Hedgehogs belong to a group of pets known as exotic pets. These pets are commonly overlooked when it comes to illness for many reasons such as cost, difficult diagnosis due to lack of background, and finding a vet that can care for these prickly little guys. The first step is to always have your hedgehog checked out at least once a year (every 6 months is recommended by exotic veterinarians). This is not as easy as a cat or dog checkup. Hedgehogs can be timid and scare easily. Their natural defense is to roll up in a ball and expose their sharp quills. Due to this awesome defense mechanism, veterinarians often have to use an inhalant anesthesia to coax the hedgehog into a relaxed position for examination. This is tricky, as anytime anesthesia is used complications in heart and respiratory rates can occur. This also can slap a nice $40.00- $100.00 to your bill depending on the overall vet’s pricing, anesthesia itself (there are special types that are typically used for exotics), and how much anesthesia is used.
Bowel Issues
Hedgehogs are omnivorous, more specifically insectivores (a now defunct classification for those diets composed primarily of insects). That being said a hedgehog can easily develop diarrhea or the opposite, constipation, if the food source is contaminated. Always get live food from a reputable source; definitely not from your garden or the outdoors in general. If you notice any bowel upset, reduce the diet for one feeding and monitor production of waste. If symptoms persist for more than twenty-four hours or if they are frequent, see a vet immediately. The causes or intestinal upset can range from parasitic infestation to improper diet to deterioration of the intestinal wall. Diagnostic tests need to be pursued in order to best treat the pet (Brown, n.d.).
Ocular (eyes)
Especially when in pairs, hedgehogs can suffer from eye abrasions. This happens when something scratches the eye itself and is a serious matter. In less than an hour the eye can be severely damaged and must be removed if not treated quickly enough. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or even allergies due to bedding or diet can cause hedgehogs to produce a discharge from the eyes. Consult your vet before administering any treatment to the eyes.
Ears
Most commonly seen, mange mites will infect the ears of a hedgehog. Symptoms include waxy buildup in the ear, crusting of the skin around the ear, and flaking of the skin around the ears. Hedgehogs can contract the same ear mites that cats, dogs, and other house pets can get. Take your pet to the vet to get a swab done in order to diagnose the cause of the symptoms. Treatment can include cleaning to antiparasitic medications (Brown, n.d.).
Nutritional Disease
All too commonly are hedgehogs subjected to improper diet. Many ill-educated pet shops that sell hedgehogs believe that a diet of cat food is perfectly balanced and matches the needs of a hedgehog as well. Cat food is for cats. Hedgehog food is for hedgehogs. In the wild, hedgehogs eat insects whereas cats eat meat. Although both are sources of protein, the way the protein is absorbed and utilize may vary. The same applies to soy products and a beef steak.
Yes both are sources of protein but both digest differently (Haub, 2005). Not a whole lot of research into hedgehog diet exists at this point, but from personal experience as well as trials held in my higher level animal science class that I taught, hedgehogs subjected to a cat food diet tend to show signs of liver disease, reduced rigidness of quills (to the point where they are very elastic and dull to the touch), and lethargy. Live insects are recommended (read more at Hungry Hedgehogs and Their Needs), but not always necessary if the diet is properly balanced. Obesity from poor diet is all too common and increases the chances of hepatic lipidosis (a liver disease). Proper diet and exercise is highly recommended. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of a proper diet. Exoticnutrition.com offers a diet that I personally use and have never had an issue.
Neoplasia
Neoplasia is a fancy term for a wide variety of cancers. Hedgehogs that have been captive-bred are very proned to this disease as it has infiltrated the gene pool of the domesticated pet. If you notice any abnormal growths (under the skin, on the legs, around the jawline), schedule an appointment with your vet immediately.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS)
Overall hedgehogs are generally low-maintenance when it comes to medical issues. However, there is one big issue that is of high relevance to anyone looking to own a hedgehog. A disease called Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS).
WHS is a degenerative, neurological disease that affects the brain and nervous tissue of a hedgehog, causing loss of balance and paralysis with time. The causes are unknown and no cure is available, but there are treatments used to help lessen the effects and allow your pointy pal a little more life to live at a better quality (Garner & Graesser, 2006). There are a few websites out there that owners who have experienced this debilitating disease have created to showcase their personal experience.
Sources:
Brown, S. (n.d.). Hedgehogs. Small Mammal Health Series
Garner, M, & Graesser, D. (2006). Wobbly hedgehog syndrome: a neurodegenerative disease of african and european hedgehogs. Association of Avian Veterinarians, 133. Retrieved from
Haub MD, Wells AM, and Campbell WW. (2005). Beef and soy-based food supplements differentially affect serum lipoprotein-lipid profiles because of changes in carbohydrate intake and novel nutrient intake ratios in older men who resistance-train. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental, 54:769-744.
Stephen Scheib - Stephen thrives on educating others about the world around them. He has worked with vets for years and has taught many subjects.
