Here we can see, “Common Hedgehog Diseases”
Hedgehogs from Africa are more common than you might imagine, and they’re more than simply confined pets. Hedgehogs are susceptible to a variety of diseases, some of which can be prevented. While there is no official hedgehog health census that tracks every ailment that affects every pet hedgehog, these are the most common disorders we find in our spiny buddies, in no particular order.
Table of Contents
Dental Illness
Hedgehogs’ tiny, V-shaped jaws contain up to 44 teeth. These teeth resemble human teeth in size and are susceptible to the same dental problems. In our little hedgies, fractured teeth, abscessed teeth, gingivitis, and tartar accumulation can all cause complications. Preventing dental problems is preferable, but it’s not always possible with a pocket pet who prefers to curl up into a prickly, hissing ball. If you’re lucky enough to obtain entrance into your spiky friend’s mouth, you might be a mealworm. If you can get a Q-tip inside your hedgie’s mouth, rinse it out with water and work on keeping those chompers shining.
If brushing your hedgehog’s teeth doesn’t help, it may need a dental cleaning and/or to have some teeth pulled at some point in its short life.
Diseases of Reproduction
For reasons other than population control, female hedgehogs should be spayed. Uterine malignancies, pyometra (infected uterus), and breast tumours are all possible outcomes of your hedgehog clinging to her reproductive organs. All of these disorders can be avoided if your female hedgehog has an ovariohysterectomy at the age of six to eight months. Neutering male hedgehogs is similarly important for preventing testicular cancer, and it can be done at the same time as females.
Ectoparasites
Hedgehogs naturally shed some of their quills, but if your hedgie is itching and scratching and you’re noticing more quills on the bottom of the cage, he may have an ectoparasite. Hedgehog mites are a frequent sort of ectoparasite seen on hedgehogs, and they will itch your hog. Quills fall out, skin dries out, and your hedgehog may become more agitated than usual. Mites can be identified via a skin scrape on your hedgehog and then examined for the small mites under a microscope by your exotic vet (find one near you). Because only a small section of your hedgehog will be scraped, this test isn’t foolproof, and your doctor may decide to treat for mites even if he doesn’t find any under the microscope.
Mites can be introduced to your hedgie’s environment through bedding and food. As a result, these objects must always be frozen before being placed in the cage.
Neurological Diseases
Hedgehogs can develop a neurological illness that causes them to wobble, which is known as “wobbly hedgehog syndrome.” Falling over, being unable to right themselves, convulsions, and eventually paralysis are all signs of ataxia, with many others in between. It’s a tragic sickness that no hedgehog should ever have to deal with, but it’s thought to impact around one out of every ten hedgehogs. There is no known cause, but it is thought to be caused by a hereditary predisposition, and there is no cure.
Urinary Tract Infections
The bladder stores urine, which should be clear to yellow in colour (a quick anatomy lesson here). However, hedgehogs can get a urinary tract infection or cystitis, which can result in brown or red urine. Urolithiasis (bladder stones) can cause hematuria (bloody pee) and make urination difficult for your hedgehog. Urinalysis, culture, radiography, and a bladder ultrasound will all help to diagnose your hedgehog’s urinary tract condition. Kidney infections, bladder cancers, and other urinary system illnesses are very common.
There are numerous more ailments that your exotic veterinarian can diagnose. Your hedgehog may develop ear infections, obesity, allergies, enteritis, osteoarthritis, and other diseases. An annual physical examination is recommended to keep your hog as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
User Questions
What are signs of a sick hedgehog?
Weight loss, loose or diminished faeces, and decreased or crimson urine are all signs that your hedgehog is sick. A sick hedgehog will be tired, pant or have trouble breathing, look dull, have discharge from the nose or eyes, sneeze, cough, or become paralyzed.
What’s wrong with my hedgehog?
Your hedgehog may develop ear infections, obesity, allergies, enteritis, osteoarthritis, and other diseases. An annual physical examination is recommended to keep your hog as healthy as possible for as long as possible. If you feel your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian right away.
Can a hedgehog make you sick?
Even if they appear to be healthy and clean, hedgehogs can transmit salmonella germs that can get people sick. Hedgehog owners should constantly take precautions to keep their pets healthy.
Why is my hedgehog pooping green slime?
Hedgehogs are known to have green stools. It can be brought on by a multitude of factors, such as stress or disease. Green, sticky or slimy mucous stools can indicate a gastrointestinal infection or an inflamed gastrointestinal system.
Why is my hedgehog barely moving?
It could be a hibernation attempt if your hedgehog seems slow, sleepy, clumsy, or shaky with difficulty moving limbs. Some hedgehog owners are terrified of the worst-case scenario: Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, which is a death sentence. You can tell if a hedgehog is hibernating by comparing the two.
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.
