Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS)
by Jennie Bullock
 

        Sub-Aortic stenosis is a common congenital (present at birth) defect, found most often in large dog breeds.  This condition is an abnormal narrowing of the juncture between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta.  The narrowing is usually the result of a scar like tissue which has formed a ring just below the aortic valve.

        Sub-Aortic stenosis can be extremely difficult to diagnose.  Due to the wide range of possible stenosis (narrowing) ranging from minor to severe, the impact upon the dogs overall health and symptoms will also present a wide range of possibilities.  Affected dogs may have few or no clinical indications of this condition, or have a heart murmur; while some cases are victims of "sudden death."

        The genetic factor(s) of SAS are not known as yet.  It is believed to be a polygenetic condition, and therefore very difficult to eliminate from the gene pool.  Only through the testing of all breeding stock and strict culling of positive animals and producers of positive animals are there hopes to eventually eliminate this condition.

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