Volume 59 | Issue 2 Article 5

1997 Husbandry and Medical Management of African Hedgehogs Masako Mori Iowa State University

Susan E. O'Brien Iowa State University

Follow this and additional works at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iowastate_veterinarian Part of the Small or Companion Animal Medicine Commons

Recommended Citation Mori, Masako and O'Brien, Susan E. (1997) "Husbandry and Medical Management of African Hedgehogs," Iowa State University Veterinarian: Vol. 59 : Iss. 2 , Article 5. Available at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iowastate_veterinarian/vol59/iss2/5

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Iowa State University Veterinarian by an authorized editor of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Husbandry and Medical Management of African Hedgehogs Masako Mori, DVMt Susan E. O'Brien, DVMtt

The African hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris, hogs can weigh up to 1100 grams. Addition­ has become a very popular pet in the United ally, European species are protected by law; States. At one time, this animal was being consequently, they are not readily imported imported from its native land of Central Af­ into the United States. rica, but it is now being successfully bred in captivity in the United States. Another spe­ Anatomy cies that is also becoming popular is the Af­ rican pygmy hedgehog, Erinaceinae The hedgehog's body plan is very primitive. aethechinus. Hedgehogs have long pointed snouts, small There are many species and variations eyes, short powerful legs for digging, and of hedgehogs, differing in size, shape, and vestigial tails. The average life span is about color. Although hedgehogs have a similar 6-10 years. The average adult male weighs appearance to a porcupine, they are classi­ 500-600 grams, and the average adult female fied with the shrew and the mole in the or­ weighs 250-400 grams. Hedgehogs average der Insectivora. Hedgehogs belong to the 25 cm in length. The gastrointestinal sys­ family Erinacidae, which consists of three tem consists of a simple stomach with no genera: Erinaceus (African and Eurasian cecum. The dental formula is incisors 3/2, hedgehogs), Hemiechinus (long-eared desert canines 1/1, premolars 3/2, and molars 3/3, hedgehogs), andParaechinus (desert hedge­ with a total of 36 teeth. The normal rectal hogs). temperature is 95-96°F.l The African hedgehog is found through­ Soft hair, ranging in color from tan to out Central Africa. Other commonly used white, is located on the ventrum, face, and names are the "white bellied," CentralAfri­ legs. There is also an area over the head in can, or the "four-toed" hedgehog. Other a cranial to caudal tract which lacks spines. hedgehog species include the European Quill color can be either "salt and pepper" or hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), Pruners pure white, which is called "snowflake." The (Cape) hedgehog, and the Egyptian (long­ rest of the body is covered by stiff pointed eared) hedgehog, which tend to be aggres­ spines, which are 0.5 to 1 cm long. These sive and bite. are used as a covering for protection. Un­ Extensive literature on the European like a porcupine's spines, a hedgehog's spines hedgehog exists, but little information is are not barbed and do not detach. The males available concerning the African species. tend to have longer white spines, which usu~ Most of the data about hedgehogs comes from ally have black or brown bands. To mini­ studies about European hedgehogs, which mize weight without losing strength, each are commonly kept as pets in Europe. There spine is filled with many small air-filled are many differences between the African chambers separated by thin plates.2 The and European hedgehogs. One such differ­ base of each spine has a thin flexible neck, ence is their size. African hedgehogs weigh widening into a ball that is embedded in the 250-600 grams, whereas European hedge- skin. This allows the spine to bend and not be driven into the hedgehog if any pressure tMasako Mori is a 1997 graduate of the Iowa State is placed on the spine (e.g., from a blow or University College of Veterinary Medicine. fall). At the base of each spine is a muscle to allow erection of the spine. Usually the ttDr. Susan E. O'Brien is an Associate Professor in Vet­ muscles remain relaxed to keep the spines erinary Clinical Sciences at the Iowa State University flat against the body. Iffrightened, a hedge­ College of Veterinary Medicine. hog will immediately roll up and erect the

64 Iowa State University Veterinarian spines. The spines protrude at different angles, criss-crossing to produce an impen­ etrable barrier. Excess skin over the body allows the hedgehog to curl up tightly. Be­ neath the skin lies a powerful muscle (the panniculus carnosus), which covers the back.2A circular band, called the orbicularis muscle, is located at the edge ofthe skin mus­ ~ culature. When the orbicularis muscle con­ t.. tracts, it acts like the drawstring around the -§ -= opening of a bag, forcing the contents deeper " '"<= into the bag as the string is drawn tighter.2 "il" Two small muscles pull the skin and circu­ := These hoglets are 5 days old. The hoglet in the cen· lar muscle cranially to cover the head and ter is a female, and the two on either side are males. caudally to cover the rump. As the orbicu­ laris muscle contracts, the head and rump she is not ready to mate, she will erect the are pulled close together and the spines fully spines on her forehead and butt at the male. protect the underside of the hedgehog. The male has a long penis that reaches crani­ All hedgehogs are capable of undergo­ ally to the female's vulva, which lies slightly cra­ ing periods of dormancy (hibernation) if the nial to the anus. The female will lay her temperature drops below 45°F, during which spines down and depress her back while the time their body temperature drops to a level male mounts. The male holds the spines on close to that of surrounding air her back with his teeth to provide stability (heterothermy).2 This gives them the abil­ during breeding. Copulation may occur sev­ ity to reduce energy needs and survive when eral times during the mating period. food is scarce. However, hedgehogs will not Pregnancy detection is difficult to assess hibernate if kept warm and well fed. Since in hedgehogs. Females that gain greater cool conditions can lead to respiratory dis­ than 50 grams within three weeks of having ease, it is recommended that their environ­ access to a male are considered pregnant and ment be kept between 75-85°F.l Forty to sev­ should be isolated.4 Gestation lasts 34-37 enty percent humidity is well tolerated. days, and females can be rebred within a few days following weaning of the young. Litter Reproductive Facts sizes vary from 1-7 hoglets, with an average of three. Cannibalism does occur, so the Sexual maturity occurs in females at 2-8 males should be removed from the enclosure months and in males at 6-8 months of age. prior to parturition. Similarly, females will The female is a spontaneous ovulator and kill and eat the young of others. Many au­ does not maintain a regular heat cycle. This thors recommend that dams that have re­ means that they are capable of breeding cently given birth not be disturbed for sev­ whenever they have a chance to meet a male, eral weeks in order to prevent desertion or making them proliferative pets. For this infanticide.3 If it is necessary to check the reason, some states prohibit keeping hedge­ young, it is best to examine them when the hogs as pets. Their courtship is long and mother has left the nest on her own. noisy, marked by snuffling and snorting Birth weight of a hoglet is 8-13 grams, noises. Females should not be bred until and they should be weighed daily. Hoglets they are at least 6 months old.l Breeding of are born pink and hairless, with the spines an immature female may lead to dystocia or located beneath the skin and surrounded by death of the mother or young. fluid to prevent damage to the mother's birth The most effective social grouping for canal during parturition. Within 24 hours, reproduction appears to be a single male the spines perforate the skin and harden, with several females, although pairs of ani­ and the fluid is resorbed. The ears open at mals may reproduce successfully.3 During 10 days of age and the eyes open at 13-16 breeding, the receptive female partially days of age. Hair appears on the ventrum erects her spines and stands for mating. If and face by 3 weeks of age. Deciduous teeth

Spring, 1997 65 erupt at 4 weeks and the permanent teeth 3) reduction of parasites on the skin; and 4) erupt at 7-9 weeks. When young hoglets are deposition of distasteful substances on the separated from the mother, they have a ten­ spines, thus deterring predators.2 It is im­ dency to make a twittering whistle. portant to be familiar with the normal sali­ Hoglets should be weaned at 4-6 weeks vation associated with self-anointing so that of age. If the young are orphaned prior to it is not confused with rabies. reaching four weeks of age, it may be neces­ Hedgehogs make interesting noises. sary to hand feed or cross-foster. Cross-fos­ They grunt, hiss, and squeal when fright­ tering for at least the first 48-72 hours may ened or upset. These noises are not to be provide better results in hand-raised young confused with respiratory abnormalities. If because it is thought that significant quan­ handled frequently, they are tame and usu­ tities ofimmunoglobulins are transferred in ally do not display any aggression. They the colostrum during this time period.5 If seldom bite, and if they do, it will rarely cross-fostering is not possible, puppy or kit­ break the skin. With the use of the power­ ten milk replacer may be used, feeding ev­ ful muscles that arise from the head and ery 3-4 hours with a feeding tube or small neck on each side and loop around the rump, syringe. Ifhoglets are abandoned, it is nec­ their defensive posture when frightened is essary to stimulate defecation and urination to jump, freeze, tuck their faces, puff up and by massaging the ventrum with a cotton roll into a tight ball about the size of a grape­ tipped applicator from cranial to caudal. fruit, with needle-like protruding quills that When the hoglets are ready to be weaned, it project in all directions. This position makes is advised to soften adult food to wean them them painful to handle, and difficult, if not onto solids. impossible, to examine and treat. Sexing is quite simple. The prepuce of the male is midway up the ventral abdomen, Housing similar to a dog. However, the testicles are located within the abdominal cavity and re­ Housing should have smooth walls to pre­ main there throughout life. The female's vent climbing and a floor with a lid to facili­ vulva is located cranial and ventral to the tate cleaning. About a two meter squared anus. area should be provided per animal due to their increased activity at night. Wire is not Behavior recommended because they may catch their toes or limbs in the wire resulting in trauma Hedgehogs are terrestrial and nocturnal, or fractures. There should also be good air preferring to be active in subdued light. They circulation without drafts. sleep soundly during the day, but at night A rock can be placed in the cage to allow they dig and run around in search of food. them to sharpen their claws. Sufficient room Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but have a is needed for them to exercise, as hedgehogs keen sense of smell and hearing. Their sense tend to become obese. For exercise, hedge­ of smell is mainly used to search for food and hogs will use an exercise wheel made from to detect scents that are important for com­ wood pieces. Rodent wheels are not suitable munication. Due to their very acute sense because they can get their feet caught. Spe­ of hearing, they prefer quiet environments cial wheels will soon be made available for and tend to react to any type ofloud noise. hedgehogs. The wheel needs to be cleaned Self-anointing (otherwise known as "an­ frequently, since they like to defecate while ting") occurs when hedgehogs encounter exercising. something new. This behavior involves rub­ Absorbent bedding such as pine shav­ bing saliva and food onto their spines with ings, shredded newspaper, or pelleted bed­ their tongues. One opinion is that this be­ ding can be used. The bedding should be at havior is elicited by strong-tasting sub­ least three inches deep to allow digging. stances. The function of self-anointing is Cedar should not be used because the high unknown but some theories include: 1) pro­ concentration of aromatic oil tends to be a duction of strong odors which act as a sexual respiratory irritant and causes elevations in attractant; 2) an attempt to clean the spines; liver enzymes. Hedgehogs are also suscep-

66 Iowa State University Veterinarian with carbaryl (safe for kittens, ferrets) for mite therapy is recommended.

Diet

Hedgehogs are mainly insectivorous, feed­ ing on a variety of insects such as crickets, beetles, earwigs, snails, bees, and wasps. They also exhibit some omnivorous activity by eating worms, small mice, carrion, roots, berries, and small eggs. The exact nutrient Mrican hedgehogs should be provided with a requirements for the hedgehog are unknown, good hiding place. PVC pipe, flowerpots, card­ but many zoos have maintained their hedge­ board, wood, or plastic boxes are commonly used. hogs on a diet similar to the following: 25 grams dry light cat food or mixture of dry tible to dermatitis from urine or fecal con­ and canned food tamination. Therefore bedding should be 10 grams diced fruit and vegetables cleaned frequently (at least once a week), and 5 grams oflive crickets and mealworms (3-4 it may be helpful if an unscented shallow lit­ times a week). ter box is placed in the cage. Most hedge­ This diet is recommended by Dr. A. J. Smith hogs are fastidious and roll in clean litter. at the EI Paso Zoo in EI Paso, Texas. It has Clumping cat litter should not be used be­ been published in a Client Information Se­ cause it may get in the ears, eyes, nose, and ries publication on Care of Pet Hedgehogs mouth and stick to wet areas on the skin, produced by Veterinary Practice Company. 6 possibly leading to dermatitis. A good hid­ Other diet choices include: ing area should also be provided. PVC pipes, DIET CHOICE 1 (for one adult hedgehog of 550g body weight) flowerpots, cardboard, wood, or plastic boxes 1 heaping tsp. bird of prey diet or insectivore are commonly used for hiding nest boxes. diet When allowed to run free in the house, 1.5 heaping tsp. high quality catikitten chow hedgehogs tend to hide and burrow in cor­ (ex: Science Diet, lams, CID cat food, ners or under furniture and will dig in car­ Ferret Chow) pets and potted plants. They also forage for 1 heaping tsp. fruit/vegetable mixture* spiders and insects in the home if they are 10 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets permitted to do so. (more if pregnant or lactating) Although hedgehogs are largely solitary DIET CHOICE 2 (for one adult hedgehog /day) animals, they can be housed singly or in 3 heaping tsp. high quality catikitten chow 1 heaping tsp. fruit/vegetable mix* groups. However, only one male should be 6 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets allowed per group, as they may fight and DIET CHOICE 3 (for one adult hedgehog/day) inflict trauma upon each other with their 3-4 teaspoons commercial insectivore diet (ex: teeth and spines. Females usually adapt Reliable Protein Products, Pretty Bird better to living in groups than do males. IntI.) As mentioned previously, hedgehogs re­ 5-6 mealworms or 1-2 crickets quire warm temperatures. The environmen­ For younger or pregnantllactating hedge­ tal temperature should be 75-85°F (25-35°C). hogs, kitten food can be offered. To main­ If the temperature falls below this level, they tain the increased energy requirements of may become immunosuppressed and be lactating females, the caloric intake should more susceptible to infections, particularly be double the maintenance requirement. respiratory infections. If the temperature Young hedgehogs may eat an adult quantity falls below 65°F (18°C), a hedgehog will go depending on their life stage. into a state of torpor. Temperatures over 85°F may result in heat prostration. If owners insist on bathing their hedge­ *(Fruit 1vegetable mix: chop together 1/2 tsp. diced leafy dark greens (spinach, kale, leaf lettuce), 114 tsp. diced hog, the use of a hypo-allergenic emollient carrot, 1/4 tsp. diced apple, 1/4 tsp. diced banana, 114 shampoo such as Humilac or a pet shampoo tsp. diced grape or raisin.G)

Spring, 1997 67 Other items that may be successfully added to the diet include hard boiled eggs, evaporated milk, cottage cheese, waxworms, small mice, and vegetablelbeefbaby food. To introduce hedgehogs to new diets, it is nec­ essary to mix the new food gradually into the old and make all the pieces similar in size to prevent them from selecting out the desirable pieces. Do not be fooled by com­ i mercial hedgehog diets, consisting of mainly ~ peanuts and grain. They are not complete ~ and must be supplemented with some of the ~ =~ foods and diets mentioned previously. Hard ~~~~~~~~~~ ~ cat food aids in maintaining healthy teeth This female Mrican Hedgehog, "Wedgie", gave and gums. birth to three hoglets five days before this pho­ Because hedgehogs have a high metabo­ tograph was taken. lism, the diet should be fairly high in pro­ tein and low in fat. It should provide bal­ works well to unroll the hedgehog. A large anced calcium and phosphorus levels, with mask can be placed over the entire animal, a calcium and phosphorus ratio of1.2-1.5:1.0 or an induction chamber can be used. to prevent signs of calcium deficiency. There­ fore, it is important to not maintain them Examination and Clinical Procedures on a strictly insect diet, because this will decrease the calcium intake and lead to a Hedgehogs should receive annual examina­ metabolic bone disease. Obesity is also a tions, at which time diet, husbandry, habi­ problem, and ad lib feeding is discouraged. tat, and behavior of the patient should be Feed enough food for the hedgehog to con­ reviewed. A complete physical exam, includ­ sume during the night, and make sure that ing an oral exam, should be performed. not much is left over by morning. The body Yearly fecal flotations and direct fecal smears weight should be monitored regularly. to detect gastrointestinal parasites are also As with any other animal, water should necessary. Other procedures that may be be available at all times from a water bottle warranted include: Salmonella culture, nail or a bowl. When using a water bottle, be trimming, skin scraping, ear exam, fungal sure that the hedgehog knows how to use it. exam, CBC, chemistry panel, and radio­ Choose heavy bowls that cannot be over­ graphs. Finally, microchipping is an effec­ turned by the hedgehog. tive means of permanent identification. Collecting blood will require anesthesia Handling and Restraint most of the time. Typical collection areas include the lateral and medial saphenous While examining a hedgehog, it is a good idea vein (which is the easiest to hit), and the to dim the lights and to eliminate loud noises. cephalic vein. Small veins have a tendency Ifthe patient is not cooperating, light leather to collapse, making it difficult to collect blood. or rubber latex gloves can be used. Scruffing The jugular vein and cranial vena cava can the skin between the ears and picking them be used iflarge amounts of blood are neces­ up off the ground can prevent most of them sary. However, the jugular vein is difficult from rolling up into a ball. When picking a to find due to its short length and the pres­ hedgehog up from the floor, it is easiest to ence of extensive subcutaneous fat. If all else scoop them up and lift them off the surface. fails, do a toe nail clip to obtain 1-2 hemat­ They generally unroll once they are lifted ocrit tubes and a blood smear. One half mil­ into the air. Most importantly, patience is liliter of blood is usually adequate, but 5 ml required. If force is used, the hedgehog will of blood can be removed from a healthy adult. roll up more tightly. A 22-25 gauge needle without the syringe can For an in-depth examination, it is usually be placed in the vein and the sample can be necessary.to sedate the patient. Isoflurane collected from the hub with hematocrit tubes.

68 Iowa State University Veterinarian Urine collection can be accomplished by Anesthesia catheterization of the bladder with a small gauge flexible catheter or by cystocentesis Physical examination or radiography of un­ from a ventral percutaneous approach. cooperative animals can be made easier with Injections can be given subcutaneously the use of inhalation anesthesia, such as on the back or the flank while the patient isoflurane or methoxyflurane. Induction can remains rolled up into a ball. Be aware that be accomplished with the use of a mask or due to the subcutaneous fat layers and poorly in a chamber using 3-5% isoflurane and vascularized spines, the fluids may be slowly 100% oxygen. The hedgehog should be main­ absorbed. Intramuscular injections can be tained at 0.5-1.5% isoflurane. done in the thigh but may require anesthe­ Injectable agents may be used, but re­ sia. The lateral saphenous or jugular veins covery tends to be prolonged and occasion­ can be catheterized and used for intravenous ally rough. Some protocols such as ketamine drug administration. However, catheteriza­ Hel at 5-20 mg/kg alone, or with diazepam tion of these veins may be difficult. Place­ at 0.5-2 mg/kg or xylazine at 0.5-1.0 mg/kg ment of an intraosseous catheter may be 1M have been used. Tiletamine Hell performed more readily. When calculating Zolazepam at 1.0-5.0 mg/kg 1M is also ac­ drug dosages and fluid requirements, keep ceptable. in mind that the poorly vascularized spines Intramuscular ketamine Hel and and subcutaneous fat account for 50% ofthe isoflurane by mask can be used for general body weight. When administering subcuta­ anesthesia for surgical procedures. Anesthe­ neous fluids, 100 m1Jkg of fluid can be given sia lasts about 20 minutes, with a post-an­ during one treatment, divided into two or esthetic sleeping recovery period of approxi­ three injection sites. An average adult mately 45 minutes.7 hedgehog weighing 350-500 grams can The patient should be kept warm to pre­ handle 30-40 cc offluid in the subcutaneous vent hypothermia, and fluids may be admin­ space. 1 istered IV, SC, or IP. Subcutaneous fluids take several hours to be absorbed from the Hematology and Reference Ranges adipose tissue, but a large volume of up to 100 m1Jkg can be administered in several Parameter Normal range different areas. Hematocrit 36.0 - 38.5% Sodium pentobarbital can be used for Hemoglobin 12.0 - 13.2 g/dl euthanasia at a dose of 2-4 mllanimal ad­ RBC 7.03 -7.64 x 10B/ul ministered intraperitoneally or intracar­ 16.8-18.2 pg MCH dially. MCHC 33.3 - 35.2 g/dl MCV 49.1-53.2 fl Reticulocytes 8 -14% Common Clinical Problems Platelets 230 - 430 x 103/ul WBC 6.3 - 9.6x 10s/ul Obesity and fatty liver disease (which is re­ Neutrophils 1.6 - 2.8 x 103/ul lated to diet) is becoming more common as Eosinophils 0.36 - 2.4 x 103/ul the interest in hedgehogs as pets continues Basophils 0.096 -0.45 x 103/ul to grow. Ad lib feeding is discouraged and Monocytes o - 0.084 x los/ul reduced calorie cat food is recommended for 3.72 - 6.l4x 103/ul Lymphocytes adult hedgehogs. Serum protein 51 - 72 g/liter BUN 13.3 - 15.0 mmol/liter Trauma due to male-male interactions Sodium 132 - 138 mmol/liter may lead to severe wounds. Wounds tend to Potassium 3.6 - 5.1 mmol/liter heal quite well, but keep in mind that con­ Calcium 2.0 - 2.3 mmol/liter traction of the strong dorsalis caudalis Phosphorus 2.0 - 3.8 mmol/liter muscles can lead to dehiscence. The muscle layers should be identified and sutured in These reference ranges are for the European the appropriate layers. The use of topical hedgehog. 7 and systemic antibiotics should be based on the results of culture and sensitivity. Hedge­ hogs tolerate bandages and splints well, but

Spring, 1997 69 the external fIxation of bone fractures is not and mouth disease, but they can be asymp­ possible. The use of Rush pins has also tomatic carriers. There is no known cure proven unsuccessful, presumably because of for foot and mouth disease. Although treat­ the strong roll up mechanism.7 ment may alleviate clinical signs, it does not Neoplasia occurs commonly in animals prevent spread of infection. over the age of three years, and hedgehogs Rabies Hedgehogs have been suspected are very susceptible to a wide variety oftu­ of having rabies because of the physiologi­ mors. Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly cal salivation involved in self-anointing, but diagnosed in hedgehogs. Initial signs may only three cases have been reported in Ger­ appear similar to periodontitis and gingivi­ many. 7 tis, but the mass begins to spread to the na­ Bacterial Diseases sal cavity and the orbit. Various types of Salmonellosis Common signs include neoplasia are becoming more common in mucoid green diarrhea, dehydration, anor­ clinical practice. As of now, there is no data exia, and sudden death. However, 28% of available concerning cancer therapy with clinically healthy animals have been shown hedgehogs. Papillomas, ranging in size from to be positive for Salmonella.7 Some species small solitary nodules to widely dissemi­ such as S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, and nated masses, can be easily excised but tend S. dublin can cause serious and potentially to reoccur in different locations. All excised fatal disease in many species of animals, masses should be submitted for histopathol­ including humans. This is a significant pub­ ogy for a defInitive diagnosis. lic health issue. Therefore, it is prudent to Dental problems, such as fractured and culture stool if the hedgehog is entering a abscessed teeth, are common causes of an­ household with children or debilitated, geri­ orexia, weight loss, and salivation in hedge­ atric adults. Treatment consists of hogs.5 Radiography may aid in the diagno­ Enrofloxacin or Trimethoprim sulfa, or as sis of dental disease. Treatment consists of indicated by culture and sensitivity results. extraction of all affected teeth and systemic Treatment should probably be extended for antibiotics. Even if extraction of the entire at least 30 days and the public health sig­ dentition is necessary, hedgehogs do well as nifIcance of potential carriers should be long as a soft diet is provided. Most dental weighed carefully. 1 Currently there are no problems are due to improper diets which studies indicating that Salmonella can be can cause periodontitis and gingivitis. In­ eliminated from a hedgehog. appropriate food consistency is the most com­ Respiratory Infections Lowenvironmen­ mon dietary problem. tal temperatures contribute to the develop­ Some gastrointestinal diseases include ment of respiratory infections caused by gastric foreign bodies (including Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella trichobezoars), and inflammatory gas­ spp. Pasteurella multocida infection causes trointestinal diseases due to infectious purulent bronchopneumonia with pulmo­ agents, neoplasia, or toxins. 1 nary fIbrosis, atelectasis, and abscessation. Bordetella bronchiseptica usually occurs sec­ Infectious Diseases ondary to other respiratory infections or dis­ eases. Hematology, radiography, and tra­ Viral Diseases cheal wash cytology and culture should be Foot and mouth disease This is caused performed to obtain a diagnosis. Treatment by an enterovirus of the family generally involves the use of broad spectrum Picornaviridae. It has an acute onset and is antibiotics such as Trimethoprim sulfa and highly contagious. Signs include erythema, Enrofloxacin. vesicles, and swelling of hairy parts of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Clinical body, as well as the feet, lips, and perineum.7 signs include rear leg weakness, chronic Anorexia, sneezing, and hypersalivation are weight loss, and signs ofliver disease. Post­ other common signs. At times, affected ani­ mortem exam reveals necrotic foci in the mals seem dazed and become abnormally liver and spleen, and enlargement of lymph active during the day. It is unknown whether nodes. Medical management includes these animals serve as a reservoir for foot parenteral fluids, supplemental heat, and

70 Iowa State University Veterinarian - saline nebulization with antibiotics. or SQ at 2 week intervals for 3 treatments. Other Tularemia, Leptospirosis, and Q Dips with Amitraz or organophosphate in­ fever are just a few other infectious diseases secticides are also effective. The environ­ known to occur "in wild hedgehogs. Hedge­ ment and other animals should be treated hogs are bred in captivity to prevent these as well. diseases from becoming a common problem in pet hedgehogs. Conclusion Fungal Diseases Dermatophytosis, characterized by Keep in mind that most common disease crusts around the base of the spines and etiologies in exotic animals are due to hus­ powdery, cracked skin with no signs of pru­ bandry and nutrition. Veterinarians need ritus, is caused by Trichophyton to remain knowledgeable and understand mentagrophytes and Microsporum spp. It the proper husbandry and medical manage­ can be easily confused with mite infestations, ment of hedgehogs as they begin to increase but no regression of lesions will be noticed in popularity.• with Ivermectin treatment. Diagnosis is based on fungal culture, and References treatment involves topical antifungal therapy, as well as oral griseofulvin at sug­ 1. Brown S. African hedgehogs: husbandry, restraint, and common problems. Midwest Exotic Pet Seminars gested feline dosages. Mycotic infections Annual Proceedings 1996;1-7. may be secondary to mange, scratch wounds, or Staphylococcus aureus dermatitis.s 2. MacDonald DW. The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Parasitic Diseases Oxford: Equinox Ltd, 1984;750-757 Endoparasites Wild hedgehogs suffer 3. SmithAJ. Husbandry and medicine ofAfrican hedge­ from many endoparasites, including coccidia, hogs (Atelerix albiventris). J Small Exotic An Med capillaria, tapeworms, and intestinal flukes. 1992;2(1):21-28. The European hedgehog is particularly sus­ 4. Hoyt R. A review of the husbandry and reproduc­ ceptible to lungworm. Hedgehogs in the tion of the African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). Am United States usually are not affected be­ Assoc Zoological Parks and Aquariums Annual Proc cause they are bred in captivity, but it is 1986;85-95. important to do a routine fecal examination. 5. Wallach JD, Boever WJ. Insectivora. In: Diseases of All species of hedgehogs are susceptible to Exotic Animals. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co. Toxoplasmosis from eating raw meat. They 1983;653-662. can also be infected with tapeworms by con­ suming insects infected with the larva of 6. Johnson-Delaney CA. Hedgehogs. Exotic Compan­ ion Medicine Handbook for Veterinarians Wingers Hymenolepis erinacei. Endoparasites can be 1996;7. eliminated with Pyrantel pamoate (Strongid) or Ivermectin (lvomec).7 7. Isenbugel E, Baumgartner RA. Diseases of the Ectoparasites Fleas and ticks can be Hedgehog. In: Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Current Therapy Saunders 1993;294-299. picked up outside or from other animals in the house. This causes pruritus which can 8. Storer P. Everything You Wanted to Know About lead to a secondary fungal infection. Treat­ Hedgehogs (but you didn't know who to ask). Alleytown, ment consists of dusting with flea powder or Texas: Country Storer Enterprises 1992. using a pyrethrin-based flea spray.7 Ear infections are treated similarly to small animals. Exudate from the ears should be examined for mite infestation. Hedgehog mites may look very similar to Chorioptes, but actually they are Caparinia tripilis. Mite infestation may result in skin scaling, loss of quills and hair, hyperkeratosis of the ear margins, pruritus and/or otitis. Diagnosis is easily made by skin scraping. Treatment Please turn the page for the African Hedge­ consists of Ivermectin at 0.2-0.5 mg/kg PO hog Formulary.

Spring, 1997 71 AFRICAN HEDGEHOG FORMULARY MITES FUNGAL Amitraz CMitaban) Griseofulvin (microsize) 'Ibpically: 0.3% weekly for 2-3 weeks PO: 50 mg/kg/day q 8-12 hours Ivermectin Ketoconazole (Nizorai) SC or PO: 0.2-0.5mg/kg 2 weeks apart for 3 treatments PO: 10mg/kg q 24hours ANTIBIOTICS· BROAD SPECTRUM ANALGESIC Amoxicillin , Butorphanol PO, 1M: 15 mg/kg q 12 hours SC: 0.05 mg/kg q 8 hours PRN Chloramphenicol (bacteriostatic, Salmonella) Ketamine 30 mg/kg q 12 hours 5-20 mg/kg PO: 50 mg/kg q 12 hours Tiletamine HCl/zolazepam Enrofloxacin 1.0-5.0 mg/kg PO, 1M, SC: 5.0-10 mg/kg q 12 hours Xylazine Oxytetracycline 0.5-1 mg/kg PO: 50 mg/kg daily, administer in food for 5-7 days ANESTHESIA ANTIBIOTICS· GRAM POSITIVE Diazepam Penicillin G 0.5-2 mg/kg 40,000 IU/kg q 24 hours Isoflurane Ampicillin Mask: 'Ib effect 10 mg/kg q 24 hours FRACTURES Erythromycin: Penicillin resistant Calcium gluconate 10% PO,IM: 10mg/kg q 12 hours 0.5 ml/kg ANTIBIOTICS· GRAM NEGATIVE ALLERGIES, INFLAMMATION, SHOCK Sulfadimethoxine Dexamethasone SC, PO: 2-20 mg/day, treat for 2·5 days, off 5, repeat 0.1-1.5 mg/kg Trimethoprim/sulfa (25 mg tri + 5 mg sulfa) -: up to 5 mg/kg shock PO: 30 mg/kg q 24 hours Prednisone MYCOPLASMA SC: 2.5 mg/kg q 12 hours pm TylQ§in -: 10mg/kg PO: 10 mg/kg q 12 hours VITAMINS PARASITES Vitamin A Fenbendazole (panacur) 400 IU/kg q 24 hours for 10 days PO: 10-30 mg/kg repeat q 2 weeks Skin disorders, excessive spine loss, rule out infections Praziquantel (Droncit) Vitamin B complex PO, SC: 7 mg/kg once, repeat q 2 weeks (Cestodes) 1 ml/kg I vermectin (Ivomec 1 %) CNS signs, paralysis of unknown origin, anorexia PO, SC: 0.2 mg/kg repeat q 2 weeks Vitamin C Mebendazole lTelmin) PO, SC: 50-200 mg/kg PO: 15 mg/kg repeat q 2 weeks (Nematodes) Vitamin C deficiency, infections, gingival disease, sup­ PO: <500 gBW=25 mgq 12 hours; >500 g BW=50 mg port of recovery from all infections: use 1000 mg ascor­ q 12 hours for 5 days, repeat after 2·3 weeks. bic acid! 1 L drinking water - change daily. Metronidazole PO: 25mg/kg q 12hours

Canine Anatomy ...... ,,.,"' ... A CD-ROM for preview and of the anatomy of the dog_ Purchase from: Images 4U, c/o Don Adams Department of Biomedical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Iowa State University Ames, IA 50011 (515) 294-7710 [email protected]

Program Requirements: Windows 95 or NT and a display resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels with 16-bit color depth (65,000 colors).

Single user copies: $29 (1 yr license), $49 (2 yr license), $89 (unlimited time license).

72 Iowa State University Veterinarian