Establishment of a histiocytic sarcoma cell line and anti-tumor effect of bortezomib in the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is known to have a high incidence of tumor. However, investigating the tumors of this species has been constrained by the limited availability of research materials such as cell lines and genome information. In this study, we successfully established a novel cell line from a histiocytic sarcoma (HS) of an African pygmy hedgehog, allowing us to conduct a drug screening. We investigated using FDA-approved drug library screening to determine which anticancer drug this tumor cell line is sensitive to, and as a result of apoptosis experiments, bortezomib among the three proteasome inhibitors was found to induce cell death of cancer cells by significantly increasing caspase-3 cleavage (P<0.01). Thus, we elucidated that the proteasome inhibitors, particularly bortezomib, exhibit anti-tumor effects on a cell line derived from an HS in an African pygmy hedgehog through a mechanism comparable to that described in human tumors. This study reports the first characterized cell line from the African pygmy hedgehog and also highlights the potential utility of bortezomib as an anti-tumor treatment for HS in this species.

Case report: Abdominal mesothelioma in Atelerix albiventris.

Hedgehogs, as exotic species, are more susceptible to various neoplastic conditions affecting diverse bodily systems, particularly the tegumentary, hemolymphatic, and digestive systems. Among these conditions, epithelial tumors are the most prevalent, followed by round cell tumors and mesenchymal tumors. A striking characteristic is the malignant nature of over 8% of these tumors, leading to a generally unfavorable prognosis. This study aims to present a unique case involving a 2.5 year-old male African pygmy hedgehog in Concepción, Biobío District, Chile, diagnosed with a mesenchymal neoplasia originating from mesothelial cells. The hedgehog presented to the veterinary clinic with acute abdominal pain, prompting ultrasound imaging, and comprehensive cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. During abdominal ultrasound, a mass was observed, and its cytological examination revealed the presence of malignant cells. The histopathological examination unveiled a diffuse mesothelial cell tissue interwoven with abundant fibrous tissue and small cysts containing serous fluid, all enveloped by flattened or cuboidal cells of mesothelial origin. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed the diagnosis, demonstrating positive immunostaining for calretinin and mesothelin markers, corroborating the diagnosis of fibrous malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. This case highlights the complexity of neoplastic conditions in hedgehogs and emphasizes the importance of multimodal diagnostic approaches for accurate identification and understanding of these rare diseases.

African Pygmy Hedgehog Pediatrics.

African pygmy hedgehogs have become a popular pet and are commonly available through breeders and pet stores. Responsible breeding, proper husbandry, and close monitoring of the dam and pups are important for neonatal health. The risk of abandonment or cannibalism is high in this species especially in stressed dams unfamiliar to frequent handling. Hand-rearing hedgehog pups is difficult and cross-fostering is a preferable alternative for abandoned pups when possible. If intervention becomes necessary, heat support, frequent feedings, and physical stimulation to eliminate must be provided.

A case of nerve sheath tumor followed by multicentric high-grade T-cell lymphoma in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

A 3-year-old intact male African pygmy hedgehog was presented at the Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, with a growth on the left side of its abdomen. After clinical examination, the mass was surgically removed, and histopathological findings indicated a nerve sheath tumor. The hedgehog fully recovered after surgery and was euthanized eight months later due to the appearance of multicentric changes in the internal organs. Further necropsy and macroscopic, cytologic, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings revealed that the tumor was a multicentric high-grade T-cell lymphoma. This is an unusual case of an African pygmy hedgehog with two different neoplasms-a nerve sheath tumor followed by lymphoma.

Dermatologic Diseases of Four-Toed Hedgehogs.

Dermatologic diseases are frequently diagnosed in the four-toed hedgehog. Common clinical signs include spine loss, scales and crusts, pruritus, alopecia, and masses. Caparinia tripilis, family Psoroptidae, is the most common mite affecting hedgehogs, and is diagnosed via light microscopy. Dermatophytosis from Trichophyton erinacei infection is a common zoonotic dermatologic disease in pet hedgehogs. Diagnosis is through fungal culture. Neoplasia is another major cause of dermatologic diseases in four-toed hedgehogs. The diagnostic approach typically begins with a fine-needle aspirate but often requires a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.

Histopathological Features of Myxoid Pleomorphic Liposarcoma in an African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix Albiventris).

Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma is characterized by pathological features of both pleomorphic liposarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma, as the name suggests. In this case, a myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was observed in a 5-year-old male African pygmy hedgehog. It consisted of ~60% of the myxoid substance area with proliferating round cells and ~30% of pleomorphic neoplastic cells. The subject presented with extrapulmonary metastasis, but a good prognosis during 6 months of follow-up, which is similar to the characteristics of myxoid liposarcoma. The histopathological features of myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma may reflect the features of either myxoid liposarcoma or pleomorphic liposarcoma depending on the proportion of each histopathological feature. The proportion of the pleomorphic area and the myxoid area may offer information on the prognosis and metastasis of myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, which will be helpful for setting up a treatment plan. Thus, analyzing the proportion of pleomorphic area and myxoid area could be suggested as one of the ways to predict clinical outcomes. In addition to the fact that this is the first case of a myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma in hedgehogs, this case is meaningful, considering the unique histopathological characteristics and rare incidence of myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma that could be important in humans as well.

Pathological Findings in African Pygmy Hedgehogs Admitted into a Portuguese Rehabilitation Center.

Most of the pathologies that affect hedgehogs are diagnosed postmortem; thus, it is essential to share knowledge between clinicians and pathologists in order to recognize predispositions to diseases and to establish adequate diagnostic and therapeutic plans. This study aimed to describe the most relevant postmortem pathological conditions in a group of six rescued African pygmy hedgehogs, performed over a period of four months. Hedgehogs were submitted to necropsy examinations and subsequent histopathological analyses. Microscopically, all the studied hedgehogs revealed alterations in one or more organ systems. Although a significant and diverse number of pathological conditions were obtained, this study focused on less common or more relevant pathologies found in African pygmy hedgehogs-namely, wobbly hedgehog syndrome, squamous cell carcinoma and mast cell tumors. Furthermore, this study constitutes the first report of Mycobacterium spp. in hedgehogs in Portugal, the second report of follicular thyroid carcinoma in an African pygmy hedgehog, the description of a lipoid pneumonia for the first time in this species and a lung adenocarcinoma-a pathology rarely reported in African pygmy hedgehogs.

Comprehensive Surveillance of Virus Infection among Captive African Pygmy Hedgehogs in Japan.

African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are popular exotic pets in Japan, and their breeding numbers have recently increased. Although various diseases have been reported in hedgehogs, including skin, respiratory, neurological, and neoplastic diseases, most of the causes remain unidentified. In this study, we investigated herpesvirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus infections among 150 African pygmy hedgehogs in Japan and evaluated the correlations between virus infection and diseases. A novel herpesvirus named Atelerix albiventris herpesvirus 1 (AAHeV), and African pygmy hedgehog adenovirus 1 (AhAdV-1) were detected in 14 and 3 oral swab samples, respectively. AAHeV infection may be related to neurological clinical signs. Interestingly, no hedgehog with a neoplastic disorder tested positive for AAHeV. Further research is required to determine the pathogenicity and prevalence of the detected viruses.

Disseminated Haemophagocytic Histiocytic Sarcoma in an African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

A 3-year-old intact male African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was found dead shortly after clinical onset of screaming, aerophagia and lethargy. On gross examination, the spleen was dark red and friable, and the liver was markedly enlarged with a prominent lobular pattern and multiple white nodules. Histopathological examination of liver and spleen revealed dense infiltrates of highly pleomorphic neoplastic, round to polyhedral cells with overt erythrophagocytosis. Similar neoplastic cells were found in the sinuses of the abdominal lymph nodes and in blood vessels in the heart, lung, brain and kidneys. Immunolabelling for CD204 confirmed the histiocytic origin of the neoplastic cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a disseminated haemophagocytic histiocytic sarcoma in a hedgehog.

Eosinophilic Leukaemia and Systemic Mycobacterium marinum Infection in an African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

A two-year-old male African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) presented with lethargy and anorexia. Ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations revealed splenomegaly and pneumonia, respectively. Prominent leucocytosis, consisting mainly of large atypical eosinophils, was observed in a peripheral blood smear. Necropsy revealed a black scab on the left hindlimb, which was swollen, an enlarged left inguinal lymph node, firm oedematous lungs, splenomegaly and multiple nodules in the lung, spleen and liver. Histopathologically, infiltration of numerous eosinophils was seen in lung, spleen, liver, kidney, lymph node and adrenal medulla tissues. Necrotizing granulomatous lesions, with intralesional acid-fast bacilli, were found in the lung, spleen, liver, left inguinal lymph node and left hindlimb. Mycobacterium marinum was identified by broad-range polymerase chain reaction targeting of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of systemic M. marinum infection in any mammalian species.

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome with disseminated histiocytic sarcoma and lateral ventricular meningioma in an African pygmy hedgehog.

An 8-mo-old male African pygmy hedgehog was anorectic and ataxic; physical examination revealed tetraparesis and a gangrenous left hindlimb. Analgesic and supportive care were administered, but the animal died 3 d after presentation. Postmortem examination revealed a histiocytic sarcoma in a mesenteric lymph node with metastasis to several organs, multifocal vacuolation in the cerebral and cerebellar white matter, and a meningioma in the left lateral ventricle. We diagnosed wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) with disseminated histiocytic sarcoma and lateral ventricular meningioma. Ventricular meningioma, a rare neoplasm in veterinary and human patients, has not been reported previously in hedgehogs, to our knowledge. The neurologic signs in our case were probably caused by the WHS-related vacuolar lesions and are consistent with those of reported WHS cases. Duration of illness was shorter than is typical of WHS cases, which might be related to the disseminated histiocytic sarcoma. Clinical relevance of the lateral ventricular meningioma was not evident because the ventricular mass was localized and not invasive.

An African pygmy hedgehog adenovirus 1 (AhAdV-1) outbreak in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) colony in Japan.

An African pygmy hedgehog adenovirus 1 (AhAdV-1) outbreak in a colony of 24 African pygmy hedgehogs (APHs) with a case of fatal pneumonia occurred in Japan. Thirteen out of a colony of 15 APHs with respiratory symptoms were diagnosed with AhAdV-1 infection based on the detection of AhAdV-1 genome in throat/nasal swabs and further one APH was diagnosed on isolation of the virus. Five infected APHs died during the outbreak and AhAdV-1 caused severe pneumonia and death in one case. After the outbreak, persistent AhAdV-1 infection was suggested in one surviving APH. AhAdV-1 is a novel adenovirus and is suspected to be an emerging pathogen.

Selected Emerging Diseases of Pet Hedgehogs.

Pet hedgehog medicine and surgery is a rapidly evolving field, with some novel conditions and re-emerging diseases being reported in the literature in recent years. Skin disease and neoplasia are commonly found in African pygmy hedgehogs worldwide. Selected new and emerging diseases occurring in these commonly reported groups are discussed in greater detail, focusing on Caparinia tripilis infestation and brain tumors. This article primarily discusses African pygmy hedgehogs, with some reference to European free-living hedgehogs.

Salmonellosis in Hedgehogs.

African pygmy hedgehogs are popular pets worldwide. The knowledge and understanding of pet hedgehog common veterinary conditions are increasing as new information and research are published; however, there is still much to learn about this fascinating animal. Salmonella is one of the most common zoonoses worldwide and is naturally isolated from the intestinal tract of many animal species, including hedgehogs. This article discusses the cause, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of salmonella infection in hedgehogs, primarily focusing on African pygmy hedgehogs, with some reference to European hedgehogs.

Lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation and validation of immunohistochemical lymphoid markers in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

A 2-year-old female intact African pygmy hedgehog was presented for diagnostic investigation of a 2-month reduction in appetite, with weight loss and recent vomiting. Clinical examination revealed a large, firm mass originating from the left cranial abdomen. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates of the mass, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes revealed a population of pleomorphic round cells, some of which contained variable numbers of round, clear vacuoles, consistent with a diagnosis of lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation. At postmortem examination, there was marked diffuse splenic enlargement, with infiltration by a soft tissue mass. There were multiple coalescing liver masses, kidney pallor, and mesenteric lymph node enlargements. On histologic examination, the spleen, lymph nodes, and masses in the liver were extensively infiltrated by proliferating lymphoid cells that had plasmacytoid and Mott cell differentiation. Cells with Mott cell morphology had an accumulation of periodic acid-Schiff-positive material in cytoplasmic inclusions and were positive for cytoplasmic nucleic acids when stained with methyl green pyronin. In the population of neoplastic lymphoid cells, a majority of cells expressed the transcription factor Pax5, which drives B-cell differentiation, and a minority expressed transcription factor IRF4/MUM-1, which drives plasma cell differentiation, indicating B-cell lymphoma with plasmacytoid differentiation.

The dermatitis by Caparinia tripilis and Microsporum, in african pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) in Romania - first report / Dermatite induzida por Caparinia tripilis e Microsporum em ouriço pigmeu africano (Atelerix albiventris ), na Romênia - primeiro registro

Abstract Investigations were conducted on a case of generalized dermatitis in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), purchased as a pet. Clinical examination revealed restlessness, agitation, itching and scratching, large alopecic areas, skin congestion and thin whitish scabs. Five skin lesions were scraped and the samples were collected for laboratory tests. Microscopy revealed the presence of the mite Caparinia tripilis (Acari: Psoroptidae). A dermatophyte belonging to Microsporum genus was also isolated by culture on specific media. Selamectin spot-on and enilconazole washes were used for treatment, resulting in skin healing and spines growing. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Caparinia tripilis dermatitis in a hedgehog in Romania.

Resumo Foram conduzidas investigações em um caso de dermatite generalizada em um ouriço pigmeu Africano (Atelerix albiventris), comprado como animal de estimação. O exame clínico revelou inquietação, agitação, coceira e arranhadura, grandes áreas alopécicas, congestão da pele e escamas finas e esbranquiçadas. Cinco lesões de pele foram raspadas, e as amostras coletadas para exames laboratoriais. A microscopia revelou a presença do ácaro Caparinia tripilis (Acari: Psoroptidae). Um dermatófito pertencente ao gênero Microsporum também foi isolado por cultura em meio específico. Para o tratamento foram utilizadas aplicação tópica com selamectina e lavagens com enilconazol, resultando na cicatrização da pele e no crescimento dos espinhos. Possivelmente este é o primeiro caso relatado de dermatite por Caparinia tripilis em um ouriço na Romênia.

A retrospective study of disease incidence in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is becoming a popular pet in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of various diseases in African pygmy hedgehogs. We histologically investigated 105 samples from 100 privately-owned pet African pygmy hedgehogs that were submitted to two laboratories (North Lab and Patho Labo) between 2012 and 2017. Tissues submitted for this study were taken from female reproductive organs (33 cases; 31.43%), skin (20 cases; 19.05%), and the oral mucosa (19 cases; 18.1%). The most common histological diagnoses included endometrial stromal nodules identified as benign uterine neoplasia (14 cases; 13.33%); endometrial polyps identified as non-neoplastic polyps (7 cases; 6.67%), gingival hyperplasia and chronic suppurative inflammation in the oral mucosa (11 cases; 10.48%), fibrosarcomas in the skin (8 cases; 7.62%), and mammary tumors (8 cases; 7.62%). In this study, lymphoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma were less common than in the previous reports. The present study revealed the disease prevalence in captive African pygmy hedghogs that were histopathologically examined.

Eosinophilic leukemia in three African pygmy hedgehogs ( Atelerix albiventris) and validation of Luna stain.

Neoplasia is usually encountered in the African pygmy hedgehog at a mean age of 3.5 y, and malignancy is common. Myelogenous leukemias are rarely reported in hedgehogs. We describe 3 cases of eosinophilic leukemia in adult, middle-aged (mean age: 2.3 y) hedgehogs, for which prognosis appears grave. In 1 case, attempted treatment was unsuccessful, and in all 3 cases, the disease course was rapid and all died soon after diagnosis. Blood smear evaluation, along with complete blood count, was critical in making the diagnosis in all cases. Luna stain was validated and used to better visualize eosinophils in cytologic and histologic sections. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of specific granules in hedgehog eosinophils.

The dermatitis by Caparinia tripilis and Microsporum , in african pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) in Romania first report

Abstract Investigations were conducted on a case of generalized dermatitis in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), purchased as a pet. Clinical examination revealed restlessness, agitation, itching and scratching, large alopecic areas, skin congestion and thin whitish scabs. Five skin lesions were scraped and the samples were collected for laboratory tests. Microscopy revealed the presence of the mite Caparinia tripilis (Acari: Psoroptidae). A dermatophyte belonging to Microsporum genus was also isolated by culture on specific media. Selamectin spot-on and enilconazole washes were used for treatment, resulting in skin healing and spines growing. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Caparinia tripilis dermatitis in a hedgehog in Romania.

Resumo Foram conduzidas investigações em um caso de dermatite generalizada em um ouriço pigmeu Africano (Atelerix albiventris), comprado como animal de estimação. O exame clínico revelou inquietação, agitação, coceira e arranhadura, grandes áreas alopécicas, congestão da pele e escamas finas e esbranquiçadas. Cinco lesões de pele foram raspadas, e as amostras coletadas para exames laboratoriais. A microscopia revelou a presença do ácaro Caparinia tripilis (Acari: Psoroptidae). Um dermatófito pertencente ao gênero Microsporum também foi isolado por cultura em meio específico. Para o tratamento foram utilizadas aplicação tópica com selamectina e lavagens com enilconazol, resultando na cicatrização da pele e no crescimento dos espinhos. Possivelmente este é o primeiro caso relatado de dermatite por Caparinia tripilis em um ouriço na Romênia.