Dogs with even mild to moderate SAS should not be used for breeding and should receive prophulaxis for heart valve infections in appropriate circumstances, but are otherwise treated normally. (bouvierhealthfoundation.org)
While the immune system is very effective at preventing most bacterial infections from running wild, it is not perfect so sooner or later a pet with badly infected teeth will develop other problems such as bacterial bronchitis, kidney infections and infections of heart valves infections (endocarditis). (bayparkpetclinic.com)
The chronic infection that ensues in the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth, from the accumulation of dental tartar causes chronic pain, immune suppression, has a direct link to kidney failure (the number one cause of death in cats, number two in dogs), and can cause heart valve infections. (drrogerholisticvet.com)