We understand the stressful internet rabbit hole that comes up when you’re learning about aortic stenosis in dogs. This is a medical condition with a pretty scary name which tends to stir up some anxiety in Pet Owners. If you’re worried that your pooch may carry this condition, we’re here to pull you out of the rabbit hole.
Make sure to share this information with your fellow Dog Owners and dedicated Pet Sitters so that everyone can be on the lookout for warning signs of aortic stenosis in dogs.
What is aortic stenosis in dogs?
Aortic stenosis in dogs is a medical condition in which the aortic valve is abnormally narrow. As you might recall from your biology classes, the aorta is the main artery that channels blood away from the heart. When your dog runs and jumps and rolls around at the dog park, the aorta is working hard to provide oxygen to the muscles for rambunctious playtime.
With aortic stenosis, the heart has a harder time distributing that oxygen to the rest of the body. Over time, this strain on the aortic valve can make the muscle cells of the heart grow which leads to a thickening of the heart wall. It’s for this reason that aortic stenosis in dogs, while congenital, can worsen over time.
Some dogs are able to get along just fine with this medical condition. For others, though, it can be fatal.
How do you know if your dog has aortic stenosis?
In general, aortic stenosis in dogs is a genetic issue, although there are some cases that have been linked to a specific bacterial infection. Because the majority of cases come from genetic predisposition, the symptoms will start popping up when a puppy is a few months old.
If you’re bringing home a puppy or you’ve noticed your dog acting strangely, there are a few symptoms of aortic stenosis in dogs that you should be aware of. Many Owners will report that their affected dog is unable to breathe properly, exercise, or maintain normal energy levels. Their breathing may sound strained and they may experience collapse or fainting. These dogs also tend to have stunted growth.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pup, make sure to tell your veterinarian right away. They’ll be able to do a full exam to rule out the possibility of aortic stenosis.
Some of these symptoms can be seen in brachycephalic dog syndrome, however, if you see them in your brachy breed, you should still take them to a vet to rule out aortic stenosis.
Let’s talk genetics
As it stands today, aortic stenosis is sadly one of the most common congenital heart conditions in domestic dogs. The fact that this is a genetic issue raises some questions. First, are there specific dog breeds that are more likely to be affected? And second, is there a way to prevent it through careful breeding?
In terms of breeds, studies have shown that aortic stenosis in dogs is more prevalent in Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pugs, Bulldogs, German Shorthaired Pointers, Samoyeds, Bouviers de Flandres, and Great Danes. Unfortunately, Newfoundland dogs face the highest risk of aortic stenosis, although Boxers also susceptible.
So, what is going on here, genetically, and can we fix it? As frustrating as it is, we still don’t know quite how aortic stenosis in dogs is passed down. Some researchers have suggested that this heart condition is the result of more than one gene, which makes screening difficult.
There’s another issue here, too. Experts agree that breeders can be doing more to ensure that their dogs receive screening before breeding to lower the risk for aortic stenosis in their puppies. But because it’s possible for some dogs not to show symptoms, breeders will forgo this crucial step. As such, it’s important that all Dog Owners access screening before they breed their dogs.
How can we treat aortic stenosis in dogs?
Treatment of aortic stenosis depends on the severity of the condition. As we mentioned, some dogs may have the condition and not show any signs or symptoms. Or, they may cope fairly well with the condition and not need many special accommodations. Others, sadly, may succumb to the condition within the first few months of their life.
For those Dog Owners who care for a dog diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a vet will create a personalised plan to keep that pup safe. It may include reduced exercise or medication to prevent the condition from progressing.
Unlike in humans, there are not many surgical interventions for aortic stenosis in dogs. These types of surgery are very high-risk and aren’t yet common practice. Instead, most vets will suggest a behavioural treatment plan or beta blockers to reduce blood pressure.
Final thoughts
Aortic stenosis is a serious medical condition that is all-too-common in the dog world. While science can’t yet provide all the answers, we’re lucky to have vets worldwide working to better understand the condition.
Now that you know about aortic stenosis in dogs, make sure to share it with everyone in your canine community. When your neighbours, trusted Dog Walker, and family members know about the condition, we can all be on the lookout for signs.
