HEDGEHOG VET

Hedgehog Veterinarian Serving Ohio

Our hedgehog vet, Dr. Riggs, has over 30 years experience treating exotics including hedgehogs. We provide full service care and treatment for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are interesting quilled animals that naturally live in Africa and Southern Europe. The African pygmy hedgehog is the most common pet. Hedgehogs are masters at hiding signs of illness until they are quite sick, so it’s important to bring them in to be examined if you notice any change in behavior such as decreased appetite or inactivity. Hedgehogs are prone to certain illnesses such as cancer, ear infections, respiratory infections, skin disease, mites, and tooth & gum disease.

  • Hibernation is not recommended in pet hedgehogs. Unlike their wild relatives, they aren’t equipped for it. Cold temperatures promote hibernation so always keep your hedgie warm.
  • Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) is a fatal disease characterized by wobbly movement or leaning/falling over to one side. It could start as subtle as dragging a foot and progress further.
  • Respiratory infections are common in hedgehogs and could be caused from cold environment or stress. Symptoms include crust or runny discharge from nose and eyes, and coughing or wheezing.
  • Dehydration from diarrhea can cause serious illness. If you notice loose stools or your hedgehog hasn’t eaten in 24 hours, he should be brought in for a check-up.

Examples of Tests Offered:

  • COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): A CBC is great laboratory tool that allows a veterinarian to “peek” inside your bird. By assessing the variety of blood parameters we can detect infections, viral diseases, blood parasites, response to disease, and states of anemia to name a few. This test can be done in our office at the time of your bird’s exam to aid in our ability to assess your pet’s health.
  • BLOOD PROFILING: A blood profile or serum chemistry series is a group of blood tests used to assess various organ functions or disease states. Kidney function, liver abnormalities, pancreatic disease are but a few of the conditions a blood profile can help evaluate.
  • SEROLOGIC TESTING/SPECIFIC DISEASE TESTS:
    Serologic tests use a combination of technologies (including state-of-the-art DNA probe tests) to screen your pet for the presence of various contagious diseases. Some examples of common tests used are:
  • CHLAMYDIA TESTING: Chlamydia, or parrot fever, is a contagious bacterial disease of birds that is also potentially contagious to humans. A variety of symptoms can be displayed and some birds can be healthy acting carriers. Although a culture is the “gold standard” for testing, a number of different tests are available to use in different situations to screen for this important disease.
  • PBFD: Psittacine beak and feather disease is a viral disease capable of infecting a wide variety of bird species. This potentially fatal disease can progress slowly or rapidly and involve a range of feather and beak lesions. Although no cure is currently available, this test can be used to help screen for the presence or absence of this disease in your pet.
  • POLYOMA: Polyoma virus is another potentially devastating disease of pet birds that has a variety of presentations and outcomes. Lesions can involve feathers or cause widespread tissue destruction and acute illness. Testing as well as a vaccine is available for this disease.
  • PACHECO’S: Pacheco’s disease is a highly infective herpes virus of birds. Disease can be rapid, widespread, and fatal or sporadic with asymptomatic carriers. DNA testing is now available to help detect and prevent this catastrophic disease.

Hedgehog Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Surgical Procedures

Our goal is to keep your hedgehog healthy and prevent illness. If your pet is injured or ill, rest assured that we have the tools necessary to diagnose the problem and offer state-of-the-art treatment. From blood testing and radiographs to ultrasound and endoscopy, we have the means to track down your pets’ problems. Once the problem is uncovered we have the expertise, equipment, and the years of experience needed to provide the therapy or surgical procedures required to help our patients.

Hedgehog Wellness Exams

Hedgehog Parasite Control

We recommend routine wellness exams to keep your hedgehog in peak condition. As part of the examination, we’ll consult with you about your concerns and discuss specific needs of your hedgehog such as diet. We will visually examine teeth, ears, eyes, mouth, and skin for signs of illness. If we find anything abnormal, we may recommend testing to diagnose possible illness.

Hedgehogs can get internal and external parasites including fleas, ticks, worms, and commonly mites. These parasites cause discomfort and may lead to serious illness. Signs of mites include loss of quills, crusty deposits around the eyes, ears, and base of quills. We offer parasite control medication to keep your hedgehog pest free.

Hedgehog Emergency Care

Our office is open for your hedgehog’s health care needs Monday through Friday 8:00-6:00 and Saturday 8:00-4:00. If emergency care is required after these hours, you can rely on our 24 hour emergency facility- the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital. Metro is located at 1053 S. Cleveland-Massilon Rd. in Copley (330-666-2976) and is there to assist with any of our client’s problems. At Metro we have veterinarians and technicians on duty 24 hours daily to address your needs. Metro’s staff doctors rotate through our clinic on a regular basis to assure that they are comfortable addressing the problems of our clients.

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