Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A033
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A033
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A033 (2022)
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome in African pygmy and European hedgehogs
Anna Witczyńska1*, Zuzanna Bukowska1, Anna Wilczyńska2, Michał Wójcik3 and Łukasz Adaszek2
1 Scientific association of small mammals diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Department of Epizootiology and the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
3 Independent Unit of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedicine, Medical University of Lublin, Witolda Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: anna.wilczynska@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
In recent years, pygmy hedgehogs have become increasingly popular as companion animals and, consequently, they have also become frequent patients in veterinary practices. Therefore, knowledge about the diseases that affect them is vital for all practicing veterinarians. Diseases affecting domesticated hedgehogs also affect hedgehogs occurring wildly in Europe, whose population is decreasing in both urban and rural environments. Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a rare idiopathic neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). It is also known as degenerative myelopathy, spongiform leukoencephalopathy or progressive paralysis. This disease has typical neurological signs and is characterized by progressive paralysis, falling to one side, seizures, muscle atrophy, that can progress to tetraplegia. A lot of information about this disease, such as its etiology, accurate prevalence data and treatment options, remains unknown. In this paper, we discuss the most important information concerning this rare disease, such as: clinical symptoms, gross lesions, prevention, diagnosis, post-mortem histopathological picture, differential diagnosis and treatment. The main purpose of this presentation is to compile all of the information gathered in scientific publications to date and to draw attention to aspects that are still undiscovered and need to become the subject of future research.
How to cite
A. Witczyńska, Z. Bukowska, A. Wilczyńska, M. Wójcik, Ł. Adaszek, 2022. Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome in African pygmy and European hedgehogs. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/A033