Plus-Hex CLINICAL instead ; hypothermic hedgehogs will feel noticeably cold to the touch ( Bexton , 2017 ). The majority of hedgehogs presented in veterinary practice will have a physical injury or illness ; a brief examination should identify any life-threatening conditions . The recordings should then be noted and reported to the VS . Timely intervention is especially important if euthanasia is a consideration ( Williams , 2010 ). Hedgehog casualties are rarely immediately released back into the wild , as they are unlikely to be handled by the general public without a cause for concern ( such as being out during the day or a known injury ). However , hedgehogs will curl up as a normal defence mechanism and can be easily picked up and handled , whether they are healthy or unhealthy . The outcomes following triage may be euthanasia , first aid or immediate treatment ( Mullineaux , 2017 ).
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is often a necessary course of action for wildlife casualties with a poor chance of eventual release , and is usually the most realistic option in cases of severe injury ( Bullen , 2014 ). Long-term captivity of wild hedgehogs is very rarely an acceptable alternative to euthanasia ( Mullineaux , 2016 ). Some factors indicating euthanasia could include :
• More than one major injury , especially those involving the mouth , nose , and limbs
• A large area of burnt or lost prickles
• A pelvic injury ( especially in female hedgehogs )
• Permanent blindness
• Lack of rehabilitation services
Euthanasia should be performed by anaesthetising the patient , followed by an intracardiac or intravenous ( cranial vena cava ) injection of pentobarbital ( Hand , 2021 ). Euthanasia should not be performed without appropriate anaesthesia .
Handling
A ‘ suitable ’ hedgehog casualty is one that can be returned to the wild in a physical condition that allows it to survive in an equivalent way to other members of its species , including being able to walk , feed , defend itself and its territory , and potentially reproduce ( Mullineaux , 2017 ).
Before veterinary examination , the hedgehog should be adapted to a quiet , calm area where examination can take place – stressed hedgehogs are likely to bite , jump or hiss , and could injure themselves further in the process ( McClure , 2011 ). Appropriate personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is needed as hedgehogs may cause injury and can carry zoonotic disease .
It is a common misconception that hedgehogs must be examined under general anaesthesia due to their curling into a ball – most hedgehogs will uncurl with the correct handling techniques ( Collins , 2004 ). Suggested methods of hedgehog handling include :
• Placing onto a clear surface or clear box and waiting for the hedgehog to move ; the hedgehog can then be examined from underneath the box .
• Gently cupping in a towel and bouncing in your hands to unroll .
• Backwards stroking of the hands over the rump of the hedgehog to encourage unrolling .
• Holding the hedgehog facing downwards by the hind limbs , supporting the dorsal surface and encouraging the hedgehog to uncurl . This method may not always work in an active or stressed hedgehog but may be more suitable for those that will not survive a general anaesthetic .
An important condition to note is ‘ capture myopathy ’. This is commonly seen in deer but any wild species can suffer from it . It is a condition where the body responds to increased stress , causing hyperthermia , ataxia , muscle weakness , and renal and cardiac complications ( Green , 2003 ). Capture myopathy can become life-threatening so efficient handling , use of stress-reducing techniques , an appropriate environment and grouped clinical procedures are highly recommended ( Vickery , 2020 ).
Anaesthesia and analgesia
Anaesthesia is indicated if it is not possible to handle the hedgehog consciously , or for further diagnostics or surgical intervention . Radiography or blood collection and analysis often need to be performed under anaesthesia to aid diagnosis . The use of heavy sedation via subcutaneous injection could be considered in some cases , but care must be taken with those displaying respiratory issues ( MSD , 2021 ). Inhalation anaesthesia via a chamber is recommended for hedgehogs , as intravenous access can be difficult to achieve ( Collins , 2004 ). Once the hedgehog is sufficiently anaesthetised , maintenance with a face mask or endotracheal tube is recommended . Endotracheal intubation is possible using an uncuffed 2 – 3.5 mm tube ( Carpenter , 2005 ). Anaesthetic monitoring in hedgehogs is similar to the method used for dogs and cats , and care should be taken to maintain body temperature and hydration status .
Any wildlife presenting in a veterinary practice must receive appropriate treatment to relieve suffering , which includes the provision of pain relief . Hand ( 2021 ) suggests the following analgesic options for hedgehogs :
• Buprenorphine 0.02 – 0.05 mg / kg sc q8h ( moderate / severe pain )
• Carprofen 5 – 10 mg / kg sc q24h , orally q12h ( analgesic and anti-inflammatory )
• Meloxicam 0.5 mg / kg sc , orally q24h ( analgesic and anti-inflammatory )
VOL 37 • May 2022
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