Concurrent spinal epidural empyema and endocarditis in a dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Canine Infectious Diseases
• Diagnostic Imaging in Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) is a serious condition in dogs, often leading to severe neurological deficits.
• Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a bacterial infection of the heart valves, which can have systemic implications.
• The potential link between IE and SEE in dogs has not been previously established.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback cross presented with progressive non-ambulatory paraparesis, fever, and leukocytosis.
• Diagnostic imaging, including contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and CT myelography, revealed spinal abnormalities.
• Echocardiography identified mitral valve endocarditis, and bacterial cultures confirmed the presence of infection.

Findings:

• The dog was diagnosed with concurrent spinal epidural empyema (SEE) and infectious endocarditis (IE) of the mitral valve.
• CT and CT myelography were crucial in diagnosing the extent of the spinal lesion.
• Echocardiography and bacterial culture confirmed the cardiac involvement and causative agent.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential, previously unreported, etiological link between canine infectious endocarditis and spinal epidural empyema.
• Early diagnosis and integrated diagnostic approaches (imaging, echocardiography, culture) are vital for managing such complex cases.
• Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and prevalence of SEE secondary to IE in dogs.