The health of your pet’s heart is affected by more things than you might think! A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to keeping your pet’s heart in shape, but some other factors might surprise you. Read on to learn more about a heart condition that frequently begins in other areas of your pet’s body, and what you can do to help prevent it!
Infectious Endocarditis
Infectious endocarditis is a serious condition that affects the heart, specifically the inner lining known as the endocardium. This condition occurs when bacteria or other infectious agents enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart. Types of infections that can affect the health of your pet’s heart include:
- Dental Disease: This is a big one! Advanced periodontal disease allows bacteria to spread throughout your pet’s system and can lead to inflammation of the heart.
- Urinary Tract & Respiratory Infections: UTIs and respiratory infections also allow the systemic spread of bacteria that can cause heart damage.
- Post-Surgical Infections: Most concerning in pets with underlying heart issues, bacteria stemming from a surgical procedure can also be a risk factor for endocarditis.
This list is by no means all-inclusive, as almost any type of severe infection has the potential to spread systematically.
An Ounce of Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to infectious endocarditis. Here are some steps you can take to protect your pet:
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Routine exams can help catch potential issues early.
- Dental care: Good oral hygiene reduces the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- Timely treatment of infections or wounds: Address any infections or wounds promptly to prevent them from spreading.
- Consistent heartworm prevention and vaccines: Keeping these up-to-date help protect your pet’s heart and overall health.
If you have any questions or concerns about conditions that could be affecting your pet’s heart health, the Veterinary Cardiology of Orange County team is here to help! Call us at (949) 432-3221 today.
