Glossitis in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): 7 cases (2003–2023)

Abstract

Background

Oral masses are a common finding in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) under human care and are often diagnosed as neoplastic. Benign oral disease has also been reported, including inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa and gingival hyperplasia. This retrospective study aimed to investigate cases of glossitis in hedgehogs, including signalment, clinical presentation, treatment protocol, and response to treatment.

Methods

Data was collected from three institutions over a 20-year period (October 2003–2023).

Results

A total of 1540 hedgehogs were evaluated during this time frame from all institutions and seven were identified with glossitis (overall prevalence 0.005%). Ages ranged from six months to five years (median 2.27 years), with five male intact, one male castrated, and one female intact animal. Most cases were treated on an emergency basis (6/7, 85.7%), with the most common presenting complaint being oral hemorrhage (5/7, 71.4%). Six cases (85.7%) were either grossly or histopathologically necrotic. Of the five with biopsies performed, all had acute suppurative glossitis, and two had a combination of acute and chronic disease. Treatment protocols with antibiotics and meloxicam were used in 6/7 cases (85.7%), and 4/7 (57.1%) achieved recorded or presumed resolution of clinical signs in two to twelve weeks.

Conclusions

While oral hemorrhage and swelling of the tongue are commonly associated with oral neoplasia in hedgehogs, glossitis with a more favorable outcome should also be included as a differential diagnosis and ruled out with ancillary testing.