The importance of elective ovariohysterectomy and progesterone level in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

As the number of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) that suffer from neoplasia grows, so does the need to broaden the knowledge of this species pathology, as well as prevention, diagnostics and treatment options. Uterine tumors are one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplastic changes in these animals, but no recommen- dations regarding elective ovariohysterectomy have been set. This study aims to examine the possible connection between progesterone level and the presence of neoplastic changes to the female reproductive tract. In this study, females (n=142) were subjected to general and ultrasonographic examination, blood was collected to determine progesterone levels (n=18), and complete ovariohysterectomy was performed (n=18). Following the removal, the reproductive organs were examined pathohistologically. Ultrasonographic changes were observed in 30% of exam- ined individuals. Histopathologically cystic endometrial hyperplasia was present in 33.33% of the examined tissues, endometrial mixed tumors in 22.22%, as well as endometrial stromal sarcoma, endometrial stromal nodules in 5.55% and in 16.6% of tissues no alterations were identified. The progesterone levels ranged from as low as 0.1 ng/mL to 22.83 ng/mL, regardless of the presence of uterine changes. On the basis of the results of this study, as well as the literature review, elective ovariohysterectomy should be performed in African pygmy hedgehogs as a preventative measure. Moreover, progesterone levels cannot be used for diagnostic purposes.