Intervertebral Disc Disease in African Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): Four Cases

Abstract

Four, adult, captive, African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) were diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease. Clinical signs associated with intervertebral disc disease were progressive hindlimb ataxia, urinary stasis, loss of proprioception, and lameness. Radiographs on 2 of the cases revealed narrowing of the cervical intervertebral spaces and spondylosis. Histologically, all hedgehogs had several intervertebral discs that were degenerative and protruded dorsally into the vertebral canal, which, in some cases, caused compressive damage to the spinal cord. The clinical signs exhibited by the animals described in this report were similar to the signs of wobbly hedgehog syndrome. Based on this case series, clinical evaluation for disc disease is recommended in hedgehogs with signs of ambulatory dysfunction.

Key words: ataxia, Atelerix albiventris, degenerative, hedgehog, intervertebral disc disease