Thorax

Allison Zwingenberger

University of California Davis

Publication Date: 2010-01-13

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History

5 month old female Labrador Retriever, presents for evaluation of a heart murmur. No clinical signs.

Findings

The aortic arch is prominent on the lateral projection, and less visible on the v/d. There is no apparent chamber enlargement. The pulmonary vasculature appears normal.

Diagnosis

• Severe subvalvular aortic stenosis.

Discussion

On echocardiogram, there was severe subaortic stenosis with increased velocity of flow across the valve and mild aortic insufficiency.

Long term prognosis for this condition is poor. There is no cure for this disorder, and 70% of dogs die suddenly by 3 years of age due to left ventricular hypertrophy and secondary ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Studies have shown that atenolol can sometimes prolong overall survival by about 2 years.