Is My Hedgehog Sick? 9 Signs to Look For (Vet Answer)

VET APPROVED

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Leigh Wilder

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Hedgehogs are unique companions that require detailed care and attention. For devoted owners, catering to their specific needs can be a rewarding experience. When your prickly pal is acting off, however, determining what might be going on can be stressful. As with many animals, hedgehogs will often hide their illness until they are quite sick, making prompt identification of concerning signs essential. The following guide will discuss the indicators that your hedgehog may be sick and the common causes.

The 9 Signs to Look For in a Sick or Dying Hedgehog

1. Anorexia

Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is a concerning sign in hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and therefore, do most of their eating at night. They should be offered a high-quality hedgehog-specific food, which can be supplemented with small amounts of insects, fruits, and vegetables. If you notice that your hedgehog is eating less or stops eating altogether, a prompt visit to the veterinarian is warranted. Prolonged anorexia can lead to weight loss and malnutrition—and a sick hedgehog. Anorexia may be a sign of many different diseases in hedgehogs, including the following:

Dental disease is a common problem seen in hedgehogs. Periodontal disease, tooth fractures, dental abscesses, and excessive wearing of the teeth are all specific issues that can lead to anorexia and weight loss. A diagnosis of dental disease is made based on an oral exam and radiographs. Treatment for these conditions may involve the extraction of affected teeth, antibiotics, or changes in diet. The prognosis for affected hedgehogs depends on the specific issue present, but it is generally favorable.

2. Nasal Discharge

Clear, colored, or blood-tinged nasal discharge in hedgehogs requires further evaluation by a veterinarian. Nasal discharge may be the only sign noted in a sick hedgehog, or it may occur in conjunction with other respiratory signs, such as sneezing, difficulty breathing, and increased respiratory noise. Nasal discharge may also present with lethargy and anorexia, depending on the underlying disease.

Respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, are seen frequently in hedgehogs. Factors that may predispose these animals to develop respiratory infections include low environmental temperatures; fragrant, dirty, or dusty bedding; or a compromised immune system. Specific pathogens that have been implicated in causing respiratory disease in hedgehogs include Bordetella, Pasteurella, and Corynebacterium.

Your veterinarian may recommend radiographs, blood work, or a bacterial culture to diagnose a respiratory infection. Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, oxygen therapy, and nebulization as needed for more serious cases. It is also essential that any husbandry issues, such as unsuitable bedding, be corrected. The prognosis for respiratory infections is variable, and prompt diagnosis and treatment will lead to the best outcome for your hedgehog.

3. Skin Abnormalities

Crusting, loose quills, quill loss, or scratching are all signs that your hedgehog may have a dermatologic disease. Additionally, non-specific signs, such as lethargy or decreased appetite, may also indicate a skin condition is present. If you notice any skin abnormalities in your hedgehog, further evaluation is needed by a veterinarian to differentiate between the following possible conditions:

Acariasis is the most common dermatopathy seen in hedgehogs. Caparinia tripolis, a psoroptic mite, is frequently implicated in an infestation. Diagnosing acariasis involves mite identification on a skin scraping or impression smear. Medications used to treat mite infestation in hedgehogs include either selamectin or ivermectin. However, proper cleaning and disinfection of your hedgehog’s cage will also be an important part of the treatment recommended by your veterinarian. Fortunately, with appropriate treatment, the prognosis for hedgehogs with acariasis is good.

4. Hematuria

Hematuria, or having blood in the urine, is a concerning sign of illness in hedgehogs. A change in urine color may be subtle, or it may be a more obvious reddish color. Along with hematuria, straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination, lethargy, or inappetence may also be noted.

Unfortunately, neoplasia is common in hedgehogs. Uterine tumors are often responsible for hematuria, vaginal bleeding, and weight loss. Bloodwork and diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound or radiographs, may be considered by your veterinarian for further evaluation of hematuria. These tests may also help determine prognosis once a uterine tumor has been diagnosed. Ovariohysterectomy may allow for extended survival times in hedgehogs with uterine tumors.

5. Diarrhea

Soft, runny, bloody, or watery stool in hedgehogs should be investigated by a veterinarian. Diarrhea may indicate a problem within the gastrointestinal tract, but it is also possible that diarrhea is occurring secondary to a problem elsewhere in the body.

Salmonellosis (an infection with Salmonella bacteria) is a notable disease of pet hedgehogs, as it is considered zoonotic, meaning that it can be transmitted to humans. While many hedgehogs with Salmonella have diarrhea, this condition may also present with weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and dehydration. It is also possible for hedgehogs infected with Salmonella to be asymptomatic (without signs). Fecal culture is used to diagnose salmonellosis, and antibiotics may be used to treat symptomatic animals.

To reduce the risk of disease transmission, proper hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is essential when handling infected hedgehogs. Limited information is available regarding the prognosis for clinical salmonellosis in pet hedgehogs.

6. Tumors

Growths or swellings are unfortunately likely to represent cancer in pet hedgehogs. Neoplasia is common in these animals and has been reported in almost every body system. While tumors are a more obvious sign of cancer, non-specific signs, such as lethargy and weight loss, are also frequently noted in affected hedgehogs. A wide range of tumor types has been reported, with the most common ones including:

Oral SCC is the most common growth in the mouths of pet hedgehogs. It is typically noted in the back of the mouth and is locally invasive, leading to facial swelling, tooth loss, gingivitis, and decreased appetite. A definitive diagnosis of oral SCC can be made with biopsy and histopathology. Treatment for neoplasia in hedgehogs often includes surgical excision; however, the location and degree of invasion of oral SCC may preclude this treatment option and lead to a poor prognosis.

7. Lethargy

Lethargy is a non-specific sign of illness that is often seen in pet hedgehogs. Lethargic hedgehogs may lose interest in their normal activities, have less energy, eat less, or sleep more than usual. Changes to your pet’s energy level require further evaluation by a veterinarian. It is likely that diagnostic testing will be recommended, to help differentiate between the many potential causes of lethargy, including:

Hepatic lipidosis is a condition in which lipids accumulate within the liver, impairing its normal function. This disease process occurs commonly in hedgehogs and can be seen secondary to anorexia (especially in obese hedgehogs), infectious disease, and neoplasia, among other conditions. Signs include lethargy, inappetence, icterus, diarrhea, and neurologic signs. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work and radiographs to aid in diagnosing hepatic lipidosis.

There is no specific treatment for this condition in hedgehogs; intensive supportive care and identification of a primary disease process are needed to guide treatment. Little information is available on the prognosis for hedgehogs affected by hepatic lipidosis, and the outcome may partly be determined by the underlying disease.

• See Also: Can Hedgehogs Eat Guinea Pig Food?

8. Ataxia

Ataxia, or impaired coordination, always requires prompt assessment by a veterinarian. An ataxic hedgehog may have difficulty getting around their enclosure, eating and drinking, and keeping themselves clean.

A significant and unfortunately, fatal cause of ataxia in hedgehogs is WHS. Additional signs include the inability to roll into a ball, stumbling, weight loss, seizures, and progressive paralysis. A suspected diagnosis of WHS can be made based on physical exam findings and clinical signs. However, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made until a necropsy examination is performed after death. The prognosis for WHS is poor, with death from the disease typically occurring within 18 to 25 months after clinical signs are noted.

9. Difficulty Breathing

Any time a pet is having difficult or labored breathing, they need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately; hedgehogs are no exception. Abnormal respiratory rate or respiratory noise (wheezes, harsh, or musical breath sounds) may also be noted in hedgehogs and may be indicative of the following:

Cardiomyopathy is a common finding in pet hedgehogs, most frequently affecting those greater than 3 years of age. The cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown; however, it is suspected to have a genetic or nutritional basis. In addition to difficulty breathing, hedgehogs with heart disease may be lethargic or suffer from weight loss.

Your veterinarian may diagnose cardiomyopathy based on physical exam findings, radiographs, an electrocardiogram, or an echocardiogram. Veterinary drugs used for heart failure may help treat cardiac disease in hedgehogs, but the long-term prognosis for this condition is poor.

• See Also: Male vs. Female Hedgehog

Final Thoughts

Caring for your hedgehog and watching them grow can be a fun, fulfilling experience. Careful attention to their personality quirks and routines is a joy of pet ownership, and it may also help you identify when something is amiss. Knowing the signs of illness to watch for and what they might mean will help you provide the best care possible for your pet hedgehog.

Featured Image Credit: ALIAKSANDR PALCHEUSKI, Shutterstock