Hedgehog dehydration emergency - Ferret-Aide?
Hello,
We brought a little girl hedgehog home from the pet store day before yesterday. She had a little diarrhea but it seemed to be doing better, and she seemed fine last night. Her stools were firming up.
However, I've come home today and she cannot move. I gently pinched her abdomen and she shows signs of severe dehydration. Her nose is not wet anymore. She has been drinking a little, but as I just got her I wasn't sure how much was normal.
I have emergency electrolyte solution for "Ferrets and Small Animals", called Ferret-Aide, by Marshall. I was wondering if it is okay to give to hedgehogs. We are also going to try Pedialyte. She will not drink on her own.
Any other tips for this emergency? I've already called my ferret's vets, and can't find anyone in the immediate area who can treat her.
Very distressed right now, she seemed very playful and active just last night.:(
I don't think she was chilled. We've been keeping the room above 74 degrees, but her belly has still been a little cold. Last night I sat with her on a heating pad trying to get her warm. But I just don't understand why she's cold in the first place...for example, the room I'm keeping her in is over 76 right now.
Is Wobbly Hedgehog a possibility? She was a little unsteady on her feet when we brought her home. I've got her up and walking again, slowly, and seem to have gotten her fluids up out of the danger zone. I can return her for another hedgehog, but I at least want to get the dehydration under control. I feel like she deserves a fighting chance.
Thanks for the advice, but I live in rural West Virginia. I checked the local vets before I decided to ask an internet community for help, as I realize they're much better at it. The one that I did have who manages exotics (my ferrets, too) has recently moved.
Fortunately there are more pediatricians and doctors than exotic vets.