An African pygmy hedgehog named Plusha, aged 3 years 5 months, came to the clinic. The owners reported a mass in the lower abdomen noticed about six months earlier that interfered with her movement. They also noted weight loss despite a normal appetite.
On examination, a bulky mass was found in the area of the right inguinal mammary gland, clearly demarcated from surrounding tissues, without involvement of the urethra. The owners consented to tumour removal with subsequent histology. The surgery was uneventful. The mass was completely excised with wide margins of healthy tissue, and the skin defect was closed.
During the first week after surgery the owners noted improvement in Plusha’s condition. Sutures were removed successfully after two weeks.
Histology showed mammary carcinoma in hedgehogs — a relatively common tumour in this species.
Prognosis is favourable.
To reduce the risk of similar disease in your pet, I recommend planned ovariohysterectomy (spay), as mammary tumours are thought to be often hormone-dependent.
If you are unsure about your pet’s diagnosis and want a second opinion, you can request a veterinary consultation via messengers, phone, or the form on this page.