Spontaneous proliferative lesions and tumors of the uterus of captive African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

Abstract

Fifteen captive female African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), 3- to 5-yr-old, were diagnosed with proliferative uterine lesions (n = 28). Lesions were associated with vaginal bleeding in all cases, hematuria in 11 of 13 cases, and weight loss in 7 of 12 cases. Lesions were multiple in eight cases and single in seven cases. The lesions identified were 13 adenosarcomas, 7 endometrial stromal sarcomas, 6 endometrial polyps, 1 adenoleiomyosarcoma, and 1 adenoleiomyoma. In one animal with adenosarcoma, peritoneal seeding was detected at the time of hysterectomy. Mean survival time was 303 days (n = 10). Ovariohysterectomy allows prolonged survival of hedgehogs with uterine tumors.

• Authors: Igor Mikaelian, Drury R Reavill, Avian Practice
• Journal: Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (J Zoo Wildl Med) Vol. 35 Issue 2 Pg. 216-20 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 1042-7260 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15305518 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adenosarcoma (diagnosis, surgery, veterinary)
• Animals
• Animals, Zoo
• Female
• Hedgehogs
• Hysterectomy (veterinary)
• Leiomyoma (diagnosis, surgery, veterinary)
• Leiomyosarcoma (diagnosis, surgery, veterinary)
• Ovariectomy (veterinary)
• Polyps (diagnosis, surgery, veterinary)
• Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal (diagnosis, surgery, veterinary)
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Neoplasms (diagnosis, surgery, veterinary)
• Weight Loss