Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, most often affecting the heart valves. Bacteria that enter the bloodstream—sometimes from the mouth, skin, or urinary tract—can settle on valve tissue and begin to multiply, forming fragile clumps that interfere with the valve's ability to close properly. Over time, this can disrupt normal blood flow and allow pieces of infected material to break away and travel elsewhere in the body. Owners often notice vague signs that build gradually: a dog or cat may seem quieter than usual, lose interest in food, or run a fever that comes and goes. Some animals develop a new heart murmur, while others show signs related to complications—lameness if a clot affects a limb, or breathing changes if the heart begins to struggle. The picture can be subtle at first, and the path to recognising endocarditis often involves piecing together scattered clues. This page explores the patterns that may prompt investigation, the mechanisms by which infection takes hold in the heart, the ways the condition is identified, and the approaches used to manage it. Each section is designed to help you understand what may be happening and what the options look like, without prescribing a single course.