What are the chances?

[jphunt21]

I am new to BW/have 10 week old male-Drake-After reading so much about heart conditions in Boxers, I am now a nervous wreck! How are Heart cond. detected? Any signs? Please reply so I can sleep at night!! He'll be okay right? Didn't ask breeder about parents, should I call and ask? Will he be honest? Thanks for everyone's help! (He is soooooo special to us and I would not be able to cope well if something happened!!!!!)

 

[Nicole510]

A responsible breeder will have had the parents health tested and will be happy to answer any questions you have. (Even if the testing wasn't done they should still answer questions). You absolutely have a right to know...give them a call!!

 

[jphunt21]

Thx Nicole! Your dogs are gorgeous!!! Will call and ask! He told us D's parents were healthy, but at the time I didn't know to ask about specific problems like heart conditions & hip displaysia. Thx again!

 

[None-removed]

Calling the breeder is a good start, and if he is registered you can get information on his geneology from his pedigree. You can also talk to your vet about doing some testing.

Above all, don't sweat it - seriously don't let it worry you like that. There are many, many folks on the boards that have rescues, pet store purchases, and BYB dogs and we have no real idea as to the health history of our dogs. The main thing is to enjoy every single minute with your pup. Love him and treat him like everyday is his last, the days will go by fast enough without filling them with worry. Even if he is the healthiest pup on earth, things happen and we can't allow ourselves to live in fear of them. Just constantly let him know that you love him - he does it for you.

 

[Draymia]

Cubby stated my thoughts perfectly. You can't worry about what may happen. The heart problems are serious in our breed, but remember that the largest percentage of boxers are healthy.

As none of us knows what will happen tomorrow, don't sweat it. Enjoy that baby and relax.

 

[OZBoxerLover]

Just relax..............enjoy your beautiful baby. But do call the breeder to put your mind at rest. Also take Drake to your vet for a general check up, then you'll know for sure that everything is fine.

 

[shells]

if it makes u feel any better, i also went through my neurotic "what if he has a heart problem?" phase. i spent hours looking up things online and how to detect PVC's etc after i thought that i could feel my puppy's heart beating irregularly. i'm a nurse, and imagine the sight of me listening to my puppy with my stethoscope and feeling for his pulse while he slept! :rolleyes: try not to lose any sleep over it, and i agree with the advice already stated. u can always have his heart checked out by your vet if it'll make u feel better!