Diagnosis and post-mortem findings of intracardiac thrombosis in guinea pigs with cardiac disease: 3 cases (2020–2022)

Background

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.

Case descriptions

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.

Conclusion and case relevance

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.