🦔 Common Diseases of Hedgehogs: Vet Guide to Health, Prevention & Care in 2025 💊

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Hedgehogs, especially the beloved African pygmy hedgehog, have become popular pets thanks to their quirky personalities and adorable spines. But as with any companion animal, these nocturnal creatures come with their own set of health concerns. In this detailed 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through the most common diseases of hedgehogs, how to spot the signs, and how to keep your spiky friend thriving. 🦔🧠

🧴 Skin Diseases

Skin problems are among the most frequently reported issues in pet hedgehogs. They may present as dry, scaly, or crusty skin, and can be caused by:

🧫 Dermatophytosis (Ringworm):

• 🌀 Fungal infection
• 📍 Scaly areas at the spine base
• 🧴 Treat with topical antifungals
• ⚠️ Zoonotic—can spread to humans

🕷️ Mite Infestation:

• 🐾 Causes flaking and intense itching
• 🧪 Requires skin scraping for diagnosis
• 💊 Treat with anti-parasitic meds
• 🧼 Clean the environment & other pets to prevent reinfection

⚖️ Obesity

Many hedgehogs are overfed and under-exercised in captivity, leading to obesity. This can prevent them from curling into a ball and predispose them to other conditions like:

• 🍟 Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease)
• 🦥 Lethargy and inactivity

🛠️ Prevention:

• 🍎 Feed high-quality, portion-controlled diets
• 🎾 Provide nighttime enrichment for activity
• ⚖️ Monitor weight weekly with a kitchen scale

💡 Weight Loss Tip:

Offering live insects encourages natural hunting behaviors and provides essential nutrients. 🐛

💩 Gastrointestinal Diseases

Digestive issues in hedgehogs can arise from infections, poor diet, or dental problems. Common signs include diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite. ⚠️

🚨 Salmonella Infection:

• 💩 Diarrhea and dehydration
• 🧪 Diagnosed via fecal culture
• 💊 Treated with antibiotics
• ⚠️ Zoonotic—use caution when cleaning cages

🦷 Dental Disease:

• 🦴 Fractured teeth lead to drooling and appetite loss
• 📸 X-rays and oral exams for diagnosis
• 💊 Pain meds, antibiotics, and possibly extractions

🔥 Intestinal Inflammation:

• 💩 Causes diarrhea and weight loss
• 🔬 Diagnosed via fecal tests, imaging, or diet trials

Any prolonged appetite loss can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver condition. Treat the underlying cause quickly to avoid this complication. 🩺

🦠 Cancer

Cancer is sadly common in hedgehogs over 3 years of age. They may develop:

• 🔴 Squamous cell carcinoma
• 🔵 Mast cell tumors
• 🧬 Mammary gland or reproductive tumors

🧪 Diagnosis Tools:

• 🩸 Bloodwork
• 📸 X-rays or ultrasound
• 🔬 Biopsy

💉 Treatment:

• 🔪 Surgical removal
• 💊 Supportive care
• ☢️ Possible chemotherapy or radiation

Early detection greatly improves prognosis. Look for swelling, lethargy, or unusual discharges. 🧠

❤️ Heart Disease

The most common heart issue in hedgehogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart chambers become enlarged. Signs include:

• 💨 Difficulty breathing
• 😴 Lethargy
• ⚖️ Weight loss

DCM requires lifelong medication to manage symptoms, though the heart damage is permanent. 🫀

🌬️ Respiratory Disease

Caused by bacteria like Bordetella, Pasteurella, and Corynebacterium, respiratory disease presents with:

• 🤧 Sneezing
• 💦 Nasal discharge
• 💨 Breathing difficulty

Diagnosis involves radiographs and culture, with treatment via antibiotics and possibly oxygen therapy. 💊

🧠 Neurological Disease

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a fatal, progressive neurological disease believed to be genetic. Signs include:

• 🌀 Wobbliness or limb weakness
• 🧍 Paralysis
• 📉 Rapid weight loss

Unfortunately, there is no cure. Treatment is limited to supportive care and hand-feeding. 🛏️

💪 Musculoskeletal Injuries

These injuries often result from poor cage setups or grooming issues:

• 🧦 Fabric threads strangling toes or limbs
• 🧼 Overgrown nails causing entrapment or wounds

🛠️ Prevention Tips:

• ✂️ Regular nail trims
• 🏡 Safe, smooth cage materials (no loose threads!)

🧪 Diagnosing & Monitoring Illness

Because hedgehogs are prey animals, they often hide signs of illness. Owners play a vital role in spotting the subtle changes that signal something is wrong.

👀 Monitor For:

• 📉 Weight fluctuations
• 🥣 Changes in appetite
• 🚶 Abnormal gait or balance issues
• 💩 Stool consistency

If something feels "off," schedule a vet visit promptly. Early care is key! ⏰

📲 Need Help With Your Hedgehog?

Not sure if your hedgehog’s behavior is normal? Concerned about appetite or skin changes? Get expert advice fast from Dr Duncan Houston via AskAVet.com or the Ask A Vet app. 🧑‍⚕️📱

From diet and weight tips to advanced care for chronic disease, we’re here to help your hedgehog live their happiest, healthiest life in 2025! 💚🦔