Expert: Jannie Balliett - 5/31/2009

Question
Subject   boxer question
Question   QUESTION: We have an 8 year old boxer and we took her to the vet did a senior profile, xrays of her abdomen & chest,ekg. so far everything came out good.But she is still acting very distance with our other boxers,stairs off into space. Suddenly stoped playing and getting excited. Does this sound like it could be a nero problem?



ANSWER: Not really. It could be, but probably not.

She is old. Boxers lifespan is 10 years. Although, they can live to be 11-13 years if they were fed a good diet of natural dog food with NO corn and NO corn glutens.

We are what we eat.

She is just slowing down. Her thought process is slowing-- kind of like Alzheimers.

But, if you feel you need to test her neuro, then there are test by vet specialists. Ask your vet.

Feed her an all natural senior dog food diet with NO corn and corn glutens.

Give her daily vitamins for seniors. Also, give her the supplement for joint and bone health. She could have arthritis and is slow because of the stiffness and pain.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes ,I do have her on a good diet, Sci-Die lg breed and I give her snovi-chews. The xrays did show some arthritis in her back.Thank you very much for your answer.

Answer
You might either ask your vet for some anti-inflammatory meds for her arthritis (I do not recommend pain medication) or go to your local pet store, like PetSmart or PetCo and look for a good bone & joint supplement, and there is also dog food specifically made for this as well.

I also recommend the bottled water for bone & joint health.

And, it would be kind and beneficial to get her a nice orthopedic dog bed: these beds are made for arthritic dogs and make a world of difference in there pain level and movement. Even if she sleeps with you, there are times throughout the day she naps elsewhere.

Google "arthritic dog beds" and "orthopedic dog beds" and you'll find a wealth of options.