Hedgehog health: mites, quilling, wobbly hedgehog syndrome and finding an exotics vet
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Pet African pygmy hedgehogs are hardy in some ways and fragile in others. Several conditions are common enough that every owner should know the signs, and some look alike at first glance. This guide explains what to watch for. It does not replace a vet, and any treatment should come from one who has examined your hedgehog.
Find an exotics vet first
Many vet practices rarely see hedgehogs. Before you need one, find a vet with exotics experience who is happy to treat hedgehogs. Ask:
- How many hedgehogs do they see?
- Can they examine a hedgehog that has rolled into a ball? Many vets use a brief anaesthetic for a thorough check.
- What happens out of hours?
A check-up soon after you bring a hedgehog home gives you a baseline and a relationship with the practice before anything goes wrong.
Quilling
Young hedgehogs replace their baby quills with adult ones in a process called quilling. It usually starts somewhere around four to eight weeks of age and can come and go until about six months, and some hedgehogs quill again later.
- Quills fall out fairly evenly over the back, with new quills visibly coming through.
- The hedgehog may be grumpier and less keen on handling while it happens.
- The skin underneath should look healthy.
Mites
Mites are among the most common skin problems in pet hedgehogs, and they are easy to confuse with quilling.
- Signs: quill loss in patches rather than evenly, flaky or dry skin, crusting at the base of the spines, frequent scratching, and crusting around the eyes or ears.
- Some hedgehogs with a light infestation show no signs at all.
- Unlike quilling, the gaps do not fill with new quills, and the skin looks unhealthy.
A vet can confirm mites, usually by examining skin scrapings, and will prescribe a treatment that is safe for hedgehogs. Never use flea or mite products intended for other animals, as some can be dangerous to hedgehogs. Fungal skin infections can look similar, which is another reason for a proper diagnosis. Clean the enclosure thoroughly as your vet advises.
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome, often shortened to WHS, is a progressive neurological disease of hedgehogs. Its cause is not fully understood, though it is believed to have a genetic component.
- It typically begins with wobbling, unsteadiness or weakness in the back legs, falling over, or difficulty staying upright when standing still.
- Over time the weakness spreads and can lead to paralysis.
- There is currently no cure.
Wobbliness has other causes too, including a hibernation attempt because the enclosure is too cold, injuries, infections, tumours and other illnesses. That is why any wobbling hedgehog needs a prompt vet visit; first check that the enclosure temperature is where it should be. WHS is usually diagnosed by ruling out other causes. If your hedgehog is diagnosed, your vet will help you keep it comfortable, adapt its home, and decide when its quality of life is no longer good.
Other problems to know
- Dental disease: watch for bad breath, drooling, dropped food or reluctance to eat.
- Tumours: lumps and swellings are relatively common in older hedgehogs. Get any new lump checked.
- Obesity: fat rolls and difficulty rolling up. Linked to fatty liver disease and other problems.
- Respiratory infections: sneezing, nasal discharge, noisy breathing.
- Overgrown nails and threads or hair wrapped around feet, which can cut off circulation.
- Eye injuries, as hedgehogs' eyes are prominent.
A simple routine
- Weigh your hedgehog weekly and keep a record.
- Check the enclosure temperature every day.
- Watch eating, drinking, droppings and wheel use each night.
- Look over quills, skin, eyes, feet and nails during handling.
When to call the vet urgently
- Not eating or drinking
- Lethargy, wobbliness or a cold belly
- Breathing difficulty
- Diarrhoea, blood in droppings or urine
- Any injury or sudden lump
Have you dealt with mites, quilling or WHS in your hedgehog? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments.