Hedgehog Pet Care

*Adapted from Exotic DVM Volume 9.1 Zoological Education Network, 2007

Vital statistics, Common species, Behavior, Housing, Environmental enrichment, Diet, Sexing and reproduction, Restraint, Blood chemistry reference ranges, Preventive care, First visit/examination, Dental care, Blood collection sites, Injection sites, Radiography, Surgery, What to Look for in a Healthy Hedgehog, Common clinical conditions, Special considerations, References and further reading

By Cathy Johnson-Delaney, DVM, Dipl ABVP-Avian Practice Reviewed by Jack Kottwitz, DVM Rob Coke, DVM

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris/ Erinaceus europaeus)

By Cathy Johnson-Delaney, DVM, Dipl ABVP-Avian Practice

Hedgehog Pet Care

*
Sean Sosik-Hamor / HamorHollow.com

COMMON SPECIES
African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) Several colorations have evolved, including animals with white and gray/brown ticked quills (chocolate commonly referred to as salt and pepper) and white quills (snowflake). European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

PET APPEAL AND BEHAVIOR

African pygmy hedgehogs behavior is generally that of non-domesticated animals. While many young hedgehogs do not mind being held, many adults (especially males) resist handling and struggle to be free. Many adults do not interact with humans no matter how much handling they received when they were young. Very few hedgehogs bite, but they might puff up, and adult males may hiss. Hedgehogs are nocturnal. If they are allowed freedom in the home, they tend to hide in corners or under furniture. Many hedgehogs dig in carpets, houseplants and dirt, and will forage for spiders and insects indoors.

VITAL STATISTICS
Average life span (African) 3-5 years (6-10 recorded in captivity) Adult size 6-14 inches (16-35 cm) Adult body weight African (male) 800-1200 g African (female) 250-400 g European (male) 500-600 g European (female) 400-800 g Dental formula I 3/2, C 1/1, P 3/2, M 3/3 = 36 Rectal temp African European Sexual maturity Breeding Clutch size Birth weight Gestation Weaning age 36.1-37.2C (97-99F) 35.1C (95.2F) >2 months Year-round 1-7 pups (avg 3) 8-13 g (depending on litter/dam size = avg 10 g) 34-37 days 4-6 weeks of age

*Adapted from Exotic DVM Volume 9.1 Zoological Education Network, 2007

2 UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) chocolate or salt and pepper color

Hedgehogs

When encountering something new in the environment, a hedgehog may taste it, then begin hypersalivating and create a foam, which is then spit onto itself. European hedgehogs hibernate; African pygmy hedgehogs do not.

HOUSING
Hedgehogs are solitary animals, except for mating, and usually must be housed individually. A smooth-walled enclosure is preferred over wire and must be high enough to prevent escape. A 20-gallon or larger size aquarium is acceptable. The optimum environmental temperature is 75-85F (2430C). Supplemental heat may be necessary under one section of the enclosure. Preferred bedding is newspaper or recycled pelleted/ absorbable material, which should be changed frequently and kept dry. Cedar shavings should be avoided. Most hedgehogs prefer quiet, dim environments and may react with fright at loud noises or bright sunlight.

African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) albino color

Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) chocolate color

Plastic and paper tubes provide environmental enrichment for hedgehogs.

ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT
Environmental enrichment should include a hiding place, such as a cut-out box, plastic log or flower pot. Hedgehogs will use an exercise wheel with a solid floor. A pan or shallow tub with warm water in a warm ambient temperature may be provided for swimming. For bathing, a mild pet shampoo safe for kittens or ferrets is suitable. The hedgehog should be kept in a warmed environment post-bathing until the fur is dry.
2

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

Hedgehogs

DIET
Free-ranging hedgehogs are insectivore/omnivores. Captive diets should be relatively high in protein and low in fat (see below for diet choices). Commercial complete hedgehog diets should be used if available. Cat or dog foods alone do not seem to be adequate as the sole diet component. To introduce individuals to new diets, mix new foods gradually into the old. It helps to have all pieces of the new and old diets the same size and relative consistency. To minimize obesity, ad lib feeding of adult hedgehogs should be discouraged. Feed a portion size in the evening that is almost completely consumed by morning. Only a small amount of food should be given during the day. Younger hedgies may eat an adult quantity, depending on their stage of life and activity. Water should be available at all times; many hedgehogs will use a water bottle or drink from a low dish or crock. Diet Choice No. 1 (for one 550 g BW adult per day) 1 heaping tsp bird of prey diet or insectivore diet 1.5 heaping tsp high quality cat chow* 1 heaping tsp fruit/vegetable mixture** 6-10 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets*** (more if pregnant or lactating) Diet Choice No. 2 (for one adult per day) 3 heaping tsp high quality low calorie cat chow 1 heaping tsp fruit/vegetable mix 6 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets*** Diet Choice No. 3 (for one adult per day) 3-4 tsp commercial insectivore diet 5-6 mealworms or 1-2 crickets***
3

Hedgehogs are solitary animals and should be housed individually.

Hedgehogs may be housed outside provided the temperature is warm enough.

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

HEMATOLOGIC * REFERENCE RANGES

Basophils Eosinophils Hematocrit Hemoglobin Lymphocytes MCH MCHC MCV Monocytes Neutrophils Platelets RBC WBC 0.096-0.45 x 103/ml 0.36-2.4 x 103/ml 36.0-38.5% 12.0-13.2 g/dl 3.72-6.14 x 103/ml 16.8-18.2 pg 33.3-35.2 g/dl 49.1-53.2 (fL) 0-0.084 x 103/ml 1.6-2.8 x 103/ml 230-430 x 103/ml 7.03-7.64 x 106/ml 6.3-9.6 x 103/ml

One method to unroll a hedgehog.

From Beynon PG, Cooper JE (eds): BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets. Cheltenham, BSAVA, 1991, and used with permission.

Hedgehogs

* Young or pregnant/lactating hedgehogs can use kitten or ferret formulations; adults may use lite adult cat foods. ** Fruit/vegetable mix: chop together tsp diced leafy dark greens (spinach, kale, leaf lettuce), tsp diced carrot, tsp diced apple, tsp diced banana, tsp diced grape or raisin, tsp vitamin/mineral powder (Vionate or crushed feline vitamin tab). *** Mealworms are high calorie, low calcium and should be limited to 2-3x a week. Crickets can be fed insectivore diet plus some of the fruit/vegetable mixture for a minimum of 3 days after purchase before being fed to the hedgehog. Other types of commercially available insects can also be fed.

Reticulocytes 8-14%

SEXING AND REPRODUCTION

Males have a mid-ventral penis, and the testicles are located in a para-anal recess on the caudal abdomen. The spines develop within 24 hours and the eyes are open 13-16 days after birth. Puppy/kitten milk replacement may be used for orphans. Cannibalism is common if the female is stressed. The male should be removed prior to parturition.

BIOCHEMISTRY * REFERENCE RANGES

BUN Calcium Phosphorus Potassium Serum protein Sodium 13.3-15.0 mmol/L 2.0-2.3 mmol/L 2.0-3.8 mmol/L 3.6-5.1 mmol/L 5.1-7.2 g/100 ml 132-138 mmol/L

RESTRAINT
Examination is best done in subdued light, and loud noises should be eliminated. The hedgehog can be placed on a towel for the exam; lightweight leather gloves may be needed. A clear acrylic ferret tunnel may be useful in an exam; a pediatric stethoscope may be slid under the hedgehog.
4

*European hedgehog

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

Hedgehogs

PREVENTIVE CARE
Obesity is the most common disorder of captive hedgehogs. Hedgehogs should be weighed at least monthly. Dental prophylaxis should consist of routine brushing and scaling. The nails need periodic trimming. The primary husbandry consideration is to prevent chilling by providing a heated environment with dry bedding.

Hedgehogs will often roll into a tight ball with all of the spines pointing outward as a defense mechanism.

FIRST VISIT/ANNUAL EXAMINATION

Review diet, husbandry, habitat, behavior, methods for handling Physical examination: include weight, visual inspection, auscultation, oral exam, body temperature, palpation, digit exam Fecal flotation and direct smear Optional (depending on history): Salmonella culture & screen (Under isoflurane anesthesia): toe nail trim, skin
5

Thomas Bankstahl, DVM

Some hedgehogs uncurl with back stroking of their rump spines. Gentle but firm slow rolling of the mantle outward with the animal on its back may provide the opportunity to access the nail tip or perform an oral exam. Another trick to unball a hedgehog during a routine physical examination is to run some warm water over the animal in a sink. Some hedgehogs may need to be anesthetized with isoflurane.

Commercial hedgehog diets may be used as long as the main ingredient is a meat source.

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

A wire mesh top may be used as an aid when trimming nails.

Hedgehogs

scraping, ear examination, fungal exam, culture, full dental examination, scaling, CBC, chemistry panel, radiographs, ultrasonography Microchip transponder implantation is recommended for permanent identification

DENTAL CARE FOR HEDGEHOGS

The poultry or malt flavor CET brand pet toothpaste may be useful. It can be applied to the teeth with a cottontipped applicator or put on the hedgehogs favorite crunchy snack to dissolve off tartar and plaque from the teeth. The teeth should be scaled, polished and fluoridated under sedation. The hedgehog may be given 1-2 small tartar control dog food snack pieces a day. Tartar control snack foods work because of the sodium hexametaphosphate coating of the food that helps prevent tartar, plaque and calculus buildup. The secondary dentition is complete within a year. In older animals, the teeth are worn down at a comparatively early age.

Blood collection from the cranial vena cava. Anesthesia is required when using this technique.

Dan Johnson, DVM

BLOOD COLLECTION SITES

Paolo Selleri, Dr med vet

Lateral saphenous vein (crosses below the stifle) Cephalic vein (dorsum of the forearm) Jugular vein Cranial vena cava If all else fails, toenail clip (1-2 hematocrit tubes and a smear)
6

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

Hedgehogs

Injection sites: SC - Back, flank; be aware of fat layers; fluids may be slowly absorbed; large volumes (up to 100 ml/kg) possible IM - Thigh, mantle (orbicularis) IV - Lateral saphenous, jugular via catheter

RADIOGRAPHY
In the normal lateral radiographic appearance of a European hedgehog, various organs, such as the trachea (1), heart (2), liver (3), kidney (4), a few gas or fecesfilled intestinal loops and the rectum (5) may be visible. It is helpful to retract skin and spines dorsally using paper clamps or allis forceps to minimize spine artifact. In a ventrodorsal projection, differentiation between individual organs is more difficult due to superimposition of the muscle packets of the orbicular muscles, the cutis and the spines.

What to Look for in a Healthy Hedgehog

Body free of lumps and bumps Firm lean body

SURGERY
Neutering requires the abdominal approach. A fair amount of fat may surround the vas deferens and testicles. Ovariohysterectomy is performed as in other small mammals. There may be some peri-ovarian and uterine fat.

Clear, bright eyes (no discharge) Teeth free of tartar

Mouth free of discharge

Nails of appropriate length

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

Mites are a common problem with hedgehogs.

This hedgehog was presented with a swollen penis and was diagnosed with paraphimosis.

Hedgehogs

COMMON CLINICAL CONDITIONS

Obesity Dental: gingivitis, periodontitis Neoplasia: high tumor rate in animals over 3 years of age; most common: mammary tumors (malignant, large, subcutaneous swelling along ventral thorax, abdomen); lymphosarcoma (multicentric or alimentary); oral squamous cell carcinoma. Neoplasia is usually malignant with poor prognosis Salmonella Trauma Dermatitis (chorioptic mange mites, fungal, bacterial) Fatty liver, hepatitis Pneumonia Intestinal parasites Heart disease Neurologic disease, including wobbly hedgehog syndrome

Sean Sosik-Hamor / HamorHollow.com

Hedgehog with uterine cancer.

Hedgehogs with advanced CNS lesions of wobbly hedgehog syndrome are usually recumbent but alert upon presentation.

Sean Sosik-Hamor / HamorHollow.com

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The legality of keeping hedgehogs varies. Consult local animal regulations regarding permits or licenses.
Michael M. Garner, DVM, Dipl ACVP

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

1. Carpenter JW (ed): Exotic Animal Formulary 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2005. 2. Garner MM: Wobbly hedgehog syndrome. Exotic DVM 8(3): 5759, 2006. 3. Johnson-Delaney C: Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook. Zoological Education Network, 2000. 4. Raymond JT, Garner MM. Spontaneous tumors in hedgehogs: A retrospective study of fifty cases. Proc AAZV, AAWV, ARAV, NAZWV Joint Conf, 2001, pp 326-327.
8

JC Burcham, DVM