HealthAugust 15, 2026
endocarditis
EN-doh-kar-DYE-tis
Definition
An inflammation or infection of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'endon' (within) and 'kardia' (heart), combined with the suffix '-itis', which denotes inflammation.
In the news
The article uses this term to describe a severe condition where bacteria from untreated dental disease spread through the bloodstream and infect a dog's heart valves, illustrating why oral hygiene is critical for systemic health.
MJ Wixsom: Dental health is important for pet’s life
Read the full article ↗irontontribune.com