Myxofibrosarcoma of the penis in an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) - A clinical case

Abstract

A 3-year-old, 420 g, intact male African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented with a sudden appearance of a mass protruding from its preputium. A detailed physical examination revealed the presence of a polyp-like mass, connected to the mucous membrane of the penis and a second, multilobular mass with a larger base. Both masses were surgically removed. While the histopathological examination of the polyp-like mass revealed only a chronic active inflammatory reaction, the histopathological examination of the multilobular mass revealed a tumorous tissue composed of spindle-shaped cells, irregularly oval or polygonal in some places. Focal tumour cells with a myxoid differentiation were observed in the greater part of this tumour. The stroma was made up of sparse fibrous tissue. The surface epithelium was hyperplastic with ulcerations and necrosis. The tumour was classified as a myxofibrosarcoma. Two weeks post-surgery, the patient did not show any clinical signs of the presented disease. According to our knowledge, this is the first published case of the surgical treatment of penile myxofibrosarcoma in an African pygmy hedgehog.

Keywords

• neoplasia
• reproductive tract
• small mammals