Upper respiratory infection in hedgehogs is widespread, especially at a young age. For instance, bacterial diseases like pneumonia occur frequently. The signs of respiratory illness include sneezing, coughing, crusty or runny eyes, wheezing, and raspy breathing.
Their environment and way of life are the leading causes of this painful and occasionally fatal illness. Watch out for self-mutilation, and if the hedgehog gets frustrated with not being able to breathe, it could attack its nose.
Causes of Upper Respiratory Infection in Hedgehogs
The following are risk causes of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in hedgehogs.
- Using unsanitary dusty, or aromatic bedding
- Consequent illness impairing the immune system
- An ambient temperature that is not ideal
- Inhaled material with an oral infection
Respiratory infections could result from parasitic, fungal, bacterial, fungal, and non-infectious illnesses and abnormal tissue growths.
It may be spread between animals, within the air, from their cage surroundings, humans, from degenerative conditions, or transferred across animals.
The Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, the most prevalent cause of URIs, already live within your hedgehog. Despite being a common species, pneumonia can be fatal if contracted through a bite from another hedgehog. Hog housing together should never be done since it can be fatal.
Not only due to the possible bites and scratches but also because the bites and scratches may spread harmful microorganisms too widely, resulting in contamination.
Another possible cause of the symptoms of hedgehog URI is a particular parasite illness, such as lungworm. Most important to remember is that upper respiratory infections can cause death if not treated quickly.
Before starting treatment, they must examine and listen to your hedgehog’s organs and crucial signs.
Upper Respiratory Infection in Hedgehogs Diagnosis and Treatment
After an ultrasound or x-ray, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics such as Baytril or enrofloxacin and a probiotic such as Acidophilus or lactobacillus.
Another technique is a tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage, in which the veterinarian passes a tube through the animal’s airway and inserts a fluid to be collected for analysis.
If fluid has accumulated between the wall of the exterior of the chest cavity and the lungs, a pleural tap (fluid extraction) may be necessary. In other situations, a biopsy or even an endoscopy may be required.
Fecal Matter Tests
Carry a stool sample with you so the vet can perform a fecal examination to look for lungworm eggs. A urine sample could also be required to check for any malignant growth in the urine.
Use a cleaned tote raised at one end to ensure that any liquids drain to the low end to obtain the best sample possible. Place nothing absorbent or trash in the bag (including fleece). Just give them water, food, a wheel, and a hide made of plastic.
The wheel needs to be put at the bottom. Use a syringe to draw up any liquids and a disposable spoon to remove feces. To carry the hog samples to the vet, place them in two distinct zip-lock containers.
Prescribing Medication
Often, your hedgie will need prescriptions for antibiotics like Baytril or Enrofloxacin. She will also use drugs for parasites, like fenbendazole and Ivermectin. Additionally, she will need probiotics such as doxycycline and Acidophilus.
For both prescriptions, you can use food and mucus thinners. If not handled appropriately, this scenario could be fatal, so issue all prescribed medications as directed and pay close attention to the guidelines.
Why Hedgehogs Need Clean Air
It’s crucial to ensure your little hedgie breathes clean air before and after suffering from a URI. Particularly when it comes to secondhand smoke, feces, and strong perfumes, unclean air quickly becomes a problem.
Their lungs might not be able to rid the bronchi of the fluid that naturally accumulates due to the additional inhalant pollution, raising the risk of pneumonia.
Hog URI symptoms start to show up when the normal fluid stops draining through the nasal canal, designed to eliminate foreign compounds.
What to Do to Help Hedgehogs with Upper Respiratory Infections at Home
You can lessen their tension by putting them in the dark and pumping more oxygen into the air. Using any air purifier and replacing your house furnace filters more frequently can help you achieve this.
Offer them fresh hides within their cage, and if possible, turn down the noise inside the house.
You can determine whether or not to limit your time together until they feel better. Calm cuddling wouldn’t be harmful if you and your hedgehog are already close and have formed a bond.
Ensure your dogs are kennel cough-vaccinated and keep your hedgehog away from other pets.
Conclusion
Lethargy and a lack of appetite are non-specific symptoms that can indicate disease or illness, such as upper respiratory infection in hedgehogs.
Therefore, any variation from your hedgehog’s normal state should raise concern. If you notice any changes, take your little buddy to a vet for a check-up.
