Aortic stenosis in the Dogue de Bordeaux.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the occurrence of aortic stenosis and establish echocardiographic reference values in the Dogue de Bordeaux in Denmark.

METHODS

Fifty-three dogs were auscultated for evidence of a cardiac murmur and a full echocardiographic examination was performed. The criterion for the diagnosis of aortic stenosis was a peak aortic velocity greater than 2.5 m/s from a subcostal transducer location.

RESULTS

A left-basilar ejection murmur was detected in 38 (72 per cent) of the dogs. An aortic ejection velocity greater than 2.5 m/s was identified in 9 (17 per cent) of the dogs from a subcostal view. The aortic annulus in Dogue de Bordeaux was smaller than that considered normal in other breeds with comparable body size. Furthermore, a decreased aortoseptal angle was noticed in dogs with aortic stenosis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Dogue de Bordeaux may be highly predisposed to aortic stenosis. The small aortic annulus noted in healthy and affected Dogue de Bordeaux and a decreased aortoseptal angle noted in affected dogs in this study might reflect key aetiological features in the development of aortic stenosis.