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Endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium sp in a dog.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 1, 1986
Summary
A dog with unusual Corynebacterium bacterial endocarditis, linked to a sacral cyst, showed persistent mitral valve lesions after treatment. Long-term cardiac changes were noted, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Canine Medicine
Background:
- Bacterial endocarditis is a serious cardiac condition in dogs.
- Corynebacterium species are not typically associated with endocarditis.
- Pilonidal cysts can be a source of systemic infection.
Observation:
- A dog presented with mitral valve endocarditis caused by an atypical Corynebacterium sp.
- The suspected source of bacteremia was a pilonidal cyst of the sacrum.
- The dog underwent antibiotic treatment and surgical cyst removal.
Findings:
- One year post-treatment, echocardiography revealed a persistent vegetative lesion on the mitral valve.
- Cardiac chamber dimensions normalized, but wall thickness and contractility remained increased.
- A cardiac murmur was detected on physical examination, persisting 1 year after initial treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of bacterial endocarditis in a dog.
- Atypical Corynebacterium species can cause severe cardiac disease.
- Long-term cardiac monitoring is crucial for dogs treated for endocarditis, even after apparent resolution.