Charger American Staffordshire Terriers

Description

AS is the most common congenital cardiac defect and most difficult to diagnose in the dog. The stenotic lesion may occur in the subvalvular position, valvular position or supravalvular position. The subvalvular is the most common in dogs. This has been documented in many breeds, including Bull Terriers. It should be noted this is the most common condition that causes the exploding hearts in Amstaffs. The genetic factor(s) of are not known as of yet. It is believed to be polygenetic, 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. AS can be present at birth or develop up to one year of age. It has not been documented to develop in dogs over 1 year. It can be present as adults with an incidental murmur. Signs of heart failure are rare. Dysrhythmias with pulse deficits may be noted. Systolic heart murmur is located over left heart base and radiates of the neck and to the right hemothorax. Definitive diagnosis can be done via Doppler echocardiography or Cardiac catheterization.

Companies nearby