DogMatchUp
Health Condition

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

A congenital heart defect characterized by narrowing below the aortic valve, leading to increased cardiac workload and risk of sudden death.

Detailed Description

SAS is caused by a fibrous ring or ridge below the aortic valve, impeding blood flow from the left ventricle. This leads to left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and risk of heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

Common Symptoms

  • heart murmur
  • exercise intolerance
  • fainting
  • sudden death

Management Options

  • beta-blockers
  • activity restriction
  • monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SAS always fatal?

Mild cases may have normal lifespan; severe cases are at risk for sudden death.

Can SAS be detected early?

Yes, via echocardiogram in puppies.

Is SAS painful?

No, but can cause exercise intolerance.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

Congenital, usually diagnosed by 1 year

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

cardiac auscultation; echocardiography

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Preventative Measures

breeding only from dogs with normal echocardiograms

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Related Conditions

pulmonic stenosis, innocent heart murmurs

Affected Breeds

Golden Retriever

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 4/5

Golden Retrievers are at higher risk for SAS than most breeds. Early detection is important for breeding and management.

Newfoundland

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 5/5

Newfoundlands are the breed most commonly affected by SAS, with a higher prevalence and risk of sudden death compared to other breeds.

Samoyed

Severity: 3/5

Samoyeds are a recognized at-risk breed for SAS, though the condition is less common than in some other breeds.
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