Atelerix Albiventris Research Articles

Síndrome de Wobbly em ouriços (Atelerix albiventris) – revisão de literature e relato de caso

Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are commonly raised as pets, especially in North America. Lately, this costume has extended to South America, Europe and some Asian cities as well. There is therefore need for increased medical knowledge about this species, and its specific diseases. One of the most important illnesses of this species, the so-called Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, is an unkown neurological degenerative disease characterized by unsteady gait. The present work is a literature review and a case report intended to expand the clinician’s knowledge about the increasingly frequent Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome.

Morphometrics of foramen magnum in African four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

The purpose of this study was to examine the morphometry of the foramen magnum of African four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) in Maiduguri. Fourteen hedgehog skulls (7 male and 7 female each) were used for this study. The overall mean value of foramen magnum height and width were 0.51 ± 0.05 cm and 0.64 ± 0.04 cm while occipital condylar and interparacondylar widths were 1.00 ± 0.12 cm and 1.62 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two sexes. The foramen magnum index was 83.4 ± 5.51 cm in males and was significantly higher than 76.3 ± 6.37 cm observed in females. The presences of dorsal notches (occipital dysplasia) were observed, that were of three distinct types. It is envisaged, that the study will provide a valuable database on the anatomy of foramen magnum of hedgehogs in Nigeria for morphological, neurological, zooarchaeological, and comparative anatomical studies.

Isolation and Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Found in Free-Ranging Long-Eared Hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) From Tabriz, Iran

Hedgehogs, in particular the African Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), are gaining acceptance as a companion animal; however, information regarding their normal bacterial flora is limited. Hedgehogs are common and widely distributed in urban and rural areas in Iran. The objectives of this study were to identify the Gram-negative bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of free-ranging long-eared hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) and determine specific antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates. Culture samples were collected from different areas of the GIT, including the small and large intestine, and then submitted for culture. The bacterial sensitivity panel consisted of ampicillin (10MU/g), amoxicillin-clavulanate (30MU/g), cefixime (5MU/g), polymyxin E (10MU/g), ceftriaxone (30MU/g), ciprofloxacin (5MU/g), chloramphenicol (30MU/g), gentamicin (10MU/g), kanamycin (30MU/g), and tetracycline (30MU/g). A total of 58 Gram-negative bacteria, consisting of 8 genera, were isolated from the long-eared hedgehogs including Escherichia coli (34.5%), Proteus (27.5%), Pseudomonas (12%), Shigella (8.7%), Yersinia (6.9%), Salmonella (6.9%), and Klebsiella (3.4%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method showed that 24 isolates (41.3%) exhibited resistance phenotypes to multiple antimicrobial agents. Our results indicate that free-ranging long-eared hedgehogs have primarily a Gram-negative population of bacteria in the GIT.

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium isolates from exotic pet animals in Japan

The Cryptosporidium horse genotype, a zoonotic protozoan parasite first found in a Prezewalski wild horse, has not been found in any other mammal but calves, horses, and humans. Hedgehogs, popular exotic pet animals in Japan, are a reservoir of two zoonotic Cryptosporidum: C. parvum and C. erinacei (previously known as the hedgehog genotype). Recently, after finding Cryptosporidium infection in a four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), we identified the isolate genetically as the Cryptosporidium horse genotype. Its subtype (VIbA13) was the same as that of an isolate from a pet shop employee with severe clinical symptoms, as reported previously from sequencing analysis of the partial Cryptosporidum 60kDa glycoprotein gene sequence. The occurrence of this genotype in hedgehog indicates that the horse genotype has broad host specificity. This report is the first of a study identifying isolates from pet reptiles genetically in Japan. The study identified a new host (Teratoscincus scincus) in C. serpentis lizard genotype by sequencing analysis of partial SSU rRNA and actin genes.

Morphometric studies of some visceral organs and gastrointestinal tract of four-toed african hedgehog (atelerix albiventris)

Abstract Introductions: Morphometric studies were carried out on some visceral organs and gastrointestinal tract of African four-toed hedgehogs found in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Twelve (12) healthy adult hedgehogs, (6 male and 6 females) were used. The overall mean body weight was 239.5±28.3 g, and was statistically not significant (p > 0.05) between the sexes. The absolute (g) and relative (%) values for nearly all the visceral organs measured were consistently higher in the female, but were statistically not significant (p > 0.05) between the sexes. Results: The gastrointestinal tract morphology was simple, and lacks ceca. The overall mean length of the greater curvature of the stomach was 7.42±0.95 cm, with females (8.17±1.14 cm) having significantly higher values (p < 0.05) than (6.67±0.75 cm) observed in the males. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study will be useful in comparative anatomical studies, and as basic research data in varied ield of zoology and veterinary sciences.

A Retrospective Study of the Medical Status on 63 African Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) at the Taipei Zoo From 2003 to 2011

Inbreeding of African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) is considered a problem as breeders try to meet the demands of the pet trade. Most studies of African hedgehogs are concentrated in the USA. This study investigates and compares the life span and medical conditions of captive African hedgehogs at the Taipei Zoo, Taiwan. The medical records of 63 African hedgehogs at the Taipei Zoo from 2003 to 2011 were collected and analyzed statistically for this retrospective study. The mean life span of the 39 deceased hedgehogs in the study was 3.4 ± 1.1 years. The average weight was 401 ± 98g. Female hedgehogs were heavier than males. The primary cause of death in this group of animals was neoplasia (35.9%). Oral squamous cell carcinoma was the most common form of neoplasia diagnosed (35.7%). Hematologic and serum biochemical tests from 9 healthy adults revealed increased alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and albumin values compared with references. Decreased values for alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and creatinine levels were also found. The results of this study may provide a better understanding of African hedgehog health and may help to determine potential management problems.

Mixed Glioma (Oligoastrocytoma) in the Brain of an African Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

This report describes an oligoastrocytoma in the brain of a 3.5-year-old female pet African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) that showed progressive central nervous system signs for 6 months. Microscopical examination of the brain revealed a widely infiltrative, deep-seated glioma within the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, basal nuclei, hippocampus, thalamus, midbrain, pons and the medulla of the cerebellum with extension of neoplastic cells into the cerebral cortex and overlying leptomeninges. Morphological features of the neoplastic cells, together with variable immunohistochemical expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, Olig-2 and Nogo-A, indicated the presence of intermingled astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumour cells with an astrocytic component of approximately 40% consistent with an oligoastrocytoma. The distribution of the tumour is consistent with gliomatosis cerebri.

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.

The placentation of eulipotyphla-reconstructing a morphotype of the Mammalian placenta.

Placentation determines the developmental status of the neonate, which can be considered as the most vulnerable stage in the mammalian life cycle. In this respect, the different evolutionary and ecological adaptations of marsupial and placental mammals have most likely been associated with the different reproductive strategies of the two therian clades. The morphotypes of marsupial and placental neonates, as well as the placental stem species pattern of Marsupialia, have already been reconstructed. To contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of Placentalia, a histological and ultrastructural investigation of the placenta in three representatives of Eulipotyphla, that is, core insectivores, has been carried out in this study. We studied the Musk shrew (Suncus murinus), the four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), and the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis). As a result, a eulipotyphlan placental morphotype consisting of a compact and invasive placenta was reconstructed. This supports the widely accepted hypothesis that the stem lineage of Placentalia is characterized by an invasive, either endothelio- or hemochorial placenta. Evolutionary transformations toward a diffuse, noninvasive placenta occurred in the stem lineages of lower primates and cetartiodactyles and were associated with prolonged gestation and the production of few and highly precocial neonates. Compared to the choriovitelline placenta of Marsupialia, the chorioallantoic placenta of Placentalia allows for a more intimate contact and is associated with more advanced neonates.

Cryptosporidium erinacei n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in hedgehogs

The morphological, biological, and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium hedgehog genotype are described, and the species name Cryptosporidium erinacei n. sp. is proposed to reflect its specificity for hedgehogs under natural and experimental conditions. Oocysts of C. erinacei are morphologically indistinguishable from Cryptosporidium parvum, measuring 4.5–5.8μm (mean=4.9μm)×4.0–4.8μm (mean=4.4μm) with a length to width ratio of 1.13 (1.02–1.35) (n=100). Oocysts of C. erinacei obtained from a naturally infected European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) were infectious for naïve 8-week-old four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris); the prepatent period was 4–5 days post infection (DPI) and the patent period was longer than 20 days. C. erinacei was not infectious for 8-week-old SCID and BALB/c mice (Mus musculus), Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), or golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit rRNA, 60kDa glycoprotein, actin, Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein, thrombospondin-related adhesive protein of Cryptosporidium-1, and heat shock protein 70 gene sequences revealed that C. erinacei is genetically distinct from previously described Cryptosporidium species.

Diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy in a hedgehog

A one-year-old African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was evaluated for severe respiratory distress. Physical examination findings included marked dyspnoea, cyanosis and tachypnoea. Radiographic findings included an enlarged heart and pulmonary oedema, and dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed via echocardiogram. The patient was treated for congestive heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy with furosemide, enalapril, pimobendan and l-carnitine. Within 24 hours of treatment, the pulmonary oedema and cyanosis had resolved. Following discharge, clinical improvement was noted by the owner and echocardiogram confirmed improved fractional shortening. Cardiomyopathy has been reported at post-mortem examination in hedgehogs, but there are no reports of ante-mortem diagnosis and treatment. Performing baseline cardiac assessment in hedgehogs is recommended, and treatment with l-carnitine and pimobendan may improve outcome, as carnitine deficiency is a possible cause of cardiomyopathy in hedgehogs. Successful emergency treatment of congestive heart failure in the hedgehog of this report may be effective for other hedgehogs presented with similar clinical signs.

A different kind of hedgehog pathway: tinea manus due to Trichophyton erinacei transmitted by an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

The unusual case of a 29-year-old woman with tinea manus caused by infection due to Trichophyton erinacei is described. The patient presented with marked erosive inflammation of the entire fifth finger of her right hand. Mycological and genomic diagnostics resulted in identification of T. erinacei as the responsible pathogen, which had been transmitted by a domestic African pygmy hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris. Upon prolonged treatment with topical and systemic antifungal agents skin lesions slowly resolved. This case illustrates that the increasingly popular keeping of extraordinary pets such as hedgehogs may bear the risk of infections with uncommon dermatophytes.

Congestive Heart Failure Due to Endocardiosis of the Mitral Valves in an African Pygmy Hedgehog

A 2.5-year-old male African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented with a 2-week history of lethargy, reduced appetite, and general weakness. Based on the clinical signs and heart valve abnormalities observed during an echocardiography examination, a provisional diagnosis of endocardiosis or endocarditis was made. Immediate therapeutic intervention consisted of furosemide, pimobendan, and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Despite medical treatment, 2 weeks following presentation, the hedgehog’s physical condition deteriorated to the point that euthanasia was recommended for the patient and agreed to by its owner. A postmortem examination was performed and tissue samples submitted for histopathology revealed a final diagnosis of valvular endocardiosis and wobbly hedgehog syndrome.

First report of acariasis by Caparinia tripilis in African hedgehogs, (Atelerix albiventris), in Costa Rica

The African hedgehog is one of the newly imported exotic pets which have been observed with increasing regularity in veterinary clinics in Costa Rica. Despite their popularity, information about their diseases is scarce. Within skin diseases of hedgehogs, mange caused by Caparinia spp. is a common diagnosis in other countries. Two adult African hedgehogs, one male and one female, were brought to a private clinic in Heredia, Costa Rica, with chronic pruritic dermatitis, scabs, nearly complete loss of spines, lethargy, dehydration, and weight loss. During physical exam, deposits of dry seborrhea were taken and processed for diagnosis. Microscopic examination revealed psoroptid mites identified as Caparinia tripilis. This is the first report of the presence of Caparinia tripilis in Costa Rica and, to the authors' knowledge, the rest of Central America.

Efficacy of a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 1% moxidectin against Caparinia tripilis in African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

BackgroundThe efficacy and safety of a combination formulation of 10% imidacloprid + 1.0% moxidectin spot-on (Advocate® for Cats, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany) was tested in 40 African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) naturally infested with Caparinia tripilis.MethodsThe optimal dosage level of the combination for hedgehogs was determined by assigning 20 hedgehogs into three treatment groups (0.1, 0.4 and 1.6 ml/Kg b.w.), and one untreated control group of 5 hedgehogs each. Twenty naturally infested hedgehogs were then randomly assigned to either treatment or control group with 10 animals each, and the number of live mites was counted from 13 body regions on day 0, 3, 9, 16, and 30 after single treatment at the dosage level of 0.1 ml/Kg.ResultsBefore the chemotherapy, the highest density of mite was observed in external ear canals followed by the dorsal and the lowest in the ventral regions of the body surface. The dosage level of 0.1 ml/Kg, which corresponded to the recommended dosage level for cats, containing 10 mg imidacloprid and 1 mg moxidectin was also the optimal dosage level for hedgehogs. No hedgehogs in the treatment group showed live mites from day 3 post treatment. Side effects such as ataxia, depression, nausea, and weight fluctuation were not observed during the whole period of study.ConclusionsThis report suggests that a combination formulation of 0.1 ml/Kg of 10% imidacloprid + 1% moxidectin spot-on for cats is also useful for the control of Caparinia tripilis infestation in hedgehogs.

Splenic Lymphoma with Cerebellar Involvement in an African Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

A 3-year-old female African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented with a progressive history of depression, hyporexia, weight loss, and severe ataxia of the pelvic limbs. The diagnostic blood test results were nonspecific and whole-body radiographs revealed an enlarged spleen. Ultrasonographic images showed splenomegaly with multiple hypoechoic nodules. Based on imaging, an initial diagnosis of a degenerative, vascular, or neoplastic disease was made. Because of a poor prognosis, the owners requested euthanasia and allowed for a pathologic examination of the hedgehog. Histopathologic review of the tissues confirmed that the animal had lymphoma. Lesions were multicentric and involved the spleen, mediastinal lymph node, and central nervous system. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of splenic lymphoma with cerebellar involvement in an African hedgehog.

An Outbreak of Caparinia tripilis in a Colony of African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) from Korea

In February 2010, dermatitis characterized by scale and self-trauma due to puritis was recognized in a group of 22 four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris Wagner, 1841) from a local pet shop in Gwangju, Korea. Microscopic examinations of skin scraping samples showed numerous mites of all developmental stages. Morphologically, pedicels of adult mites were short and unjointed. Tarsal caruncles were bell-shaped on all legs of males while they were absent on legs III and IV of females. Three long setae on the third pair of legs in both sexes were present. Adult males had posterior end of the abdomen with trilobate projection on each side, each lobe with a long seta. Based on these features, the mites were identified as Caparinia tripilis. This is the first report of caparinic mite infestation in hedgehogs from Korea. Identification keys for the family Psoroptidae and the genus Caparinia are provided.

Gastroesophageal Intussusception with Megaesophagus in a Hedgehog (Atelerix Albiventris)

A 220-g, 3-month-old intact male hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was evaluated for a 3-day history of increased respiratory effort, vocalization, and salivation. Survey and positive-contrast radiographs suggested gastroesophageal intussusception and hiatal hernia as possible differential diagnoses. On endoscopic evaluation, a dilated distal esophagus and everted stomach with fluid regurgitation were observed. The intraesophageal portion of the stomach was returned to the normal anatomic position by the introduced endoscopic tip. The hedgehog died after an episode of severe vomiting 2 days after initial presentation. On necropsy, gross findings included megaesophagus and everted gastric cardia into the distal esophagus; the lower esophageal sphincter was located in the normal anatomic position. Histopathologic examination of the esophagus revealed diffuse ulcers with submucosal hemorrhage and severe inflammation, suggestive of reflux esophagitis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of gastroesophageal intussusception with megaesophagus reported in a hedgehog.

Classification of Pasteurella species B as Pasteurella oralis sp. nov.

Pasteurella species B has so far only been reported from the oral cavity of dogs, cats and a ferret. In the present study, information from 15 recent isolates from different sources, including African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), banded mongoose (Mungos mungo), Moholi bushbabies (Galago moholi) and pneumonia of a cat, were compared to five strains investigated previously from bite wounds in humans inflicted by a cat and dog and from gingiva of a cat. rpoB gene sequence comparison showed that 17 isolates, including the reference strain (CCUG 19794(T)), had identical sequences, whereas two were closely related and demonstrated 97.9 and 99.6 % similarity to strain CCUG 19794(T), respectively; the type strain of Pasteurella stomatis was the most closely related strain, with 92.3 % similarity. This is within the mean range (76-100 %) of rpoB gene sequence similarity between species of the same genus within the family Pasteurellaceae. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of four strains selected based on rpoB sequence comparison showed at least 99.7 % similarity between strains of Pasteurella species B, with 96.2 % similarity to the type strain of the closest related species (Pasteurella canis), indicating that Pasteurella species B should have separate species status. Separate species status was also documented when recN sequence comparisons were converted to a genome similarity of 93.7 % within Pasteurella species B and 59.0 % to the type strain of the closest related species (P. canis). Based on analysis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic data, and since most isolates originate from the oral cavities of a diverse group of animals, it is suggested that these bacteria be classified as Pasteurella oralis sp. nov.; the type strain is P683(T) ( = CCUG 19794(T) = CCM 7950(T) = strain 23193(T) = MCCM 00102(T)), obtained from a cat. Previous reports of the type strain have shown ubiquinone-8, demethylmenaquinone-8 and menaquinone-8 as the major quinones. Polyamines in the type strain were reported as diaminopropane, putrescine, cadaverine, sym-norspermidine, spermidine and spermine in a previous investigation, and the major fatty acids of the type strain were reported to be C(16:0), C(16:1)ω7c and C(14:0), with minor amounts of C(18:0) and C(18:1)ω9c. The DNA G+C content of the type strain has been reported to be 40.0 mol%.

Management of an Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma in an African Hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris)

A 5-year-old female African hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris) was presented with a mass on its left caudodorsal flank and progressive lethargy. A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was suggestive of a malignant spindle cell tumor. After the diagnostic test results were obtained, the mass was surgically removed. Histopathological examination of tissue sections from the mass revealed incomplete excision of an extraskeletal osteosarcoma. Approximately 2 months after surgery, the patient suddenly died. Gross examination at necropsy revealed multifocal nodules within the spleen, liver, and lungs. Histopathology of the tissues that contained the multifocal nodules was consistent with metastatic osteosarcoma, originating from the original extraskeletal soft tissue osteosarcoma on the flank. Incidental uterine leiomyoma was also discovered at necropsy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported attempt at surgical treatment of the rarely documented extraskeletal osteosarcoma in a hedgehog.