What percentage of boxers have ARVC?

Sadly, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is found in Boxers across the U.S. In studies at North Carolina State University, where the ARVC gene mutation was discovered, of nearly 2,000 Boxers tested, 41 percent had one copy of the gene mutation, 6 percent had two copies, and 53 percent were negative.

How do boxers test for ARVC?

Findings on the Holter that suggest a diagnosis of ARVC are ventricular premature complexes (VPCs). This is a disease that primarily affects the electrical system of the heart so the best way to test for it is a 24 hour Holter monitor.

How long can a boxer live with ARVC?

Prognosis: Many Boxers with ARVC can live a number of years without symptoms and may potentially even have a normal life span. However, these patients can develop episodes of syncope, develop congestive heart failure with coughing and shortness of breath or experience sudden death.

What is DM and ARVC testing in boxers?

Boxer breeders are fortunate to have genetic tests for the well-known heart disease arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and the progres- sive disorder degenerative myelopathy (DM). It may seem as though it would be easy to selectively breed away from these devastating conditions, but it’s not simple.

Is ARVC hereditary?

Most cases of ARVC are from an autosomal dominant inheritance. This means you need an abnormal gene from only one of your parents to have it. Still, even if you have an abnormal gene, you might not develop any major symptoms from ARVC.

Is there a genetic mutation for ARVC in boxers?

There are two known genetic mutations resulting in ARVC in Boxers, so the absence of one may have no predictive value. Additionally, it is likely other mutations will be discovered in dogs down the road. Management of a complex cardiac disease, like cardiomyopathy, requires an experienced clinician.

What is boxboxer ARVC?

Boxer ARVC is an adult onset heart muscle disease that can lead to sudden death or the development of congestive heart failure where the dog starts to cough or becomes short of breath. This is an inherited disease, but it is adult onset.

Is there a second test for heart disease in boxer dogs?

The VCGL laboratory has just released a second test for a genetic mutation associated with the development of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in boxer dogs.

What are the symptoms of ARVC in boxer dogs?

Symptoms of ARVC in Boxers. There are three clinical forms of ARVC: The concealed form, which may have no clinical signs at all. (Dogs appear totally healthy but ECG/Holter evaluation shows arrhythmias.) The overt form; dogs with this form show clinical signs including collapse, weakness, and/or fainting.