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[sydneybum]

Hi everyone,

Here's some background: M y girl is 2.5 years old weights roughly 55 pounds and gets tons of exercise. She's on a raw diet and full of energy.

This morning at 6:00am we went on our routine walk. She had her normal pee and bowl movement. Two dogs approached her and she looked like she wanted to play and took about a 5 second run and stopped and walked over to me and collapsed on her side. I immediately helped her back up to her feet. She then took a few steps but they were wobbly and her eyes were opening and shutting. She then tried to vomit or cough but nothing came up.. I quickly got her back home where she continued to open and shut her eyes and looked very weak in her legs. She slowly laid down we opened her mouth and put a few drops of water in it. About 1 min later she was back to her self she got up started licking us and wagging her butt like nothing happened. The whole thing lasted maybe 5mins. What would've caused this?? I'm so scared for her.. She has an appointment set up for tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[Gatorblu]

As much as I hate to say it, it is probably her heart. If you do a search in this forum for syncope you'll come across too many boxers that suffer from this. When you go to your vet tomorrow, and if he/she agrees it is the heart have them refer you to a cardiologist. Many times heart issues just spring up out of nowhere, so even if your vet doesn't say it is the heart I would still ask for a cardiologist referral just to be safe. Sending positive, healthy (((vibes))) to your girl!

 

[gmacleod]

I would tend to agree that a heart issue is a distinct possibility. Boxers are genetically prone to two major heart conditions - aortic (or subaortic) stenosis and arrythmogenic right venricular cardiomyopathy (aka boxer cardiomyopathy). In the latter case, the vet is unlikely to find anything wrong just by listening to the heart (unless its a very advanced case) and you might have to see a cardiologist and have a holter monitor test done to find out if this is the problem.

In short, unless your regular vet is able to come up with another diagnosis, I'd strongly recommend seeing a cardiologist and undertaking a holter test for cardiomyopathy. Its not invasive or expensive - just requires the dog to wear a monitor strapped to the side of their chest for 24 hours. But it does require a cardiologist to interpret the results (and, of course, to recommend treatment).

 

[sydneybum]

Thanks for all the info guys it really helps. We just got back from the vet. During her physical they found a very mild heart murmur.. I believe she said it was towards the end of the heart. After that discovery they went on to do a radiograph and ECG & Interpretation. They said they would call us with the results. The vet aslo gave me a referral to a cardiologist and said getting an ultrasound would be a good idea. So now we are playing the waiting game.

Thanks again guys... will give you another update.

 

[Gatorblu]

Sorry about the diagnosis, but for me I'd rather know so I can take steps to keep my pup happy and healthy. My boy suffers from arrythmias and has been taking meds for about 18 mos. They really have helped him. He has had to wear a Holter monitor 3 times and has never been a fan. It isn't that it hurts him or anything, he just likes to be "naked". I wish you luck with the cardiologist.

 

[sydneybum]

Sorry about your guy and I'm glad he's doing well on the meds. yea they do like being naked don't they! I'm the same as you I'd rather know then not know.

I just got the phone call and the vet and saids everything looks great and normal but advise me to still get the ultrasound done by the cardiologist.