What breeds are affected by aortic stenosis?
Congenital aortic stenosis is probably the most common heart defect seen in large breed dogs. Newfoundland dogs have the highest risk for this disorder. It is also important in the golden retriever, Rottweiler, and boxer. There is a mildly increased risk of aortic stenosis in the German shepherd, German short-haired pointer, Great Dane, Samoyed and Bulldog. For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed. What does aortic stenosis mean to you and your dog? Dogs with mild stenosis will generally show no clinical effects and have a normal life expectancy. With moderate to severe stenosis, signs will be variable. Because of the narrowing in the aorta as the blood leaves the left ventricle, your
