Endocardiosis vs. Endocarditis

Attribute	Endocardiosis	Endocarditis
Cause	Non-inflammatory degenerative disease	Inflammatory infection
Symptoms	Usually asymptomatic	Fever, fatigue, shortness of breath
Treatment	May not require treatment	Antibiotics, surgery
Prognosis	Generally good	Can be serious or life-threatening

Introduction

Endocardiosis and endocarditis are two distinct medical conditions that affect the heart, specifically the endocardium. While both conditions involve inflammation of the endocardium, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatment options. In this article, we will compare the attributes of endocardiosis and endocarditis to help differentiate between the two conditions.

Cause

Endocardiosis is a degenerative condition that primarily affects older dogs, particularly small breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is characterized by thickening and fibrosis of the heart valves, leading to regurgitation of blood. On the other hand, endocarditis is an infectious condition caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and infecting the heart valves. This can occur as a result of dental procedures, surgery, or other infections in the body.

Symptoms

The symptoms of endocardiosis typically include coughing, exercise intolerance, and heart murmurs. As the condition progresses, dogs may develop congestive heart failure, which can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and abdomen. In contrast, endocarditis presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. Patients with endocarditis may also experience heart murmurs and signs of heart failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing endocardiosis often involves a physical examination, auscultation of the heart, and imaging tests such as echocardiography. Blood tests may also be performed to assess the function of the heart and rule out other conditions. On the other hand, diagnosing endocarditis requires blood cultures to identify the causative bacteria. Imaging tests such as echocardiography can help visualize the infected heart valves and assess the extent of damage.

Treatment

Treatment for endocardiosis typically involves managing symptoms with medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and pimobendan. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves. On the other hand, treatment for endocarditis involves antibiotics to eradicate the infection. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove infected tissue or repair damaged heart valves.

Prognosis

The prognosis for endocardiosis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. With proper management, dogs with endocardiosis can live for several years after diagnosis. However, the prognosis for endocarditis is more guarded, as the infection can cause significant damage to the heart valves and lead to complications such as heart failure or sepsis.

Prevention

Preventing endocardiosis involves regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing a balanced diet. Avoiding excessive exercise and monitoring for symptoms can also help detect the condition early. On the other hand, preventing endocarditis requires good oral hygiene to prevent dental infections that can lead to bacteremia. Patients with a history of heart valve disease may need prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures to reduce the risk of infection.