I have a "rescued" hedgehog... I've had him since he was a baby, and he is not my first. I had a male, and a pregnant female (who had 5 healthy babies) about 10 years ago, and NEVER had a problem with any of them... including the babies!
Now I have a full grown male, he was 'rescued' from a flea market when he was a baby, and I have had alot of trouble with skin problems with him. His quills keep falling out, and it looks as if his 'scalp' (for lack of a better word....) is very flakey and dry. There is only one vet in town that I know of that deals with exotics, and it is just about impossible for me to get there during their business hours with my work schedule. I have talked to several 'hedgie pros', and have tried all of their advice--such as changing diet, different litter, and oatmeal bath..... It just seems that this little guy is destined to have skin irritation! If anyone has any "new" ideas for me to try, please let me know!
2007-02-14 15:23:33 · 6 answers · asked by crankyissues 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Ok... I appreciate the help! I'm gettin alot of "mites" comments~~ this is a good possibility, but if he has mites, wouldn't he get "infected" and only get worse if untreated? He's done this a few times.... he'll clear up, his quills will start to be normal, skin clear, and then after awhile, it starts over.... that's why I thought it may be allergies (or something hedgie-similar...). Could this still be mites? Do they go away on there own, then come back a couple of months later? I'm a reptile person!! I know how to take care of parasites on snakes! Hedgies are a whole different story!! I do appreciate any EXPERIENCED help!
2007-02-15 12:35:32 · update #1
This happened to my hedgie all the time...
The infection is the quills falling out. The dry skin is from the mites.
You can use a product called "revolution" on hedgies. It treats mites and fleas in cats. HOWEVER you need to be very very careful an overdose can be fatal. You need to have an exotics vet measure out and dilute the medication. A regular schedule of this treatment will help.
In the mean time. Clean the cage, and wash it. Change the bedding to a Grey shredded paper looking bedding. I get it at Pet smart it comes in other colors too. it is not wood it is paper. Also if you let him outside stop until the mites are under control. The mites can come from grass too.
As far as food change I would need to know what is in his diet already. do you have anything in his diet, like... baby food, veggies other things that can provide him with oils that may help his skin?
I hope this helps.
2007-02-16 15:24:24 · answer #1 · answered by akholler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked for a wildlife rehab place for several years, and there is a good possibility that he has mange, the symptoms fit so you would need to purchase a mange shampoo or bath for him and follow the instructions.
Where do you live?
You could email the charity i worked for and they would be able to help you the website is www.wildlifeaid.org.uk and if you go to the contact section, there is an email thing set up.
Good luck
2007-02-15 16:05:37 · answer #2 · answered by Riley 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could have mites or fungus, sometimes common problems. Here's a good link:
http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/disorders.shtml
2007-02-14 15:39:12 · answer #3 · answered by KJ 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ring worm is common in hedgehogs. Get to a vet when you can, make sure you wash your hands well after handling him. Good luck.
2007-02-14 15:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by ALM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he very well may have mites. see if you can get him treated for them.
2007-02-14 20:10:16 · answer #5 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SKIN GRAFT OR IT WILL DIE!
2007-02-14 15:27:14 · answer #6 · answered by tingler 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋