If a dog has an infection within the heart, the veterinarian might diagnose

If a dog has an infection within the heart, the veterinarian might diagnose

• A. Endocarditis
• B. Pericarditis
• C. Myocarditis
• D. Atherosclerosis

Answer: (A)

Endocarditis is the infection of the inner lining of the heart, typically affecting the heart valves. When the question mentions an infection within the heart, endocarditis is the term that best describes that location and process. Pericarditis involves inflammation of the protective sac around the heart (not inside it), myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle itself, and atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in arteries, not an infection. In dogs, endocarditis can present with fever, fatigue, and a new or changing heart murmur, and is diagnosed with imaging like echocardiography and sometimes blood cultures.

Endocarditis is the infection of the inner lining of the heart, typically affecting the heart valves. When the question mentions an infection within the heart, endocarditis is the term that best describes that location and process. Pericarditis involves inflammation of the protective sac around the heart (not inside it), myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle itself, and atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in arteries, not an infection. In dogs, endocarditis can present with fever, fatigue, and a new or changing heart murmur, and is diagnosed with imaging like echocardiography and sometimes blood cultures.