Hi,
Can anyone tell me anything about heart problems in Boxers. My freind has a three year old bitch who is currently in the vets with an enlarged heart. She is worried sick and wants to know as much as she can about it. The dog is having a chest x ray this afternoon.
I know boxers should come from heart tested parents, but she is not sure if the parents were or not. Is this a hereditary problem? If so what is the likely prognosis? Will medication be enough or will she need an operation?
Thanks,
Amy

Can anyone help?

Not sure if the enlarged heart has anything to do with the test that all Boxers and other breeds should have before being bred. But it may be that the fault that is tested for could lead to the enlarged heart, sorry I don't know. Think it may be best to wait to hear what the vet has to say, as I dare say there is a treatment available. Hope things turn out ok.

I have responded privately to this message.
I asked them to contact the breed's geneticist Dr Cattanach.
As there is research going on within the Boxer breed not only about
Aortic Stenosis (with is where cardiologists listen with stethascopes to grade
the hearts 0-6 zero being free of murmer)
But also Cardiomyopathy.
Basically their 'normal' vet should refer them to a vet that specialises in cardiology
for further tests. Unless of course they are a vet that does specialise in cardiology.