Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heart rhythm problems in boxer dogs caused by heart muscle disease
By Hariu, Crystal D & Carpenter, Dewey H·Published in Compendium (Yardley, PA)·2010·Texas A&M University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in boxers.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Boxer dog with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (also known as boxer cardiomyopathy) may show symptoms like fainting or trouble exercising. This heart condition can be tricky to diagnose, especially in dogs that don’t show any signs. Some affected dogs might eventually develop heart failure. Genetic testing has recently made it easier to screen breeding dogs for this condition. If your Boxer shows any concerning symptoms, it's important to consult your veterinarian for proper evaluation and potential treatment options.
People also search for: Boxer dog fainting · Boxer heart problems · exercise intolerance in Boxers · boxer cardiomyopathy treatment
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, formerly termed boxer cardiomyopathy, is a familial primary myocardial disease that is prevalent in boxers. Unique histopathologic changes in the myocardium lead to conduction abnormalities that typically manifest as ventricular tachyarrhythmias with left bundle branch block morphology. Affected dogs can be asymptomatic or may have syncope and/or exercise intolerance. Diagnosis can be difficult, and indications for antiarrhythmic therapy are not always clear. A small number of dogs present with systolic dysfunction and/or congestive heart failure. Screening in asymptomatic breeding dogs was difficult until the recent development of genetic testing.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21882165/