Important information on Boxer Health.

Health testing  is a very important part of Breeding Boxers. So many people are caught out when buying a Boxer from a Back yard Breeder.

This can be very heart-breaking later on when a condition becomes apparent and the animal is a well loved family member. This can be greatly reduced through good Breeding practices.

This page is going to provide abit more explanation on the Health Conditions that can be present in the Boxer. Registered Breeders are aware of these conditions and the available tests that can be undertaken to ensure that all Breeding Stock are of good health. 

Kriscross Boxers uses Cardiac Specialist - Dr David Davies BSc BVMS (Hons) FACVSc

Boxer cardiomyopathy : One of the most common causes of sudden/unexpected death in Boxers.(young & old). This condition is thought to be inherited. It involves the heart to beat erratically by abnormal heart rhythms involving the ventricles (the main blood pumping chambers) of the heart which can result in weakness, collapse or sudden death. It is important that all breeding stock are properly screened for this disease by a Cardiac Specialist.

Aortic stenosis/sub-aortic stenosis (AS/SAS) is one of the most common heart defects occuring in boxers. Stenosis is narrowing of the aorta, right below the aortic valve, which forces the heart to work harder to supply blood. Reduced blood flow can result in fainting and even sudden death. Diagnosis must be made by a veterinary cardiologist after detection of a heart murmur. Breeding dogs must be properly screened for this disease and affected dogs must not be bred from.

Thyroid Disease in the boxer describes Hypothyroidism an inactive thyroid gland which can be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, hair loss, obestity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions or show neurologic problems. While not considered life threatening the quality of life for a dog suffering from hypothyroidism is much reduced.

Hip Dysplasia  is thought genetically determined but this has not been established as enviromental factors such as nutrition and rapid growth and over exercise of a young dog can play a major role in its development. While some are questioning the frequency and severity of hip dysplasia in the boxer, alot are testing for this.

It is a malformation of the hip joint leading to osteoarthritis.The hip joint is a ball and socket joint where the top of the thigh bone (femur) fits into a socket in the pelvis. Hip dysplasia occurs when the socket is poorly formed or the ligaments are loose enabling the ball of the femur to slide part way out of its socket. Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease which becomes worse with time.

Cancer : Boxers are particularly prone to the development of mast cell tumours, lymphoma and brain tumours. Boxers with white marking and White boxers should be protected from the sun as they are liable to develope skin cancer if allowed to burn.

Allergies: Boxers are prone to allergies which can be enviromental or food related.These often show up with itchy scaly and sometimes infected skin. Boxers do not tend to do well on foods that have a high grain content (corn/wheat).

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