Multiple Distinct Neoplasms in a North African Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus)

Abstract

This paper describes the clinical and pathological features of 4 different tumors, located in the integumentary, digestive, and endocrine systems, presenting in a North African hedgehog (Atelerix algirus). A 3.5-year-old female hedgehog was presented with a cutaneous mass on the right flank. The lesion consisted of a well-differentiated dermal mast cell tumor with no recurrence and metastasis after complete surgical excision. Six months later, the hedgehog developed a mass in the left lower jaw, lethargy, anorexia, and progressive weight loss. Clinical and radiographic evaluations revealed swelling, ulceration, displacement, and destruction of subjacent bone tissue, and the animal died 1 month after the onset of clinical signs. At necropsy, 2 neoplasms in the oral cavity (squamous cell carcinoma and histiocytic sarcoma) and multiple myelolipomas in the adrenal glands were detected. Metastasis of the oral squamous cell carcinoma was observed in the lungs. Although neoplasms are frequent in this species, and more than 1 type of tumor in a single individual has been occasionally reported, this is the first description of both myelolipoma and multiple concurrent neoplasms involving various organs and different cellular origins in a hedgehog.