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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.:(

Update:

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.

Update 2:

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.

3 Answers

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Is it possible she got chilled? Hedgehogs that are exposed to temperatures below 72 degrees can go into a form of hibernation that they can't survive. Does her belly feel warm?

    Make sure you're offering fluids in a bowl vs a bottle. Hedgehogs have difficulty drinking enough water from bottles, plus they're actually dangerous and one hedgehog lost its tongue due to getting trapped in the bottle.

    Please join the forums at hedgehogcentral.com and/or chins-n-hedgies.com right now and ask the people there. Someone might be able to recommend a vet in your area.

    Edit: If she feels cold she's cold. Hedgies should be warm to the touch.

    You should find a vet ASAP. Only a vet can properly diagnose and treat your hedgehog. You wouldn't ask for medical advice on the Internet for a sick child, and you shouldn't do it for a pet either.

    Source(s): 15 years and over a dozen hedgehogs of experience, including rescue. For the best hedgehog care information, please visit the International Hedgehog Association (http://www.hedgehogclub.com)/ and the Michigan Hedgehog Owners Group (http://www.mihog.org),/ and consider joining the forums at Hedgehog Central (http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums) and/or Chins-n-Hedgies (http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums).
  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    i've got by no skill had a hedgehog yet all i understand is that in case you don't get it youthful or spend a good number of time with it he would be very annoying to hold because of the fact they have believe you sufficient to place their spines down. i'll tell you what i understand approximately ferrets. Ferrets do have a tender smell, so evaluate the place you would be protecting it. i does no longer save it in a room like...the kitchen if ya understand what i recommend. additionally, how plenty time will you be spending with it? they want approximately 4 hours of out-of-cage time an afternoon, and in case you do no longer think of you're able to do this accepted then i could get 2 so which you do no longer experience as to blame once you do not have time to play with it. they want their litterboxes scooped approximately a pair of times an afternoon depending on what share you have, and that they want fairly great cages. additionally, they're services to many cancers, so do you have a vet which will take ferrets close to you? do no longer bathe them too commonly or they're going to stink greater. you are able to desire to clip their nails approximately as quickly as a month or each 6 weeks or so. they're very relaxing and relaxing to play with! and likewise are very affectionate, they between the main suitable pets i've got ever had! i do no longer understand what else to tell you, different than examine! the two a sort of animals are unlike your trouble-free hamster and do honestly want fairly specific care. i'm hoping I helped and sturdy success!

  • BRBHRN
    Lv 6
    9 years ago

    If yu have a small syringe--tiny. Put some ferret aide in and just give her a little every 10-15 minutes. Just a little. If she acts like she wants more then let her have it. In an emergency I have used it. Pedialyte is also good, I have given to guinea pigs to keep them alive and once their strength is better, put them back on water. But give ratio of 6:4 of pedialyte to water. Hope you find someone to help. Good luck

    Source(s): Raised lots of small animals
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