Primary central nervous system neoplasms in African hedgehogs

Abstract

In this retrospective study, we describe the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical findings in a series of primary central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms in African hedgehogs ( Atelerix albiventris). Twelve CNS neoplasms were found among 762 African hedgehog submissions (1.6%) to a private diagnostic laboratory in an 18-y period. The median age of affected hedgehogs was 3.5 y. No sex predilection was found. Hindlimb paresis, weakness, and ataxia were the most commonly reported clinical signs. Gangliogliomas ( n = 6) and astrocytomas ( n = 5) were the most commonly observed neoplasms; one oligodendroglioma was found. Gangliogliomas were found in the cerebellar white matter (2 of 6), brainstem (4 of 6), cervical spinal cord (1 of 6), and frontal lobe (1 of 6); one metastasized to the tongue. Gangliogliomas were immunoreactive for neurofilament protein (NFP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100, and CD34. All astrocytomas were gemistocytic, located in the cerebrum, and none of these neoplasms metastasized. Astrocytomas were positive for GFAP, S100, and CD34, but negative for NFP. The oligodendroglioma was located in the cerebrum, and was positive for S100, but negative for GFAP and NFP.