What are the general characteristics of african pygmy hedgehogs?
-known as “four-toed” or “white-bellied” hedgehog
-ban on importing into US; must be captive-bred
-NOT the same as european hedgehogs
What are the general characteristics of hedge hog anatomy?
-adept at climbing, digging, swimming, and jogging
-tibia and fibula are fused distally
-plantigrade
-5 digits on front paws, 4 digits on hind paws
What are the characteristics of the hedge hog mantle?
-crown + dorsum
-covered with thousands of spines made of keratin
-spines are absent from the midline of the crown
-thin epidermis
-thick dermal layer with few blood vessels
Which muscles allow a hedge hog to roll up?
-panniculus (covers the body)
-orbicularis (purse-string like muscle at rim of panniculus)
What are the characteristics of hedge hog GI anatomy?
-brachydont teeth that do NOT need trimmed
-first incisors are large and project forward
-mandibular incisors occlude between maxillary incisors
-simple stomach
-CAN vomit
-no cecum
What are the characteristics of hedge hog reproductive anatomy?
-males have conspicuous prepuce and no scrotal sac
-females have urethral opening inside the distal vagina
-urogenital opening of females is a few mm cranial to the anus
-females have bicornate uterus with no uterine body and a single cervix
What are the characteristics of hedge hog sensory anatomy?
-sensitive auditory and olfactory systems
-prominent vomeronasal gland
-produce a flehmen response
-self-anointing/anting
-can vocalize by snuffling, hissing, screaming, or grunting
What are the normal TPR values for hedge hogs?
-rectal temp 95.7 to 98.6 F
-HR of 180 to 280 BPM
-RR of 25 to 50 BPM
-weight of 400 to 600 g in males
-weight of 300 to 400 g in females
What are the characteristics of gestation and birth in hedge hogs?
-gestation length of 34 to 37 days
-delayed implantation can occur
-born hairless with closed eyes and ears
-spines are buried within the skin layer of newborns
What are the strategies for handling a hedge hog for physical exam?
-quiet, darkened room
-place in shallow water
-small towel and light gloves
-hold spined skin of mantle/scruff
-place in transparent container
-sedate/anesthetize
What should be evaluated on physical exam of a hedge hog?
-examine oral cavity for ulcers, foreign material, and masses
-check for lymph nodes; difficult to palpate if normal
-palpate large paired seminal vesicles near bladder in males
-palpate testicles lateral to anus
-check prepuce or vulva for discharge or debris
-ensure walking with ventrum off the table
-inspect toes and spines
Which sites are used for venipuncture in hedge hogs?
-jugular vein
-cranial vena cava
-femoral vein
-lateral saphenous vein
-cephalic vein
What are the recommendations when taking radiographs of hedge hogs?
-sedate or anesthetize
-use a clip to restrain the mantle
What are the techniques for giving injections to hedge hogs?
*subQ:
-furred areas are more elastic and vascular; less accessible
*IM:
-epaxials, triceps, quadriceps, gluteals
*IO catheter:
-femur
-tibial crest
*oral:
-may take medications via syringe or injected in meal worms
What are the characteristics of anesthesia and analgesia in hedge hogs?
-fast for several hours prior; CAN vomit
-preoxygenate
-can use isoflurane alone or combined with injectables
-intubate with 1 to 2 mm ET tube
-buprenorphine for analgesia
What are the characteristics of surgery in hedge hogs?
-close with an intradermal pattern to try and prevent self-mutilation
-castrate via para-anal skin incision over each testicle
-spay similar to other species; have short curled uterine horns
What are the preventive medicine steps taken for hedge hogs?
-semi-annual exam
-tooth brushing, tartar control treats, and/or enzymatic dental products
-elective castration/OVH possible but uncommon
-gram scale to monitor weight
-avoid cold temps
-regular nail trims
What is the common presentation of disease in hedge hogs?
-non-specific signs
-lethargy, weakness, anorexia
-necessitates diagnostic testing
What are the possible ocular conditions seen in hedge hogs?
-corneal ulcers
-proptosis
-blindness
What are the characteristics of dental disease in hedge hogs?
-clinical signs include decreased appetite, ptyalism, halitosis, and pawing at mouth
-PE will show calculus, gingivitis, and peridontitis
-treatment involves radiographs, extraction, cleaning, antibiotics as needed
-excessive tooth wear can occur with advanced age
What can predispose a hedge hog to resp. tract infection?
-suboptimal temperatures
-aromatic, dusty, or unsanitary bedding
-malnutrition
-concurrent disease/immunosuppression
Which diagnostics and treatments are used in the event of resp. disease?
*diagnostics:
-radiographs
-CBC
-culture
*treatment:
-antibiotics
-nebulization
-supportive care
-correct husbandry
What are the characteristics of cardiomyopathy in hedge hogs?
-most common cardiovascular disorder
-clinical signs include dyspnea, tachypnea, weight loss, heart murmur, ascites, and pleural effusion
-diagnostics include radiographs, ECG, and echo
Which other heart diseases can be seen in hedge hogs?
-DCM
-saddle thrombus
-pulmonary thromboemboli
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