Understanding Subvalvular aortic stenosis (canine)

Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) is a serious condition that affects dogs, causing a narrowing of the aorta below the aortic valve. This can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.

In dogs, SAS can be caused by a genetic mutation that affects the development of the aorta, leading to a narrowing of the aortic isthmus. This mutation can be inherited from a dog's parents.

Symptoms of SAS can include difficulty breathing, fainting, and exercise intolerance, among others. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the degree of narrowing and the individual dog's overall health.

A diagnosis of SAS is typically made through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and echocardiography.

Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a condition that affects the aortic valve in dogs, specifically the area below the valve. It's a congenital defect, meaning it's present at birth.

The aortic valve is responsible for allowing blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. In dogs with subvalvular aortic stenosis, the valve is narrowed or blocked, making it harder for blood to flow through.

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Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve's leaflets don't close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the left ventricle.

This can lead to a narrowing of the aortic valve's opening, which can cause the heart to work harder to pump blood.

Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a condition where the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes narrowed below the aortic valve. This narrowing can cause the heart to work harder, leading to fatigue and other symptoms.

The narrowing can be caused by a variety of factors, including scarring or inflammation in the aortic wall. In some cases, the narrowing may be congenital, meaning it is present at birth.

Aortic stenosis is often classified into three types: valvular, subvalvular, and supravalvular. Subvalvular aortic stenosis is the least common of these, but it can be the most severe. The narrowing can be caused by a fibromuscular tunnel, which is a tunnel-like structure that forms in the aortic wall.

Symptoms of subvalvular aortic stenosis can be similar to those of valvular aortic stenosis, but may also include fainting or near-fainting spells, especially during exercise. In severe cases, the narrowing can cause the heart to fail, leading to serious complications.

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If your dog is experiencing subvalvular aortic stenosis, you may notice lethargy, which is a common symptom.

Symptoms can be quite varied, but one of the most concerning is syncope, or fainting, which can lead to loss of consciousness.

Exercise intolerance is another symptom that's quite common in dogs with subvalvular aortic stenosis.

A systolic heart murmur is often present in dogs with this condition, which can be detected by a veterinarian during an examination.

A weak femoral pulse is another symptom that may be noticeable in affected dogs.

Sudden death is a possible outcome if subvalvular aortic stenosis is left untreated or not managed properly.

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Subvalvular aortic stenosis is caused by a ridge or ring of fibrous tissue or by fibrous nodules within the left ventricular outflow tract located just below the aortic valve.

This condition is most commonly seen in breeds such as Boxers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, and Golden Retrievers.

It can be a congenital condition, meaning the animal was born with it, or it can develop as the dog ages.

Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a condition that affects the left ventricular outflow tract, just below the aortic valve.

The condition is caused by a ridge or ring of fibrous tissue or by fibrous nodules within the left ventricular outflow tract.

It's most commonly seen in breeds like Boxers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, and Golden Retrievers.

This condition can be congenital, meaning the animal was born with it, or it can develop as the dog ages.

In some cases, the condition can be present from birth, while in others, it may develop over time as the dog grows older.

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Genetics play a significant role in the development of certain medical conditions, with some people being more prone to illness due to their inherited traits.

Family history is a major risk factor, with individuals who have a close relative with a medical condition being more likely to develop it themselves.

Age is also a significant risk factor, with certain conditions becoming more prevalent as people get older.

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for many medical conditions, including heart disease and lung cancer.

Poor diet and lack of exercise can also increase the risk of developing certain conditions, such as obesity and diabetes.

Stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for illnesses to take hold.

Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.

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Diagnosing subvalvular aortic stenosis in dogs requires a combination of tests and imaging.

An electrocardiogram can show left ventricular enlargement, which is a sign of the condition.

This can help veterinarians determine the severity of the stenosis.

Doppler echocardiography can confirm the presence of aortic stenosis and determine its severity based on the velocity of systolic blood flow.

This test can also show how much the flow of blood is altered.

An ultrasound can provide a live feed of the heart pumping and show the different chambers of the heart.

This can help veterinarians see where the flow of blood is altered and by how much.

Other diagnostic imaging may be recommended by your veterinarian, but you may need to see a specialist to get it done.

Cardiologists are available in veterinary medicine and may be better equipped to handle your dog's case.

Medical management is an option for treating subvalvular aortic stenosis in dogs, which involves prescribing medications such as beta-blockers to decrease myocardial oxygen demand and reduce ventricular wall stress.

Regular checkups with your veterinarian may be necessary to monitor your dog's condition and adjust treatment as needed.

A beta-blocker can potentially decrease myocardial oxygen demand and reduce ventricular wall stress, which is especially important for dogs with subvalvular aortic stenosis.

If your dog develops an arrhythmia, an antiarrhythmic medication will be prescribed to help regulate their heart rhythm.

Surgical intervention is also an option, but it's a more invasive and expensive approach, with a high morbidity/mortality rate.

One surgical option is a balloon valvuloplasty, which is a short-term fix that may not be consistent in the long term.

Open resection is another surgical option, but it's a very expensive surgery that's only performed at a few facilities.

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