Bacterial endocarditis in a 3‐year‐old domestic shorthair cat

Abstract A previously healthy, 3‐year‐old, male, neutered domestic shorthair cat presented to a multi‐disciplinary referral centre for suspected congestive heart failure following a short history of lethargy and mild dyspnoea. Investigations identified significant thickening of the mitral valve leaflets, with filaments flailing into the left atrium and evidence of left‐sided congestive heart failure. Cardiac troponin I levels were mildly increased. Blood cultures identified Streptococcus gallolyticus , and the patient was treated for bacterial endocarditis with antibiotic therapy based on the antibiogram. Unfortunately, following initial clinical improvement, the cat was euthanised approximately 1 month after presentation due to clinical deterioration. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of vegetative lesions of the mitral valve in the presence of large numbers of Gram‐positive cocci bacteria and fewer Gram‐negative coccobacilli.