Hello

[raina307]

Hello All,

We are new here, from the great state of Illinois.

My husband found this website while researching boxer health topics. Five years ago (before we got married) we walked into a puppy store near our home...we left the puppy store and went to a couple shelters only to return to the pet store for the little girl who caught our eye...we named her Raina. We never wanted to purchase a boxer from a puppy store, and a part of us regrets this (this store is now out of business).

This brings me to present...a couple of days ago our happy active healthy girl collapsed in the middle of the night...we rushed her to the ER Vet clinic...she suffered a pericardial effusion (blood filled sac around the heart caused pressure and she collapsed and nearly died). She was revived after they drained the blood from her heart sac. We were heartbroken to find out that the main cause of this is cancer (tumor on the heart), however, after 2 nights in the ER and yes, ~$3000 later they were not able to verify if its cancer/see the tumor. We have to continue to take her for ultrasounds of the heart and we are hoping this was one of the rare cases where it just happens.

We were not prepared for this at all...we thought she would grow that cute old boxer grey with us but she's only 5 and a half! One financial lesson (get pet insurance or start saving early, we thought 5 was young...and is but you never know).

Raina is currently curled up next to me after a fun day at the dog park and grandmas house. She manages to find the energy to be her happy boxer self and doesn't have a clue what just happened to her and her sick heart. Even though she is sleeping a lot more we manage to enjoy each moment we can. We hope she continues to stay episode free and that they never find that tumor! We return for more tests on Monday, sigh.

Many of us fall in love with this high health risk breed but I cannot imagine life without her goofy boxer self (they sure live their life to the fullest). We are still devastated right now and I guess we are just looking to connect with others on here and read some personal boxer stories!

Oh, if anyone has any stories of any good cancer treatments, success with foods/supplements, and even holistic therapy we would love to read about it.

Damn genetics...and (puppy store owners). Sad part is we feel we did EVERYTHING right after we got her...best grain free (protein only) dog food, pacific salmon/halibut, organic chicken breasts and treats...and tons of exercise and always a healthy weight.

Another lesson we learned: it's so important to get a puppy from a good breeder that has a good long history (over a few generations) of health.

[af_wx_wife]

Hi & Welcome!! I'm so sorry to hear about Raina. Enjoy every moment that you have with your girl. Get as many pictures as you can. This is a great group here.

[blackbolt]

Welcome aboard. This place is great for us Boxer lovers.

[boxerlove84]

Welcome from Georgia!

I recently found this forum myself and I am so grateful for it. The people on here are amazing. It's a great site for reference on medical issues, behavioral, etc; and the support system is so wonderful.


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[GoudasMom]

Hi and welcome. I went through cancer with my beloved Gouda who crossed the bridge 7/19/12. I learned SO much during the 3 years and 3 months Gouda and I dealt with it. I believe an all inclusive approach is the best way, surgery(if needed) chemo/radiation(if it applies) and holistic approaches. If you have time read some of the threads in the Holistic Care section of the forum and message me if you want more in depth info or experiences I went through. Hugs to you and your Raina

[Gypsiemouse]

Welcome from NJ, I hope Raina experienced a one time only incident.
Slobbers to Raina from Maggie and Mongo

[Keenyah n Horatio]

Raina is lucky to have owners like you and your husband has most pet shop dogs aren't this lucky!!! I sure hope this was a one time incident. You definitely found a great forum that will provide you with lots of information!!! Can't wait to see some pictures of Raina!! Welcome from Colorado!

[raina307]

Thank you everyone!!! Here is the first photo (this was two days after the ER at the dog park (since the cardiologist said no restrictions) she bounced back quickly but still sleeping a lot and getting tired fast). Next appointment is on Monday to see if the heart sac is filling up with blood again

[raina307]

Originally Posted by GoudasMom

Hi and welcome. I went through cancer with my beloved Gouda who crossed the bridge 7/19/12. I learned SO much during the 3 years and 3 months Gouda and I dealt with it. I believe an all inclusive approach is the best way, surgery(if needed) chemo/radiation(if it applies) and holistic approaches. If you have time read some of the threads in the Holistic Care section of the forum and message me if you want more in depth info or experiences I went through. Hugs to you and your Raina

Thank you! We will search your posts to find out more and message you as we go through this process. So sad about Gouda

[raina307]

A few more photos of Raina:

Cardiologist monitoring after the ER:


Some other photos:

Summertime: