Aortic valve stenosis(AS)
Also known as: Aortenstenose · Aortic Stenosis · Valvuläre Aortenstenose · Congenital aortic stenosis · Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis · …
Overview
What it is
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, which controls blood flow from the main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) to the rest of the body. Because of this restriction, the heart muscle must work much harder to pump blood, which eventually causes the muscle wall to thicken abnormally. This is a severe cardiovascular condition that can strain the heart over time.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear during puppyhood or adolescence and include low energy, rapid tiring during exercise, shortness of breath, or sudden fainting. In many cases, a veterinarian first detects the condition during a routine check-up by hearing a distinct heart murmur.
Treatment
While the condition is not curable, it is managed through lifelong medication, restricted exercise, and regular veterinary ultrasound check-ups. Lifetime management and monitoring typically cost between €1,500 and €7,000.
How it's tested
Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie)(Herz-Echo)
Primary testCardiac examEchokardiographie zur Beurteilung von Herzklappen, -wänden, -funktion. Pflicht z.B. bei Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (MMVD).
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Cardiac-OFA
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Aortic valve stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, which controls blood flow from the main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) to the rest of the body. Because of this restriction, the heart muscle must work much harder to pump blood, which eventually causes the muscle wall to thicken abnormally. This is a severe cardiovascular condition that can strain the heart over time.
How is Aortic valve stenosis tested?
Tests currently in our database: Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie).
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bouvier des Flandres, Boxer, German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer.