Fainting

[Ally]

Yesterday my dog Molly (3 yrs old) passed-out on the field she had been exercising (like-mad!) on. She ran back to me, stood still with a fixed frightened look on her face then fell over onto her side. She came to within seconds then lay on her tummy for a couple of minutes panting. She then got up and ran off and carried on as normal.
I wasn't as panicked yesterday as she has done this once before when exercising about 6 months ago. My husband also witnessed her do the same thing in our home but on this occasion she had not been exercising. We put this one down to just waking up in the morning and still being sleepy.
I took Molly to my vets yesterday and he assured me that it is a condition that many boxers get (although none of my others ever had this) and it is to do with a nerve that affects blood flow to the heart. (I think this is what he said- my 2 children were misbehaving so I couldn't fully concentrate).The fact that she recovers instantly shows that it is nothing too serious such as strokes/seizures etc.
I have just been reading up on heart problems/fainting in boxers and am now terrified after reading about certain conditions etc.
Should I be worried? Has anybody else encountered these faints? Should I keep her on her lead so she can't over exert herself? Please help!

 

[momstaxi]

I would get another opinion just because of heart conditions that can cause these symptoms can be quite common in boxers. just to be on the safe side.

 

[Angie K]

I would see a cardiologist and find out what the exact cause is. My female has Sub Aortic Stenosis and she has fainted before. Usually it is after she does a long boxer burn around the pool in the backyard. We found out about her problem when she went to be spayed at 6months old. She is now 2yrs 4months and her SAS is on the severe side. She is on blood pressure meds once a day at a cost of only $7 or $8 a month. But there are many different problems and it could be something that will not effect her life span if she has medication daily. Please seek another opinion because it could be something simple or something that if not treated may have a terrible outcome. Keep us posted.

 

[kactus]

same here

yep.. bailey also has subaortic stenosis and has fainted. ive just posted about it in the thread 'heart murmur' above.. have a look if you want. personally, i wouldnt have been satisfied with your vets 'diagnosis' and would look into finding your local heart specialist to rule out any other problems which may require medication. might be an idea to make your boxer rest for a few mins every so often on a long burn. i know bailey would run till he dropped if i didnt do this with him!!

 

[jaimie]

My Baylee had a fainting episode also, she scared the living hell outta us. The vet said she was ok but we still had a full cardiac work up done. She ended up being fine BUT she does have a grade 2 heart murmur we have to keep an eye on.

When in doubt get a second opinion!

 

[nickyd]

Definitly get a second opinion!!! Not to scare you, but Boxers are prone to heart problems and fainting can be a sign.

 

[TazzysMom]

Since she is so young she is probably okay but since heart problems can get worse quickly see a cardiologist for peace of mind in case it's something to monitor. Hope she feels better soon.


Leilani

 

[kassa]

Definitely get that cardiology consult. Dogs don't faint for no reason, and the primary reason in boxers is heart related. Sometimes the first sign of heart disease is that they faint and never get back up, so it's nothing to brush off.

 

[momstaxi]

Any updates on Molly?

 

[PawPrintBoxers]

You need to get her to a Cardiologist immediately. A vet cannot diagnose a heart condition and I would be upset he passed it off so dismissively. Heart problems are a real threat in Boxers and fainting is a big sign there may be a problem.

Ask your vet for a Cardiology referral or just look for one on your own. Please do it today.