Polycythemia, emperipolesis and extramedullary haematopoiesis caused by acute shock: the first record in the Northern white-breasted hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus Barrett-Hamilton, 1900

Abstract

An adult female hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus, was found in a city traffic zone, exhibiting severe injuries consistent with a vehicular collision. Rapid diagnostics, including X-ray imaging, were performed at the veterinarian clinic to rescue the animal. Due to multiple traumatic injuries and poor prognosis, the animal was anesthetized for blood sampling and then euthanized. Polycythaemia, platelet aggregation, rare megakaryoblasts, neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, and a high red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count were found in peripheral blood. Eosinophilia and the physiological phenomenon of emperipolesis were detected in the femur bone marrow, while the liver biopsy confirmed the extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH). Acute hypovolemic shock results in rapid changes in hematological and biochemical parameters, endangering the patient's life. Treatment of hypovolemic shock and intensive care of small and exotic animals is further complicated by their small size, physiological diversity, lack of research and clinical data on their response to therapy. Given the increased vulnerability of the small mammal fauna as a result of expanding urbanization, this case study aims to facilitate the recognition of this life-threatening condition, the possible physiological response in hedgehogs and the adequate care of injured animals. Raising awareness of the fragmentation and decline of their populations in the habitats they share with humans can contribute to finding solutions to mitigate their road mortality, and improve their well-being and conservation.