heart mumur /allergies

Question
I have a male boxer that is almost 5 yrs old. When we got him as a puppy at 8-9 weeks the vet told us he had a stage 3 heart murmur. She explained that it could go away on its own. When he went for his follow up (i do not recall the time period between 1st diagnosis and follow up  approx 3 months) She said that she no longer heard it. Since then he has been to the vet multiple times per year for normal vaccines, issues with allergies, and was also neutered there. Today I brought him to a dermatologist ( at another facility) to consult on possible allergy testing because he had been on temeril-p  twice for 3 weeks periods in the last year and a half and i really want to get to the root of the problem. After discussing his allergy issues and hearing the same things ive been hearing for the last 4 years, they did a physical exam and informed me that they heard  a murmur  (stage 2). They said it doesn't seem to be affecting him but suggested EKG's ultrasounds and other testing. After balling my eyes out the whole way home I contacted my regular veterinary facility because he was there 3 weeks ago and she didn't hear it then. I don't know if this is something that has been there all along that was missed or came back on its own in the last 3 weeks. I also don't know what to do about testing.... is this something that can be monitored or needs to be addressed with ultrasounds and EKG right away. My fear is that I often make quick decisions when it comes to my dog without giving it a lot of thought and the expenses have been astronomical... The facility that i have been bringing him to since he was a puppy is VCA and in the last few years ive been hearing some bad  things about them as far as just wanting your money. I don't know who to trust and I am a salespersons dream... unfortunately i make a very low income and I am torn on what to do. My problem is that i feel like I've spent all this money on visits and prescriptions with little to short term results. As far as his allergies he has a had them since a puppy.. he chews his paws and groin area  the dermatologist informed me the cost to do a blood test for allergies would be $350... I had previously been quoted by a smaller clinic that it would cost $155.. I am waiting to find out if it is the same test so I do not get ripped off by a state of the art animal hospital.... Please I need some advice and your honest opinion is truly appreciated!

Answer
Hello Christine,

My heart goes out to you. To have so many health issues is a heartbreak.

Let me address allergies first.

Boxers are prone to different allergies and can be allergic to combinations of things. Foods and environmental both.

Try these:

1) Stainless steel feeding bowls; not plastic, as they can be allergic to plastics.

2) Leather collar and harness and leash; as they can be allergic to nylon.

3) Foods: no corn in any food, no glutens. They are prone to corn allergies, and that includes treats too.
   Find a better dog food; one that has no corn, no glutens in the ingredients. Try one that is for dogs with allergies; possibly a sweet potato blend first for a few weeks and see if the allergies subside. If so, then you know for sure one allergy is food. Then you can add another blend gradually, testing for what it might be. Maybe a lamb and rice, or chicken and rice- but read the ingredients- not the package of advertising, as there are no law than governs what dog food manufactures can advertise and claim and they will claim anything to get you to buy. I like Dick Van Patten (yes, the actor) Natural Balance. You have to click on the "Shop Online" link at the upper left hand side.

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/

4) Bedding should be hypo-allergenic bedding; maybe a natural bamboo made, unless he sleeps with you. But if he naps on a doggie bed, get the natural bamboo made. You can shop Online for one.

5) Environmental allergies include smoking and outside sources; plants, ragweed, pollens, etc. just like in people. A vet can give you med for that, or you can use Benadryl when needed.  If it alleviates runny nose and eyes, and seems to improve him, then you can schedule dosages accordingly.

Read:

http://www.vetpets.net/animaltimes/humandrugs.html

6) Allergies to flooring; this includes carpet, but mainly products you use to mop your floors. Do not use products, instead, make a natural homemade cleaner to mop with, and do not use the carpet fresheners to vacuum.

Read:

http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/homemadehouseholdcleaners.htm


Now I can address the heart murmur.

Read:

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/view_boxer-dog-health-testing.htm

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/canine-genetics-heredity-issues/81563-im-really...

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/dog-health-issues-questions/118239-grade-3-hear...

(Join Boxerworld.com for free and go into the forums to post and read conversations and learn about Boxers and share)

http://www.thensome.com/heartmurmurs.htm

http://www.boxerunderground.com/apr_bu_99/vetviewpt.htm

An excerpt from boxerunderground.com... "... a boxer be heart tested by a cardiologist at one year or older. Boxers with no murmur (grade 0) or a slight murmur (grade 1) are considered normal and fit for breeding. Boxers with a grade 2 murmur are considered normal IF they pass the doppler testing. Boxers with a grade 3 or more murmur are considered to have AS/SAS, and should not be bred from. "

The key here is to educate yourself on heart murmurs in order to make an informed decision on his treatment and care.

Stage 2 is not unusual and alarming but you should stay on top of it with each vet appointment for check ups.

I suggest picking one vet and staying with one vet instead of multiple vets.

A smaller practice, informal vet clinic is best. Call friends and get their recommendations, and then call the vet's office and ask if the vet is "Boxer-savvy" because you want a vet that is highly educated in the Boxer breed.

Stay calm and focus on one vet with his health issue.

Before making an appointment, try the allergy remedies I listed above, and keep a calendar on him and symptoms. This will give you a clearer picture and to give the new vet when you do go.

I hope this has helped you, and I wish you luck on getting control of his issues.