Hedgehogs Flashcards
What weight should an adult hedgehog be?
800g-1000g
Why might you see one out during the day if they are nocturnal?
-Pregnant or nursing females foraging
-Sick or immunocompromised animals
When do they a) hibernate? and b) breed?
a) During winter months and wake when it becomes warmer
b) Late spring - early autumn
How can they defend themselves against predators?
-They roll into a ball using their orbicularis muscle
Why might you be presented with a hedgehog in practice?
-Vehicle collisions
-Injury from domestic animals
-Severe ectoparasites
-Immunosuppressed/sick juveniles
Define rehabilitiation
The treatment and temporary care of injured, diseased and displaced indigenous animals and the subsequent release of healthy animals to suitable habitats in the wild
Why is it so important to wear gloves when handling hedgehogs?
They are asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes
How can you unroll a hedgehog?
Stroke the keratin spines craniocaudally, and elevate their hind legs slightly
What are the normal vital signs?
Temp: 33.5-36.8
HR: 200-280
RR: 20-25
What’s included in the clinical exam? (4)
-Detailed hx: location found, time of day, apparent injury, reason for rescue
-Visual exam: demanour, age, bcs, RR, obvious injuries
-Physical exam: unroll, HR, temp, oral exam, hydration status, ecto burden?, sex, WEIGHT
-Further tests: faecal sample, radiographs, parasitology
What is most important - warming or fluids?
Warming with a heat pad should be prioritised following SC crystalloid fluids
What can hogs be fed in practice?
Wet/dry dog or cat food can be used as a short term sub to insects however its important the dry food is included as a purely wet diet will promote tartar
What are the steps taken when looking after newborn/young hoglets?
-Keep in a temp of 25-30 C
-Followed by oral fluid rehydration
-2ml of milk replacer/feed (q 2-3 hrs)
-At 4wks, puppy/kitten food can be introduced
-Strict hygiene/barrier nursing as they have poor immune systems due to lack of maternal antibodies
How should you approach autumn juveniles that are presented to you?
-Keep hogs <450g in captivity
-Anthelmintic tx
-Release only when >650g to optimise survival
-Prevent obesity as it effects their ability to roll which hinders their survival
Most common parasites of hogs?
Endo:
-lungworm common with distinct moist cough present.
-Intestinal capilliariasis also common giving green mucoid diarrhea
Ecto:
-Minor tick burdens removed manually while bigger burdens should be killed using topical acaricide
-Fly strike should be tx with systemic antibiotics and NSAIDS
-Dermatophytosis
-Salmonella
