My 11 year old Boxer has developed a dry cough which began to worry us so we ended taking him to the Vet. He had many tests run and eventually wasn't diagnosed with anything serious. He was prescribed a medication and was given an injection just in case he had bronquitis. A week or two later we noticed that his hind legs and genital were swollen. He has also lost plenty weight and wasn't very much interested in his dry food anymore. We got very concerned and decided to then buy him canned food, which has motivated him to begin eating again. Has anyone been through a similar situation? The Veterinary was very surprised to see that my Boxer was 11 years old and said that I was lucky since many Boxers usually only make it to 9 years old. I'd love to hear any advice. I am overwhelmed and very scared to come home one day and not hear him barking of joy to see us.
I have no words of wisdom for you - but my heart goes out to you and I am praying for your baby boy.
Personally I'd seek another opinon - because boxers most definitely can and do live longer than 9 years - appears your vet doesn't really know the breed. While knowing a breed isn't necessary to treat - it would still give me pause
Typically a cough like that would warn about heart problems. The weight loss could be so many things either associated with heart or any other issue. At 11 years old, your Boxer needs TLC.
I would visit a cardiologist immediately. They can do a solid examination and at least let you know if heart is an issue. But with a Boxer and a cough, I would not delay with this.
Swollen areas and loss of weight could mean an infection, cancer or many other things. If your vet did not insist on running a blood panel and/or also doing a fecal test, I would also consider going to another vet. While your vet is correct that Boxers do not live extremely long, they do not seem concerned over these serious symptoms.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Christina Ghimenti PawPrint Boxers
PawPrint Boxers 
