Surgical and medical management of a uterine spindle cell tumor in an African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

A 5-yr-old female African hedgehog (Ateleris albiventris) presented with hematuria. Vulvar culture results revealed a 4+ growth of Enterococcus sp. and gamma-Streptococcus sp. susceptible to trimethoprim sulfa and enrofloxacin. Ultrasound evaluation of the abdomen revealed an unidentifiable tubular structure in the region of the reproductive tract. An exploratory laparotomy and ovariohysterectomy were performed. Pathologic studies of the uterus showed a uterine spindle cell tumor, uterine endometrial polyp, uterine adenomyosis, and a possible acute infarct resulting in uterine wall necrosis. Hematuria did not reoccur, and the hedgehog lived for another 19 mo until she died from an oral squamous cell carcinoma. To date, this is the first report of a uterine spindle cell tumor in an African hedgehog.     

Prekallikrein deficiency in a dog

A 15-year-old male dog with chronic hematuria was found to have prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Results of plasma coagulation assays indicated a deficiency of prekallikrein, a plasma protein that modulates the rate of activation of factors XI and XII in the intrinsic clotting system. Patients with prekallikrein deficiency rarely have manifestations of hemorrhage. The hematuria was the result of a renal transitional cell carcinoma.     

Capillaria hepatica in a dog and a hedgehog

A liver infection with Capillaria hepatica is described, having been found for the first time in Switzerland in a dog and a hedgehog. After a literature review of cases known among man and animals, we present our own pathological findings. Furthermore, the parasite's life cycle is discussed.     

Neoplasia of the equine urinary bladder as a cause of hematuria

In 6 horses with urinary bladder neoplasms, common clinical findings included a palpable mass in the bladder, anemia, hematuria, and/or proteinuria. Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 4 horses and appears to be the most common bladder tumor in the horse. Single cases of transitional cell carcinoma and fibromatous polyp also were identified. All horses except one were over 10 years of age. In one mare, treatment with 5-fluorouracil intracystically resulted in decreased bleeding from the bladder mass and apparent stabilization of the mass size. The mare ultimately died because of abdominal metastasis. Although rare, neoplasia of the urinary bladder should be considered when evaluating horses with hematuria.     

Persistent Hematuria as a Result of Chronic Renal Hypertension Secondary to Nephritis in a Stallion

A 13-year-old Lusitano stallion was referred to our institution with a history of severe hematuria for 8.5 months. The origin of the hematuria was determined to be the left kidney. The diagnostic workup failed to identify obstructive, infectious, or neoplastic conditions. The history and ultrasonographic examination suggested a chronic condition. The stallion was subjected to left nephrectomy because of the persistent hematuria and anemia. A histopathological examination detected lesions, which were compatible with chronic nephritis and vascular renal hypertension. It is hypothesized that changes in the normal parenchymal architecture produced a vascular aberration that led to renal hypertension, with subsequent blood extravasation and hematuria. The horse recovered completely after nephrectomy.     

Molecular detection of rickettsial agents in ticks and fleas collected from a European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Marseilles, France

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a synanthropic nocturnal insectivore commonly found in the countryside and in the parks and gardens. Because hedgehogs are already involved in the transmission of a number of zoonoses, including salmonellosis and ringworm, we decided to study their possible role in the epidemiology of the spotted fever group of Rickettsia. We collected ticks and fleas from a hedgehog that was captured in the city of Marseilles in France. Using a genus-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis followed by a species-specific qPCR analysis for positive samples, we observed that 91.7% (11/12) of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were positive for Rickettsia massiliae and 99.2% (128/129) of the Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas were positive for Rickettsia felis. Hedgehogs carry infected ectoparasites and then likely ensure the dissemination of spotted fever group Rickettsiae, and their epidemiological role requires further investigation.     

Idiopathic hematuria of unilateral renal origin in a dog

Idiopathic hematuria of unilateral renal origin was diagnosed in a 3-month-old male Weimaraner. The hematuria had been visible grossly for 6 weeks. Extensive clinicopathologic, radiographic, and histologic evaluations localized the source of the hematuria to the right kidney, but could not identify a cause. Nephrectomy of the right kidney resolved the problem. This case report supports a previous article comparing canine idiopathic hematuria of renal origin with benign essential hematuria of human beings.     

Paraneoplastic leukocytosis in a dog with a renal carcinoma

A 7-year-old male German Shepherd dog in poor body condition had a 3-month history of intermittent hematuria. Nonregenerative anemia, mild leukocytosis, marked hypoalbuminemia, and hematuria were observed. Subsequently, marked neutrophilia and moderate monocytosis were noted; anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hematuria persisted; and the dog developed disseminated intravascular coagulation. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen revealed the presence of an enlarged and irregularly shaped right kidney with a large area of cavitation, and a nephrectomy was performed 30 days after initial examination. Cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates and imprints of the right kidney revealed a neoplastic cell population suggestive of renal carcinoma. The histopathologic diagnosis was chromophobic cystic-papillary renal carcinoma. The tumor cells expressed granulocytic/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), detected by immunohistochemical staining, and elaboration of GM-CSF by the tumor may have mediated the leukocytosis in this dog. Following excision of the tumor, neutrophil and monocyte counts were only mildly increased. The dog died 135 days after initial presentation, and a necropsy was not permitted. Paraneoplastic neutrophilic leukocytosis is an uncommon finding and may be caused by elaboration of CSF by neoplastic cells.     

Bilateral Malignant Ovarian Teratoma With Peritoneal Metastasis in a Captive African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

A 675-g, 1.4-year-old, female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was evaluated for progressive abdominal distension of 2 months duration. A large mass within the abdominal cavity was detected by radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. The irregular, multilobulated mass, containing calcified, necrotic, and fatty areas was consistent with fused bilateral ovaries. Cytology of the mass suggested an ovarian adenoma or adenocarcinoma. The hedgehog died approximately 3 months after the initial presentation. Postmortem computed tomography and necropsy examination revealed a large bilaterally fused ovarian mass with peritoneal metastases. Histologically, the masses were composed of a variety of tissues from all 3 germ layers, including immature (embryonic) cells and neoplastic cells in the lymphatic system, which was consistent with malignant ovarian teratomas. This is the first report to describe malignant ovarian teratomas in a hedgehog.     

Lymphosarcoma with urinary bladder infiltration in a horse.

A 9-year-old Thoroughbred mare was examined because of pollakiuria, hematuria, and weight loss of 3 weeks' duration. Physical examination revealed a regular cardiac rhythm with occasional premature contractions, and a soft tissue mass in the pelvic canal palpable per rectum. Microscopic examination of urine sediment revealed numerous RBC and a large population of lymphocytes and lymphoblasts with characteristics of neoplasia. Similar cells were found in peritoneal fluid obtained by abdominocentesis. The horse was euthanatized without treatment. Necropsy revealed a soft tissue mass infiltrating the bladder, vagina, and uterus. Additional masses were found in the sublumbar muscles and myocardium. The histologic diagnosis was lymphosarcoma.     

Persistent hematuria in a dog with renal hemangioma

Persistent hematuria in a neutered male Collie failed to resolve after treatment for adult Dirofilaria immitis. Excretory urography revealed normal opacification and an hourglass-shaped right kidney, with distortion of the renal pelvis and diverticula. After ureteronephrectomy, recovery was uncomplicated, and hematuria ceased 2 weeks after surgery. The middle of the excised kidney had been replaced with blood-filled spaces that were consistent with histopathologic diagnosis of hemangioma.     

Seasonal variations in the diet and food selection of the Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus

The Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus is an insectivorous species. However, the exact composition of its natural diet remains largely undetermined, especially in relation to seasonal variations in food availability. From March to November, we simultaneously analysed the composition of 180 hedgehog faecal samples and food availability in the Soumman Valley, Algeria to assess food selection in this species. The faeces contained 196 different prey species, of which 92% belonged to the class Insecta. The highest prey species diversity was found in the Coleoptera order (100 species recorded) and the highest species occurrence was found in Hymenoptera (65% of the prey items, mainly represented by the harvester ant Messor barbarus, a crop-ravaging species). This study shows that the Algerian hedgehog is mainly a generalist species with a diet that is strongly linked to food availability. However, seasonal variations were observed in prey selection, and a notable shift in food preference was observed during autumn. The exact nature of these changes in feeding behaviour remains to be investigated, notably in relation to changes in energy requirements of this species before hibernation, in terms of quantity and/or quality.     

Spontaneous subcutaneous myxosarcoma in a captive European hedgehog (Erinsceus europaeus).

A surgically excised biopsy representing a subcutaneous mass on the left side of the neck from a 3-year-old female European hedgehog (Erinsceus europaeus) was presented. Spontaneous myxosarcoma was diagnosed based on histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics. The neoplasm grossly consisted of a firm, pale, multilobulated mass with a characteristic clear gelatinous fluid. Histologically, the neoplasm was nonencapsulated and composed of pleomorphic stellate or spindle-shaped vimentin and periodic acid-Schiff-positive cells arranged in loose sheets and occasionally whorls. The neoplastic cells were suspended in Alcian blue-positive stroma and contained infrequent mitotic figures. Evidence of a viral etiology was not detected using electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. This is the first case report of a myxosarcoma in a captive European hedgehog.     

Thyroid c-cell carcinoma in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

A 3-yr-old African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was submitted with dysphagia, weight loss, and tetraparesis. A palpable mass was found on the ventral neck. Histologic examination revealed replacement of the thyroid gland by a highly cellular, expansile, and infiltrative mass composed of lobules of polygonal cells separated by fine fibrovascular septa. Examination of ultrathin sections revealed tumor cells with few to many dense-core neuroendocrine granules, approximately 100-200 nm in diameter, and stromal amyloid. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for neuron-specific enolase. Only rare cells had positive immunohistochemical staining for calcitonin. Findings are consistent with a neuroendocrine tumor of C-cell origin. This is the first report of a C-cell carcinoma in a hedgehog.     

Ocular anomalies and holoprosencephaly in a lamb

The brain and eyes from a 1-day-old, male mixed-breed lamb with bilateral microphthalmia were examined. Bilateral ventral colobomata of choroid, sclera, retina and optic nerve were accompanied by agenesis of the optic nerve, and dilated lateral and third ventricular cavities that communicated with the subarachnoid space. Abundant neuroretinal tissue extending through the colobomatous defect to retro-orbital connective tissue, the meningeal surface and ventricular system were identified by histologic examination. Positive immunolabeling of these structures for recoverin (a photoreceptor marker) established the retinal origin of ectopic structures. The optic nerve was replaced by a short fibrous stalk containing glial nests. Sections of brainstem revealed extensive architectural disorganization. A developmental abnormality resulting from defective optic nerve and retina compartmentalization, accompanied by abnormalities of midline development consistent with the holoprosencephaly syndrome, was diagnosed. These lesions are consistent with signaling defects in the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Genetic and toxic causes of sonic hedgehog signaling defects are discussed.     

Leiomyoma of a kidney in a dog: a rare diagnosis

A five-year-old, neutered male, Bernese Mountain Dog was referred because of a two-week history of hematuria and a one-week history of polydipsia and polyuria. Palpation of the dorsomedial mesogastrium revealed a mass on the left side, which was seen via radiography and ultrasonography to be attached to the left kidney. The left kidney and the attached mass were excised surgically, and the dog had an uneventful recovery. Histological examination of the mass revealed a dense proliferation of non-polymorphic spindle cells, which stained positive for smooth muscle actin via immunohistochemistry. Leiomyoma of the kidney was diagnosed. Postoperatively, there was mild azotaemia, which did not affect the general condition of the dog and was still present 15 months after surgery. Leiomyoma of the kidney is a benign tumor, and hematuria may be the only clinical sign.     

Forelimb amputation for treatment of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor in an African pygmy hedgehog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old female African pygmy hedgehog was evaluated because of a mass of unknown duration on the lateral aspect of the right shoulder region. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was collected for cytologic examination; findings were consistent with a spindle cell tumor. A CBC, plasma biochemical analyses, and whole-body radiography revealed no other abnormalities. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: An initial surgery performed in an attempt to remove the mass with preservation of the limb failed in that tumor-free surgical margins were not obtained. Histologically, the mass was identified as a peripheral nerve sheath tumor (neurofibrosarcoma). A second surgery to amputate the forelimb was successful. After 1 year, there had been no further development of peripheral nerve sheath tumor at this or other sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In African pygmy hedgehogs, potential differential diagnoses for a subcutaneous mass should include peripheral nerve sheath tumor. If necessary, forelimb amputation can be performed successfully in this species with procedures modified from those used in dogs. Information gathered during the treatment and recovery of the hedgehog of this report may assist practicing veterinarians in counseling owners of hedgehogs that are undergoing forelimb amputation with regard to the course of recovery that may be expected following this procedure.     

Macrohematuria and life-threatening anemia attributable to subepithelial vascular ectasia of the urinary bladder in a dog

Hematuria leading to life-threatening anemia was evaluated in a 9-year-old male dog. At surgery, an abnormal vessel resembling an ulcerated varicose vein was found on the surface of the bladder mucosa. After removal of the lesion, hematuria ceased and had not recurred 22 months later.     

Hematuria and a complex congenital heart defect in a newborn foal

A 16-hour-old foal was referred for evaluation of hematuria. A pansystolic heart murmur and left thoracic thrill were detected; laboratory diagnostics and ultrasonography identified a complex congenital heart defect. The diagnosis was confirmed at postmortem.     

Ovarian mixed germ-cell tumor comprising mature teratoma and embryonal carcinoma in a four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

This report describes the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a rare mixed germ-cell tumor comprising teratoma and embryonal carcinoma in the left ovary of a 10-month-old four-toed hedgehog, with chief complaints of loss of appetite and lethargy. Laparotomy revealed a swollen left ovary with small disseminated peritoneal nodules, and bilateral ovariohysterectomy was performed. The left ovary had a mature teratoma with well-differentiated fat, bone, cartilage, salivary gland, trachea, keratin cyst, and nervous tissues, and an embryonal carcinoma consisting of poorly-differentiated epithelial cells arranged in tubular, alveolar, or solid patterns. Immunohistochemically, the embryonal carcinoma cells were positive for placental alkaline phosphatase and c-KIT. This is the first case of mature teratoma with embryonal carcinoma in the ovary of a hedgehog.