Subaortic Stenosis in Dogs

Category
Heart
Breeds documented
11
Published sources
4

Overview

Blood leaving the heart must pass through a narrowed area just below the aortic valve. This obstruction can make the heart work harder, especially when the narrowing is moderate or severe. Mild cases may cause no visible illness, while more severe cases can cause weakness, fainting or breathing problems. A dog can still seem healthy despite a significant narrowing.

Signs to watch for

  • Weakness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting or collapse

Changes may be present at birth or become apparent during the first year.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog collapses.

Diagnosis and tests

The vet listens to the heart with a stethoscope and checks for an irregular rhythm. A heart ultrasound is the main test used to assess the narrowed area and the surrounding heart structures. A special ultrasound method measures the speed and direction of blood flow to grade the narrowing.

Breeds with documented risk

11 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Small
  • 5 Medium
  • 3 Large
  • 2 Giant

Most popular breeds on this list

All 11 breeds, A to Z

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. OMIA: Subaortic stenosis: omia.org
  2. vet.cornell.edu
  3. Goberian: petmd.com
  4. Medium Goldendoodle: petmd.com