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==Introduction==
Endocarditis isdefined as an infection and resulting inflammation of one or moreof the cardiac valves. It is usually a result of a bacteraemia or pyaemia, spread from adjaent myocardium is rare. It occurs in all species and is more common in cattle, pigs and sheep than dogs and cats.
[[Image:Bacterial endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Bacterial endocarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
[[Image:Bacterial endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Bacterial endocarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]
Organisms commonly isolated include:
Organisms commonly isolated include:
*Pigs: [[Erysipelothrix_rhusiopathiae|Erysipelothrix spp.]]
*Pigs: [[Erysipelothrix_rhusiopathiae|Erysipelothrix spp.]]
*Sheep: [[:Category:Streptococcus species|Streptococci.]]
*Sheep: [[:Category:Streptococcus species|Streptococci.]]
==Pathophysiology==
===Vegetative Endocarditis===
Predisposed by valvular damage as thrombi occur on the surface of the valves exposed to blood flow. Needs sustained or recurrent bacteraemia. Some bacteria have particular adherence properties and may only need a single episode of bacteraemia to set up an endocarditis.
===UlcerativeEndocarditis===
[[Image:vegetative endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Vegetative endocarditis (dog)'''. Courtesy of T. Scase</center></small>]]
''Pathophysiology:''
Loose thrombi of platelets and fibrin form which build up to larger vegetations. Bacterial colonies are found within the mass. Attempts to organise the vegetation occur but complete healing very rarely occurs. The mass may become ulcerated. Progression to rupure of the chordae tendinae is possible, along with spread of the infection to the adjacent mural endocardium.
Valves may become stenotic, incompetant or both.
Death usually results from either embolisation of the vegetation or congestive heart failure due to significant valvular damage.
''Species differences:''
*Cattle: predominantly affects the tricuspid valve, perhaps due to bacteria arising in the GI tract and liver. Congestive right sided failure is manifested as ascites (including '''bottle jaw''') and embolisation to the lungs. Anaemia is often present as the red blood cells are damaged as they pass through the vegetation.
*Pig and dog: Lesions occur particularly on the mitral valve, perhaps due to the higher pressure blood flow on the left side of the heart leading to more valvular damage. Left sided heart failure and pulmonary oedema are seen clinically, as are emboli in various organs, particularly the kidney.
Contributing factors include:
Contributing factors include:
*Avascularity of valves; poor healing capacity.
*Avascularity of valves; poor healing capacity.
*Tissue exposure; constant contact with blood-borne pathogens.
*Tissue exposure; constant contact with blood-borne pathogens.
==Signalment==
==Clinical Signs==
==Diagnosis==
===Laboratory findings===
===Echocardiography===
===Radiography===
===Electrogcardiogram (ECG)===
==Treatment==
==Prognosis==
==References==
===Vegetative endocarditis===
===Vegetative endocarditis===