Evidence: African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) clinical cases
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered clinical case reports and case series for Atelerix albiventris. The cluster returns 6 representative clinical cases with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each case is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 41180242 (2025, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Case Report: Metastatic renal giant-cell sarcoma in an African pygmy hedgehog (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>).. Abstract (opening): The scientific literature referring to tumors in African pygmy hedgehog (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>) is expanding, enhanced by an increased lifespan under human care. This study compiles the clinical records and pathologic findings in a 2-year and 7-month-old male African pygmy hedgehog (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>) with a metastatic giant-cell renal sarcoma. Metastases to the lungs, retroperitoneum, lymph nodes, pericardium, and mediastinal adipose tissue were observed. Immunohistochemical assessment with a panel of 11 antibodies (cytokeratins [AE1/AE3, CK19, and CK20], vimentin, thyroid transcription factor-1, thyroglobulin, Ki67, Iba-1, S100, synaptophysin, and CD31) was performed, yielding negative immunolabeling in the neoplastic cells. To the author's knowledge, neoplasms arising from the kidney in African pygmy hedgehogs are rarely reported, and a metastatic giant-cell renal sarcoma has not been previously described. This case report aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding neoplasm development and help veterinary specialists with the characterization of the pathologic conditions affecting this species.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41180242/
- PMID 40142467 (2025, Microorganisms) — Global Dermatophyte Infections Linked to Human and Animal Health: A Scoping Review.. Abstract (opening): Dermatophytes are commonly encountered pathogens in clinical practice causing superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. These pathogens are often found on animals such as livestock (e.g., cattle, rabbits) and pets (e.g., cats, hedgehogs) that can lead to spillover infections in human populations. Here, we reviewed published reports (2009-2024) of dermatophyte infections in animals and in humans with a history of animal contact. A literature search was completed in October 2024 using PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and Web of Science (Core Collection), which identified 250 articles. Generally, dermatophytes tend to infect younger animals with long hair and exhibit a species-specific host range. <i>Microsporum canis</i> was the most commonly reported species-linked to cats-that can cause tinea capitis, especially concerning the development of kerion in children. <i>Trichophyton verrucosum</i> is strongly associated with cattle. The <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes</i> complex shows a diverse range of animal hosts, with rabbits being most frequently reported; however, <i>T. mentagrophytes</i> var. <i>erinacei</i> is almost exclusively isolated from hedgehogs, and <i>T. mentagrophytes</i> var. <i>benhamiae</i> is more commonly found on rodents (e.g., guinea pigs). Lastly, the geophilic <i>Nannizia gypsea</i> has been isolated from both dogs and cats. Managing dermatophyte zoonoses is an ongoing challenge, as healthcare providers may empirically treat with corticosteroids or antibacterial agents due to its atypical inflammatory appearance. Evidence of in vitro resistance against griseofulvin and fluconazole has been documented in multiple zoonotic dermatophyte species. Resistance development against terbinafine and itraconazole is also a possibility, although the number of reports is scarce. Under the principles of the One Health approach, research on human fungal diseases should take animal and environmental factors into account. A renewed call for increased testing efforts is warranted.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142467/
- PMID 40427332 (2025, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Hyperglycemia in Pet African Pygmy Hedgehogs (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>): Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Indicators of Severe Hyperglycemia.. Abstract (opening): Hyperglycemia is known to negatively affect various animal species, but data on African pygmy hedgehogs remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of severe hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) in hedgehogs. A retrospective review of medical records from 252 hedgehogs and 579 blood test results collected between 2019 and 2021 was performed. Among the 252 hedgehogs, 28 were identified with severe hyperglycemia, indicating a prevalence of 11.1%. The frequency of hyperglycemic samples among all blood tests was 48.1%, and that of severe hyperglycemia was 11.6%. In hedgehogs with severe hyperglycemia, the mean blood glucose level was 269.1 ± 81.6 mg/dL (range, 186-522), and the mortality rate was 53.6% (15/28). The severity of anorexia on the day of diagnosis was significantly associated with mortality (<i>p</i> = 0.013). Hedgehogs that recovered from hyperglycemia by the next test showed favorable outcomes (<i>p</i> < 0.001). These findings suggest that anorexia severity and early glucose normalization may serve as potential prognostic indicators and provide baseline data for improving the clinical management of hyperglycemia in hedgehogs.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40427332/
- PMID 38807940 (2024, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Case report: Abdominal mesothelioma in <i>Atelerix albiventris</i>.. Abstract (opening): Hedgehogs, as exotic species, are more susceptible to various neoplastic conditions affecting diverse bodily systems, particularly the tegumentary, hemolymphatic, and digestive systems. Among these conditions, epithelial tumors are the most prevalent, followed by round cell tumors and mesenchymal tumors. A striking characteristic is the malignant nature of over 8% of these tumors, leading to a generally unfavorable prognosis. This study aims to present a unique case involving a 2.5 year-old male African pygmy hedgehog in Concepción, Biobío District, Chile, diagnosed with a mesenchymal neoplasia originating from mesothelial cells. The hedgehog presented to the veterinary clinic with acute abdominal pain, prompting ultrasound imaging, and comprehensive cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. During abdominal ultrasound, a mass was observed, and its cytological examination revealed the presence of malignant cells. The histopathological examination unveiled a diffuse mesothelial cell tissue interwoven with abundant fibrous tissue and small cysts containing serous fluid, all enveloped by flattened or cuboidal cells of mesothelial origin. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed the diagnosis, demonstrating positive immunostaining for calretinin and mesothelin markers, corroborating the diagnosis of fibrous malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. This case highlights the complexity of neoplastic conditions in hedgehogs and emphasizes the importance of multimodal diagnostic approaches for accurate identification and understanding of these rare diseases.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38807940/
- PMID 39765582 (2024, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Diagnostic Application of Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an African Pygmy Hedgehog.. Abstract (opening): Neoplastic diseases are common in African pygmy hedgehogs (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>), with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most prevalent oral tumor. Traditional imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) have limitations in accurately defining tumor extent and detecting metastasis. In this study, a hedgehog with a suspected oral tumor underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, revealing a hypermetabolic lesion consistent with SCC and indications of metastatic activity. The lesion was too extensive for a lumpectomy, and suspected metastasis led to the decision for euthanasia due to the impracticability of further treatment. A histopathological examination after autopsy confirmed the diagnosis and metastatic spread, as suggested by PET/CT findings. This is the first case report demonstrating the potential use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in hedgehogs, facilitating the accurate staging and management of oral SCC. Further research is needed to establish PET/CT as a standard diagnostic tool for neoplastic diseases in hedgehogs.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39765582/
- PMID 38751990 (2024, Veterinarni medicina) — Myxofibrosarcoma of the penis in an African pygmy hedgehog (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>) - A clinical case.. Abstract (opening): A 3-year-old, 420 g, intact male African pygmy hedgehog (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>) was presented with a sudden appearance of a mass protruding from its preputium. A detailed physical examination revealed the presence of a polyp-like mass, connected to the mucous membrane of the penis and a second, multilobular mass with a larger base. Both masses were surgically removed. While the histopathological examination of the polyp-like mass revealed only a chronic active inflammatory reaction, the histopathological examination of the multilobular mass revealed a tumorous tissue composed of spindle-shaped cells, irregularly oval or polygonal in some places. Focal tumour cells with a myxoid differentiation were observed in the greater part of this tumour. The stroma was made up of sparse fibrous tissue. The surface epithelium was hyperplastic with ulcerations and necrosis. The tumour was classified as a myxofibrosarcoma. Two weeks post-surgery, the patient did not show any clinical signs of the presented disease. According to our knowledge, this is the first published case of the surgical treatment of penile myxofibrosarcoma in an African pygmy hedgehog.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38751990/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_hedgehog_clinical_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).
License & attribution
Source abstracts / records are Open Access under Creative Commons. Each referenced study is reproduced with attribution under its specific CC license (CC BY / CC BY-NC / CC BY-NC-ND); the exact license variant for each reference is stated on its Europe PMC / PMC record. Original records:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41180242/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142467/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40427332/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38807940/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39765582/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38751990/
Cleaning removal log (2026-08-05, codebuddy)
PMID 41584690 — rule2: Trypanosoma cruzi in a litter of DOGS; different species PMID 39890594 — not-target: Aspergillus/aspergillosis survey in animals (companion/zoo/wildlife); hedgehog not named PMID 40898278 — rule2: intestinal histiocytic sarcoma in COLLARED PECCARY; different species PMID 40218313 — rule2: electrochemotherapy in PEREGRINE FALCON; different species PMID 40530035 — rule2: hepatic lipidosis in AFRICAN PANGOLINS; different species PMID 39239737 — rule2: Trixacarus caviae mange in a PET GUINEA PIG; different species