Diagnostic Application of Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an African Pygmy Hedgehog

Neoplastic diseases are common in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most prevalent oral tumor. Traditional imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) have limitations in accurately defining tumor extent and detecting metastasis. In this study, a hedgehog with a suspected oral tumor underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, revealing a hypermetabolic lesion consistent with SCC and indications of metastatic activity. The lesion was too extensive for a lumpectomy, and suspected metastasis led to the decision for euthanasia due to the impracticability of further treatment. A histopathological examination after autopsy confirmed the diagnosis and metastatic spread, as suggested by PET/CT findings. This is the first case report demonstrating the potential use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in hedgehogs, facilitating the accurate staging and management of oral SCC. Further research is needed to establish PET/CT as a standard diagnostic tool for neoplastic diseases in hedgehogs.