Release or rehabilitation
Hedgehogs should be released in the area they were found , or rehabilitated as soon as possible , as a veterinary practice is inherently stressful for them . During the breeding season , adult females without injury should be returned swiftly as they may be nursing hoglets . It is usually possible to release hedgehogs over the winter months , as long as weather conditions are mild and the hedgehog is of suitable body weight ( Mullineaux , 2017 ). A recent study by Lukesova et al . ( 2021 ) found the greatest chance of release was seen in hedgehogs with a weight on admission of 500 – 599 g ( 65 % released ) or 400 – 499 g ( 63 % released ). The smallest number of young hedgehogs successfully rehabilitated and released was seen in hoglets weighing 200 – 299 g ( 35 % released ). For this reason , it is essential to obtain a hedgehog ’ s weight on admission and monitor it carefully throughout the stay in practice and during rehabilitation . Veterinary practices should have close working relationships with local wildlife centres as they will often be able to provide advice on release , and rehabilitate hedgehogs if needed ( Mullineaux , 2016 ). More information on hedgehog rehabilitators can be found on the British Hedgehog Society ’ s website . Information for the general public can be found on various websites ( see Support links ) and could be displayed in the veterinary practice reception . Some general advice could include :
• Advice on weighing hedgehogs
• Images of ‘ normal ’ and underweight hedgehogs
• Advice on ataxia and weakness , which often requires veterinary attention
• Advice on injuries that require veterinary attention
• ‘ Out during the day ’ information – this can be a sign that a hedgehog needs help , though autumn juveniles and nursing mothers often forage in daylight hours .
Conclusion
Wild hedgehogs present in veterinary practice for a variety of reasons , including road traffic injuries , wounds , myiasis , entrapment , burns and poisoning . Their numbers are also declining in the UK due to an increase in road traffic , climate change , agricultural intensification and predators . Sometimes hedgehogs present without injury due to lack of public knowledge , so time should be taken to thoroughly assess , treat and release or rehabilitate hedgehogs when possible , and to assist wildlife centres in public education . Veterinary professionals are responsible for the appropriate treatment of wild hedgehogs presenting in veterinary practice and should be aware of how to perform appropriate triage , first aid and basic care while considering the overall outcome for the patient .
Support links
www . britishhedgehogs . org . uk
www . legislation . gov . uk / ukpga / 2006 / 45 / contents
www . wildlifetrusts . org / what-do-if-you-findwild-animal / help-hedgehog
www . rspca . org . uk / adviceandwelfare / wildlife / animals / hedgehogs / garden
34 Veterinary Nursing Journal