This condition involving the main blood supply from the heart often proves fatal. Dogs affected with SAS can die suddenly before the age of 2. There is no known cure. Treatment consists of daily medication for life. While people suffering from allergies have respiratory symptoms, dogs usually have skin and ear problems.
Treatment is varied and often ineffective.
Treatment usually consists of medication given daily. If the point is reached where medication can no longer control the seizures, euthanasia is often necessary. Variations in temperament ranging from extreme shyness to aggression are being seen with increasing frequency. Many experts consider temperament a hereditary trait. Unfortunately there is early evidence that some forms of cancer which strike young dogs may have a hereditary factor.