Aortic Stenosis in Dogs: Welfare and Management

Aortic stenosis is a common congenital heart defect particularly in large breeds, requiring careful management to maintain quality of life and minimise sudden death risk.

Key Facts

Most common in Newfoundlands, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers
Causes a fixed obstruction to left ventricular outflow — heart works harder to pump
Mild cases may be asymptomatic for life; severe cases cause exercise intolerance and collapse
Sudden cardiac death is a risk in severely affected dogs
Echocardiography is required for definitive diagnosis and severity grading

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with severe aortic stenosis face an unacceptable welfare situation without management — severe exercise restriction, fainting and risk of sudden death. Even with management, severe cases have significantly reduced life expectancy. Screening breeding animals and removing severe cases from breeding programmes is a welfare priority. Genetic testing programmes exist for some breeds. Welfare of mild cases with appropriate exercise restriction can be acceptable long term.

What You Can Do

Screen breeding Newfoundlands and other at-risk breeds via echocardiography
Avoid breeding affected individuals regardless of disease severity
Learn signs of cardiac disease in at-risk breeds — early detection matters
Ensure dogs with aortic stenosis have activity levels tailored to their severity grade
Support breed health committees in developing evidence-based screening programmes