IRISH BOXER DOG CLUB

CARDIOMYOPATHY

Boxer Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that can cause sudden death in boxers. The condition primarily consists of an electrical conduction disorder that causes the heart to beat erratically, or to have an arrhythmia in the form of a ventricular premature contraction, due to a loss of the normal contracting abilities of the ventricles.
In order to compensate for the loss of contractility, the heart works harder, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. Prolonged erratic heartbeats can lead to weakness, collapse, and even sudden death.

In the Boxer breed, the progression of cardiomyopathy can be outlined in three stages:

1. Irregular heartbeats, but otherwise no clinical signs of illness.
2. Irregular heartbeats, clinical signs include intermittent episodes of collapse or weakness.
3. Dilated, flabby heart, signs of heart failure are shown - weakness, exercise intolerance, coughing, breathing difficulties, and fainting or collapse.

The only treatment available is prescription heart medication. However, even with medication, the quality of life of the boxer cannot be greatly enhanced if the condition is severe. The only treatment available is prescription heart medication.

Sometimes, however, a boxer with cardiomyopathy shows no symptoms and manages to live to a ripe old age without any problems. If your boxer has experienced any fainting spells, you should suspect cardiomyopathy and take him to the vet for a thorough check-up.