When Should I Take My Hedgehog To The Vet?

It can be confusing knowing when should I take my hedgehog to the vet. Knowing when a certain symptom is severe enough to take your hedgie to the vet confuses most hedgie parents. On one hand, they don't want to be negligent. On the other hand, vets are expensive and if the issue is minor (like quilling), then the monetary resources are better saved for when a real issue take place. Quilly takes this question on and gives hedgie parents food for thought. At the same time, he warns that his advice does not replace that of a qualified veterinarian.

Hey hedgie fans!

Trent from the UK asked, “When should I take my hedgehog to the vet?” His hedgehog Quillma recently had a lot of quill loss that he just wasn’t sure was normal.

I frequently get asked whether a hedgehog should be taken to the vet or not, so I hope this video helps.

Not every abnormal thing you see with your hedgie requires an immediate trip to the vet.

At the same time, depending on the severity of what you see, a trip to an emergency vet may be necessary. Or you may be able to go the next day to their regular vet.

For example, if your hedgehog is constipated or has diarrhea, there are some things you can try before making a decision to go to the vet. However, if the things you try, don’t improve the condition – or if the condition worsens – you shouldn’t hesitate to get veterinary care.

It really depends on how severe the symptoms are. There are several articles on my site that talk about certain hedgehog illnesses. The articles aren’t intended to replace the advice of a vet. Instead, they are there to help educate you, so you can make an informed decision. They also help you have knowledge to speak openly with your vet about treatment options.

Let’s Talk About Emergency Hedgehog Vet Trips

These are some things that require an immediate trip to the emergency animal hospital if you have one where you live:
– Blood
– If your hedgie swallows any human medication or household cleaning products
– A fall that changes your hedgehog’s ability to move or if they can’t move normally
– Anything bound around a limb that you are not able to cut off with a pair of cuticle scissors
– Any behavior that occurs suddenly (like a seizure, inability to breath, falling over, limb paralysis).
– Vomiting (Not to be confused with anointing)
Please use wise judgement and don’t wait to take your hedgie to the emergency hospital if symptoms are severe.

Now Let’s Talk About Non-Emergency Hedgie Vet Visits

Here are some symptoms that may not be an emergency, but should be seen by your vet the next day or the next available appointment:
– Parasites
– Any lumps
– Total loss of appetite
– Refusal to drink
– A limp or avoidance of using a limb
– Constipation or diarrhea that has lasted more than 48 hours (in spite of taking measures at home to reverse it)
– Signs of a UTI or incontinence
– Bubbles blown from the nose
– Lethargy or an extended lack of activity
– Extended or profuse quill loss
– Heavy tartar build up or loose teeth
This isn’t a complete list, but are the more common things that owners experience with their hedgehogs.

On my site, under the Health and Nutrition category, you’ll find several articles about common health concerns and some things you can try before taking your hedgie to the vet.

Please Use Good Judgement

If you ever feel like your hedgehog needs to see a vet or that it’s an emergency, you should go with your gut. Ultimately you know what is normal and abnormal for your hedgehog better than anyone else.

Thanks for your question Trent!

If you have any questions about hedgehogs, please ask me below or on my website! 
If you learned anything today, please comment, like, and subscribe. That way you’ll get notified when there’s a new Ask Quilly video!

Until next time, Bye for now!

If you'd like investigate many common hedgehog illnesses, you'll find them under the Health and Nutrition category.

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