Infirmary
The following Boxers are rescues who come to us in pretty bad shape and require extra medical attention. We will post weekly updates on our patients. As always, donations toward their medical care are greatly appreciated.
Bella
Our precious Miss Bella who came to ABR skin and bone with a raging skin infection has also been diagnosed with severe Arthritis. We noticed not long after having her in our care that her back leg was having spasms and at times she would have to sit down and let it run its course before she could walk again. We took her in to the vet who decided at the time of her spay they would x-ray her hips and that's when they discovered this poor baby had Arthritis. Bella will require a home that has no other dogs as she will have to live a more quieter lifestyle than the average boxer is used to, no rough playing or jumping for her - gentle walks and snuggling is what we want for our girl.
Rocky
This is our loverboy Rocky who has a mast cell tumor on his head and will be going in for surgery on Monday the 15th December. A mast cell tumor is a mass of cancerous mast cells. Mast cell tumors are "graded" as to how likely they are to be malignant. The higher the grade, the more serious the tumor. The grading is performed by examining the tumor after it has been removed. Keep your paws crossed that our boy has a low grade tumor - and PLEASE always get your own dog checked when you discover a lump or bump, especially in boxers as there appears to be a hereditary factor to these tumors in brachiocephalic breeds (those having a short, wide head).
UPDATE: Rocky had his tumor removed. It was a Stage II Mast Cell Tumor, but the excision was adequate and the edges were clear. He also had a spot on his leg removed and that one turned out to be benign. Rocky is doing well and crashing into everything in sight as he tries to maneuver through doorways and under tables with the e-collar on his head!
UPDATE: 12/30/08 Rocky was able to get his surgical staples removed today and he can finally stop wearing that big collar! I know he is very happy about that and so are his foster siblings. The doctor says he is doing great and the surgery should be curative! His future owners will just need to always monitor any bumps he may get, as with any other boxer. After his appointment, we went straight to a nice big yard so that Rocky and his boxer friends could 'celebrate' his new freedom, and boy did Rocky have fun! Nothing like watching 3 boxers romp and play on a nice sunny day. Rocky is now ready to find his forever home, that he so deserves. He is a very loving, sweet boxer that will make someone an awesome pet.
Winston
This is our boy Winston who has tested positive for heartworms and will be starting his treatment soon. Heartworm is a dangerous dog disease caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and nearby blood vessels. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, not by contact with other animals, so most animals are vulnerable during the mosquito season. This potentially deadly disease can be easily prevented by monthly heartworm preventative medication.