Listeria associated mural and valvular endocarditis in an alpaca

J Vet Cardiol. 2008 Dec;10(2):141-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2008.07.001. Epub 2008 Nov 25.

Abstract

An alpaca presented for emergency evaluation of respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed weakness, pyrexia, and a grade V/VI left apical holosystolic murmur. Initial thoracic examination and radiographs were consistent with left sided congestive heart failure. Blood cultures, echocardiographic evaluation, and necropsy findings established a diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis associated with a Listeria monocytogenes infection. Left ventricular endocarditis is uncommon in ruminants, and to the authors' knowledge there are no other reports of L. monocytogenes being the causative agent in an alpaca.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Camelids, New World*
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / methods
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / veterinary*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnostic imaging
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / pathology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / veterinary*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Listeria monocytogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Listeriosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Listeriosis / pathology
  • Listeriosis / veterinary*
  • Male