Heart murmurs have been found to be common among boxers.
 

It should be emphasised that these do not affect health in the great majority (95%) of dogs.
 

The few dogs with very loud murmurs, however, may be subject to fainting, and there even may be sudden death.
 

Aortic stenosis is the heart condition most commonly associated with these heart murmurs, but cases of pulmonic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, as found in other breeds, have also been detected.
 

Typically, clinical signs of aortic stenosis first appear in the young adult although, rarely, puppies can be affected.
 

It should be stressed that minor "flow" murmurs are commonly found in young in young Boxer puppies, as in other breeds, but most disappear by about 16 weeks of age. Even if they persist there may be no cause for alarm if they are quiet. Such genuine "flow" murmurs" are not associated with heart disease in the adult.
 

The incidence of Boxers with severe aortic stenosis has increased in recent years, although the number of cases is still very low in relation to the number of dogs bred.
 

To rectify the situation the Boxer Breed Council has, with the aid of veterinary cardiologists throughout the country, developed a system of testing based on simple stethescopic examination by the cardiologists. A breeding control scheme has also been established.
 

Therefore, should a heart murmur, or any heart condition other than a genuine puppy "flow" murmur, be recognised in a Boxer it should be referred to one of the cardiologists. The breeder and the Breed Council geneticist should be informed of the result.
 

Dependant upon the findings the condition may be treatable.
 

If a puppy "flow" murmur is loud and persists, the vet in charge may recommend that further advice be sought from a specialist cardiologist.
 

CONSULTANT CARDIOLOGIST: Anne French, MVB DVC MRCVS, Lecturer in Veterinary Cardiology, The University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH. Tel. 0131 6506061
 

SECRETARY TO THE BOXER BREED COUNCIL: Mrs Wendy Brooks, Jinnybrux Bungalow, Alford Road, Mablethorpe, Lincs LN12 1PX. Tel. 01507 472156

VETERINARY ADVISOR TO BREED COUNCIL: Walker G Miller BVMS DBR MRCVS. Walkon Boxers, High Kirkland, Leswalt, Stranraer, DG9 0RH Tel. 01776 870211