Retrospective study of Spontaneous Tumors in 32 Pet African Pygmy
Hedgehogs, with a Focus on 3 Histiocytic Neoplasms
Eun-Joo Lee1,2 *
1College
of Veterinary Medicine, Department of veterinary pathology,
Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Daegu, 41566, Republic
of Korea.2Brigham Women's Hospital, Department of
Orthopaedics, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Rd., Boston, 02115,
USA.
*Corresponding author:
elee22@bidmc.harvard.edu
Abstract
The number of hedgehogs kept as pets has been increasing worldwide. Tumor
occurrence can vary depending on age, living environment, era, and diet.
Particularly, pet hedgehogs have distinctly different living conditions and
dietary patterns compared to hedgehogs in zoos or wildlife. Previous
retrospective studies and reviews on hedgehog tumors have not systematically
differentiated their environmental origins. This study examines 34 tumors in 32
privately owned African Pygmy hedgehogs, providing a comprehensive analysis of
tumor incidence based on sex, age, malignancy, organ, and location. The research
offers valuable insights for veterinary practitioners. Notably, the study
focuses on three specific histiocytic neoplasms: histiocytoma, malignant
histiocytoma, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. By presenting an updated
report on tumor incidence in privately owned hedgehogs, this research aims to
guide diagnosis and treatment strategies for pathologists and small exotic
animal veterinary practitioners.
To Cite This Article:
Eun-Joo Lee, 2025.
Retrospective study of Spontaneous Tumors in 32 Pet African Pygmy Hedgehogs,
with a Focus on 3 Histiocytic Neoplasms. Pak Vet J, 45(1): 450-453.
http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.139