Common Medical and Non medical issues with Hedgehog's

As with any animal there are already known possible health issues.  Hedgehogs are no different.  Some of the minor and not life threatening issues are mites, allergies, constipation, problems with crust forming on their feet, and tattered or jagged ear tips.

Mites: Are a common issue with Hedgehogs, one of the easier issues to identify and one you can do things to help avoid your Hedgehog getting them.  When Hedgehog owners have other animals in the home, it is possible for the ear mites to travel from pet to pet from close encounters to each other or similar.  If you see your Hedgehog scratching excessively or constantly and notice flaking of the skin, or ripping or jagged edges of the ears, these can be indicators of mites.  Mites may lead to infection and should be addressed by paying a visit to your Vet for a solution to the mite problem.  If you have multiple animals, the treatment given to you by the Vet should be given to all of the animals to clear up the possibility of another infestation.  When mites are discovered all items in your pets environment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a "Non toxic - chemical free" cleaner. i.e. Green Works is chemical free cleaner.

Jagged ears: Jaggedness on Hedgehogs ears may be caused by a few different symptoms or events.  One item which may cause this is the Hedgehogs diet is lacking or has too much of something in it. Hedgehog diets are generally rich with proteins and fat. It may also be a sign of mites or a type of infection.  Vet consultations should be sought for sign of infection or mites.  One way to help soften the ear is to use a dropper and drip small amounts of olive oil on the ear and rub gently or put a non scented baby oil in the bath water.  Aveeno unscented oatmeal wash also helps to alleviate any dryness which may appear and also acts as a soothing agent.

Allergic Reactions: Believe it or not, Hedgehogs may have allergic reactions just as many humans do.  As recently as two months ago, a friend of mine who owns a hedgehog, broke out in reddish spots.  Pine shavings was the culprit, and have also been known to cause respiratory issues.  The shavings were removed completely, the entire cage and any items in it were washed and disinfected thoroughly and in a couple of days the reaction disappeared.

Constipation: Hedgehogs are not prone to this problem but it may still occur.  One of the things which may aid in relief in this case is to put the hedgehog into a warm water bath. Research I found indicated a good food to provide if the warm water bath has not helped is fresh pumpkin or a non sweetened or non spiced pumpkin. I have never tried pumpkin, so I am not recommending it.  I find Hedgehogs in general may be helped with the warm bath.  If the situation/condition were to persist for more than one to two days, the safest and smartest cure/remedy is to take the animal to your Vet for a checkup and help.

Feet crustation:  This a new one for me so I had to do some research.  Fortunately, or not problem dependant =] I was able to find some information for this one.  There is no question that this is a fungal type of infection and should always be treated by a Vet.  Poor wee things :-(. The feet have an appearance of a crusty scab like fungus on the foot.  This is treatable and you should take your hedgehog to the vet right away for treatment.

Watch for more postings over the course of the next few days where I start to discuss some of the questions I get from owners.  Until next time, "Stay Quilled (c)"

This and all blog posts referring to the care and management or health issues are not substitutes for a Vet's care when required.  The posts are meant to provide a guideline and answer FAQ and are not absolutes nor should any not be construed as "gospel".  They answers are provided through knowledge and experiences through the ownership of these cute little creatures/animals and are meant to help identify possible suggestions to known health issues of a frequently asked nature.  Hedgie Whisperer's only offers this information as a guide and does not offer the information as a Vet nor would these posts be a replacement for proper Vet care in any form whether written or verbal. Copyright (c) 2010