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.

Surgical and medical management of an oral spindle cell sarcoma in an African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

A 2.5-year-old male African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) presented with an intraoral, soft tissue mass overlying the left mandible. A computed tomography scan and subsequent fine needle aspirate suggested a malignant spindle cell tumour. The tumour was excised with a partial hemimandibulectomy. Histopathology demonstrated an incompletely excised spindle cell sarcoma. The hedgehog underwent adjuvant therapy consisting of intravenous carboplatin and oral lomustine, followed by palliative radiation therapy once tumour recurrence was noted on follow-up surveillance. Radiation therapy was initially successful in decreasing tumour size, but the hedgehog re-presented a month later acutely non-ambulatory paraparetic with a distal right antebrachial mass. Diagnostics including radiographs and fine needle aspirate were consistent with metastatic neoplasia and humane euthanasia was elected.

Geriatric Hedgehogs

African hedgehogs are susceptible to aging changes like those of other small exotic mammals. Common conditions of the geriatric hedgehog include heart disease, chronic renal disease, and dental/periodontal disease. Hedgehogs are unique in that they have an unusually short life span and a propensity for neoplasia. These 2 factors make it especially common for exotic animal practitioners to encounter geriatric hedgehogs affected by one of the many conditions outlined in this article.

Endometrial polyp with chronic endometritis in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atalerix albiventris) – a case report

An African pygmy hedgehog (Atalerix albiventris) (APH) was admitted to the clinic with a history of vaginal bleeding. Examination showed poor clinical status of the patient based on haemogram values. The ultrasound showed an enlarged uterus filled with an anechoic content without the presence of free abdominal fluid. Ovariohysterectomy was performed under general inhalation anaesthesia. Histopathology examination was performed on tissue samples of the uterus with the final diagnosis of an endometrial polyp with endometrial cystic hyperplasia and chronic endometritis. In regard to the diagnostic findings, therapeutic option and postoperative care performed in this case, it is important to emphasize the fact that an early diagnosis of a reproductive disease contributes to proper treatment and a positive outcome. The endometrial polyp with cystic endometrial hyperplasia and chronic endometritis should be added to the list of differential diagnoses in cases where neoplasia of the reproductive system is suspected in an APH.

Spontaneous multicentric soft tissue sarcoma in a captive African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris): case report and literature review

This report describes the clinical, macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a spontaneous multicentric extraskeletal sarcoma in an adult male African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). It also provides a succinct up-to-date review on neoplasia in this species. On autopsy examination, main gross findings included a moderately demarcated cranial mass and a multilobulated, caudal intra-abdominal mass. The cranial mass had perforated the underlying temporal and occipital bones and had extended into the cranial vault and was compressing the surface of the cerebellum and cerebrum. Histologic, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses supported a diagnosis of multicentric poorly differentiated spindle cell sarcoma with fibrosarcomatous, storiform and myxoid foci. The high incidence of neoplasia and cross similarities renders the African hedgehog a suitable species for comparative pathology studies.