Cardiovascular System - Infective Endocarditis

Flashcards covering the definition, pathogenesis, and consequences of infective endocarditis in dogs based on lecture notes.

Infective Endocarditis

An uncommon, often deadly, and difficult to diagnose infection of the endocardium by bacteria or fungi, previously called bacterial endocarditis.

Aortic Valve

The single most affected valve in cases of infective endocarditis in dogs.

Non Bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis (NBTE)

A condition involving platelet-fibrin deposition on the valvular endothelium, triggered by microscopic damage from natural trauma, turbulence, or metabolic changes.

Bacteremia

The presence of bacteria in the blood, often originating from trauma to mucous membranes or other colonized tissues.

Local Ecological Factors

Factors including bacteriocins, IgA protease, and bacterial adherence that facilitate the colonization of bacteria on the valve.

Mature Vegetation

A "hidden environment" resulting in high bacterial counts, characterized by bacterial division, fibrin deposition, and protection from neutrophils.

Vegetation Site

Develops on the low pressure side of the valve and requires turbulent blood flow or a hypercoagulable state.

Valvular Insufficiency Results

Clinical outcomes including Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), sudden death, and thromboembolic disease.

$2^\circ$ Immune-mediated Diseases

Secondary conditions resulting from infective endocarditis, specifically polyarthritis and glomerulonephritis.