Cardiac disorders: Myocarditis

Question 1

The number one viral cause of myocarditis in dogs is?

Answer 1

Parvovirus

Question 2

What protozoan is associated with causing right sided heart failure (ascites, tachycardia, lethargy), as well as ataxia and weakness? This protozoan is most often found in Texas and Louisiana.

Answer 2

Trypanosoma cruzi (Chaga’s disease)

• Trypomastigotes infect host cells, enter repro stage
• Amastigotes multiple in host cells until rupture

Question 3

What bacterial causes are often associated with myocarditis?

Answer 3

Rickettsial organisms (Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Rickettsia), Streptococcus canis, Citrobacter, and Tyzzer’s disease (C. piliforme)

Question 4

What possible indicators are suggestive myocarditis?

Answer 4

History, electrocardiograph is findings, elevated cardiac troponin levels, leukocytosis and eosinophilia

Question 5

Treatments for myocarditis include -?

Answer 5

Diuretics, ACEi, digoxin, positive inotropes, appropriate antimicrobial therapy