Advanced diagnostic approaches and current management of internal disorders of select species (rodents, sugar gliders, hedgehogs)

Hyperglycemia in Pet African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognostic Indicators of Severe Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is known to negatively affect various animal species, but data on African pygmy hedgehogs remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of severe hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) in hedgehogs. A retrospective review of medical records from 252 hedgehogs and 579 blood test results collected between 2019 and 2021 was performed. Among the 252 hedgehogs, 28 were identified with severe hyperglycemia, indicating a prevalence of 11.1%. The frequency of hyperglycemic samples among all blood tests was 48.1%, and that of severe hyperglycemia was 11.6%. In hedgehogs with severe hyperglycemia, the mean blood glucose level was 269.1 ± 81.6 mg/dL (range, 186-522), and the mortality rate was 53.6% (15/28). The severity of anorexia on the day of diagnosis was significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.013). Hedgehogs that recovered from hyperglycemia by the next test showed favorable outcomes (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that anorexia severity and early glucose normalization may serve as potential prognostic indicators and provide baseline data for improving the clinical management of hyperglycemia in hedgehogs.

Clinical ophthalmological diagnostic description of 10 healthy sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and prevalence of ocular-related presentations in a larger hospital population

OBJECTIVE

To provide reference values for ocular examination and diagnostics in ophthalmologically normal sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps). To retrospectively determine the prevalence of ocular diseases in sugar gliders presenting to a single institution.

ANIMALS

Ten client owned and 106 previously evaluated sugar gliders.

PROCEDURE

A descriptive study evaluated sugar gliders presented to Colorado State University's Avian, Exotics, and Zoological Medicine Service (CSU-AEZ) from August-2019 to January-2020. A complete ophthalmic examination including Schirmer tear test II (STT II), phenol red threat test (PRTT), intraocular pressure (IOP) via rebound tonometry, fluorescein, and rose bengal stain was performed under anesthesia. Conjunctival aerobic culture swabs and cytology were collected prior to ophthalmic evaluation. A retrospective review of medical records of sugar gliders presented to CSU-AEZ from 2008 to 2018 for ocular disease was performed.

RESULTS

Mean values ± standard deviation for selected diagnostics included the following: STT II: 2.2 ± 6.7 mm/min; PRTT: 0 ± 0 mm/15 s; IOP: 12 ± 2.6 mm Hg. Fluorescein and rose bengal staining highlighted corneal abrasions secondary to tear testing. The three most common conjunctival bacterial isolates cultured were Staphylococcus spp. (3/20, 15%), Coryneform spp. (3/20, 15%), and unidentified Gram-positive cocci (3/20, 15%). Retrospective analysis revealed ocular diseases to be the third most common abnormality resulting in sugar glider presentations (13/106, 12.3%).

CONCLUSION

This descriptive study gives reference values for IOP, conjunctival microbiology, and cytology for sugar gliders. STT II and PRTT provide little clinical value in sugar gliders. The retrospective study revealed that ocular abnormalities, often secondary to dental disease, are a common reason for presentation.

Diagnostic Yield of Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) Versus Histopathology of a Canine Oral Fibrosarcoma

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging currently gains increased interest in human as well as veterinary medicine. The ability to image 3-dimensional (3D) biopsy specimens nondestructively down to 1 µm spatial resolution makes it a promising tool for microscopic tissue evaluation in addition to histopathology. Visualizing tumor margins and calculating tumor load on 3D reconstructions may also enhance oncological therapies. The objective of this study was to describe the workflow from tumor resection to histopathological diagnosis, using both routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections and micro-CT tomograms on a stage II oral fibrosarcoma in a 7-year-old Hovawart dog. The maxillectomy specimen was fixed with formalin and stained with an X-ray dense soft tissue contrast agent. Micro-CT imaging was done using an ex vivo specimen micro-CT device. Tumor margins could not be exactly determined on micro-CT tomograms due to limited image resolution and contrast. Histopathology was performed after washing out the contrast agent. It showed neoplastic cells infiltrating the surrounding tissue further than assumed from micro-CT images. A total tumor volume of 10.3 cm³ could be calculated based on correlating micro-CT tomograms with HE-stained sections. This correlative approach may be of particular interest for oncological therapy. More than that, micro-CT imaging technology supported histopathology by means of 3D orientation and selection of slices to be cut on determining tumor margins. In this clinical case report, micro-CT imaging did not provide unambiguous clinical evidence for oncological decision-making, but it showed potential to support histopathology and calculate tumor volume for further clinical use.

Common Emergencies in Small Rodents, Hedgehogs, and Sugar Gliders

Small exotic mammal pets such as rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, degus, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders are becoming more popular. Because these animals are prone to a variety of health problems, and require specialized husbandry care to remain healthy, they may present to emergency hospitals in critical condition. This article provides a basic overview of common emergency presentations of these species.

Mielografia em ouriço-cacheiro (Sphiggurus villosus)

Relata-se o procedimento de mielografia em um ouriço-cacheiro Sphiggurus villosus, adulto, procedente de vida livre. Após o exame e com o animal sob anestesia geral, evidenciou-se um desvio dorsal do contraste na altura da sétima vértebra torácica (T7), causado por compressão em região ventral dessa vértebra, sugestivo de edema ocasionado pela hemorragia intramedular secundária ao trauma sofrido pelo animal em vida livre. Assim sendo, a mielografia em ouriço-cacheiro mostrou ser bastante válida e eficiente ao apresentar como vantagens a maior precisão para delimitar e localizar a lesão presente na coluna vertebral.

Hedgehogs and sugar gliders: respiratory anatomy, physiology, and disease

This article discusses the respiratory anatomy, physiology, and disease of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) and sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps), two species commonly seen in exotic animal practice. Where appropriate, information from closely related species is mentioned because cross-susceptibility is likely and because these additional species may also be encountered in practice. Other body systems and processes are discussed insofar as they relate to or affect respiratory function. Although some topics, such as special senses, hibernation, or vocalization, may seem out of place, in each case the information relates back to respiration in some important way.