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.