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==Introduction==

==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.   

Endocarditis is defined as an inflammation of one or more of 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:

*Cattle: [[Actinomyces pyogenes]]

*Cattle: [[Actinomyces pyogenes]]

==Pathophysiology==

==Pathophysiology==

===Vegetative Endocarditis===

===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.

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. Progression to rupture 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 vegetative material or congestive heart failure due to significant valvular damage.

 

 

 

 

 

===UlcerativeEndocarditis===

===UlcerativeEndocarditis===

[[Image:vegetative endocarditis.jpg|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'''Vegetative endocarditis (dog)'''. Courtesy of T. Scase</center></small>]]  

Commonly seen along with renal failure in dogs.

Uraemia irritates and damages the endocarium, particularly in the left atrium. Oedema is seen in the sunendocardial tissue with deposition of glycosaminoglycans.   

 

''Species differences:''

''Species differences:''

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

==References==

==References==