Infective endocarditis due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a dog – a case report

Abstract

Background Infective endocarditis is a rare but severe condition associated with a high mortality rate in small animal patients. This condition is caused by a microbial (most often bacterial) infection of the valvular portion of the endocardium, from which proliferative and/or erosive lesions on the cardiac valves or immediately adjacent structures develop. The two most commonly affected cardiac valves are the aortic and mitral valves. Case presentation We report the clinical case of a 4-year old male neutered Bull terrier, 27.6 kg, body condition score 4/9, that presented with a 3-months history of pyrexia and general weakness. The patient history also revealed a transient left hind limb lameness (grade 2/4), which coincided with the onset of clinical signs about 3 months before presentation. On physical examination, a left-sided systolic heart murmur (grade 3/6) with the same intensity at the left heart base and apex, and an irregularly irregular heart rhythm were noted. Electrocardiography showed ventricular premature complexes, and echocardiography revealed lesions consistent with endocarditis involving the aortic and mitral valve. Bacterial culture of blood yielded a positive result, and the organism isolated was identified as Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The extended patient history revealed that the dog lived close to a farm housing pigs and other livestock. Conclusion We report a rare case of the premortal diagnosis of infective bacterial endocarditis in a dog due to E. rhusiopathiae infection. Most reports about this condition are from necropsy series. This clinical case report emphasizes that E. rhusiopathiae infection and bacteremia should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with suspected infective endocarditis, especially in dogs living in rural areas with access to livestock and particularly farm pigs. Also, particular emphasis should be placed on the zoonotic potential of this infectious disease.

Characterization of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Isolates from Diseased Pigs in 15 Chinese Provinces from 2012 to 2018

“…E. rhusiopathiae is a small, Gram-positive, slender, straight, rod-shaped bacterium that causes erysipelas in swine and many other animals [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Swine erysipelas can cause pyrexia, lameness, characteristic diamond skin lesions, and even sudden death in growing and adult swine [9]. It occurs worldwide, causing huge economic loss [10][11][12].…”

Pathology, microbiology, and genetic diversity associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and novel Erysipelothrix spp. infections in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)

“…Although vegetative valvular endocarditis has been described in association with Erysipelothrix spp. infection in humans and other animals (Gorby and Peacock, 1988;Cabrera-García et al, 2020), it was not observed in infected SSOs, possibly due to small sample size rather than differing pathogenesis.…”

A Rare Presentation of Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae Endocarditis with Acute Heart Failure

“…Erysipelothrix is commonly an occupation-related infection that can be associated with farm animals or marine life, 2 and it can also be found in domesticated animals such as dogs and pigs. 9 Transmission of E. rhusiopathiae has also been seen from insects who collect a blood meal from mice and birds. 10 Although the source of transmission could not be confirmed for our patient, it can be inferred from the history that the vector may have been an insect which caused an erythematous plaque.…”