Health Condition

Subaortic Stenosis

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart defect causing narrowing below the aortic valve, leading to increased cardiac workload and risk of sudden death.

Detailed Description

SAS results from a fibrous ring or ridge below the aortic valve, impeding blood flow from the left ventricle and leading to increased cardiac workload, arrhythmias, and risk of sudden death. Severity can range from mild to life-threatening.

Common Symptoms

Heart murmur
Exercise intolerance
Fainting
Sudden death

Management Options

Beta-blockers
Activity restriction

Frequently Asked Questions

Should all dogs be screened for SAS?

Breeding dogs should be screened by a veterinary cardiologist.

Can SAS be cured?

No, but mild cases can be managed.

Is SAS hereditary?

Yes, with a likely dominant inheritance pattern.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

6-18 months

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

Echocardiography; Doppler ultrasound

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Preventative Measures

Cardiac screening of breeding dogs

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Related Conditions

Pulmonic stenosis, Mitral valve dysplasia

Affected Breeds

Bernese Mountain Dog

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 3/5

Bernese Mountain Dogs are at increased risk for SAS compared to the general population, with both mild and severe cases observed.

Black Russian Terrier

Severity: 3/5

Subaortic stenosis is documented in Black Russian Terriers but is less common than in some other breeds; cardiac screening is recommended for breeding dogs.

Bloodhound

Severity: 4/5

Subaortic stenosis is a recognized concern in Bloodhounds, with higher than average risk and potential for sudden death in severe cases.

Boerboel

Severity: 4/5

Subaortic stenosis is documented in Boerboels and is considered higher risk than average for large breeds.

Bouvier des Flandres

Severity: 4/5

Bouviers are among breeds at increased risk, with soft heart murmurs often detected at puppy exams.

Boxer

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 4/5

Boxers are among the top breeds affected by SAS, with a much higher prevalence and risk of sudden death compared to other breeds.

Bullmastiff

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 4/5

Bullmastiffs are among the breeds at increased risk for subaortic stenosis, which can cause sudden death in severe cases.

Curly-Coated Retriever

Severity: 2/5

Curly-Coated Retrievers are recognized as a breed at risk for SAS, though prevalence is lower than in some other breeds. Mild cases have good prognosis; severe cases are life-limiting.

German Wirehaired Pointer

Severity: 3/5

SAS is rare but present in GWPs. Heart murmur detected at puppy exam may be an early sign.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Severity: 4/5

Breed predisposition is documented; early detection is critical due to risk of sudden death.

Rottweiler

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 4/5

SAS is the most common congenital heart defect in Rottweilers, with a much higher risk than average.

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