Vets reveal the most common health conditions in boxer dogs – and the signs your pet might have them

With their adorable faces and playful attitudes, it’s no surprise that Boxers are some of the most popular dogs around the world.

Now a study has revealed the most common health problems in Boxer dogs in the UK, including cancer.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College found that the breed is most likely to suffer from ear problems, tumors and eye ulcers.

The team hopes the findings will help veterinarians better educate and prepare Boxer owners for what to expect from the breed.

“This study provides modern evidence to help owners choose and care for their Boxer dogs today based on a solid scientific foundation that should ensure a better life for both the dogs and their owners,” said Dr. Dan O’ Neill, the study’s lead author.

The breed is one of the most popular in the UK, with one in every 100 dogs in Britain being a Boxer, according to the study.

Boxers have relatively flat faces — known as moderate brachycephaly — which researchers suggested may increase the risk of conditions such as breathing problems and skinfold infections.

However, until now there has been limited evidence on the overall health of the breed.

In the new study, the team analyzed data from 3,219 Boxer dogs that received veterinary care in the UK in 2016.

The analysis found that, unlike more flat breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs, boxers were not at higher risk for respiratory problems or skinfold infections.

Alison Skipper, co-author of the study, said: ‘The Boxer, a moderately brachycephalic (flat head) breed, has less common health problems directly related to its body shape than the extreme brachycephalic breeds.

“This both suggests that less extreme brachycephalic conformation has less impact on health and also shows how disease patterns can vary significantly between breeds, supporting the value of breed-specific health data.”

According to the study, many of the common conditions experienced by the breed are typical of all dog breeds.

Otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory canal) was found to be the most common condition, followed by epulis (gum mass), corneal ulceration (an open wound in the outer layer of the cornea), and gum disease.

Otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory canal) was found to be the most common condition, followed by epulis (gum mass), corneal ulceration (an open wound in the outer layer of the cornea), and gum disease (stock image)

Meanwhile, one in seven (14.2 percent) Boxers were diagnosed with cancer each year.

Cancer was also found to be the most common cause of death (12.43 percent of deaths) in boxers, followed by brain disorders (9.54 percent) and massive lesions (lumps) (8.38 percent).

The team also found important differences in the risk of disease in male and female dogs.

Female boxers were found to be at higher risk for gum disease, skin masses and urinary incontinence, while males were more likely to have heart murmurs, aggression and ear discharge.

While previous studies have suggested that coat color may influence the risk of certain conditions, the team found no difference between white and non-white dogs.

The team hopes the findings will help vets take preventative measures to protect Boxers and educate their owners about the health issues to watch out for.

Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeding Services Executive at The Kennel Club, said: ‘We are pleased that this research indicates that most of the conditions faced by boxers are fairly common in all dogs, and there do not seem to be any predominant extremes. health problems, including conditions that may be associated with other brachycephalic breeds.

“It remains crucial that puppy buyers do thorough research into breed health and go to a responsible breeder; this plays an important role in improving the health and well-being of all races, now and for generations to come.”