long lives often produce offspring that follow this.
Diet is of course decided by man and so is the dogs living environment.
Either can be made to enhance or reduce the life expectancy of any dog.

Most of my boxers live long and uneventful lives.
Cancer seems to be the taker of mine although they never appear "sick" while they have it and most go onto a ripe old age anyway.
Apart from c sections for whelping bitches who spring back in days and remain very healthy mothers I cant say that my boxers are plagued by health problems.
Accidents are of course on the environment list so can hardly be counted.

Many people post here with what is probably a small issue.
Something a breeder would probably not bat an eye at, but to the newer owner it may seem extremely bad.
Having a forum like BW is a great place for them to come for advice and support no matter how big or small the problem.
I can remember many years ago feeling the same sense of worry when something little happened to one of my dogs.
I am sure I contributed to at least one new vet clinic in our district!

 

[Slippynicla]

Frau has is now 4 and she has never had any major health issues. In fact only two things come to mind. The first was a urinary infections when she was young (maybe less than a year), which was gone in few days with antibiotics, and the other being an upset tummy after her and our other dog polished off a german chocolate cake.

 

[OZBoxerLover]

Great post!

I too was beginning to think that every boxer develops cancer and doesn't live past 9 years of age. Glad to hear that Boxers can and do live into their teens.... thanks for the reassurance.

Amanda&Gnarly(3 y.o)