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Boxers/Sick older boxer :(

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Expert: - 5/11/2010


Question

Cashus
I've glossed over this site prior and unfortunately I am forced to use it for my own situation. The vet where I live requires $400 upfront to properly start the tests to see what is wrong with my Boxer. (money I dont have for another week or so) He is an otherwise strong, healthy 8yr old. A few weeks ago he had what seemed like an infection in his eye but it went away after a few days. There are no fluids, redness or itchiness in his eye. Its about this time I noticed a thinning of hair on his mid side's and back. While washing his face, eyes and holding his head in my hand, he went limp. I wasn't sure what was happening but his whole body fell over into mine and I gently lowered him to the floor. His back legs went out but there was no twitching, thrashing etc he felt dead in my arms, eyes half open. This lasted about 10-15 seconds and he opened his eyes wider, laying there another 15-20 seconds he got up on his own and went over to his food bowl like nothing had happened.  I was of course worried and continued to monitor him but he was his usual self. No signs of discomfort, lack of appetite or anything out of the norm for a dog his age. Keeping a close eye on him in the days that followed is what brings me here. There is now a grey haze in that eye and he is clumsy, to watch him its apparent hes compensating for some loss of vision. He is showing signs of more advance stages of arthritis and has fallen over a few more times.(always the same front paw and then back legs giving way) He is pacing in the backyard almost like hes stretching it out or that its easier to be moving then laying down (he has an orto bed) I got on one knee to pet him and his front leg (opposite the eye) went limp and was unable to bring the paw forward to balance himself, he teetered with me holding him up under his chest , his back legs just gave out. Every time this has happened he shakes it off and goes back to being fine.
Please help me with any information on what is happening as I cant sleep and am torn up about this. Is this neurological? Did he have a seizure or heart attack and is now experiencing minor ones? He wont play with his toys and other then showing some discomfort in his hips shows no signs of pain, enjoys being outside or going for walks.

I am 24 yrs old and have had Cashus since I was a teenager, he is the only family I have left but I am unable to pay 1-2,000 dollars in vet bills or for the 101 types of ex-rays or specialists. I want to be clear that I didn't panic and call the vet right away because he seemed fine with no loss in apatite etc and no signs of anything prior to now. He is very strong but everything that has followed has done so very quickly, its left me spinning not knowing where to turn.
Thanks in advance and if you have any questions feel free.

Answer
Hi Giovanni,

You have my sympathy about Cashus. I am not a veterinarian so I can't diagnosis Cashus problems. I will however give you my opinion. It sounds like mini strokes to me brought on by Cardiomyopathy, a common heart condition in boxers. He has many symptoms that would say it could be other medical issues too. I personally would have him checked for thyroid function, stroke, Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia and Degenerative Myelopathy . I would imagine it will be multiple health issues from the sound of it. The veterinarians on allexperts should be able to help more. Call your local boxer rescue and ask if they could help with the vet bills, its worth a try. Also ask the vet to extend credit or a veterinary college near you for assistance, whatever you have to do to get him the medical help he needs. I wish you and Cashus all my best.

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

Angela Donald

Expertise

I'll be happy to answer questions about boxer dog allergies,behavior,behavior modification,breeding,care,coat color genetics,diet,ear cropping,exercise,genetics,grooming,health,history,pedigrees,showing and training.

Experience

I am a dedicated dog enthusiast and guardian of boxers for 40 years, a boxer conformation show exhibitor and breeder as well as a canine behavior consultant with a special interest in the boxer breed. I currently share my life with six boxer dogs.See our family of Boxer Dogs

Organizations
American Boxer Charitable Foundation

Publications
I currently contribute regularly to Dog-Canine Blog.I am the founder and publisher of The Boxer Behavioral Journal,a scientific journal with detailed behavioral case study information,which someday I hope will add valuable knowledge to the breeding,care and health of the breed.I am also a freelance writer with my latest article: Distinctive Behaviors of Boxer Dogs found at http://www.hitowerboxers.com/boxerdogbehavior.htm and distributed on the world wide web.

Education/Credentials
I have a MBA from AU.I have gotten real life experiences from my 40 years of the family owning boxers and other canine breeds, through my boxer rescue rehabilitation efforts, obedience training of the breed, more than 20 years of study on dog-canine behavior, genetics, health research,from my work as a canine behavioral consultant,exhibitor and breeder. My quest for canine knowledge is a never ending journey.

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