Questionable fact.

[Roxy'sNewMom]

I questions wether this fact about boxers is true:

There are heart conditions known
in the boxer breed. Innocent
heart murmurs are not uncommon
for a boxer puppy and will usually
subside as the puppy gets older.

This was on the boxer site that I am going to probably get our puppy from. I am starting to second guess this. I have never heard of it. Have any of you?
Thanks
Shaunna

 

[Jan]

Yes actually. Heart murmurs of 1 or 2 are very common in boxer puppies and they often go away as they get older.

 

[boxer]

I would add to the bit about known heart conditions though. YES there are two heart conditions common to the boxer breed, both of which are usually fatal. These are aortic / sub-aortic stenosis and boxer cardiomyopathy (arrythmic right ventricular cardiomyopathy). But there are tests available to screen breeding stock for these conditions, and you *need* to see the satisfactory test results for the parents of any puppy you consider buying (see the test results before you even set eyes on a cute puppy). Do not buy a puppy from anyone irresponsible enough not to be screening for these diseases.

There is more information on these diseases, and others known to affect boxers and on the tests available to screen for them at www.boxerworld.com/health_testing

 

[cmslone]

Cooper had a murmur up until he was 14 months. The last visit to the vet he said he couldn't hear it anymore.

 

[K House]

Mommy_of_four just lost her 4 year old Boxer, T-bone, last week to a heart murmur that he had had since he was 12 weeks old and they (and the vet) thought was under control. (Her thread is on the Rainbow Bridge forum.) I would definitely inquire with the breeder to see if they have done the necessary screening.