Expert: Angela Donald - 3/25/2010

Question
hello Angela,

firstly thank you for your information on head shaking syndrome in boxers. I have a 12yr old female and 10yr old male boxer who have both suffered with it for many years. we could never find out what what cause it, being too hot/ cold, different diets, there was nothing that we could pin point.

I still remember our first race to the vet with nellie the first time we saw her shake!for peace of mind for your other readers with boxers, our dogs have lived to old ages without any side effects.

secondly, nellie is now 12 and drinks a lot of water, and for the first time in her life is going to the toilet inside the house. is this just old age, or perhaps something worse like diabetes? she has also had some weight loss,( and hearing loss!) but otherwise is still pretty happy with a spring in her step. should i have her checked for diabetes etc?

Thirdly both boxers have developed a large amount of skin tags, and lumps under their skin all over their bodies. when they were younger they had some removed and tested, but now i feel it is unnecessary surgery at their ages. should i still have the lumps tested?

dallis

Answer
Hi Dallis,
Your very welcome for the information. I would have Nellie checked for diabetes and also have her thyroid checked, but you are right some of this can be due to old age. As for the lumps and skin tags I personally would have them tested just for peace of mind if my vet advised it. If it is something to worry about then its possible the vet could give her something to make her last years more comfortable.Thanks so much for your questions.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com