Which pets commonly develop aortic valve stenosis?

Aortic valve stenosis is more common in certain dog breeds and older pets, but it can occur at any age and in any breed. Some cats can also be affected. If you are concerned, ask your vet to check for a heart murmur.

How can I confirm whether my pet has aortic valve stenosis?

A veterinary examination is needed to confirm it. A heart murmur is often detected by auscultation, and echocardiography is used to assess the valve and blood flow. Your vet will provide professional guidance based on the findings.

Can this condition become fatal quickly?

The course varies between individual pets. Mild cases may remain stable for a long time, while severe cases can cause breathing difficulty or fainting. Follow-up should be arranged according to your vet's assessment.

How often are follow-up visits usually needed?

Follow-up frequency depends on the condition and treatment plan. It is commonly every 3-12 months, but if symptoms change or worsen, your pet should be rechecked promptly so the vet can adjust care.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

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Disease Guide

Aortic Valve Stenosis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Echocardiography & Home Care [2025]

Aortic valve stenosis is a congenital heart disease. Mild cases may have no symptoms, while severe cases may require exercise restriction and consideration of interventional treatment.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, AAHA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Continuous open-mouth breathing with obvious labored respiration
•Frequent and prolonged loss of consciousness or fainting
•Blue or purple discoloration of the lips or gums suggesting oxygen deprivation

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistent frequent coughing or worsening at night that disrupts sleep
•Dizziness, brief fainting, or unsteady gait during activity
•Decreased energy, obvious reluctance to be active or play

01What symptoms may indicate a problem?

Aortic valve stenosis often causes cardiovascular and breathing-related signs, and some pets show clear abnormalities during exercise or stress.

Persistent or frequent coughing, especially worse at night or while resting
Noticeably faster breathing or difficulty breathing
Dizziness during activity, weakness, or brief fainting episodes
Irregular heartbeat or a heartbeat that feels abnormal to the owner
A new or changed heart murmur may be detected during auscultation

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Rapid breathing with open-mouth breathing or laboured breathing
⚠️ Repeated or prolonged loss of consciousness (fainting)
⚠️ Blue or purple gums or lips, which may suggest low oxygen levels

02How can you assess changes at home? Key observations and when to seek emergency care

Specific observations recorded before the vet visit can help your veterinarian quickly understand the key concerns and how the condition is changing.

Record how often coughing occurs, how long it lasts, and when episodes happen
Watch for reduced alertness, interaction, and activity level
Note any increases or decreases in appetite and water intake
Weigh your pet daily and record the trend
Monitor toileting frequency and any changes in urine or stools
Use your phone to take short videos of breathing changes or coughing episodes

03How will the vet diagnose it? Common tests

These are common tests performed at the clinic and what each one is used for. Echocardiography is especially important for assessing the valve and blood flow.

Physical examination

auscultation and palpation to assess the heart, lungs, and circulation

Chest X-rays

to check heart size, heart shape, and changes in the lungs

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

to assess heart rhythm and electrical conduction abnormalities

Echocardiography

to directly assess the valve, ventricles, and blood flow velocity

Blood tests and biochemistry

to assess overall metabolism and major organ function

CT or advanced imaging may be recommended when needed to rule out other concurrent problems

04How is it treated and managed after diagnosis? Medication, diet changes, and care guidance

Treatment is tailored to the individual pet and disease severity, including acute care and long-term monitoring. Regular check-ups help track how the condition is progressing.

Use medication as appropriate for the condition to manage symptoms, with regular follow-up visits
Short-term oxygen support or hospital monitoring may be needed if the condition worsens
Track changes over time with regular echocardiography and ECG checks
Manage body weight and diet to reduce cardiac workload and metabolic stress
Monitor activity level and breathing changes every day and keep recording them
If the condition changes or worsens, arrange a cardiology assessment as early as possible

05What should you prepare before seeing the vet? Key information that helps identify the cause

Record when symptoms started, how often they occur, and how severe they are

List all current and previous medications and supplements

Prepare notes on recent changes in food intake and water intake

Bring short videos of coughing, abnormal breathing, or fainting episodes to the appointment

Bring or upload any previous test reports or imaging results

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.