Circling Hedgehog

RE: Circling Hedgehog

Silvia Maldonado — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 10:12:06 GMT

700g, Is it a young hedgehog or rather an underweight adult? that may give some idea of how long it's been an issue.

RE: Circling Hedgehog

ian bates — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:42:55 GMT

I metaldehyde poisoning ?..........I realise this is no longer on sale but gardeners are likely to still have supplies from previous years. I think hedgehogs are also susceptible to other pesticides in use.....?

RE: Circling Hedgehog

Beats — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:15:29 GMT

I had another hedgehog brought in today that was walking in compulsive circles. It had been in a sanctuary and was known to have gained weight up to 1kg. it did appear blind however, and I suspect had been throughout. The walking in circles compulsively was thought to be a more recent symptom.

I euthanased it due to uncertain prognosis for returning to wild.

I'm not convinced that this circling behaviour is likely due to inner or middle ear disease, nor head trauma, and my reading of wobbly hedgehog disease from the internet does not seem to fit with the predominant neutrological sign being circling behaviour (albeit this hedgehog was blind also).

I don't recall seeing compulsively circling hedgehogs in the past, so would be interested in any other thoughts, ideas or experience on the subject! (And what to do if presented with another one in future...)

Many thanks in advance.

RE: Circling Hedgehog

Chris Milligan — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:28:19 GMT

I agree with others - first opinion principles, and trauma or ear infection is very likely. Hedgehogs, both the African and native European species, do suffer from a unique and terribly named degenerative neurological disorder called Wobbly Hedgehog Disease that affects quite a high percentage of them. Circling and vestibular-like symptoms are fairly common signs seen with it.

RE: Circling Hedgehog

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 07:18:40 GMT

Agree with Neil - just go back to basic principles. Middle ear disease is a high differential. Circling certainly a common symptom.

However, in a hedgehog, I'd also be suspecting head trauma.

RE: Circling Hedgehog

Beats — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:47:42 GMT

I agree, but I don't remember ever seeing another mammal walk in compulsive circles (in either direction) due to an inner ear issue.

RE: Circling Hedgehog

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:37:12 GMT

All I can input is 'go to first principals' You're dealing with a mammel.

A tortoise expert told me that as even though he deals with them, each species is totally different.

If it's circling an inner ear issue has to be high up on the list doesn't it.

Dex and Amoxycillin, why not?

Neil