for wild hedgehogs presented in veterinary practice and considers common conditions .
Current status
Mathews and Harrower ( 2020 ) listed hedgehogs as having vulnerable status in the UK and at high risk of extinction in the wild . Hedgehog numbers are declining for a variety of reasons , including agricultural intensification , an increase in predators ( badgers , domestic cats and dogs ), an increase in road traffic , and climate changes that influence hibernation . An increase in building in the UK , including fencing and driveways , has also led to the loss of , or limited access to , appropriate habitats for hedgehogs . Hedgehogs are often presented to us in veterinary practice , occasionally without injury . Hedgehogs should be thoroughly assessed , treated , and released or rehabilitated , where possible , to support the wild hedgehog population . and whether any initial treatment , food or water has been provided ( Williams , 2010 ). Vickery ( 2020 ) noted that , where possible , rehabilitated hedgehogs should be released where they were found . The site should have a suitable food source , shelter , evidence that the same species is thriving there and safety from overpredation . Hedgehogs are territorial animals and have a higher chance of survival if they are returned to their known environment . It is also important to note that the translocation of hedgehogs can introduce diseases to new areas and affect those populations .
Triage
Triage is the process of determining the priority of a patient ’ s treatment based on the severity of its condition . Triage in wildlife medicine is a brief , logical examination to differentiate between those casualties that are likely to be rehabilitated and those that require immediate euthanasia ( Mullineaux , 2014 ). The initial triage often begins with the veterinary receptionist , following a call by a member of the public . Williams ( 2010 ) suggested the use of a wildlife protocol which details when a wild hedgehog should be brought to the practice ( Table 1 ). On presentation , an RVN can begin the initial triage process , while the receptionist gathers information such as the contact details for the person who brought the hedgehog in , the reason for rescue , the location in which the hedgehog was found ,
Table 1 . Signs a hedgehog needs help .
Signs
Lethargic
Flies
Ataxia
Injured Trapped Hoglets
Out in the day
Out in the open , sleeping or with minimal movement
Lots of flies on or around the hedgehog ( likely to have myiasis )
Ataxic when walking and moving ( likely due to a limb injury )
Obviously injured , commonly by road traffic , cats or dogs
Caught in netting , a pond or drain
Hoglets seen out in the day without an adult and / or squawking
It is rare for healthy hedgehogs to be out in the day but they may just be building a nest so monitor initially
A key factor to consider when triaging a wild hedgehog is the likelihood of a successful outcome . Molony et al . ( 2007 ) found that only 30 – 40 % of wildlife casualties were successfully released back into the wild . There may be instances when a hedgehog can be treated medically but will not be released due to a lack of facilities . Veterinary practices should work closely with local wildlife centres to facilitate rehabilitation where possible .
RVNs are often involved in the initial triage of wildlife and should be familiar with the normal parameters of wild hedgehogs ( Table 2 ). An initial parameter check should be performed in a quiet area and include temperature , heart rate , respiration rate , body weight and hydration status . It may not be possible to assess rectal temperature and the extremities should be assessed
Table 2 . Normal hedgehog parameters .
Parameters
Weight
Lifespan Rectal temperature
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Males : 400 – 600 g Females : 300 – 600 g
Average 4 – 6 years 35.4 °– 37 ° C
180 – 280 bpm , reducing to as low as 2 – 48 bpm during hibernation
25 to 50 breaths per minute ( up to 1 hour of apnoea during hibernation )
30 Veterinary Nursing Journal