Endocarditis - any experience?

[appylass]

My dog became ill rather suddenly yesterday afternoon, trembling, very quiet, lethargic, wouldn't eat. Quick trip to vets revealed slight heart murmur, raised white cells and high temp. Vet thinks possible endocarditis. He had i.m. antibiotics, is a tiny bit brighter this morning but has developed a slight cough, seen by vet again who still feels that's the most likely diagnosis. He's now on oral antibiotics and will be reviewed after the weekend. Vet says prognosis is good but may need prolonged antibiotics. He is a 10 year old LabxSpringer. I just wondered if anyone else's dog had had this?

 

[Booboos]

Not with endocarditis as such but with heart valve problems and my advise would be get a referral to a specialist veterinary centre. They really know A LOT more than your average local vet.

Good luck and I hope he's feeling better by now!

 

[appylass]

Thank you for replying, he does seem to have improved over the weekend so i guess the antibiotics must be working. Vet said he would refer him to a cardiologist as the next step.

Thanks again

 

[Booboos]

I am so glad he is better!!! Hopefully that will be the end of the problem, but if you need to have it looked into further there are brilliant cardiology units at Leehurst, Liverpool and the Animal Health Trust, Cambridge, if either is close to you (look out for us, we are at Leehurst on a monthly basis!)