Infectious Cholecystitis and Concurrent Endocarditis in a Dog: Rare but Important Association

Abstract

A 12-year-old castrated male miniature Schnauzer had anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, and fever for four days. The dog had leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, increased hepatic enzymes on hematologic and biochemical examinations. On abdominal ultrasonographs, there was an enlarged gallbladder with hyperechoic irregular wall thickening. Echocardiography showed vegetative change and regurgitation of aortic and mitral valves. E.coli was identified through ultrasound guided percutaneous cholecystocentesis and bile culture. Bacterial cholecystitis and concurrent endocarditis were diagnosed. The dog was recovered from sepsis with antibacterial and aggressive supportive therapy.