ever heard of boxer cardio miopothy?

[Fugger's_mom]

ever heard of boxer cardiomyopothy?

has anyone heard of this? Fugger had a seizure on Sunday. They ran x-rays and an ekg and found out he has this condition. The dr. said he will be on meds for 15 days and then tested again. Thru the tears, I did hear him say something about the beats of his heart....very irregular.

They also said no more Snausages...they are loaded with salt. Does anyone have any info on this disease? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[gmacleod]

Well, you've asked in the right place. Cardiomyopathy is one of the most common genetically-inherited diseases affecting boxers, and is one that any reputable breeder screens for in their breeding stock. Another name for the disease is Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and this is a distinct disease from the dilated cardiomyopathy common in some other dog breeds (hence the name "Boxer cardiomyopathy").

There is a little information on our health testing page at http://www.boxerworld.com/health_testing/ and also at http://www.americanboxerclub.org/boxer_cardiomyopathy.html

You'd find several previous threads by searching the forums using the terms "boxer cardiomyopathy" or "Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy". Likewise a google search should also bring up plenty more information. As mentioned, this is a genetically inherited disease that, sadly, is not at all rare in the boxer breed.

 

[IndyBoxer]

Cardiomyopathy

Our grand puppy (Holden) had it and lived with medical assistance for a couple of years. We also had a cat (Lewis) with Cardiomyopathy (not the Boxer variety) and lived nearly 5 years reaching age 17 before other body parts and functions gave out. His heart was strong to the end.

You are lucky to know. With proper attention and meds, animals can survive and prosper with Cardiomyopathy.

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[Fugger's_mom]

Thank you both...

Fugger is now 5 years old and the meds they perscribed seem to knock him out. He is very groggy and has to go back to the dr. in 9 days to see if the meds are working.
What a blow to our hearts knowing that something is wrong with him. I don't care if I have to carry him everywhere; (at 82 lbs, it might be hard but worth it!) I just want him to live and be pain free. I'll look up the disease on the link sent.

Thank you so much!!

 

[MMKids]

cardio myopathy

My dog was just diagnosed with cardio myopathy also. He is only a year and a half. He began with head tremors which sent me to the vet in the first place. In turn they found the irregular heart beats. I saw a cardiologist who did an ultrasound of his heart. He talked about so many different things, my head was spinning. He did start him on meds and said to check in with my regular vet once a week. Today was that day. He said there was a little thickness on the left and right ventricle, but it was early stages of this. His heartrate was still irregular. Hopefully the meds will kick in soon. How long will dogs live with this disease? It just makes me so sad because he is so young. He has no other symptoms and seems happy and healthy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have to go through this.

Koda's mom

 

[Holden's Mom]

Boxer cardiomyopathy is diagnosed by Holter Monitor. Your dog will be monitered over a span of 24 hours during normal activity. This will allow the cardiologist to determine how irregular the heartbeats are. It is treated with meds and bloodwork is done periodically to determine if there is damage to other organs.

The premier cardiologist researching boxer cardiomyopthy is Dr. Kate Meurs of Ohio State in Colmubus. Since you are in PA, perhaps you could be referred to her.

Knowing your pup has a problem is the first step. Holden lived a normal life for over two years with no restricted activity. He died suddenly while on a walk.

Love tham and make every day as good as you are able. And here is hoping for a long life for both Fugger and Koda.

Pam and Pete

 

[CalistaBoxer]

Boxer Cardiomyopathy

Hello all,
My sweet 10-year-old baby boxer Tootie was diagnosed with Boxer Cardiomyopathy in June 2003. I just want to let everyone know that with the proper medications, checkups, EKG's, etc. she's still with us & doing fine. We know that she's on borrowed time & cherish every day we have with her. If you think your baby has Boxer Cardiomyopathy please get them to a Cardiologist right away. Tootie takes medication 3 times a day, a total of 12 pills - they are very expensive but worth it to us. She gets an echocardiogram, chest x-rays & EKG's every 3 to 6 months & we adjust the medications if needed. I just wanted to let everyone know that Boxer Cardiomyopathy is treatable. We pray that we have Tootie with us for many many more years to come.
Callista in York Pennsylvania