Hedgehogs are popular caged pets. Hedgehogs are generally healthy pets, but if they fall ill, it can be fatal within a few days. They are good at hiding stress and illnesses, but there are symptoms you can look out for.
Hedgehogs are prone to UTIs due to the ease with which dirt and grains can get stuck in their penile. But how do you know your hedgie has a UTI or when to see a vet?
We’ll discuss common signs and symptoms so you can know when to take your spiny friend to the vet.
Signs and Symptoms of UTI in Hedgehogs
The initial signs of a urinary tract infection in hedgehogs may be undetectable since your hedgie may only make sounds or show minimal signs of distress while urinating.
Changes in Urine Frequency and Color
If your hedgehog is infected, it may excrete small amounts of urine slowly and frequently. Normal urine is clear or yellow. The urine may be cloudy or red with a strong, pungent smell.
Another sign you can look out for is your hedgie’s attention to their genitals. If they constantly lick or nibble the genitals, it could be a sign of UTI.
Bloody Urine
The last sign to watch out for is blood in the urine. The blood may range from pink to red. You’re likely to see it in water or their beddings. To keep a watch on abnormalities, you can use lightly colored bedding on your hedgehog’s bed.
Reduced Appetite
Your hedgehog may lose their appetite if they have a UTI. However, they may not show any signs of lethargy. If left untreated, the UTI can lead to cystitis, which causes inflammation in the uterus in your female hedgie.
Further, it causes nephritis, which is the inflammation of the kidneys, or urethritis, which is the inflammation of the urethra. It also leads to urolithiasis( bladder stones) that turns your hedgie’s urine bloody and makes them experience difficulty when urinating.
Causes of UTI in Hedgehogs
Insufficient Hydration
If your hedgehog doesn’t take enough water, they’re likely to suffer bladder infections. You can help increase your hedgie’s water intake by measuring their daily intake and ensuring the recommended amounts are taken.
Besides increasing their daily intake, they also change their diet. Always consult your vet anytime you want to change your hedgehog’s diet. Also, consider simple cat food kibbles and natural foods for healthy diet options.
Bacterial Infection
Hedgehog’s genitalia is external. The risk for infection is high since foreign bacteria can easily get into their urinary tract. Despite having healthy bacteria in their systems, invading bacteria reduces the system’s ability to fight infections.
Bacteria can come from hedgehog’s quills, fecal matter, fur, or dirt that gets to their urethra. To prevent infections, ensure your hedgehog stays in a clean, safe place with little litter to prevent infections.
Environmental factors
Your hedgehog’s environment is critical in keeping urinary tract infections at bay.
If you house females and males in the same cage, the females ovulate, and their reproductive cycle is active with the male in the vicinity. The presence of the males can irritate the female’s urinary tract.
If your hedgie’s cage temperature is not well controlled, it might lead to bacterial infection. Conducive temperature ranges from 23°C – 26.5°C/74°F – 80°F.
Always look out for foreign objects around your hedgehog. If dirt or pieces of bedding get inside your female hedgehog’s vulva or male penile sheath, they cause an obstruction which leads to UTI. Ensure you inspect your hedgie’s genitals daily for any obstructions.
Prescribed Treatments for Hedgehog UTI Symptoms
| Prescription | Purpose |
| Clavamox | Pain management |
| Trimethoprim | Fights urinary tract infections |
| Sulfatrim | Strong antibacterial combination |
| Gabapentin | Pain medication |
| Silver sulfadiazine ointment | To treat self-mutilation scars and stop the bacterial spread. |
| Cephalexin | Fights kidney and Staphylococcal infection |
When to See a Vet
When your hedgehog begins to pee small amounts of urine frequently and yelps in discomfort, it’s a clear indication of UTI. If you observe blood in their urine, there’s nothing more you can do on your own. That’s when you need to see a vet.
You can take a urine sample for a lab test to check for bacterial infection. Additionally, have your hedgehog go through an ultrasound to check for any masses that may have formed. If results show bacteria presence, ensure you give your hedgie the prescribed antibiotic.
Wrap Up
Urinary tract infection is one of the common diseases in hedgehogs. Though UTI is preventable, it’s prevalent in hedgehogs due to their external genitalia, which poses a risk for infection.
However, you don’t have to worry since treatment is available if the infection is noticed early. Treatment includes corrective measures for underlying causes, supportive care, and administration of antibiotics.
You’ll need to be vigilant, and should you see any signs and symptoms of UTI in your hedgehog, see a vet as soon as possible.
