Epidemiological, clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic findings and outcome in client-owned guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) with cardiac disease: 80 cases (2010-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize epidemiological, clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic features of cardiac diseases in guinea pigs examined at a referral exotics center. ANIMALS: 80 guinea pigs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of guinea pigs that had echocardiography performed between June 2010 and January 2021 were reviewed. RESULTS: The percentage of guinea pig patients with cardiovascular disease was 2.8%. Clinical signs included dyspnea (46/80), lethargy (18/80), and anorexia (10/80). The most common physical examination finding was heart murmur (10/80). Radiographic abnormalities included subjective cardiomegaly (37/67), pleural effusion (21/67), and increased lung opacity (40/67). Median (range) vertebral heart score on right lateral (48/67) and ventrodorsal (39/67) projections was 9.0 vertebrae (6.6 to 13.2 vertebrae) and 10.8 vertebrae (7.9 to 13.2 vertebrae), respectively. The most common echocardiographic diagnosis was cardiomyopathy (30/80), categorized as restrictive (11/30), hypertrophic (10/30), or dilated (9/10). Other cardiac diseases included cor pulmonale (21/80), pericardial effusion (18/80), congenital heart disease (6/80), acquired valvular disease (3/80), and cardiovascular mass (2/80). Congestive heart failure was present in 36 of 80. Median survival time from diagnosis was 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.1 to 6.2 months). Animals that died from heart disease had a significantly shorter survival time than those that died from a noncardiac disease (P = .02). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On radiographs, cardiomegaly, pleural effusion, and alveolar or interstitial lung pattern should be considered as indications for echocardiography in guinea pigs. Cardiomyopathy (restrictive, hypertrophic, or dilated), cor pulmonale, and pericardial effusion were the most common echocardiographic diagnoses. Further studies on diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in guinea pigs are needed.

Stabilization of a vertebral fracture by a monolateral external fixator placed percutaneously with fluoroscopy guidance in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-year-old intact male Mini Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) exhibited acute paraplegia and was suspected of having a traumatic spinal injury after leaping from the owner's arms. CLINICAL FINDINGS: In the physical examination, the patient was conscious and responsive and presented a loss of hind-limb motor function. The results of the neurologic examination indicated a T3-L3 spinal cord lesion. Vertebral column radiography and CT showed a fracture of the dorsal arch in the right caudal part of vertebra L1 and a fracture of the caudal end plate of vertebra L1 without displacement. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The vertebral fracture was stabilized by a monolateral external fixator placed percutaneously with fluoroscopy guidance. The rabbit was discharged 48 hours after surgery. Three days later, the rabbit was able to walk with mild paraparesis, and 2 weeks after surgery, the rabbit showed full recovery of neurologic function. The follow-up performed 6 weeks after surgery showed normal gait, good alignment and complete consolidation of the fracture. The external fixator was then removed. The follow-up examination and radiographic findings showed complete recovery at 2 and 6 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The most common cause of traumatic posterior paralysis in rabbits is vertebral fracture. This article describes the possibility and successful outcome of stabilizing a vertebral fracture in a rabbit with an external fixator using a minimally invasive fluoroscopic technique. This technique, described to the authors' knowledge for the first time in a rabbit, allows a fracture to be stabilized accurately without any incisions while minimizing complications and postoperative pain.

Association between Burnout Syndrome and medical training by specialty in first-year residents / Síndrome de burnout en residentes de primer año: asociación por especialidad

Abstract Introduction Burnout syndrome (BOS) comprises emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment in those affected. Instruments such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) can help to identify those affected. Physicians in training have been described as an at-risk group for this syndrome. Objective Describe the association between BOS and medical training by specialty in first-year residents. Method This is a cross-sectional analytical study of specialty residents at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. Sociodemographic data were obtained and the MBI was administered to identify BOS. Samples were compared, and a comparative analysis performed to identify factors associated with BOS. Results Eighty-eight residents were included, with 21.6% (n = 19) presenting BOS, 53.4% displaying emotional exhaustion (n = 47), 53.7% showing depersonalization (n = 47), and 39.8% reduced personal accomplishment (n = 35). Presenting BOS was not associated with sociodemographic characteristics or type of specialty. Work hours (ro = .229, p = .032), and a higher number of on-call hours/week (ro = .34, p = .001) were associated with higher BOS. Discussion and conclusion The prevalence of BOS was lower than expected. Over half scored for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, which could be explained by a self-reporting bias. There was no association between the group/type of specialty and BOS. This study creates new knowledge that works as an institutional situational diagnosis, helps to determine the scope of the problem, and encourages to consider the contributing factors to its origin and maintenance.

Resumen Introducción El síndrome de burnout (SBO) comprende el agotamiento emocional, la despersonalización y la reducción de la realización personal en aquellos a quienes afecta. Instrumentos como el Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) pueden ayudar a identificar a los afectados. Los médicos en formación se han descrito como un grupo de riesgo para presentar este síndrome. Objetivo Describir la asociación entre el síndrome de burnout y la formación médica por especialidad en residentes de primer año. Método Se trata de un estudio analítico transversal de residentes de especialidad del Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. Se obtuvieron datos sociodemográficos y se administró el MBI para identificar SBO. Se compararon las muestras y se realizó un análisis comparativo para identificar los factores asociados con SBO. Resultados Se incluyeron 88 residentes, con 21.6% (n = 19) presentando SBO; 53.4% mostrando agotamiento emocional (n = 47); 53.7% (n = 47) mostrando despersonalización; y 39.8% (n = 35) reducción de realización personal. La presentación de SBO no se asoció a características sociodemográficas ni al tipo de especialidad. Las horas de trabajo (ro = .229, p = .032) y un mayor número de horas de guardia/semana (ro = .34, p = .001) se asociaron con una mayor BOS. Discusión y conclusión La prevalencia de SBO fue menor de lo esperado. Más de la mitad puntuó por agotamiento emocional y despersonalización, lo que podría explicarse por un sesgo en la autoevaluación. No hubo asociación entre el grupo/tipo de especialidad y SBO. Este estudio genera nuevos conocimientos que funcionan como un diagnóstico situacional institucional, ayuda a determinar el alcance del problema y alienta a considerar los factores que contribuyen a su origen y mantenimiento.