Insectivora

Question 1

Which insectivore family has unique hermaphroditic anatomy in females? What is the condition called?

Answer 1

Talpidae family, ovotestes - functional ovarian segment with larger testicular segment that lacks germ cells (ZP21, F834)

Question 2

Insectivores are prone to what anesthetic complications?

Answer 2

prone to hypotheremia, hypoglycemia, and hypoxemia (W33)

Question 3

Which insectivore harbors novel hantavirus?

Answer 3

Shrews (F835)

Question 4

What lesions are associated with Soricimyxum fegati in Soricidae?

Answer 4

Myxosporean infection, xenoma-like formation, primarily in the liver in several species of shrews (ZP21, F834)

Question 5

What has lead to increased gongyloemiasis in captive Soricidae?

Answer 5

mixed exhibits with natural substrates allowing more cockroaches and intermediate hosts to persist (ZP21)

Question 6

OIE reportable RNA virus in hedgehogs?

Answer 6

Picornaviridae, foot and mouth disease (ZP21)

Question 7

What is associated with necrotizing myocarditis in hedgehogs?

Answer 7

Trypanosoma cruzi (ZP21)

Question 8

Most pronounced area of demyelination associated with wobbly hedgehog syndrome?

Answer 8

Cerebellum corona radiata (ZP21, F834)

Question 9

What lesions are associated with wobbly hedgehog syndrome?

Answer 9

vacuolization of white matter in cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, spinal cord; myelin degeneration first (ZP21, F834)

Question 10

Most common noninfectious disease in hedgehogs and tenrecs

Answer 10

neoplasia, most malignant; mammary adenocarcinoma, lymphoma/LSA, oral squamous cell carcinoma most common (ZP21, F834)

Question 11

Cause of nectoziding stomatitis, glossitis in Echinops telfairi?

Answer 11

Herpesvirus (ZP21)

Question 12

What is associated with multicentric skeletal sarcoma in African Hedgehogs?

Answer 12

Retrovirus, similarities to retroviral-induced osteochondromatosis with FeLV in cats (ZP21)

Question 13

Describe the taxonomy of the order Insectivora.

What are the six extant families?

Where are they found throughout the world?

Answer 13

Insectivores (Insectivora, Macroscelidea, Scandentia)

Insectivora:
- Considered most primitive of placental mammals.
- Six extant families:
– Erinaceidae – Hedgehods, gymnures
– Chrysochloridae – Golden moles
– Tenrecidae – Tenrecs
– Solenodontidae – Solenodons
– Soricidae – Shrews
– Talpidae – Moles, shrew moles, desmans
- Extinct – Nesophontidae (West Insian shrew).
- Terrestrial, fossorial, semiaquatic, almost all nocturnal.
- Found worldwide except Aus, Ant, S America.
- Most endangered.

Question 14

Describe the unique anatomy of insectivores.

What adaptations do they have for digging and hunting insects?

What makes their sense of smell so keen?

Where are mechanoreceptros located on their body?

What is their dental formula? What are their teeth like?

What is unique about the forelimb anatomy of talpids?

Do they have a cecum?

Do they have a cloaca?

What is their reproductive anatomy like? Where are the testes located?

What is unique about Talpid reproduction?

Answer 14

Unique Anatomy:
- Small mammals, long, narrow snouts, 5 clawed nonopposable digits on each limb.
- Short, dense fur, short nonbarbed spines, or combination.
- External ears very small if present.
- Small eyes, poor eyesight, some blind without palpebral opening.
- Keen sense of smell.
– Nasal chamber consists of scrolls of bone, enhanced olfaction.
– Talpids have an elongated snout with bumps aka Eimer’s organs.
- Mechanoreceptors.
– I.e. star-nosed mole.
– Solenodons have os proboscis at tip of nose.
– Vibrissae are large in diameter, on snout, ears, tail, feet.

Dental Formula: 3/3, 1/1, 4/4, 3-4/3-4, total 44-48 teeth.
- Upper molars in shrews and moles – dilambodont (W shape).
- Tenrecs, solenodons, golden moles – Zalambdodont (V shape).
- Hedgehog, gymnures – upper molars with 4 main cusps.
- Solenodons and some shrews produce toxic saliva, delivered through deep grooves in lower incisors.

Plantigrade stance.
- Fossorial spp have short, powerful forearms for digging.
- Talpids – falciform bone aka sixth digit, expands palm.
– Radius articulares with humerus in S-shape.
– Forearm permanently rotated out from body.
– Forelimb acts as spade for digging.
- Modified tails can detect ground vibrations.

Skull anatomy.
- Low, flat skull, reduced or absent zygomatic arches.
- Small brain.
- Cerebral hemispheres lack fissures.

All spp except Potamogale spp have a clavicle.
All lack a cecum, many spp have a cloaca.

Male reproductive anatomy.
- Testes abdominal, inguinal, or in sac in front of penis.
- Some spp baculum.

Female reproductive anatomy.
- Talpidae family – some spp have ovotestes, functional ovarian segment and larger testicular segment lacking germ cells.
– Considered true fertile hermaphrodites.

Armored shrews – unique interlocking lateral, dorsal, and ventral vert spines.
- Still very flexible and may bend dorsoventrally and laterally.

Question 15

Describe the unique physiology of insectivores?

What is their metabolism like?

What is the difference between hibernation and torpor? Which species does which?

What is unique about solenodon and moles in their navigation underground?

What is anting? What species does that?

Answer 15

Special Physiology:

Most insectivores have very high metabolic rate.
- Body temp usually lower (33-35 deg C), except Sorex spp.
- Hedgehogs exhibit true hibernation.
- Macroscelididae, Chrysochloridae, Tenrecidae exhibit torpor (hterothermy) daily or seasonally.
- HR, body temp, MR drop significantly.

Solenodons and some mole spp emit high-freq vocalizations that may have an echolocation function for navigation.

Hedgehogs.
- Self-anointing behavior aka anting.
- When irritated, lick the substance until saliva is produced and then vigorously groom quills, function unknown.

Question 16

Insectivore Husbandry

Describe the husbandry requirements of insectivores.

What should their housing look like?

What species do well on exhibits?

What is their normal diet like?

What enzyme facilitates insectivory?

Answer 16

Special Housing Requirements:
- Most nocturnal.
- Fossorial spp spend most time underground.
- Solitary, socialize only during mating and rearing offspring.
- Most successful spp on exhibit – elephant shrews, tree shrews, Af hedgehogs, tenrecs.
- Exhibit should be kept quiet.
- Double glass barriers.
- Nest box essential, minimize disturbance.
- Some will establish latrines and tend to defecate near water.
- Cages should be well ventilated.

Feeding.
- Varied diets.
- Hedgehogs – chitinase in gastric mucosa and pancreas for digestion of exoskeleton of insects.
- High protein (30-50%), moderate fat (10-20%).
- Commercial cat diets, insectivore diets, insects.
- Small amounts of fruit, vegetables, leafy greens.
- Avoid raw meat and eggs.
- Dry food may be beneficial to dental health.
- Fluctuations in appetite depending on species and seasonal changes.
- Transient wt gains may be normal exhibiting heterothermy.

Question 17

Neoplasia is common in insectivores.

What species is it particularly common in?

Answer 17

Neoplasia in hedgehogs, tenrecs common.
- Integumentary, hemolymphatic, digestive, endocrine, reproductive.
- Most are malignant – mammary adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, oral SCC.
- Also reported – plasmacytoma, pancreatic carcinoma, papilloma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, myelogenous leukemia, fibrosarcoma, MCT, amelenotic melanoma, pit adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, renal TCC, hepatic carcinoma, GI adenocarcinoma, thyroid adenoma, adenocarcinoma, multicentric skeletal sarcoma, cutaneous hemangio, uterine leiomyosarcoma, astrocytoma, peripheral neurofibrosarcoma, SQ schwannoma.
- Tx – sx removal, chemo, radiation.
- Most dx late in dz, px poor.

Question 18

Describe the nutritional and degenerative diseases of insectivores.

How species commonly have cardiomyopathies? What sex is overrepresented?

Why is obesity so common in insectivores?

What is wobbly hedgehog syndrome?
- What are the histologic lesions?
- What area of the CNS is most commonly affected?
- What are the suspected etiologies?

How is WHS differentiated from IVDD?

What are some common reproductive diseases of these species?

Answer 18

Nutritional Diseases of Insectivores
- Cardiomyopathies.
– Hedgehogs – incidence may be high (~38% mortality), males overrepresented.
- Obesity.
– Torpor and lack of dietary data on many spp contributes.

Age-related/Degenerative Diseases of Insectivores.
- Wobbly hedgehog syndrome WHS.
– African and European hedgehogs.
– Progressive neuro signs, ataxia, paresis.
– < 2 yo, may survive for a while with CS but is ultimately fatal.
– Pronounced neurogenic muscle atrophy.
– Histo – myelin degeneration, degeneration and loss of axons, necrosis.
– Corona radiate of cerebrum often most pronounced area of demyelination.
– Degeneration is NOT seen in dorsal rootlets, spinal ganglia, or peripheral ganglia, peripheral nerves unaffected.
– Many etiologies proposed – nutritional, genetic, infectious, neoplastic.
– Strong familial correlation in African hedgehogs suggests hereditary component.

Differentiate WHS from IVDD.
- Lameness progressing to loss of proprioception and ataxia in hind limbs, urinary tract dysfunction.
- Narrowed cervical and lumbar disc spaces and spondylosis on rads.
- Dorsal extrusion of annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal.
- FCE may also be present.

Chronic renal disease.
- Nephrotoxic drugs, excessive dietary protein levels, dehydration may contribute.

Reproductive disease i.e. pyometra, stillbirths, maternal neglect, etc in Lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrecs in a breeding colonry.
- Endometrial polyps in African hedgehogs, differentiate from stromal neoplasms.

Question 19

Describe the infectious diseases of insectivores.

What are the two herpesviruses that affect insectivores?
- What species are affected?
- What are the lesions?

European hedgehods are vectors of what important disease?
- What are the lesions?
- What other insectivores may be affected?

What are the lesions associated with Trypanosoma in hedgehogs?

Answer 19

DNA Viruses:
- Herpesvirus suspected in large colony of lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrecs.
– Stomatitis, glossitis resolved with supportive care.
– Novel tenrec gamma herpesvirus identified on oral lesion PCR.
– Oral swabs from all tenrecs in the collection subsequently tested positive, suggesting this as a potential commensal herpesvirus.
- Alpha-herpesvirus reported as a cause of death in an Af hedgehog with multifocal hepatic necrosis, intranuclear inclusions within hepatocytes, and syncytia.
- PCR – herpes simplex 1.

RNA Viruses: Foot and mouth disease.
- Aphthovirus spp in family picornaviridae.
- OIE reportable disease.
- Experimentally passed between European hedgehogs and from hedgehogs to cattle.
- Vesicular lesions on feet, snout, lips, tongue, perineum.
- May be systemically ill.
- Dx with PCR.
- Only armadillos and the eastern tree hyrax carry foot and mouth disease, and then only under experimental conditions.

Trypansoma cruzi – hedgehogs and armadillos.
- Granulomatous and necrotizing myocarditis.
- ID on blood smears.

Ectoparasites.
- Mites and lice appear significant in quilled animals i.e. tenrec and hedgehog.

Question 20

A recent study investigated the prevalence of Listeria in wild European Hedgehogs.

What is the scientific name of European hedgehogs?

What clinical signs are common in listeriosis?

How common was listeria in this study?

Answer 20

Hydeskov, H. B., Amar, C. F., Fernandez, J. R. R., John, S. K., Macgregor, S. K., Cunningham, A. A., & Lawson, B. (2019).
Listeria monocytogenes infection of free-living western european hedgehogs (erinaceus europaeus).
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 50(1), 183-189.

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium that causes disease in a wide range of species. Infection with this pathogen is most frequently diagnosed in ruminant livestock, but is also known to infect people and occasionally wildlife. Postmortem examinations of Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Great Britain (2011–2017) identified five (5/266, 2%, 95% confidence interval: 0.8–4.3%) animals with L. monocytogenes infection. The L. monocytogenes isolates comprised three serogroup 1/2a and two serogroup 4 from three multilocus sequence types (2, 37, and 121), all of which were different by single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis, indicating they were distinct and epidemiologically unrelated. These findings are consistent with hedgehogs contracting sporadic infection from the environment, perhaps through eating soil-dwelling invertebrates. Examination of data from scanning surveillance programs focused on other British wildlife species indicates that the hedgehog is one of the wildlife species from which L. monocytogenes has been most frequently identified to date in Great Britain. However, further studies of multiple taxa with comparable sampling efforts are required to assess the relative frequency of L. monocytogenes infection in different wildlife species. The bacterium was isolated from extraintestinal sites in multiple hedgehogs, which may indicate septicemia. However, histological examination was limited and could not discriminate subclinical infection from disease (i.e., listeriosis). Although L. monocytogenes is a zoonotic pathogen, disease in people is typically contracted from the ingestion of contaminated foods. The risk to immunocompetent people of contracting listeriosis from hedgehogs is considered very low to negligible.

Key Points
- Listeria monocytogenes = Gram-positive rod to coccobacillus
– Causative agent of listeriosis
– Primarily a concern of livestock, but can affect all mammals
– CS consistent across mammalian spp: septicemia, encephalitis, and abortion
Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) focus

L. monocytogenes isolated from 5/266 hedgehogs (no sex/age preference)
- Majority pure colonies
- ⅗ observed prior to death, CS included lethargy and/or acting abnormally (e.g., active during the day)
- ⅘ rural, ⅕ suburban area
- Concurrent disease considered sufficient to contribute to COD in ⅘ hedgehogs
- WGS identified L. monocytogenes serogroup 1/2a, MLST 37 from ⅖ hedgehogs, serogroup 1/2a, MLST 121 from ⅕, and serogroup 4, MLST 2 from ⅖ hedgehogs
- Epidemiologically unrelated
- Meaningful histopathological interpretation precluded for most infected animals because of autolysis and/or freeze–thaw artifact → not possible to assess whether L. monocytogenes was causing listeriosis
- Bacteria present in extraintestinal sites in all cases, could indicate dissemination and septicemic listeriosis (most common disease presentation in small mammals)
- Could be subclinical carriers
- Coinfections in all hedgehogs could have been COD without finding L. monocytogenes
- Could have also predisposed animals to infection with bacteria (more common in immunosuppressed individuals)
- Recommend wearing appropriate PPE when handling hedgehogs, risk of listeria contraction low but still possible

Takeaways:
- L. monocytogenes found in 5/266 hedgehogs, not a high prevalence but one of the higher prevalence observed in england to date
- Cannot comment on whether Listeriosis was present, or just bacteria presence

Question 21

A recent case series described osteosarcoma in African hedgehogs.

What is the scientific name of this species?

What is the prevalence of neoplasia in Hedgehogs? What is the malignancy rate?

What is the most common subtype of osteosarcoma in hedgehogs?

What is the behavior of these neoplasms?

Is the axial or appendicular skeleton more commonly affected in this species?

Answer 21

Reyes-Matute, A., Méndez-Bernal, A., & Ramos-Garduño, L. A. (2017).
Osteosarcoma in african hedgehogs (atelerix albiventris): five cases.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 48(2), 453-460.

Abstract: Osteosarcomas are unusual neoplasms in African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) and have been reported in extraskeletal and skeletal locations, including mandible, ribs, and vertebra. Five hedgehogs with osteosarcoma submitted to the Pathology Department at Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, National Autonomous University of Mexico are reported. In two cases, the neoplasm arose from the skull; one case arose from the ribs with associated compression of the thoracic and abdominal cavity, and another case involved the vertebrae. In the last case, the neoplasm arose from the scapula. Histologic lesions were similar in all cases and consisted of well-demarcated nodules in which neoplastic cells were arranged in sheets of polyhedral to spindle-shaped cells with interspersed areas of necrosis. Numerous trabeculae of osteoid were present throughout the tumors. No metastases were detected. The predominant histologic pattern was osteoblastic, but a telangiectatic-like pattern was observed in the vertebral osteosarcoma. Electron microscopy was performed in two cases, and malignant osteoblasts had features consistent with descriptions in other species, including deposits of hydroxyapatite in osteoid. According to these cases and previously published data, axial osteosarcomas are more frequent in contrast to appendicular osteosarcomas in African hedgehogs, and metastases are rare.

African hedgehogs - strong predisposition to developing neoplasia
- One of the main causes of mortality in this species
- Prevalence of neoplasia has ranged from 29-51.5%
- Up to 85% are malignant and often poor prognosis
- Average age of presentation is 3.5 yr
- No sex predilection
- Integument, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, hemolymphatic systems most commonly affected
- Osteosarcoma unusual in hedgehogs - reported in skeletal and extraskeletal locations
- One case of retroviral associated sarcoma

Osteosarcoma
- Sparsely reported in hedgehogs
- Subclassified according to predominant histologic pattern into 6 categories:
– Poorly differentiated
– Osteoblastic 🡪 cases 1-3, 5
– Chondroblastic
– Fibroblastic
– Telangiectatic - case 4
– Giant cell rich
- Osteoblastic - most common subtype (in dogs and in this case series)
- Osteosarcoma behavior in African hedgehogs similar to feline osteosarcomas
– Metastasis less common - only 5–10 % are reported to metastasize
- Axial osteosarcomas seem to be more prevalent in African hedgehogs
- Ultrastructural features similar to other species
- No viral particles detected in these cases
- Treatment – surgical excision recommended in hedgehogs

Question 22

A recent study described the standardization of neurologic examinations in African pygmy hedgehogs.

What is the scientific name of this species?

What is Wobbly Hedgehog syndrome?
- What are the typical clinical signs?
- What are the histologic lesions?
- What are important differentials to consider?

What was the hedgehog menace response?
- What zoological companion species lack a menace?

How were limb withdrawal reflexes analyzed?

What was the recommendation for detailed evaluation of their neurologic responses?

Answer 22

Neurologic examination of healthy adult African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)
JAVMA 2021 258 971–976
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE To describe a modified approach to neurologic examination of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).
ANIMALS 12 adult hedgehogs (7 males and 5 females).
PROCEDURES Aspects of the standard neurologic examination of dogs and cats were evaluated for use with awake hedgehogs, and modified approaches to evaluating their normal behavior and mentation, select cranial nerves and reflexes, and gait were then identified. Behavioral analysis and gait analysis were performed by using video recordings of hedgehogs in a novel environment. Performability and repeatability of all feasible aspects of the neurologic examination were assessed.
RESULTS Most aspects of the standard neurologic examination could be successfully performed, with repeatable results. However, certain aspects, especially those evaluating the pelvic limbs, were more difficult to perform successfully or were less repeatable. All hedgehogs lacked a menace response but displayed a contraction of the frontodorsalis muscle. Facial sensation testing was unreliable.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The entire standard neurologic examination could not be performed in hedgehogs. However, many aspects could be performed, and together they provided baseline data for neurologic examination of this species.

Summary:
- Neurologic disease - common in pet African pygmy hedgehogs
- Wobbly hedgehog syndrome
– progressive neurologic disease affecting young hedgehogs
– diffuse vacuolization of the CNS white matter
– CS - gait abnormalities or proprioceptive deficits, may progress to severe signs, such as ascending paralysis, self-mutilation, head tilt, circling, dysphagia, weight loss, and tremors
– no effective treatment
– diagnosis confirmed through postmortem examination
– ddx – IVDD and primary CNS neoplasia

objective: develop a standardized approach to the neurologic examination of hedgehogs

Results/discussion
- Facial sensation inconsistent in most
- withdrawal repeatability low for most
- assessment of spinal reflexes and postural reactions of pelvic limbs was challenging
– hopping with pelvic limbs - most difficult, least repeatable postural reaction to assess
– more time and patience were required to perform many of the assessments
– hedgehogs ambulated in crouched body position with proximal portions of their thoracic and pelvic limbs hidden within the mantle
- normal mentation extrapolated from adoption of defensive posture with stimulation and demonstration of normal exploratory behavior
- Menace absent in all but most contracted frontodorsalis muscle when faces were approached
– Species without menace - ferrets, chinchillas, rabbits
– frontodorsalis contraction - likely a cortically mediated defensive response against a perceived ocular insult
- evaluation of the spinal reflexes was limited in hedgehogs
– limb withdrawal reflexes could be assessed, especially as hedgehogs began to right themselves from dorsal recumbency on a support (roll of tape)
– recommend initally testing proprioception indirectly, with placement of each animal on raised platforms or on platform with a small set of steps, with observation in real time and later through review of video recordings
– hopping test can then be performed by holding it at the border of its mantle and ventrum if temperament allows

Question 23

A recent study described obstetrical and postpartum complications in lesser Madagascar tenrecs.

What is the scientific name of this species?

What type of uterus and placentation do they have?
- What other species have this same reproductive anatomy?

What were some of the most common complications noted in this study?

How were these complications managed?

Answer 23

Obstetrical and postpartum complications in lesser Madagascar tenrec: four cases
JZWM: 48(2): 440-445
Authors: Kimberly Thompson (Dipl ACVPM), Dalen Agnew (Dipl ACVPM), Sally Nofs, and Tara Harrison (Dipl. ACZM, ECZM, ACVPM) and Scott Harrison

Abstract: Currently, little is known about diseases and health concerns in tenrecs, family Tenrecidae. During the past 10 yr of breeding lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi) at a single zoological institution, a diverse range of obstetric and postpartum complications have been observed: pyometra, metritis, retained fetal membranes, retained fetus, perinatal mortality, and maternal neglect with subsequent successful hand-rearing of neonates. Treatment of these problems is complicated in tenrecs because of their small size and secretive behavior. Some of the cases reported in this article had successful resolution by ovariohysterectomy or cesarean section. The four cases described in this report overall help to disseminate options and outcomes for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of obstetric and postpartum complications in this small, secretive, nondomestic species.

Basics:
- The most commonly reported disease in tenrecs is neoplasia.
- Tenrecs are considered seasonal breeders, with breeding typically beginning after completion of torpor.
- Tenrecs have a bicornuate uterus with hemochorial placentation.
– Same classification as vampire bats, primates, humans, rabbits, hedgehogs, and many rodents
- Tenrecs have a cloaca, which is a very rare trait in placental mammals.
- Their gestation period has a mean of 67.5 days and a wide range of 50–79 days, which can further complicate the diagnosis of dystocia in a tenrec.

Details:
- This report describes the obstetric and postpartum complications observed in four tenrecs at a single zoologic institution: pyometra, metritis, retained fetal membranes (RFM), retained fetus (dystocia), perinatal mortality, and maternal neglect with subsequent hand-rearing of neonates.
- Evaluation of the uterus requires a high-frequency probe (e.g.,13 MHz) with a small footprint (linear) and a high-quality ultrasound.
- Because of the small size of these animals, hemoclips and ophthalmic microsurgical instruments were vital to the success of the surgeries.
- Retention of the placenta for 8–48 hr postpartum, depending on the species, is defined as RFM. Tenrecs may be able to mask the clinical signs of RFM-induced pyometra for extended periods compared with other species.
- Case 3 had RFM for 6 wk before decompensation in condition and subsequent OVH.

Take Home:
- Diagnosis, treatment, and management of these complications presented many challenges because of their small size but can be successful.
- Dystocia or RFM should be suspected in tenrecs that have a history of breeding and present with vaginal discharge and lethargy.
- Tenrecs may be able to mask signs of systemic disease due to RFM longer than other species, but they eventually develop complications such as pyometra.

Question 24

A recent study described the morbidity and mortality of lesser hedgehog tenrecs.

What is the scientific name of this species?

What was the most common cause of death in this species?

What was their typical lifespan?

What was the most commonly reported neoplasia?

Answer 24

Evaluation of husbandry and mortality in lesser hedgehog tenrecs
JZWM: 48(2): 440-445
Authors: Tara M. Harrison (Dipl. ACZM, ECZM, ACVPM) and Scott Harrison

Abstract: Causes of morbidity and mortality for various species of tenrecs have not been widely published, aside from several reports of neoplasia, and these data are crucial for advancing objectives for preventive medicine, diagnosis, and treatment. A survey on husbandry, morbidity, and mortality of lesser hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi) in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions was conducted. Out of 32 institutions, 20 responded with data for 98 living and 93 dead animals. The most common causes of mortality among the dead animals were neoplasia (24%), hepatic lipidosis (11%), septicemia (8.6%), pneumonia (8.6%), cardiomyopathy (7.5%), renal disease (6.5%), osteomyelitis (3.2%), and trauma (3.2%). There was no statistically significant correlation between sex and neoplasia. Data about educational usage were specifically provided by survey respondents for 50 of the tenrecs, with only 42% being excluded from educational programming. Tenrecs are common to many AZA institutions as both educational and exhibit animals, and this study provides a helpful reference for expected health problems and highlights the need for future investments into medical diagnosis and treatment for these animals.

Basics:
- Lesser hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi) are small insectivores from the family Tenrecidae and are native to Madagascar
- In captivity in North America, tenrecs tend to go into torpor in late fall and early winter.
- SSP recommends for lesser hedgehog tenrecs to receive primarily an insectivore pelleted diet, as well as insects and produce.

Details:
- The mean age of death from all causes was 7.7yr old.
- The mean age of death of sexually mature animals (>6 mo of age) was 9.2 yr old.
- A greater life expectancy was found for males.
- Longer than African pygmy hedgehogs which have a mean life expectancy of 4-6 years.
- The most common substrate used in housing the tenrecs was newspaper (39%).
– Wood shavings and wood mulch were the next most common.
- 85% of animals went into some type of torpor.
– The length of torpor most frequently reported was 2–4 mo (75%).
- The most common categories of diet were cat food (fed to 52% of tenrecs) and various worms or insects (fed to 52% of tenrecs).
– Other dietary sources of food were fruits and vegetables (fed to 36% of tenrecs) and dog food.
- The most commonly reported specific cause of death was neoplasia (11%).
– Other causes of death that were reported were hepatic lipidosis (9.7%), bacterial infection (8.6%), cardiomyopathy (7.5%), and renal disease (6.5%).
- The most commonly reported type of neoplasia was carcinoma.
– Tumors were most commonly located in the liver (18%) and the thyroid (15%), with the next most common location being the abdominal cavity (10%).
– Treatment of neoplasia in the tenrecs was found to be successful for an average of 5–6 mo, with a range of up to 13 mo.

Take Home:
- This is the first overall review of husbandry, morbidity, and mortality in captive lesser hedgehog
tenrecs.
- Neoplasia was found as a common cause of death in lesser hedgehog tenrecs, but the age and site for which neoplasia develops in lesser hedgehog tenrecs is typically different from African pygmy hedgehogs.

Question 25

A recent study described the efficacy of SC buprenorphine in African pygmy hedgehogs.

What is the scientific name of this species?

Describe the typical pharmacodynamic action of buprenorphine.

What doses were used in this study?

How was hind limb thermal withdrawal latency affected?

What is the suggested dosing interval for buprenorphine in hedgehogs?

Answer 25

Antinociceptive efficacy and safety of subcutaneous buprenorphine hydrochloride administration in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)
JAVMA: 257(6): 618-623

OBJECTIVE To evaluate antinociceptive efficacy and safety of SC buprenorphine hydrochloride administration in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).
ANIMALS 12 healthy adult hedgehogs (7 males and 5 females).
PROCEDURES 3 crossover experimental trials were performed. In the first trial, all 12 hedgehogs were given single SC injections of buprenorphine (0.01 mg/kg [0.0045 mg/lb]), buprenorphine (0.03 mg/kg [0.014 mg/lb]), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.16 mL/kg [0.073 mL/lb]), and sedation and hind limb thermal withdrawal latency were measured. In the second trial, 6 hedgehogs were given single SC injections of buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg [0.023 mg/ lb]) or saline solution (0.16 mL/kg), and sedation and withdrawal latency were evaluated. In the third trial, 10 hedgehogs were given 3 doses of buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg, SC, q 24 h) or saline solution (0.16 mL/kg, SC, q 24 h), and food intake and body weight were measured for 6 days.
RESULTS For all 3 experimental trials, the sedation score was 0 for all hedgehogs at all assessment times. A single 0.01-mg/kg dose of buprenorphine significantly increased thermal withdrawal latency for 36 hours, and single 0.03- and 0.05-mg/kg doses significantly increased latencies for 48 hours. Increased locomotor activity was noted in a few hedgehogs after administration of the 0.03- and 0.05-mg/kg doses. Daily administration of buprenorphine did not have significant effects on food intake or body weight.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE SC administration of buprenorphine at single doses of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 mg/kg provided safe, long-lasting antinociception in African pygmy hedgehogs without apparent sedative effects.

Basics:
- Buprenorphine is a potent, partial μ-opioid receptor agonist. It has a relatively longer onset and duration of action than other opioids, is considered nonsedating, and has few adverse effects.
- Currently recommended dosages for buprenorphine in hedgehogs range from 0.01 to 0.5 mg/kg (0.0045 to 0.23 mg/lb) with a recommended dosing frequency of 6 to 12 hours

Details:
- In the first trial, the change in hind limb thermal withdrawal latency was significantly higher 4 and 36 hours after injection when hedgehogs were given buprenorphine at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg and 4, 36, and 48 hours after injection when hedgehogs were given buprenorphine at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg, compared with control.
- In the second trial, hind limb thermal withdrawal latency was significantly higher from 0.5 to 48 hours after injection of buprenorphine at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg, compared with control.
- The magnitude of hind limb thermal withdrawal latencies was greater following administration of buprenorphine at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg than after administration of buprenorphine at a dose of 0.01 or 0.03 mg/kg.
- For all 3 experimental trials, the sedation score was 0 for all hedgehogs at all assessment times.
- In the multidose trial involving administration of 3 doses of buprenorphine there were no significant differences in food intake or body weight either within or between treatments.
- Increased locomotor activity was seen in several hedgehogs in the present study following administration of buprenorphine at a dose of 0.03 or 0.05 mg/ kg.

Take Home:
- Results of the present study indicated that in African pygmy hedgehogs, SC administration of buprenorphine at doses ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 mg/kg resulted in long-lasting antinociception and did not produce sedation.
- Additionally, administration of buprenorphine at a dosage of 0.05 mg/kg every 24 hours for 3 days had no significant effect on food intake or body weight.
- Increased locomotor activity was noted in some hedgehogs following buprenorphine administration.

Question 26

A recent study described th breeding and neonatal rearing practices of lesser Hedgehog tenrecs.

What is the scientific name of this species?

Describe their natural history?

How long is gestation?
- What are signs of impending parturition?
- What type of placentation do they have?

How do they rear their young?
- Are young altricial or precocial?
- How long is parental investment provided?
- What is the most common cause of death in young tenrecs?

Medical Care
- What are some of the complications associated with pregnancy in this species?
- How common are these complications?
- How well do pups do after C-section?

Answer 26

Houck, E., & Harrison, T. (2021).
Breeding and neonatal rearing practices and challenges in lesser hedgehog tenrecs (echinops telfairi) in north american zoos.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 52(1), 315-319.

Abstract: The unique reproductive and energetic features of lesser hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi) have been intensively studied in the field and within laboratory settings, but information on their propagation in zoological settings is limited. Based on a survey sent to zoological institutions currently housing reproductively active lesser hedgehog tenrecs in North America, this study reports on husbandry, veterinary practices, and demographics of reproducing lesser hedgehog tenrecs and their offspring. All 14 zoological institutions in the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec Species Survival Plan who bred tenrecs within the last 12 years responded to the online survey. Provision of a nest box, nesting material, and a diet consisting of a commercial insectivore diet, insects, and produce was found in the majority of institutions, in addition to the practice of separating the breeding male and female before parturition. From the 24 dams representing 39 pregnancies and 158 young included in this study, the median calculated litter size was four young per litter. The median age of primiparity was 2.25 yr, and the oldest female to reproduce successfully was 10 yr old. The young had an overall rate of survival to weaning of 83%. A maternal complication rate of 26% and maternal mortality rate of 5% highlights the importance of veterinary care in periparturient dams, especially for detection and treatment of dystocia. These data provide guidance to zoological institutions breeding lesser hedgehog tenrecs.

Key Points:
- Lesser hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi) – Nocturnal, semiarboreal, xenophytic spiny forests of western Madagascar.
- Key annual features of their life cycle include torpor (3-5 mos), during dry season and mating soon after emergence from torpor.
- Gestation ~70 days, significant interindividual variability. Four weeks before parturition nipples enlarge. One week before parturition, female builds nest lined with grass and leaves.
- Perineal swelling up to 5 days prepartum. Parturition during the day.
- Discoid with secondary circumferential hemochorial placentation with hemophagous regions. Enables transfer of material immunity and iron to the fetus.
- Altricial young, develop rapidly. Can be independently functional and weaned by 30 days.
- Maternal investment continues for ~90 days, young reach sexual maturity by 7 mos.
- Most institutions housed dams alone when not in breeding season, based on aggression few weeks before expected parturition and within 2-3 wk of introduction.
- Feeding included commercial diet formulated for insectivores, insects, produce. Cat food, dog food, egg yolks.
- Repro related morbidity in 10 individuals – Dystocia, presumed eclampsia (i.e. seizure resolving with calcium gluconate and dextrose supplementation), postpartum metritis, pyometra.
- Primiparous females represented the majority of dystocias.
- ~50% of young that were removed by C section survived to weaning.
- Majority of neonates reared by mothers, although two institutions hand reared or assisted ill or maternally neglected individuals. Cannibalism of young was the vast majority of deaths in young born alive that did not survive to weaning. Majority survived to weaning.
- Veterinarians should closely monitor dams nearing parturition for signs including lethargy, straining, failure of progression of labor, and abnormal cloacal discharge.
- Imaging can assist in assessing fetal numbers and status.
- C section has successfully managed dystocia and should be considered within 24h if birthing does not progress or with clinical signs of complications.
- Appropriate planes of nutrition and calcium should be provided to dams during pregnancy and lactation especially.

Takeaway: High rate of maternal complications (25%) reported. Dystocia can be managed by C section.