Hedgehog Medical Information & Health Guide

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are prone to several health issues, making regular observation and prompt veterinary care crucial. Their health depends on proper diet, temperature regulation, exercise, and hygiene. Hedgehogs are adept at hiding illness, so any subtle change warrants attention. This guide provides general information and is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Always consult a veterinarian experienced with exotic mammals, specifically hedgehogs.

Common Hedgehog Health Issues

Awareness of these conditions can aid in early detection.

• Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS): A progressive, degenerative neurological disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Cause unknown, likely genetic. Typically appears between 1-3 years old but can occur earlier or later.
  • Symptoms: Starts subtly with hind leg weakness/wobbling, progresses to inability to stand, falling over, full paralysis, difficulty eating/drinking.
  • Prevention: No known prevention. Choosing breeders who track lineage and avoid breeding related animals *may* reduce risk, but not guaranteed.
  • Note: No cure. Diagnosis often made by ruling out other causes and observing progressive symptoms. Supportive care (assisted feeding, keeping clean) can maintain quality of life for a time, but humane euthanasia is often necessary as it progresses.
• Cancer / Tumors: Hedgehogs have a high incidence of various cancers (especially squamous cell carcinoma, uterine/mammary tumors in females). Can affect skin, mouth, organs, bones.
  • Symptoms: Visible lumps or bumps, unexplained weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty eating (oral tumors), abdominal swelling, bleeding.
  • Prevention: No specific prevention, but good diet and husbandry support overall health. Spaying females may potentially reduce risk of reproductive cancers but carries surgical risks.
  • Note: Requires veterinary diagnosis (exam, biopsy, imaging). Treatment options (surgery, chemotherapy) depend on type, location, and stage, and may be limited or palliative. Prognosis varies widely.
• Dental Disease: Includes gingivitis, tartar buildup, gum infections, tooth root abscesses, fractured teeth. Common due to diet and genetics.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty eating, dropping food, decreased appetite, pawing at mouth, facial swelling (abscess), bad breath, visible tartar or redness.
  • Prevention: Feeding a high-quality, appropriately textured kibble may help. Avoid soft/sticky foods. Regular vet checks can identify issues early.
  • Note: Requires veterinary dental examination (often under anesthesia), cleaning, extractions, and potentially antibiotics for infection/abscesses.
• Skin Issues (Mites, Fungal Infections): Mites (Caparinia tripilis) are common, causing quill loss and crusty skin, especially around face/ears. Fungal infections (ringworm) can also cause quill loss and skin lesions. Dry skin is also common.
  • Symptoms (Mites/Fungal): Quill loss, crusty buildup on skin (esp. around face/ears/back), excessive scratching, dandruff-like flakes.
  • Symptoms (Dry Skin): Flaky skin, minor quill loss, scratching (less intense than mites).
  • Prevention: Quarantine new hedgehogs, maintain clean bedding, avoid contact with potentially infested animals/bedding. Use appropriate bedding (avoid cedar/pine). Add flaxseed oil to food for dry skin.
  • Note: Requires veterinary diagnosis (skin scrape for mites, fungal culture). Mites treated with medications like Revolution (selamectin). Fungal infections require antifungal treatment. Dry skin managed with diet/oatmeal baths.
• Obesity: Very common due to improper diet (high fat, wrong type of kibble) and lack of exercise. Leads to fatty liver disease, heart problems, mobility issues.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty balling up completely, fat rolls visible around legs/armpits, lethargy, waddling gait.
  • Prevention: Feed a high-quality, low-fat (under 15%) cat kibble or specialized hedgehog food in appropriate portions. Provide ample supervised out-of-cage time and a large, solid-surface wheel for exercise. Avoid high-fat treats (mealworms sparingly).
  • Note: Weight management requires dietary adjustments and increased exercise under veterinary guidance.
• Respiratory Infections: Can be bacterial or viral. Often related to environmental factors (dusty bedding, drafts, incorrect temperature).
  • Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal discharge, clicking/wheezing sounds, lethargy, decreased appetite, sometimes open-mouth breathing.
  • Prevention: Maintain appropriate ambient temperature (72-80°F), use dust-free bedding (fleece, paper-based), avoid drafts, keep cage clean.
  • Note: Requires veterinary diagnosis and usually antibiotics. Ensure husbandry issues are corrected.
• Foot Injuries / “Booties”: Injuries to feet from wire wheels/floors (NEVER use wire), or buildup of feces/bedding around feet constricting circulation (“booties”). Can lead to infection, loss of toes.
  • Symptoms: Limping, swollen foot/toes, reluctance to walk, visible buildup around feet.
  • Prevention: Use only solid-surface wheels (no wire/mesh). Keep bedding clean, check feet regularly, trim nails as needed.
  • Note: Minor injuries/buildup can be cleaned with warm water soaks. Severe swelling, infection, or constriction requires immediate vet care (antibiotics, possible amputation).
• Hibernation Attempt: Hedgehogs do NOT hibernate naturally. If temperature drops too low (below 70-72°F), they may attempt hibernation, which is dangerous and can be fatal.
  • Symptoms: Cool belly, lethargy, unresponsiveness, slow/shallow breathing, wobbliness.
  • Prevention: Maintain cage temperature reliably between 72-80°F using a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) connected to a thermostat. Monitor temperature closely.
  • Note: If suspected, warm the hedgehog SLOWLY against your skin or with gentle, indirect heat. NEVER use direct heat pads or hot water. Once warm and active, ensure consistent heating is provided. Vet check recommended after attempt.

Preventative Care for Hedgehog Longevity

Good husbandry and diet are crucial for preventing common issues.

• Correct Temperature: Maintain ambient temperature consistently between 72-80°F (22-27°C) using a CHE and thermostat. Monitor daily.
• Appropriate Diet: High-quality, low-fat (under 15%), high-protein (around 30%) cat kibble or hedgehog food. Supplement with insects (mealworms, crickets – gut-loaded) sparingly. Avoid fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy. Fresh water always available.
• Safe Enclosure & Wheel: Large cage (minimum 4 sq ft) with solid bottom. Solid-surface wheel (11-12 inches diameter). Safe bedding (fleece, aspen shavings, paper-based – avoid cedar/pine).
• Hygiene: Clean cage, wheel, and dishes regularly. Spot clean daily. Full cleaning weekly/bi-weekly.
• Exercise: Provide a wheel and supervised out-of-cage playtime in a safe area.
• Handling & Socialization: Regular gentle handling helps with socialization and allows you to check for health issues.
• Quarantine: Isolate new hedgehogs for at least 30 days.
• Regular Vet Checkups: Annual wellness exams with an experienced exotics vet are highly recommended.

General Signs of Illness in Hedgehogs

Be alert for these indicators and contact your vet promptly:

• Decreased appetite or refusal to eat/drink
• Weight loss
• Lethargy, sleeping more than usual, lack of activity
• Changes in gait (wobbling, limping, stiffness)
• Falling over, lack of coordination
• Visible lumps, bumps, or sores
• Quill loss, excessive scratching, skin crusts/flakes
• Changes in droppings (diarrhea, unusual color, straining) or lack of droppings
• Sneezing, wheezing, clicking sounds, nasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing
• Cool belly temperature (hibernation attempt)
• Pawing at mouth, difficulty eating

Finding an Experienced Hedgehog Veterinarian

Not all vets treat hedgehogs; finding one with specific experience is vital.

• Seek Exotic Mammal Specialists: Look for vets who specifically list hedgehogs or exotic companion mammals as areas of expertise.
• Ask Hedgehog Rescues/Breeders: Local hedgehog rescues or reputable breeders often maintain lists of recommended vets.
• Online Resources: Websites like Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV.org) may have directories. Hedgehog community forums/groups often share vet recommendations.
• Inquire About Experience: When calling clinics, ask specifically about their experience diagnosing and treating common hedgehog ailments like WHS, cancer, mites, and dental disease. Ask if they perform hedgehog dentals or surgeries.
• Establish Care When Healthy: Schedule a wellness exam shortly after getting your hedgehog to establish a baseline and relationship with the vet before an emergency occurs.