Notably , meloxicam and carprofen are often delivered by subcutaneous injection or orally . To administer subcutaneous injections , lift a small fold of skin over the back or flank by pulling gently on the spines and inject under the skin ( McClure , 2011 ). Intramuscular injections can be given into the quadriceps at the front of the thigh .
First aid
There are several reasons a hedgehog may present in veterinary practice that warrant first aid , including :
• Skin wounds ( and secondary myiasis )
• Road traffic injuries , including limb fractures , nasal trauma and jaw fractures
• Entrapment
• Subcutaneous emphysema ( balloon syndrome )
• Burns due to bonfires
• Poisoning ( as with domestic pets )
• Excessive tick and parasite infestation ( indicating underlying disease )
First aid is defined as the immediate treatment of injured animals or those suffering from sudden illness , with a view to preventing the worsening of disease or death ( Dallas , 2007 ). The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct states that the primary consideration of the VS should be to relieve the animal ’ s pain and suffering , and RVNs must take steps to provide emergency first aid ( RCVS , 2016 ). Analgesia is often one of the primary priorities ; hedgehogs are good at disguising pain in order to protect themselves from predators ( Williams , 2010 ). Three common life-threatening conditions in hedgehogs are hypothermia , dehydration and myiasis ( fly strike ). Many hedgehogs presenting in practice will benefit from the immediate provision of warmth and fluid therapy . In severely shocked hedgehogs , further procedures such as diagnostic tests or surgical intervention should be delayed until the animal is stabilised ( Bexton , 2017 ). Active warming is indicated for hypothermic hedgehogs ; heat can be provided with warm air incubators , heat pads or warm air blankets – ensure the hedgehog can escape the heat source at all times .
Dehydration can be detected by testing the skin turgor along the dorsum and by the appearance of sunken eyes . Subcutaneous fluid administration is the most effective means of rehydration in hedgehogs , as intravenous access can be difficult to maintain . Bexton ( 2017 ) advises that large volumes of fluid can be given at multiple sites to aid absorption ; warmed crystalloid fluids with the addition of hyaluronidase can improve uptake . In severe cases , where rapid fluid absorption is essential , warmed fluids can be given intraosseously or intraperitoneally ( Bexton , 2017 ). Mullineaux and Keeble ( 2017 ) noted that an initial emergency resuscitation rate of 20 ml / kg can be given to hedgehogs subcutaneously in the ‘ skirt ’ area .
Myiasis , or fly strike , is common in hedgehogs , especially in warmer weather , and is more likely to occur in weak or debilitated hedgehogs . A thorough examination for the presence of fly eggs and maggots is essential , as myiasis can cause considerable tissue damage , toxicity and rapid death ( Bexton , 2017 ). Treatment of myiasis includes brushing the clumps of fly eggs away ( with a toothbrush or by clipping fur ) or manual removal of maggots with forceps . Topical spot-on preparations or injectable ivermectin are effective insecticides for any undiscovered maggots ( Williams , 2010 ). Most cases of myiasis will need additional fluid therapy , active warming , and antibiotic and non-steroid therapy for the antitoxic and analgesic effects ( Bexton , 2017 ). Advanced stages of myiasis , especially secondary cutaneous myiasis associated with wounds , will necessitate euthanasia due to debilitation and extensive pain .
Wild hedgehogs carry a wide variety of other ectoparasites and endoparasites , often with high burdens . The presence of some ectoparasites such as ticks is normal , but high levels of parasites could indicate debilitation and should be considered in first aid . A high morbidity rate is associated with high levels of infection , especially with lungworm – dyspnoea , weight loss , lethargy , ataxia and even death can occur in a weak hedgehog ( Wright , 2014 ). Flea and worm treatment should be considered for all hedgehogs that will stay in veterinary practice , as they carry a risk to the domestic in-patients and a zoonotic risk to staff .
The most common endoparasite of concern in hedgehogs is lungworm ( Crenosoma striatum or Capillaria aerophila ), which often presents with a moist cough in infected individuals . Faecal screening is recommended for diagnosis , though prophylactic treatment can be considered in autumn and winter months or among juvenile hedgehogs . Concurrent antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatories are often indicated in cases of lungworm , due to secondary respiratory infections ( Hand , 2020 ).
32 Veterinary Nursing Journal