Vegetative endocarditis in the equine species: litterature review from 2 clinical cases.

Two standardbred stallions suffering from a vegetative endocarditis were re ferred to our hospital. Case 1 had a 2-weeks history of recurring laminitis , fever, ataxia and seizures-like episodes. It presented tachycardia, bound ary facial pulse and grade 6/6 pandiastolic murmur maximal over the aortic area. From day 6 of hospitalisation, hindlimbs lameness, multiple joint swe llings, jugular purse, grade 3/6 holosystolic murmur maximal over the mitra l area and cardiac arrythmia developed. Case 2 had been first presented for evaluation of a severe bilateral osteochondrosis dissecans of the stifles. Poor bodily condition, weight loss and tachycardia were also noticed. Thre e weeks later, the horse was again presented because of an acute onset of c oughing, bilateral nasal discharge and dyspnea. Clinical signs evidenced at the first visit were still present. Moreover, clinical examination reveale d fever, respiratory crackles, multiple joint swellings, and grade 4/6 holo systolic murmur maximal over the mitral area. In both cases, hemoculture was negative, and blood analyses demonstrated se vere chronic inflammation and hyperbetaglobulinemia. Doppler echocardiograp hy demonstrated irregular echogenic masses located on the aortic (case 1) o r mitral (case 2) valves, and signs of congestive left heart failure. After 6 days of treatment, case 1 showed a worsening of the signs of left heart failure, with among others the development of a mitral insufficiency, and a n enlargement of the valvular mass. On both cases, necropsy confirmed the e chocardiographic findings and evidenced verminous mesenteric arteritis and polyarthritis. This report further illustrates clinical features of equine endocarditis an d outlines the diagnostic and pronostic value of Doppler echocardiography f or this condition.