Loss of spines in two European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

The clinical signs, pathological and additional findings in two European hedgehogs with severe loss of spines and hair are presented. Clinically, an extensive therapy-resistant loss of spines and hair was noted that was accompanied in one case with severe pruritus and self-injury. Post-mortem histopathology showed follicular atrophy and fibrosis, epidermal and follicular hyperkeratosis, and mononuclear inflammatory infiltration of the skin. There was no evidence of primary parasitic or bacterial infectious agents. An analysis of the zinc levels in the skin and liver tissues of both hedgehogs revealed decreased values that may have been responsible for the prominent skin lesions.