Primary central nervous system neoplasms in African hedgehogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Comparative Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Primary central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms are rare in exotic animals.
• African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are increasingly popular pets, necessitating an understanding of their potential health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of primary CNS neoplasms in African hedgehogs.
• To identify the most common types and locations of these tumors in this species.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 762 African hedgehog submissions to a private diagnostic laboratory over 18 years.
• Review of clinicopathologic data and immunohistochemical staining for neurofilament protein (NFP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100, and CD34.

Main Results:

• Twelve CNS neoplasms were identified (1.6% prevalence), with a median age of 3.5 years and no sex predilection.
• Gangliogliomas (n=6) and astrocytomas (n=5) were the most common types. Gangliogliomas occurred in various brain and spinal cord locations, with one metastasis.
• Astrocytomas were gemistocytic, exclusively in the cerebrum, and did not metastasize. Immunohistochemistry revealed distinct staining patterns for each tumor type.

Conclusions:

• Gangliogliomas and astrocytomas are the predominant primary CNS neoplasms in African hedgehogs.
• Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical findings aid in the diagnosis and understanding of these tumors in hedgehogs.