X-rays and blood testing may be performed to rule out these other conditions. The clinical signs alone lead to the tentative diagnosis but the only definitive diagnosis for WHS is after the hedgehog passes, allowing for tissue samples of the spinal cord and brain to be submitted to a laboratory for histopathology.

How do you test for wobbly hedgehog syndrome?

Most hedgehogs with wobbly hedgehog syndrome are diagnosed based on their symptoms while they are alive. Blood tests to look at the kidney, liver, and bladder health, as well as x-rays, are commonly performed to see if other diseases are also present, but there is no test to specifically identify WHS.

How fast does wobbly hedgehog syndrome progress?

The hedgehog’s health will deteriorate over the course of weeks or months, and in the advanced stages of this disease, they become completely immobilized, making euthanasia a recommended consideration. Most animals die within two years of diagnosis.

Why is my hedgehog dragging his back legs?

Neurological damage (e.g. from being hit by a car) can also cause a hedgehog to drag their rear legs, as can some internal parasites. Like humans, hedgehogs can also tear and strain ligaments. Whatever the cause, it is vital to get the hedgehog to a specialist rescue straight away.

What causes balloon syndrome in hedgehogs?

If a hedgehog is struck when that glottis is open, air simply flows out of the lungs and out of the body. But if the glottis is closed when the animal is struck, that air has nowhere to go, and the lung tissue can rupture. It’s like a balloon popping, Pizzi said.

What age does wobbly hedgehog syndrome start?

“WHS most often occurs in hedgehogs between two and three years of age…” WHS most often occurs in hedgehogs between two and three years of age, though younger and older animals have also been affected.

Can wobbly hedgehog syndrome be cured?

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome is a rather unpleasant degenerative neurological disorder that affects hedgehogs specifically. As of right now, there is no cure. At its core, WHS has a lot in common with multiple sclerosis that presents in humans.

How do you treat a hedgehog with wobbly hedgehog syndrome?

Treatment for WHS is supportive care; helping the hedgehog remain upright using towels, making food and water easier to access or hand feeding, and cleaning after the hedgehog as soiled itself. There is no cure for WHS. Prognosis is grave and euthanasia is recommended when quality of life is poor.

How do you check a hedgehog’s leg?

Quote from video: And then you can gently lower them into it and the water will cause them to unfurl and you can actually kind of look from underneath to examine their feet.

What is wobbly leg syndrome?

Wobbler syndrome is the common term to describe a gait seen in dogs with spinal cord compression in the neck, where they often take short or “floating” steps with the front limbs and have a swaying or “wobbly” gait in the hind limbs.

Why is my hedgehog barely moving?

If your hedgehog is acting sluggish, lethargic, uncoordinated or they are wobbly with the inability to move limbs; it may be a hibernation attempt. Some hedgehog owners fear the worst – Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome – which is a definite death sentence. Between the two, you can determine hedgehog hibernation quite easily.

What causes wobblers syndrome in dogs?

The compression can be caused by a combination of a small spinal canal with disc herniation (as commonly seen in large breeds such as the Doberman), or a small spinal canal secondary to bony changes impinging upon the spinal cord. The spinal nerves or nerve roots can also be compressed.

How do I know if a hedgehog needs help?

However if you find a hedgehog staggering around, lying still (not in a nest), with flies around it or obviously sick or injured be it day or night, it needs urgent help. Sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia.

Why is my hedgehog shaking and hissing?

When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.

Do hedgehogs wobble when cold?

Swaying and wobbling are two things that sometimes accompany hedgehog hibernation. If you notice any of these it’s important to take them seriously because it could indicate wobbly hedgehog syndrome too. There are some other obvious signs of hedgehog hibernation that you’ll want to look out for.

What temperature is too cold for a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal range is between 75°F and 85°F. However, they will tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 90°F. Hedgehogs can go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity when temperatures are too hot or too cold.

How do you know if a hedgehog is dehydrated?

Does its skin spring back when you pull up a couple of spines? If the skin appears to stay in place, the hedgehog could be dehydrated. Ensure the hedgehog has access to plenty of water if you suspect dehydration.