Devastated - Boxer cardiomyopathy- PLEASE HELP!

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msjosi

msjosi

Completely Boxer Crazy
Oh my gosh Marisa...what wonderful news! Your story sounds more and more like mine as it proceeds. I am so glad that you were able to take Rocky to see a specialist and he is now going to get the proper treatment and care. Like me my vet also prescribed meds that would have harmed Josi eventhough she does in fact have CM. The only thing I can say about the vet is the same that I had to tell myself. Luckily mine was very honest that he was not well versed on this disease and that she needed to see a specialist, but he also put her on unnecessary meds and told me she already had enlargement in the heart which she doesn't have yet. All and all congrats to both of you and we will now send you best wishes to the doctors figuring out what exactly is going on with Rocky..keep us posted what the doctor says after the holter test comes back.
 
Jan

Jan

Reasonable Moderator
Staff member
That is wonderful news! fiestaicon

It is always important to have heart problems verified by a cardiologist.
 
K

kassa

Boxer Insane
I'm really intrigured -- can't wait to find out what the issue was. Maybe a massive infection? Was bloodwork ever done?

As pointed out, dilated cardiomyopathy and ARVC (formerly termed "boxer cardiomyopathy") are very different diseases with different paths and treatments.

While most people opt for medical treatment of ARVC, there's no evidence that medication prolongs life. It will reduce the number of arrhythmias in a dog having large numbers of arrhythmias, and since it's an out of control arrhythmia that leads to death in these dogs, logically one would assume that that would lead to a decrease in death rate/extension of life, but as in people, that simply isn't the case. It certainly CAN improve quality of life if the arrhythmias are causing the dog to faint and frighten/confuse the dog and the human family.

And, as illustrated here, the drugs themselves can have their own side effects. I have an older pet boy who has ARVC -- however, he also has a very slow heart rate. One of the side effects of sotalol is a slower heart rate -- the benefit of the drug for one problem would worsen the other problem. If available to you, a board certified cardiologist is your best bet for looking at the dog and deciding the best course of treatment. The vet cardiologist is also a regular vet, so if they find a complicating issue they can help guide your regular vet with how to treat both conditions.

For Dilated Cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, generally the disease itself does affect the quality of life of the dog and medication helps immensely in that department.
 
morrissey11

morrissey11

Super Boxer
Way to go Rocky!!!!!! So glad to hear the news, how relieved you must be!
Kisses to Rocky..Kate, Morrissey's mommy.

Morrissey, our angel
 
mai7

mai7

Boxer Pal
quick update....

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give a quick update:
Our little man is doing great! He is definitely back to being “Rocky” after taking him off of the medicine. The halter test should be coming soon so let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Have a fabulous weekend and thanks again for your continued support.
You are all all the best ;)
XOXO
 
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