The African hedgehog is the variety of this species that in recent years has become popular as a pet, due to its small size and its his attractive appearance. These small mammals are nocturnal and are capable of traveling great distances, relative to their small size, every day, so you will need to provide space for them to exercise.
Although taking care of them is very simple, they are vulnerable to diseases like all animals, so our site presents you with this article on the most common diseases of hedgehogs African. Keep reading!
Dry Skin
Skin problems are very common in African hedgehogs. There may be loss of some of the quills, scaling, reddish areas and crusts on the ears or hardening of the skin in that area.
The causes are varied, from the presence of parasites on the skin to nutritional problemsTo combat it, you need to go to the vet and find out what the source of the problem is. Some oral treatment may be recommended, in addition to moisturizing the affected areas with natural oils.
Fungi and parasites
As with dogs and cats, the hedgehog is host to ticks, mites and fungus of the skin. As you know, ticks feed on the blood of animals, so they can cause anemia in your hedgehog, apart from causing illness.
The mites will cause scabies, translated into the fall of the quills, cigarillo and black dots that can be seen on the skin; In addition, they nest in furniture and carpets, infecting the entire house. Fungi are dangerous if the hedgehog is sick and weak, and they spread easily.
The vet will tell you the topical treatments to eliminate these annoying invaders, as well as the steps to follow to sanitize the house. It is recommended to thoroughly clean hedgehog cages, feeders, bedding and toys.
Diarrhea and constipation
These are the gastrointestinal ailments that most frequently afflict this small mammal. Diarrhea is usually caused by a sudden change in diet or lack of water, while the cause of constipation is stress, which can be fatal in children. younger hedgehogs if not caught early.
If you notice any change in your hedgehog's defecation pattern, you should see a specialist immediately. Never introduce a change of food suddenly, accustom the hedgehog to a varied diet from an early age and always have a story with fresh water ready for him. Avoid situations that make him nervous, such as handling him too much or exposing him to loud noises.
Obesity and anorexia
The African hedgehog tends to gain weight rapidly if overfed and not allowed to exercise daily, as in the wild these small animals walk great distances to get their food. This excess weight causes hepatic lipidosis and skin problems, as moisture is trapped in the folds.
It is recommended to control food portions and let him walk in the garden daily under your supervision, or go out with him to the park. A hamster wheel in his cage is a good option so he can play when you're away.
At the other extreme we have anorexia, which is also very common in African hedgehogs. It is mainly triggered by diet refusal, mouth pain, digestive problems and hepatic lipidosis. Discovering the reason for anorexia is crucial to know how to treat it, but it is necessary to act quickly so that the animal eats again, even if it is necessary to resort to forced feeding.
Respiratory diseases
Colds, pneumonia andrhinitis are among the diseases of the respiratory system that most frequently attack African hedgehogs. It is evident in mucus, chills, loss of appetite and therefore weight, sneezing , among others. Given these symptoms, the hedgehog needs a visit to the vet, to rule out that a simple cold is something more serious, such as pneumonia.
The factors that trigger respiratory diseases are usually too low temperatures, to which the hedgehog is extremely sensitive, dusty and dirty environment (which also causes conjunctivitis) and even nutritional deficiencies, since the mammal's defenses would be down, making it vulnerable to viruses.
It may happen that, during its visits to the garden, the hedgehog ingests slugs and catches lung parasites, which would bring with it cough, dyspnea and eventually death if not treated in time.
Dental problems
The dental he alth of the hedgehog is crucial, not only to avoid discomfort but also an oral discomfort can bring other problems, such as anorexia, with their respective consequences.
A he althy mouth translates to pink gums and white teeth, so any shade that strays from these is a sign of something wrong. Periodontitis is the most frequent ailment, causing tooth loss.
The best way to avoid problems like these is to take care of your hedgehog's diet. The ideal, both to provide the best nutrition and to keep the teeth in good condition, is to vary the raw and soft food with dry foods. Also, keep an eye out for debris between the teeth and ask your vet about implementing a brushing routine if necessary.
