A sad question- have you ever had a pup with SAS?

Question

Hi! I don't want to have to go into detail here about subaortic stenosis because I figure anyone who's had a doggie with SAS will know alllllll about it. So here's my situation. I have a little purebred pup (didn't pay for him, just really liked him so I have him) who has "moderate to severe" SAS. He has a level two murmur and is three months old. His little heart has been seen by a cardiologist. :-/ So my questions, hard though they may be to answer, are really for my own preparedness in the event that he doesn' t live very long. I want to have an estimate for how long he has to live. I don't want to be optimistic and then horribly let down. I think I'll be better off if I face reality. That said, the vet couldn't give me a timeline. *cries*

1)What level murmur did your pup have at twelve weeks or so?

2)What was his/her level of stenosis (just some nodules or a big fibrous band?)

3)When did your pup start having symptoms?

4)Did you treat him with beta blockers (or surgery)?

5)What age did your precious pooch live to?

Thank you so much if you have answered any of my questions. What a horrible and sad situation for such a beautiful sweet animal (and his owners!)

Answer 1

From everything I have read about this everything depends on the severity of the stenosis.  The level are determined after all proper cardiac test have been performed.  

There is not proof right now that surgical help is better than having the pup or dog taking beta blockers.  It has been reported that if the stenosis it of the level 1 or 2 then the beta blockers do prolong the dogs life.  As for how long it prolongs it is not known.

Some pups/dog with a level 1 stenosis can live to a ripe old age when beta blockers are give for the life off the dog.

If the stenosis it as bad as you have indicated most pup don't live past 6 months old. Even with taking beta blockers.

I have never had a pup with this problem but I have read several articles on SAS.  

Your right it is a very sad situation.

May I ask what breed this pup is???

ADD:  Thank for the added info.  Your absoultly right.  It is not the breeder.  There is no test for this specific heart defect.  It is beleived to be a gentic defect when both parent carry the gene for it.  It is only after the pups are born and it shows up that it is known that there is a problem with  the parents.  

The usual cource of action is to either not breed these to together again or take both out of the breeding pool all together.   This is up to the breeder.  

Both dam and stud can pass their cardiac work up with flying colors but until a SAS pup shows up then that is the only way right now to know their is a problem.

Since it has showed up the rest of the litter should be watched carefully and all shoud be either spayed or neutered.

Answer 2

im so sorry just came acroos your question and it made me cry. i just wanted to with you and your dog good luck

Answer 3

very sad  yet a learning experience to always always do your research and find a reputable breeder with proven healthy lines..

i am sorry for you

Answer 4

I am so sorry.  I cannot answer your questions but I want you to know I wish you and your little guy the best!