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Breed health spotlight: Boxer
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Boxers and other dogs with “smashed faces” are technically known as brachycephalic. The term comes from two Greek words: “brachy”, which means short, and “cephalic”, which means head. This look appeals to many people and give the brachycephalic breeds a unique charm, but the unusual anatomy causes problems.
Please read the Denver Dynamic Dog Examiner's column of 9 March for a Boxer Breed Profile.
Brachycephalic dogs can have stenotic nares, a medical term for narrow nostrils. The narrowness can cause problems breathing; in severe cases, the nasal openings can be widened with surgery. Tracheal stenosis, or a narrow windpipe, is associated with stenotic nares and can be especially problematic if anesthetic is required. Your veterinarian should perform X-rays prior to an anesthetic procedure to determine if adjustments will be necessary. The selective breeding of brachycephalic dogs results in a normal lower jaw proportional to the body, but a compressed, short upper jaw. Because of this, the soft tissues inside the mouth and throat are not situated properly. The soft palate, which separates a dog’s mouth and nasal passages, is overly large and can hang down inside the dog’s throat, causing those familiar snorting sounds.
Dogs don’t have sweat glands and cool themselves by panting. While the air passes over the throat and tongue, saliva evaporates and cools the blood circulating in the mouth. This cooled blood circulates through the dog’s body, lowering its temperature. Brachycephalic dogs are unable to pant as effectively as other breeds. They are less efficient at cooling themselves off and are more vulnerable to heat stroke and heat-related illnesses. After barking or panting for an extended time, the dog’s throat can swell, which also interferes with breathing.
The shortened upper jaw causes teeth to crowd and some may grow in at odd angles. This can lead to infections and gum disease from food getting stuck in between the teeth or folds of the mouth. I’ve mentioned before the importance of teeth brushing. It is even more critical in these brachycephalic breeds; their mouths should be inspected regularly for problems.
Boxers are prone to several genetic disorders, most commonly those affecting the heart and eyes. These include aortic stenosis, dilated cariomyopathy, atrial septal defects, corneal dystrophy, cherry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Ear cropping is sometimes a controversial issue between dog lover, owners, and breeders. Boxers are better able to tolerate pain than some other dog breeds. The surgical process of ear cropping is short, but the sensitivity level of cropped ears lasts for a few days, so care must be taken to avoid touching the ears. There is always an element of risk associated with any procedure that requires anesthesia. Some people prefer to crop the ears for appearance and some prefer cropped ears for hygienic reasons. Dogs with floppy ears are prone to develop ear mites, especially in humid and warm climates. I will not advocate for one position or the other in this article. This is an issue best discussed in detail with your veterinarian.
Dogs are afflicted with the highest number of genetic disorders of any non-human species. Many of these disorders have higher prevalence in specific breeds. Through screening, testing, and careful selection of breeding stock, most of these genetic disorders could be eliminated.
For more information on Boxer health issues, read here.
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