2 years ago
If your pet hedgehog looks inflated
poke it with a scalpel. It may have developed Balloon Syndrone due to a punctured lung. Proven.
http://wildlife1.wildlifeinformation.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Hedgehog_Balloon_Syndrome.html
General Description
Clinical signs:
- Skin grossly inflated and stretched taut (the hedgehog may appear twice its normal size).
- The belly may be touching, and dragging on, the ground.
- The hedgehog’s legs may be unable to reach the ground.
(B151, D66, B259.w10, B284.6.w6, B337.3.w3)
Note: Localised subcutaneous emphysema may occur also. (B337.3.w3)
Further Information
- There may be air under the skin, possibly due to respiratory tract damage. (B151)
- The condition may occur due to a wound sucking air under the skin. (B337.3.w3)
- This may occur following trauma to the anterior mediastinum, for example after a road traffic accident, or rib fracture damaging the respiratory tract. (B284.6.w6)
- Balloning could occur due to gas-producing infection in a deep wound. (D66, B259.w10, B284.6.w6)
Diagnosis:
- Clinical examination. (B151, D66)
- The hedgehog will feel light for its apparent size. (B337.3.w3)
- If the spines are touched or tapped a distinct hollow sound may be heard. (B337.3.w3)
Treatment:
- Air may be aspirated from under the skin by using a sterile large-gauge needle, syringe and three-way tap, or by making an incision on the back of the hedgehog with a scalpel. (B151, D66, B259.w10, B284.6.w6).
- The procedure may have to be repeated several times. (B151, B284.6.w6)
- Caution is required to ensure that the procedure does not result in iatrogenic infection. (B337.3.w3)
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic cover (e.g. long-acting amoxycillin (B151) or amoxycillin-clavulanic acid (B337.3.w3)) is recommended. (B151,B259.w10, B284.6.w6, B337.3.w3)
This condition usually resolves over about three to seven days; the hedgehog may scratch more than usual while there is still gas under the skin. (B337.3.w3)