Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with heart infection caused by Listeria bacteria
By Wong, S A & Hugo, T B·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2022·The Animal Referral Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Myocarditis caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 14-week-old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier was brought to the vet because she was very tired, not eating, and having trouble breathing. Tests showed fluid around her heart and signs of heart muscle inflammation caused by a bacterial infection from Listeria monocytogenes. The vet diagnosed her with myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and confirmed the infection through lab tests. Treatment details are not specified, but recognizing this rare condition is important for proper care.
People also search for: puppy lethargy and not eating · dog breathing problems · Listeria infection in dogs · myocarditis treatment for dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine myocarditis can result from infection with bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. CASE REPORT: A 14-week-old female entire Staffordshire Bull Terrier was assessed for lethargy, inappetence and dyspnoea. Radiographs and echocardiography revealed fluid within the pericardial space, a plaque of marked hyperechogenicity within the right ventricular free wall, marked right atrial dilation and myocardial systolic dysfunction. Histopathology of the myocardium was consistent with severe pyogranulomatous myocarditis, with gram stain revealing gram-positive bacilli, consistent with a Listerial infection. Bacterial culture of the myocardium yielded a light growth of Listeria monocytogenes. CONCLUSION: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of canine myocarditis caused by Listeria monocytogenes to be described and should be included as a differential diagnosis of myocarditis. Further, it prompts the consideration of potential zoonotic risks for veterinarians treating dogs with pericardial effusions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34713439/