Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Beverley Panto — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:59:30 GMT

I completely agree with the sentiment that unless likely to survive in the wild, euthanasia is often the best option -and despite my enthusiasm to treat wildlife where possible - I do euthanase a lot more than I save - I see it as a case of carefully choosing which cases to invest time and resources in. I personally don't treat wild animals in order for them to become pets or captive animals - but do feel that we have a professional responsibility not to just write off these creatures because they are of no benefit to us. There are of course the welfare implications (and I know euthanasia is a perfectly acceptable option re. welfare - but there are often alternatives), the public perception of the profession (which is not to be underestimated when it comes to wildlife!)

I would agree that hedgehogs do remarkably well in captivity - and similarly seem to adjust well back to life in the wild once rehabilitated.

An interesting debate...!

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Gerry Henry — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:44:44 GMT

[quote user="Martin Atkinson"]

I can't see the problem with treating hedgehogs and keeping them in captivity so long as they can be kept in a suitable environment. A lot of people keep hedgehogs as garden pets and given them shelter and food. Even handicapped they may have a symbiotic relationship and help with garden pest control. We've had one here for 3 weeks and nursed it back to health and its just gone off to Tiggywinkles. There isn't one rule suits all and each wildlife species has to be judged on its own merit as to whether it can be released back to the wild or if it can cope in captivity. I probably euthanase more than I resurrect. As for using Frontline, I have not seen any data but I understand it is not advisable, I would use ivermectin or permethrin depending on the infestation, can't see why Xenex or Xeno would not be useful for this purpose although I've not personally used either..

[/quote]

Stronghold puppy/kitten.

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:22:20 GMT

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Gerry Henry — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:55:23 GMT

[quote user="Evelyn Barbour-Hill"]

What - really - is the purpose of treating wild animals, of species that are not rare or in danger of extinction, with major injuries or illnesses?

This is not a rhetorical question.

[/quote]

They're cute, that's why, sour puss.

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Bob Russell — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:36:22 GMT

We will treat those that we know can get good care for life or can be released very promptly. This limits those treated to a minority with the majority being euthanased.

We do have a very capable 'bird man' and allow him to guide us in a lot of cases. Hedgehogs seem to be quite amenable to captivity. Give them food and they seem to settle easily.

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

James Laidlaw — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:23:04 GMT

[quote user="Evelyn Barbour-Hill"]

What - really - is the purpose of treating wild animals, of species that are not rare or in danger of extinction, with major injuries or illnesses?

This is not a rhetorical question.

[/quote]

I generally agree with what Michael said - I guess everyone has a different line in the sand where they define a major injury or illness, or halt treatment and go for euthanasia. Lots of variables here, but I think if it's major and it's not rare or endangered then often the best option in terms of welfare for these creatures is euthanasia. Captivity is stressful for them as said, add to that pain and intensive hospital care and you are not really creating a great situation.

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 01:09:14 GMT

What - really - is the purpose of treating wild animals, of species that are not rare or in danger of extinction, with major injuries or illnesses?

This is not a rhetorical question.

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Rachael Winder — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:36:06 GMT

This probably doesn't help as any handicapped hedgehogs I deal with end up in a protected sanctuary locally and don't necessarily need to fend for themselves in the same way as those who are truly wild. I won't amputate forelimbs as those I have seen who have lost a forelimb in the wild really seem to fare badly. They seem to do well missing a hindlimb as long as you amputate high enough up so that they don't get constant damage to the stump. However as I say, I may feel differently if those I operated on were really to go back to being completely wild. Plus it also depends on what else is going on with them. Many struggle with various sorts of parasitism (strongly recommend faecal screening- it's surprisingly easy) and if there is significant concurrent illness I'd be loathe to attempt sx/tx.

Can't help with the fronltine though!

Re: Hedgehogs...Fipronil and amputation!!

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:34:54 GMT

Not a popular view but my take on any wildlife casualty is can it be brought back to normal quickly and cost effectively?

Personally I don't think it is especially ethical to keep them in sanctuaries and I would never go to the extent of amputating a limb. We should be mindful that these are wild animals and captivity is very stressful.

I also have a zero tolerance policy on treating vermin, would be a little hypocritical nursing a bunny back to health to then go out with the rifle and shoot a few hundred!

I await my red stars.