Fatal myocardial infarct in a Greyhound

Death is reported in a 3-year-old Greyhound due to an acute myocardial infarction, consequent upon thrombo-embolic occlusion of the left descending coronary artery, subsequent to dislodgement of a vegetative lesion of the left lateral aortic valve, secondary to sub-acute bacterial endocarditis. A comparison between some aspects of cardio-vascular disease in man and dogs is made, and the term ‘heart attack’ as used in the human condition is investigated and its legitimate application to veterinary conditions discussed. The main difference between human and animal coronary disease is the widespread occurrence of atherosclerosis in humans and its absence in animals.