About the Boxer

We brought one of our boxers to a health clearance clinic for echo and ausculation exams. All areas of examination were shown to be normal except for a Grade II Heart Murmur and a left ventricle dilation. We were told that this was a correctable condition with a dietary change.

In an effort to understand my dog’s condition, I did some computer research and learned that there appears to be a connection between plant proteins used in some grain free dry dog foods and heart issues in dogs. The suspect proteins seem to be used as replacements for meat proteins in the food and appear to reduce and/or destroy necessary amino acids, sulfur containing methionine and cysteine which combine to form taurine.  Some of those plant proteins are peas, legumes and potatoes. Also, certain animal proteins such as bison, duck, lamb and venison contain relatively low levels of important sulfur containing amino acids. To further compound the issue, larger dogs seem to produce less taurine than smaller dogs. Also, breed related or individual genetics can result in taurine deficiencies. 

Although more research seems to be required to specifically define a causal relationship between certain plant proteins and low taurine levels in dogs, a seemingly reasonable conclusion in one of the articles I researched was that “it does seem likely that a product containing sufficient animal protein, taurine levels will be adequate.” It also goes on to indicate that it’s not a bad idea to give your dog supplemental taurine.  Much of the research into the effects of a grain free diet on dogs has been done by Lisa Freeman at Tufts University.

We changed from the grain free diet we had been feeding our boxer since birth to a pea, legume, potato, corn and soy free diet supplemented with 1000 mg of taurine twice per day.  A helpful suggestion for finding a suitable diet is to look at the ingredients in the food and not the brand name alone.

We will pass along the results of our boxer's next echo and  ausculation exams.  

In retrospect our boxer, Corona, first showed signs of degenerative myelopathy (DM) about February 2018 when she refused to descend a stairway she had always run down with no hesitation. At the time it was thought to be arthritic in nature and treatment with Denamarin corrected her mobility issues at that time. Very slow deterioration continued until the diagnosis of DM was made in May 2020. Corona began weekly physical therapy with Mary Erschen immediately. Additionally, my husband and I exercised with her with the aid of equipment from TotoFit and FitPaws several times every week.  In early December 2020 Corona began bi-weekly acupuncture treatments with Dr. Katie Merkes in addition to physical therapy and exercise. Sadly, Corona passed away due to complications from DM March 13th 2021. 

DM is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that disrupts communication with the brain. As this communication deteriorates, the dog’s rear movement becomes wobbly, the feet cross over, knuckle under and scrub across the floor. Ultimately, the dog’s rear becomes completely paralyzed. Although it’s painful to watch the dogs deteriorate, it has been learned that they are not in any pain at any time with this disease. 

Currently, there is no cure for DM nor are there drug protocols that have been effective in slowing the progression of the disease. Absolutely critical in maintaining the dog’s quality of life and slowing the progress of the disease is preserving muscle tone in the rear end. A variety of exercise and physical rehabilitation protocols, underwater treadmill, acupuncture and laser treatments are available.  Further there are a number of pet mobility aids such as harnesses, slings, traction boots and even wheelchairs for dogs. Walkin’ Pets has an extensive variety of suitable equipment.