Expert: Jannie Balliett - 5/1/2008

Question
my boxer is a 20 month old neuterd male.He weighs approx 50lb.He looks very ribby and lanky, my vet assures me there is nothing to worry about and that he is in perfect health. Do you think he sounds underweight.

Answer
Yes, if his ribs show, he is under weight for his stature.

Get a new vet.

Any good vet would check for a thyroid disorder.

The ywill draw blood from his neck (an artery) and test it. If he has a thyroid problem, simple pills every day will regulate it.

The signs of thyroid are good eating, no weight gain and ribs showing, with excess shedding of hair.

Get a Boxer savvy vet. Thyroid disorders is common in Boxers.
(And let the Boxer self-feed: keep food available at all times).