Immune system
- Thread starter denvan
- Start date
- Status
I am no expert by any means .... but I would say that generally boxers seem to have more than their fair share of ailments. As a breed they seem to be very prone to specific conditions, such as heart disease. I think it's also probably fair to say that they have a reputation for food intolerances, and allergies. These conditions could point to auto-immune defects, within the breed, where the body "attacks" itself. However, I don't think they have compromised immune systems in as much as they are more susceptible to picking up disease than any other breed.
I must admit that when I told my vet that we were getting a boxer, she did ask if I had researched their health risks, and was prepared for the possible emotional and financial toll :-( ........ and we have had far too many vet trips for one dog's first six month's of life !. BUT, I wouldn't trade her for the world, she is by far the best breed of dog that I have ever owned - and there have been many - and she brings us so much joy, that she is worth every penny.
I only hope that we get to have her in our lives for many years to come.
I must admit that when I told my vet that we were getting a boxer, she did ask if I had researched their health risks, and was prepared for the possible emotional and financial toll :-( ........ and we have had far too many vet trips for one dog's first six month's of life !. BUT, I wouldn't trade her for the world, she is by far the best breed of dog that I have ever owned - and there have been many - and she brings us so much joy, that she is worth every penny.
I only hope that we get to have her in our lives for many years to come.
luvmyboy
Boxer Insane
I absolutely agree, Jinnytee - I would not trade my boy for anything.
And ROGE, I agree with your assessment, as well. Reputable breeders do everything possible to breed healthy dogs & can provide health screening info. However, nothing in this life is 100% guaranteed.
denvan
Boxer Pal
My vet told me that Boxers have a high number of instances with an immature immune system being the problem. He is not a breeder of any breed so he has no horse in this race. I was just curious to see what you people have experienced. I too love my Sadie Mae, I have always believed they were a great dog to have. I am 65 years old and I still think about my neighbors 2 boxers when I was 15 years old. You know they had to be special to be on my mind 50 years later. Having said that, we are having a miserable on going battle with red mange with, according to our vet is caused by a crappy immune system. I think if I had known about this immune system problem I would probably have gone a different route. It would not be very intelligent to know this and dive in any way. It is too late now regardless my Sadie Mae is the light of my life. She is so smart it is scary! I wish I could cure this problem for her but so far minimal success.
I am so sorry that you are battling demodectic mange. This is indeed caused by an immature immune system, or a faulty one. Dogs with healthy immune systems have no effects from these mites, that naturally exist on the majority of dogs without causing a problem and are transferred from mum to pup after birth. In dogs with poor immune systems the mite colonies can grow out of hand and result in the skin problems, that you are no doubt dealing with.
However, I think that this immune issue is specific to an individual dog, and not to the breed as a whole. It is certainly something that can effects individuals in all breeds of dogs .... I don't believe that Boxers are more at risk than other breeds .... but maybe I am wrong on this.
It is true ,though, that there are some breeds, (and there are many, but the boxer in indeed one of them), that have a slightly higher incidence of the puppy form of this disease, where the puppies are more susceptible due to their age and still developing immune system ..... but generally the puppy-hood mange is self-limiting and clears up on its own without treatment. ( Although most owners opt to treat to clear it up more quickly than waiting for it to run its course ).
I do understand what you say about making a smart choice over a getting a boxer, if you are given prior knowledge of health risks. But, I have to say, it seems to me that all breeds seem to be stricken with one health risk or another. There is no guarantee no matter what breed you choose ..... sadly. Knowing there was a higher risk of some health issues was not enough to deter me from getting a boxer. I don't think I am foolish. I made an informed decision, eyes wide open, because I love this breed so much.
I waited on breeders lists for 7 years for my girl, and before that had coveted my sister-in-laws boxers for over 20 years .... but even that can't beat your wait of wanting a boxer since you were 15
I really hope that Sadie-May recovers from her mange very soon, so that you can enjoy her to the full.
Jinny
denvan
Boxer Pal
Up date on sadie
We took her to our vet today for her monthly check and he did several scrapings and all the mites that he found were dead. He was very pleased as were we. To look at her you would not know she has this problem. We didn't catch it as early as we should have because we thought it was something else but it became obvious that it wasn't what we thought it was so as a consequence it got a good hold before we started treating it. My wife did the majority of the home care and was absolutely vigilant about doing so. She finally grew all of her hair back except in a few places that is why I said you would not know she has this problem. She is absolutely gorgeous, dark brindle, all black face, white feet,small white crest on her chest, deep chest and a tiny waist (beautiful tuck) if I had put in a custom order I would not change a single hair, that is why this was extra devastating to us. We have the best most caring vet in the world. So things are looking up for now, we just have to keep after it and hopefully her immune system will catch up.
We took her to our vet today for her monthly check and he did several scrapings and all the mites that he found were dead. He was very pleased as were we. To look at her you would not know she has this problem. We didn't catch it as early as we should have because we thought it was something else but it became obvious that it wasn't what we thought it was so as a consequence it got a good hold before we started treating it. My wife did the majority of the home care and was absolutely vigilant about doing so. She finally grew all of her hair back except in a few places that is why I said you would not know she has this problem. She is absolutely gorgeous, dark brindle, all black face, white feet,small white crest on her chest, deep chest and a tiny waist (beautiful tuck) if I had put in a custom order I would not change a single hair, that is why this was extra devastating to us. We have the best most caring vet in the world. So things are looking up for now, we just have to keep after it and hopefully her immune system will catch up.
That is great news! I am sure she will soon make a compete recovery and hopefully won't have any more issues.
Boxers are a wonderful breed. They may have their problems, but they are worth it.
SherylM
Completely Boxer Crazy
Agree, boxers are the best! I've had my share of them with immune related disorders however. If you want to boost your dog's immune system you can do that by feeding a healthy diet as well as giving an immune booster like colostrum. My boxer Lucy has HUC and we gave her bovine colostrum for well over a year. I got it at the health food store.
- Status