Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bartonella infection causing heart valve disease in six dogs
By Pesavento, P A et al.·Published in Veterinary pathology·2005·School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pathology of bartonella endocarditis in six dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of six dogs with heart problems was diagnosed with a specific type of infection called Bartonella endocarditis, which affects the heart valves. These dogs showed signs of illness related to their heart, and tests confirmed the presence of Bartonella bacteria in their heart tissue. The condition was primarily found in the aortic valve, and the dogs required a combination of clinical history, blood tests, and specialized PCR testing for diagnosis. While the study highlighted the unique features of this infection, treatment details were not specified, but early diagnosis is crucial for managing the condition effectively.
People also search for: dog heart infection symptoms · Bartonella endocarditis treatment · dog aortic valve disease · signs of heart problems in dogs
Abstract
In a 5-year retrospective study of dogs presenting to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis, there were 31 histologic diagnoses of valvular endocarditis. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of embedded valvular tissue, Bartonella organisms were exclusively associated with 6 out of 31 cases (19%). Confirmed Bartonella cases involved the aortic valve alone (five out of six) or in combination with the mitral valve (one of six). Microscopic features of Bartonella endocarditis were compared with valves from non-Bartonella endocarditis and with valvular change unrelated to infectious agents (endocardiosis). Features of Bartonella endocarditis included a combination of fibrosis, mineralization, endothelial proliferation, and neovascularization with variable inflammation. None of these features is specific; however, the combination is distinct both from endocarditis caused by culturable bacteria and from endocardiosis. Ultrastructural analyses revealed both extracellular and intraendothelial bacteria. Clinical history, serology, and PCR are currently necessary to establish an etiologic diagnosis of Bartonella endocarditis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15872387/