Diagnosis of intracardiac thrombosis in guinea pigs with cardiac disease
Cardiac disease is diagnosed with increased frequency in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) prompting the need for an improved understanding of disease-related sequelae. There are currently no reports describing intracardiac thrombosis associated with concurrent cardiac disease in guinea pigs.
Three guinea pigs were presented with varying degrees of dyspnea. Cardiomegaly and intracardiac thrombi were identified via echocardiogram or contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Two guinea pigs diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy were subsequently treated with varying combinations of cardiac therapeutic drugs. The third guinea pig was euthanized following imaging diagnosis and subsequently diagnosed with fibrinosuppurative myocarditis and endocarditis on post-mortem examination. On antemortem imaging and post-mortem examination, all three guinea pigs had left atrial thrombus present, and one guinea pig had concurrent left ventricular and caudal vena caval thrombi. All guinea pigs were euthanized 1–180 days after diagnosis due to congestive heart failure.
Intracardiac thrombosis may be an important consideration for guinea pigs in congestive heart failure. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or echocardiogram are useful antemortem diagnostic tests which can direct appropriate medical management and prognosis determination. Further investigation of predispositions to intracardiac thrombosis and appropriate therapy in guinea pigs is needed.
“Diagnosis and post-mortem findings of intracardiac thrombosis in guinea pigs with cardiac disease: 3 cases (2020–2022)”. Chelsey Tournade, et al. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. Volume 49, April 2024, Pages 28-34.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1557506324000223
Cardiac disease is diagnosed with increased frequency in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) prompting the need for an improved understanding of disease-related sequelae.
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