“Most commonly used is Revolution (Selamectin) topically, but Ivermectin can also be given by injection as long as the dose is properly calculated by a veterinarian. Hedgehog Care and Ear or Eye Discharge. Signs of eye irritation including holding the eye shut, pawing at the eye or tearing. … :0( I have to give him drops 4 times a day since Thursday evening. A hedgehog will still function and do well with the loss of vision or eye. Are you interested in training your dog to allowing four-legged friends to come over for a visit? Hedgehogs, like all other small animals, are complex and unique individuals who require a lifetime of special care, food, and supplies.So before you go looking online for a hedgehog because you love Sega’s classic blue guy and want to buy your own Sonic on a whim, read on to find out why a hedgehog is anything but an ideal “pet.” It is operated by Riddle’s Hedgehogs and Friends, LLC, a long-time USDA licensed breeding business of African Pygmy hedgehogs located in Winchester, VA. The exception to this occurs when your hedgehog has bedding stuck in his eye. 3 The spines can readily penetrate the skin and are a nidus for dermatophyte infection that can be transmitted to humans. Some birds display beak clicking behavior as a sign of comfort or happiness. “It can only be diagnosed by ruling out all other causes of similar symptoms.”. the vet said he would need surgery to clear the infection, without saving the eye. Good luck with treating the eye. Treatments for respiratory infection. Other causes of diarrhea include dietary factors such as the consumption of milk or changing brands of food. Take Our Quiz, Cat Rescuer Sterling “TrapKing” Davis Wants You to Rethink Your Stereotypes About Cat Parents, A Literal Lifesaver: Debra Jo Chiapuzio Donates Pet Oxygen Masks to First Responders, These Carob-Mint Cookies for Dogs Are Inspired By One of Your Favorite Treats, This Instant Pot Dog-Friendly Stew Is All Kinds of Cozy. :0( I have to give him drops 4 times a day since Thursday evening. Respiratory Infection. Note the areas of hair loss around the eye and spine loss over the back and skirt area. If left untreated, the infection can result in lethargy and loss of appetite. Can Rabbits Get The Flu And Other Human Ailments? Fungal infections are often treated with either homeopathic methods, over the counter creams and/or shampoos, or prescription medications. Fungal spores travel easily through the air making transmission quite simple. When my hedgehog Truffles got an eye infection a few months ago, it didnt look to good. It cost $850. If the infection spreads to the hedgehog’s lungs (pneumonia), it can cause “increased respiratory rate and effort, labored breathing, lethargy, anorexia and weakness,” Dr. Wilkinson says. It is a fungus and not an actual worm. Your veterinarian must diagnose and treat both skin and ear mites. To help prevent these problems, quarantine any new hedgehogs that come into your home for at least two weeks to make sure they don’t have skin or ear mites. Dermatophytes cause common fungal infections, such as ringworm, in hedgehogs. WHEEZING, NASAL DISCHARGE: See your Vet! This is safe even if it gets into the hedgehog’s eyes so it is great for facial injuries. Note that passwords are case-sensitive. Diagnosis is the same as in any animal but effective treatment is compromised as hedgehogs ball up and hide their faces. He was perfectly fine the days before and … EYES; WATERY, DISCHARGE, INFLAMMED: See your Vet immediately. Quill loss may also be noted. Ear discharge suggests an ear infection, and eye discharge suggests an eye infection. Anna thank you for the advice, it did help but, I actually took him back to the vet today bc I didnt like the way it looked and he was scratching at it. Eye prolepses may occur as a result of crushing injuries or in situations where pressure is exerted near the eyes. “Significant weight loss occurs, and they cannot stand.”, This chronic, progressive paralysis ultimately renders the hedgehog unable to walk. A few(1-2) days later, I found out his eye was bulging and it looks infected (obviously not normal at all). So fluid therapy and force-feeding may be needed. Hedgehog bath for a badly infected leg. The Truth About Spay and Neuter Surgery for Puppies, 4 Outdated Dog Training Techniques to Avoid. Euthanasia often must be considered as the animal’s quality of life declines,” Dr. Wilkinson says, adding that any hedgehog who’s offspring developed WHS should not be bred again. This type of cancer affects the oral cavity; causing a mass of abnormal cells. Hedgehogs are prone to eye problems and corneal ulcers. It is a rather aggressive cancer that can spread and affect the oral soft tissues and bones and even spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes. To help keep your hedgehog from developing the problem in the first place, isolate new hedgehogs for at least two weeks so you know they are healthy before you introduce them to your resident hedgehogs. Please enter a password for your user account. Valentine’s Day Quiz: What’s the Perfect Gift for Your Pet? One of my litters hit 3 weeks and I am slowly introducing moist cat food as I always do when I start weaning. Hedgehogs with respiratory problems are generally lethargic and will not be eating. Posts 22nd August 2019 at 4:15 am #17483. My Tiko has a bad eye infection that came out of nowhere. Your hedgehog should never have discharge coming from his eyes or ears. Hedgehogs are particularly prone to eye injuries and corneal ulcers. Hedgehogs do not seem to rely to any significant extent on eyesight. These include nutritional deficiencies, strokes, tumors, bacterial infections and injuries. These steps may or may not be enough, but given your situation, there isn't a lot you can do. Keep your hedgie warm and dry till you get to the Vet. Hedgehogs can die from untreated respiratory infections. Skin mites can cause itching and irritation to the skin. Many disease conditions can cause immunodeficiency in humans; the most notable is AIDS . For instance, crusty and flaky skin alongside heavy wax buildup are signs that your hedgehog might have an ear infection. “Prognosis for upper respiratory infections is excellent, but for pneumonia it can be more guarded depending on the extent of disease.”. Possible upper and or lower respiratory infection. Abscesses behind the eye (retro bulbar abscesses) may also cause a prolapsed or a swilling. If a hedgehog has a fungal infection, it might be best to check other animals or humans that came in contact with the animal. “A hedgehog should be able to completely roll up in a ball without any fat protruding,” Dr. Wilkinson says. There are 16 species of hedgehogs; however, the most common pet species in North America is the African pygmy hedgehog (also referred to as the white-bellied, four-toed, or African hedgehog) (Atelerix albiventris).Average life expectancy in the wild is 1-1.5 years; in captivity, they generally live 3-5 … For example, bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, are common. I've been cleaning the cage and bathing him. I have no idea what more I can do. A hedgehog that is infected should also be isolated with no contact with other pets. 1,2 Dermatophytosis is the only previously reported cutaneous inflammatory reaction as a result of hedgehogs. When my hedgehog Truffles got an eye infection a few months ago, it didnt look to good. I am in a state in which these guys are illegal, so vets aren't an option. Possibly resulting from an injury and or infection process, allergies. Due to their heightened sense of hearing and smell, blind hedgehogs seem to get along just fine. And when your hedgie scratches her ears often, … This mass can lead to gum enlargement and loose teeth. “And encourage plenty of exercise by keeping a wheel in the cage and allowing supervised time outside of the cage.”. Generally asleep during the day and active at night, hedgehogs have bright, open eyes during the day, constantly sniff when exploring and can ball up completely when they choose to, she adds. Antibiotics often are necessary, and prognosis usually is good when the animal is not severely systemically ill. Any time you suspect your hedgehog’s health is not optimal, give your vet a call or you’re your pet in for a visit. Please enter a valid email address for yourself. This is due to a bad tooth infection and may sometimes cause a bump under your hedgehog's eye on the side of the face where the bad tooth is. He has to have surgery, so we are going Thursday. Veterinary diagnosis and treatment will take care of fungus problems. The eyes should normally be clear, dark, and free from any discharge or swelling. Possible ear infection, mites, or head injury. EYES; WATERY, DISCHARGE, INFLAMMED: See your Vet immediately. It can also treat mild cases of ringworm. Fungal infections are often treated with either homeopathic methods, over the counter creams and/or shampoos, or prescription medications. Healthy, untroubled hedgehogs should be active and walk with the ventrum raised off the table, but weak or wary hedgehogs tend to crouch. Abscesses behind the eye (retro bulbar abscesses) may also cause a prolapsed or a swilling. Prognosis is excellent if properly treated.”. Home / Shop / Products tagged “hedgehog eye infection ... Hedgehog City is an online retailer of high-quality pet hedgehog supplies, accessories and hedgehog items. 3 week old hedgehog eye infection? Hedgehog Eye Infection. “Mites can be treated with three doses of medication two weeks apart,” Dr. Wilkinson says. A genetic neurological condition called Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) affects domestic hedgehog health. Gastrointestinal Infections. Protrusion of the eye, due to some trauma or. Diagnosis is the same as in any animal but effective treatment is compromised as hedgehogs ball up and hide their faces. By: Chewy EditorialPublished: March 2, 2019, BeWell / Wellness / Common Hedgehog Health Issues. Missing quills in patches on the face or body can indicate this disease. My Tiko has a bad eye infection that came out of nowhere. Caparinia tripolis is the mite most commonly found in pet hedgehogs. Before sedation, the hedgehog should be observed in the examination room. For instance, crusty and flaky skin alongside heavy wax buildup are signs that your hedgehog might have an ear infection. Hi megums75, I have no experience with this but if i was in your position i would take him out 30 minutes earlier than you have to put the drops in and place him on the couch next to you and let him kind of relax, he probably knows your going to put drops in his eye when you go to his cage... so maybe he can relax and be more calm. A hedgehog treat that’s lower in fat might be Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Crickets. Ear discharge suggests an ear infection, and eye discharge suggests an eye infection. Hedgehogs who are overfed and don’t get enough exercise can develop obesity. Eyes. Hedgehogs can get fungal infections such as ringworm, but these are fairly rare. If a hedgehog has a fungal infection, it might be best to check other animals or humans that came in contact with the animal. Healthy hedgehogs are bright, alert and responsive, says Stacey Leonatti Wilkinson, DVM, at Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Georgia, Pooler, Georgia. And when your hedgie scratches her ears often, … Respiration is normally silent, except when the hedgehog hisses in defense. To prevent obesity, Dr. Wilkinson recommends feeding pet hedgehogs a measured amount of food daily instead of free choice. Learn how to tell if your guinea pig is stressed. Sadly, veterinarians do not have a cure for WHS. I breed beautiful healthy hedgehogs and have been doing so for quite some time. We all love to treat our pets, and Dr. Wilkinson cautions limiting treats, especially high-fat ones like mealworms. Proptosed eye: It looks like not only is his eye pushing out, but the eyelids as well. Eye Troubles. As they say, “Prevention is better than cure”! incident with your hedgehog. Typically living 4-7 years, they are great companions for people who have the time and the inclination to socialize and handle their shy, prickly friends. Ear infections. My hedgehog was quilling and i'm guessing he poked his eye with it. Hedgehog Care and Ear or Eye Discharge. Since hedgehogs have protruding eyes, they are susceptible to … the vet said he would need surgery to clear the infection, without saving the eye. you NEED to go to a vets wether that be local or 10 hours away an infection as bad as you describe is not somthing you treat at home or can be left ! In order to be able to post messages on the Hedgehog Central – Hedgehog pet care & owner forum forums, you must first register. It started with a little sore UNDER his eye and then to his eye. Since hedgehogs have protruding eyes, they are susceptible to injury and irritation. Out of all hedgehog diseases, gastrointestinal infections are considered a common hedgehog health issue. Most common in young hedgehogs under 2 years old, Dr. Wilkinson says symptoms typically start with neurologic deficits in the hedgehog’s rear legs as she struggles to place her feet normally and becomes off balance. I picked up one of my beautiful baby boys and noticed his eyes were shut and had a green goo around them. Dermatophytosis is a common clinical disease in African pygmy hedgehogs; however, infection without significant clinical signs is also possible. The bladder holds urine (tiny anatomy lesson here) that is supposed … After the eye heals, it's best to use a paper-based litter, such as CareFree. Salmonella infections may not be clinically evident or may manifest as diarrhea in a hedgehog that appears ill; it can lead to dehydration and death if not managed properly. Causes of eye irritation can be from by dust or other foreign objects, a scratch or an eye infection. Possibly resulting from an injury and or infection process, allergies. Dermatophytes (Trichophyton erinacei, T mentagrophytes, Microsporum spp, and Arthroderma benhamiae) cause crusting dermatitis, especially around the face and pinnae. Treatment options are limited but the condition can be managed and the animals can still do well with reduced eye sight. “Most all hedgehogs have mites, but in very low numbers and may never show symptoms,” she says, “though they can also be transmitted between animals and on surfaces, depending on the species of mite.”. “Over time this progresses to affect the front legs, and eventually the animals start to feel poorly, become weak and lethargic, and stop eating,” she says. Now since about Friday eye infection - Hedgehog Central – Hedgehog pet care & owner forum This topic is empty. Given that many oils have the reputation of clogging pores, many hedgehog experts will adamantly say “NO!” when asked if oil can be used topically. The spines are modified hairs that have a spongy matrix and an outer keratinous shaft. By: Chewy EditorialPublished: November 20, 2008, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: October 18, 2013, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: December 20, 2016, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: October 8, 2007, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: October 20, 2014. Major microbial infections associated with hedgehogs include bacteria such as Salmonella and Mycobacteria, as well as some fungal and viral diseases . Hedgehogs easily develop respiratory infections, especially when they are young. With proper care and socialization, you can keep your critter thriving and interactive for years to come. ️ Read More ️Hey everyone, hedgehogs are fairly prone to illnesses and other issues, so here are some of the the ones I find more common! Keep your hedgie warm and dry till you get to the Vet. Formulated to safely clean and remove bacteria that can cause infection in and around the eye. Your vet must diagnose the problem. The following methodologies do more harm than good and can damage the relationship you have with your dog. Hedgehogs are members of the family Erinaceidae in the order Insectivora. Infectious diseases or tumors of the eye are possible. Mites and fungi threaten to create ear infections in hedgehogs. thanks again. Learn the facts behind what will probably be your puppy's only major surgery. WHEEZING, NASAL DISCHARGE: See your Vet! Is the flu a zoonotic illness that can pass back and forth between people and rabbits? Which was a big NO for me. Eye Disease: Eye injuries may result from hedgehogs fighting or sharp or irritating materials in the hedgehog’s environment. (Photo credit: Ricardo Sá.) The most common hedgehog health issue is mite infestation, Dr. Wilkinson says. Their eyes can proptose from a tumour, infection,injury or for no reason we can find. Take hedgehogs with diarrhea to a veterinarian. :0(. Eye problems. External parasites include fleas, ticks, and mites, and cause various types of dermatitis. The crux of the problem is that hedgehogs get fungal infections fairly easily. Fortunately, hedgehogs do just fine with one eye or completely blind as their other senses such as smell and hearing are primary and heightened. Find out the best ways here. Like other mammals, hedgehogs can suffer from several health problems. Let’s look at the most common hedgehog health issues and the best ways to prevent or treat these ailments in your pet. Now since about Friday eye infection - Hedgehog Central – Hedgehog pet care & owner forum Your hedgehog could suffer from one of several common health issues. They will perform a fecal exam to check for parasites and certain bacteria, yeast, etc., and a fecal culture to definitively diagnose Salmonella or another specific bacterial pathogen, Dr. Wilkinson explains. There is a great debate in the hedgehog community regarding the use of oils topically. Mites and fungi threaten to create ear infections in hedgehogs. It is often discovered while examining the face, as they run around the face, forehead and ears. “There is no diagnostic test for this condition,” Dr. Wilkinson adds. It started with a little sore UNDER his eye and then to his eye. A hedgehog’s eye may appear cloudy, swollen, or bulgy. Due to their heightened sense of hearing and smell, blind hedgehogs seem to get along just fine. It cost $850. Hedgehog Central – Hedgehog pet care & owner forum, The following errors occurred with your submission. You can tell your hedgehog is overweight because she will have excess flesh under her stomach that might hang down. Signs of a respiratory infection might include sneezing, a runny or crusty nose and eyes, and raspy breathing, wheezing or coughing. ️ Read More ️Hey everyone, hedgehogs are fairly prone to illnesses and other issues, so here are some of the the ones I find more common! If you see a bump like this, or any lump on your hedgehog, get them to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. Ocular prolapses. Which 2021 Grammy-Nominated Artist Is Your Pet? The exception to this occurs when your hedgehog has bedding stuck in his eye. Photos showing a wild hedgehog with ringworm. Category: First Aid Tags: hedgehog eye care, hedgehog eye infection, hedgehog eye irritation. Hedgehogs With Ringworm This skin disease is an infection that can be transferred to humans and other house pets. My Tiko has a bad eye infection that came out of nowhere. Your hedgehog should never have discharge coming from his eyes or ears. Hedgehogs are particularly prone to eye injuries and corneal ulcers. This cancer is usually detected in an or… Keeping the shampoo out of your hedgehog’s eyes is critical as KETOCHLOR® Shampoo is an eye irritant. A vet explains how to recognize a feline fever and take a cat's temperature. Skin often is crusty, flaky, red and itchy, and there might be quill loss. The owner should routinely monitor the eyes for any change from normal. The nose is normally moist and active. Fungal spores travel easily through the air making transmission quite simple. Possible upper and or lower respiratory infection. “Treatment will involve antibiotics and, potentially, supportive-care measures— syringe feeding, fluids, nebulization, etc.—if the animal isn’t eating or drinking,” Dr. Wilkinson says. Dog Litter 101: What It Is and How to Use It. “Indoor adult cat foods are commonly used, but there are some excellent insectivore diets available now as well,” she says. Your vet will give you instructions on how to properly bathe your hedgehog as part of its treatment. Non-stinging Eye Irrigation. A vet will usually prescribe antibiotics. This bump may look like a zit and may pop up pretty quickly. Another common hedgehog health issue is gastrointestinal infections. while the eye is sore, keep your hedgehog in a dimly-lit room because bright light will make her eye hurt more. One of the prevalent cancers affecting hedgehogs is the Oral squamous cell carcinoma. … An obese hedgehog also might have trouble walking and running. This can be caused by the eye … The bacteria Salmonella is carried by many hedgehogs, and it can spread to humans,” Dr. Wilkinson says. Ear mites can cause ear irritation and a foul-smelling discharge inside the hedgehog’s ears. I also regularly use an antiseptic spray called Leucillin. Home › Forums › Carers / rescuing a hedgehog › Eye Injury or Infection. How To Treat And Prevent It. Over time, the disease can reach the lungs, leading to fatality. To help prevent eye issues, keep your hedgehog’s cage clean and free of sharp objects that may scratch her eyes. Which was a big NO for me. Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total) Author. These infections can be transmitted to humans and other pets, so it is important to treat this condition quickly, while ensuring that it is done in a sanitary manner. Keep your small pet’s cage clean, and make sure it’s not exposed to drafts. Is This Normal: Why Do Cats Just Love to Knock Things Over? Ear infections. Topical yeast infections can be treated with KETOCHLOR® Shampoo which is available from your vet. How to Get Rid of Bad Dog Breath for the Freshest of Kisses, How to Revamp Your Dog’s Skincare Routine For Winter, Your Guide to the Best Dog Bowls and Feeders for Every Pup. These help to clear the infection and to promote healing. Possible ear infection, mites, or head injury. Description Additional information Reviews (0) Description. Urinary Tract Diseases. Read more about hedgehog eye infections here Hedgehog Eye Bulging. PuddingTheHedgehog. Your veterinarian can diagnose and treat your hedgehog’s respiratory infection. In many cases, eye infections can lead to your hedgehog losing one or both eyes. Undeniably cute, the spiky hedgehog is a terrific and interesting pet.