HEATSTROKE AND DEHYDRATION. Heatstroke can cause
If your hedgehog is acting sluggish, lethargic, uncoordinated or they are wobbly with the inability to move limbs; it may be a hibernation attempt. Some hedgehog owners fear the worst – Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome – which is a definite death sentence. Between the two, you can determine hedgehog hibernation quite easily.
A hedgehog lying flat who is cold and still is much more likely to be dead.
Weight loss, loose or reduced stools and reduced or bloody urine also can indicate your hedgehog is under the weather. Other signs of a sick hedgehog include lethargy, panting or labored breathing, a dull expression, discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, coughing and paralysis.
Sometimes they just like to sleep in new places lol. On the bright side, it means your hedgie feels safe and comfortable enough to sleep out in the open. If you are worried, and keep worrying, it's worth getting a general health checkup at the vet.
However if you find a hedgehog staggering around, lying still (not in a nest), with flies around it or obviously sick or injured be it day or night, it needs urgent help. Sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia.
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
Signs of lungworm, therefore, can range from no disease to snuffles, wheezes, nasal discharge, increased respiratory effort (sometimes with rattling breathing), cough, weight loss, reduced appetite, weakness, reduced activity, staggering gait and open mouth breathing. In severe cases, the disease can cause death.
Things you can look out for are: Does its skin spring back when you pull up a couple of spines? If the skin appears to stay in place, the hedgehog could be dehydrated. Ensure the hedgehog has access to plenty of water if you suspect dehydration.
Speak softly and be gentle with him. Avoid surprising a hedgehog, approach him slowly and quietly. It is best to pick him up gently with two cupped hands from underneath where his fur is soft. They sometimes roll into a ball when picked up, but if you hold him and are patient, he will unroll and sniff around.
You can provide some fresh water and meaty cat or dog food, but don't try to feed the hedgehog directly.
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
Temperament. A well-socialized hedgehog is friendly and welcomes interaction from her owner. If your happy-go-lucky pet turns into a growling bundle of huffiness overnight and refuses to uncurl, something may be wrong. Constant hissing or grumbling are also signs she could be in pain or distressed.
A hedgehog has the strange habit of 'self anointing'; when it comes across a strong smell or taste it twists its head round and, using the tongue, covers its spines and fur in a frothy saliva - looking as thought it is covered in soap bubbles! This behaviour is quite normal but no-one knows its purpose.
WHS often starts with ataxia (loss of full control) or paresis (muscular weakness caused by nerve damage or disease) in the hind legs and can progress to full paralysis of the front and rear legs. It is initially most evident by the "wobble" the hedgehog has when it tries to stand still.
Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe. To make your pet's explorations even more fun for him, hide a snack at the end of the tunnel.
In the over 3,000 hedgehogs we treat each year, we have seen vast increase in the numbers of hedgehogs suffering from both intestinal flukes and thorny headed worms. These invasive parasites can cause pain, lesions, internal bleeding, infections, rapid weight loss, anaemia and may rapidly lead to the hedgehog dying.
Plain fresh water is all that is required for them. Sadly, this mixture can be lethal for birds if they bathe in it as the sugar will cause problems with their feathers. Please do offer plain water in shallow bowls in the garden for thirsty hedgehogs but do not add anything else to it.
Water should be available 24 hours a day. Filtered water is preferred. Most owners choose to offer water through a sipper bottle hung in the cage. If using a sipper bottle, ensure that your hedgehog will drink from it.
Hedgehogs easily develop respiratory infections, especially when they are young. For example, bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, are common. Signs of a respiratory infection might include sneezing, a runny or crusty nose and eyes, and raspy breathing, wheezing or coughing.
Can Humans Can Get Hedgehogs Sick? Unfortunately yes. Zoonotic illnesses transmit both ways. If you come down with something and don't know where you got it or if you can give it to your hedgehog, ask your physician and your veterinarian!
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.
Long-term elevated stress levels, as in humans, can have serious physiological consequences for hedgehogs. The higher level of stress shows that being handled and placed in captivity can cause long-term stress in the animals. This highlights the importance of periods of captivity being as short as possible.
Handling Frequency
Pet hedgehogs do best if handled every day, even if it is for just a short amount of time. We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least half an hour a day. The easiest way to accomplish this task is 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.
Look for labored breathing and note any sounds, such as wheezing or raspy noises. A healthy hedgehog will breathe quietly. If you believe your hedgehog is sick, lower his stress level as much as possible until he can be seen by an exotic animal veterinarian.