Eosinophilic Leukemia in a Pet African Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

Abstract

A 2-year-old, captive, intact female African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was evaluated for nonspecific clinical signs and progressive hind limb ataxia over a 1-month period. Abnormal results from a complete blood count included a mild regenerative anemia and an inflammatory leukogram with a degenerative left shift, toxic changes, and eosinophilia. Serum biochemistry analysis showed increased alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase levels. Whole-body radiograph images of the hedgehog revealed a thin body condition, oligodontia, and ventral lumbosacral spondylosis deformans. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination of the patient indicated that a hyperechoic mass with unknown origin was present in the caudal abdomen and moderate free fluid and a hyperechoic splenic nodule were present. A cytological examination of material collected through a fine needle aspirate of the abdominal mass was suggestive of carcinoma with marked eosinophilic inflammation. Exploratory surgery revealed a right ovarian mass and an abnormal spleen. An ovariohysterectomy and splenectomy were performed. Histopathology of the reproductive tract and spleen revealed an endometrial polyp in the uterus, a granulosa cell tumor in the right ovary, and a large number of immature eosinophils present throughout the spleen, consistent with eosinophilic leukemia. The hedgehog died 2 days following the surgical procedure. A postmortem examination of the patient revealed a mild bicavitary effusion, hepatomegaly, and a stomach ulcer. Histopathological examination of examined tissue indicated neoplastic eosinophils that encompassed 80% of the bone marrow and also infiltrated multiple glands, viscera, and associated blood vessels. The necropsy results supported the previous diagnosis of eosinophilic leukemia. Practitioners should be aware that similar clinical signs may be associated with eosinophilic leukemia in Atelerix albiventris.