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Published on: May 26, 2023
Cardiac assessment of African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)
Peter A Black1, Cecilia Marshall, Alice W Seyfried
1Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. black@stlzoo.org
Insights
This study establishes normal cardiac values for African hedgehogs using echocardiograms, ECGs, and radiographs. These reference ranges aid in earlier diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy in these exotic pets.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Comparative Cardiology
- Exotic Animal Health
Background:
- Cardiomyopathy is frequently diagnosed in captive African hedgehogs postmortem.
- Current treatment strategies for hedgehog cardiomyopathy are largely empirical and often unsuccessful.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference cardiac values for captive African hedgehogs.
- To utilize echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), and radiographs for cardiac assessment.
- To provide baseline data for improved diagnosis of cardiac disease in this species.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen healthy adult African hedgehogs were anesthetized with isoflurane.
- Echocardiograms, ECGs, and radiographs were performed on each animal.
- Standard cardiac measurements were taken, and descriptive statistics were calculated.
Main Results:
- Cardiac values were comparable to limited data from other hedgehog species and similar-sized exotic animals.
- Two hedgehogs were excluded from reference value calculations due to significant valvular defects.
- This study presents the first comprehensive cardiac parameters for normal African hedgehogs.
Conclusions:
- The established cardiac parameters provide essential baseline data for African hedgehogs.
- Earlier diagnosis of cardiomyopathy may be possible with these reference values.
- Improved diagnostic capabilities could lead to more effective treatment strategies for cardiac conditions in hedgehogs.
Abstract:
Cardiomyopathy is a common finding in captive African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) at postmortem exam. To date, treatment attempts have been mostly empirical and unrewarding. The objective of this study was to determine reference cardiac values for captive African hedgehogs based on echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), and radiographs. Adult African hedgehogs with no clinical signs of cardiac disease (n = 13) were selected. Each animal was anesthetized with isoflurane via facemask and an echocardiogram, ECG, and radiographs were performed. Standard measurements were taken and the descriptive statistics performed. Values were comparable to limited data available in other hedgehog species and other similar-sized exotic species. Two animals were removed from consideration of reference values due to valvular defects that were considered significant. These data are the first establishing cardiac parameters in normal African hedgehogs using radiographic cardiac measurement, echocardiogram, and ECG. Evaluating animals with possible cardiomyopathy may allow for earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment.
