Liver Lobe Torsion in a Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus).

A 5-year-old, female intact guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) presented for acute inappetence. The abdomen was severely distended and tympanic with moderate discomfort. Radiographs showed gastric distension and displacement. Gastric dilatation and volvulus were suspected. At necropsy, the left lateral liver lobe was torsed at the hilus and infarcted. Histopathology showed regionally extensive coagulative necrosis and markedly congested sinusoids, causing marked hepatic cord atrophy and dissociation. Final diagnoses were severe gastric dilatation with left lateral liver lobe torsion (LLT) and regionally extensive liver infarction, and hemoabdomen. Reports of LLT in guinea pigs are likely underrepresented in the literature. LLTs should be considered in guinea pigs presenting for acute inappetence and abdominal distension. Laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound can help differentiate LLT from other gastrointestinal pathologies seen in guinea pigs, such as gastric dilatation and volvulus. Early recognition of LLT in guinea pigs could potentially improve patient outcomes. This is the first published report of LLT in a guinea pig.

Client Choice May Provide an Economic Incentive for Veterinary Practices to Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure and Climate Change Education.

Objective: To assess how pet owners perceive the role of veterinary medicine in addressing climate change and animal health and determine if there is a client-driven economic incentive to establish sustainable veterinary business practices. Sample: 1,044 dog and/or cat owners residing in the United States who had used veterinary services within the last 3 years. Procedures: An online Amazon mTurk survey about climate change and the perceived effects on client-owned dogs and cats was distributed to pet owners. Results: Most respondents believe climate change is occurring, and two-thirds of pet owners would value knowing their veterinarian received training on the animal health impacts of climate change. Over half of the respondents would pay more for veterinary services at a clinic with a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, clients would value some form of sustainability certification to aid in identification of such practices. Demographic influences found to be statistically significant included age, political ideology and where one resides (i.e., urban, suburban, or rural) whereas gender and income level, were not found to be significant. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Our data suggest there is an economic incentive for veterinary professionals to be knowledgeable about the health impacts of climate change and to implement and market sustainable practice initiatives. Prioritizing sustainable practice initiatives and climate change education in veterinary practices has the potential to mutually benefit both practitioner and client through shared patient health and financial incentives.