Figure 2. Right parasternal long axis view from a cavalier King Charles spaniel with suspected infective endocarditis. There is an irregular, thickened, hyperechogenic polypoid structure attached to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve (oscillating lesion).

Infective endocarditis in dogs and cats

The normal endocardium is resistant to adherence of pathogens, but it can become susceptible when damaged. Mechanical or inflammatory lesions can cause bacterial seeding within the endothelium. In one...