Subaortic Stenosis - Inherited Heart Disorder

The Canine Congenital Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) is a heart condition when the arteries of the middle muscular layer of the heart (myocardium ) narrow thus creating obstructions to the normal blood flow in the heart. The narrowing of the arteries develops due to abnormal formations on the arteries walls. These malformations substantially increase the risk of a sudden death which usually occurs in the first three years of life.

Signs of SAS may include exercise intolerance, labored breathing, increased rate of respiration, cough, fatigue, fainting or collapsing. Breeds that are at the highest risk of SAS are Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands and German Shepherd dogs. The disorder is often linked to endocarditis - inflammation of the lining of the heart and its valves.

Subaortic stenosis has a tendency to progress and often needs to be treated surgically to remove the blood outflow obstruction.