Hedgehogs Flashcards
T/F: Hedgehogs are spiny carnivorous mammals
False
Hedgehogs are spiny insectivorous mammals
Why do we not need to worry about dysbiosis when giving hedgehods abx?
They lack a cecum
also have a simple stomach
About how much do hedgehogs weigh?
400-500 grams
What is the normal temeperature for a hedgehog?
95.5-99° F
Keep them warm in the clinic, metal kennels can make them hypothermic
What two muscles contract under the spiny coat to make hedgehogs “ball up”?
Panniculus carnosus & Orbicularis
T/F: Quils do not regrow when droped/lost.
False
How long can hedgehogs live?
4-6 years
What type of activity/foraging behavior do hedgehogs exhibit?
Crepuscular: Dusk foragers
T/F: Hedgehogs do not hibernate in captivity.
True
What is wrong with this hedgehog’s mouth?
Nothing
the space between the top incisors is characteristic of insectivore dentition
What should you feed a hedgehod?
Lowfat dry cat food
commercial diets
chopped veggies
mealworms as treats
insects are actually deficient in nutrients
What dietary disorder is more common in pet hedgehogs than wild hedgehogs?
Obesity
What other dietary disorders do we see in hedgehogs?
Oral FB
Dental Dz
Hepatic lipidosis
Hedgehogs are seasonal breeders and induced ovulators. How long is their gestation period?
About how many babies do they have per litter?
30-35 day gestation
~4 in a litter
wean at 6 weeks
What is “anting”?
AKA “Self annointing”
When a hedgehog comes into contact with a new object then will spit frothy saliva on their quills.
Its a normal behavior for these little weirdos
Which of these is not part of a typical yearly preventative exam?
Weight in grams
Diet Review
Oral Exam
Fecal Test
Blood test
Nail trim
Fecal Test
What type of cancer affects hedgehog oral cavities most frequently?
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
T/F: Mites are very common on hedgehogs
True
Hard to see, but if you watch long enough you will see them moving
Can easily look for them on the induction mask
Where do we preform venipuncture on a hedgehog?
Cranial Vena Cava
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a ______ neuopathy that results in weakness and ataxia due to a ____ spinal cord.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a progressive neuopathy that results in weakness and ataxia due to a degenerative spinal cord.
What is the average age of onset of Wobbly Hedgehog Sydrome?
18-24 months
What is the cause of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome?
Unknown
What is the treatment for Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome?
None
try prednisone?
Name two diets we can use for supportive care in hedgehogs when they are in the clinic
Oxbow Carnivore Care
Hills AD
Neoplasia and Wobbly Syndrome are two common conditions we see in hedgehogs. Name 3 others.
- Kidney Dz
- Cardiomyopathy
- Acariasis (mites)
