Hedgehogs

Question 1

T/F: Hedgehogs are spiny carnivorous mammals

Answer 1

False

Hedgehogs are spiny insectivorous mammals

Question 2

Why do we not need to worry about dysbiosis when giving hedgehods abx?

Answer 2

They lack a cecum

also have a simple stomach

Question 3

About how much do hedgehogs weigh?

Answer 3

400-500 grams

Question 4

What is the normal temeperature for a hedgehog?

Answer 4

95.5-99° F

Keep them warm in the clinic, metal kennels can make them hypothermic

Question 5

What two muscles contract under the spiny coat to make hedgehogs “ball up”?

Answer 5

Panniculus carnosus & Orbicularis

Question 6

T/F: Quils do not regrow when droped/lost.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

How long can hedgehogs live?

Answer 7

4-6 years

Question 8

What type of activity/foraging behavior do hedgehogs exhibit?

Answer 8

Crepuscular: Dusk foragers

Question 9

T/F: Hedgehogs do not hibernate in captivity.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What is wrong with this hedgehog’s mouth?

Answer 10

Nothing

the space between the top incisors is characteristic of insectivore dentition

Question 11

What should you feed a hedgehod?

Answer 11

Lowfat dry cat food

commercial diets

chopped veggies

mealworms as treats

insects are actually deficient in nutrients

Question 12

What dietary disorder is more common in pet hedgehogs than wild hedgehogs?

Answer 12

Obesity

Question 13

What other dietary disorders do we see in hedgehogs?

Answer 13

Oral FB

Dental Dz

Hepatic lipidosis

Question 14

Hedgehogs are seasonal breeders and induced ovulators. How long is their gestation period?

About how many babies do they have per litter?

Answer 14

30-35 day gestation

~4 in a litter

wean at 6 weeks

Question 15

What is “anting”?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Fecal Test

Question 17

What type of cancer affects hedgehog oral cavities most frequently?

Answer 17

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Question 18

T/F: Mites are very common on hedgehogs

Answer 18

True

Hard to see, but if you watch long enough you will see them moving

Can easily look for them on the induction mask

Question 19

Where do we preform venipuncture on a hedgehog?

Answer 19

Cranial Vena Cava

Question 20

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a ______ neuopathy that results in weakness and ataxia due to a ____ spinal cord.

Answer 20

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a progressive neuopathy that results in weakness and ataxia due to a degenerative spinal cord.

Question 21

What is the average age of onset of Wobbly Hedgehog Sydrome?

Answer 21

18-24 months

Question 22

What is the cause of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome?

Answer 22

Unknown

Question 23

What is the treatment for Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome?

Answer 23

None

try prednisone?

Question 24

Name two diets we can use for supportive care in hedgehogs when they are in the clinic

Answer 24

Oxbow Carnivore Care

Hills AD

Question 25

Neoplasia and Wobbly Syndrome are two common conditions we see in hedgehogs. Name 3 others.

Answer 25

1. Kidney Dz
2. Cardiomyopathy
3. Acariasis (mites)