Vegetative endocarditis in equids (1994--2006).
Authors: Porter S R, Saegerman C, van Galen G, Sandersen C, Delguste C, Guyot H, Amory H
Journal: Journal of veterinary internal medicine
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Vegetative Endocarditis in Equids Endocarditis remains a diagnostically challenging condition in equine practice, with poorly characterised risk factors and variable clinical presentation. Porter and colleagues conducted a retrospective case-control analysis comparing nine horses diagnosed with endocarditis to 144 control horses admitted with similar differential diagnoses at a university referral hospital between 1994 and 2006, identifying several clinical and clinicopathological markers that distinguish affected animals. Younger horses (mean 4.84 years) were significantly more susceptible than controls (10.8 years), whilst notably, no sex or breed predisposition emerged. Fever, joint swelling and lameness substantially elevated endocarditis risk (odds ratios of 24.4, 13.4 and 6.52 respectively), as did specific serum abnormalities including elevated globulins, low albumin, raised fibrinogen and leukocytosis (odds ratios ranging from 7.12 to 26.4). Practitioners should recognise that the concurrent presence of two clinical or laboratory findings significantly strengthens diagnostic suspicion in younger horses presenting with non-specific systemic signs and joint involvement, allowing earlier definitive investigation and treatment initiation before advanced myocardial compromise develops.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Young horses (under 5 years) presenting with fever, joint swelling, and lameness warrant investigation for endocarditis, particularly when multiple signs are present
- •Blood work showing elevated globulins, low albumin, high fibrinogen, and elevated white cell counts should raise clinical suspicion for endocarditis alongside compatible clinical signs
- •Endocarditis remains rare but should be considered in differential diagnoses for young horses with systemic signs of infection and joint involvement
Key Findings
- •Equids with endocarditis were significantly younger (mean 4.84 years) compared to controls (mean 10.8 years, P = 0.01)
- •Hyperthermia, synovial distension, lameness, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and leukocytosis were all significantly associated with endocarditis diagnosis (OR range 6.52-26.4)
- •Presence of two or more clinical signs significantly increased probability of endocarditis diagnosis (P ≤ 0.05)
- •No sex or breed predisposition was observed for endocarditis in equids