They can develop ophthalmological diseases

Hedgehogs are more likely to develop ophthalmological diseases and corneal ulcers than other domestic pets. According to animal experts, some of these diseases can be prevented and combated, but the treatment is mostly compromised because hedgehogs ball up and hide their faces. However, scientists say that they can live a good life even though they become blind. 

The most common ophthalmological disease in hedgehogs is eye irritation because they have prominent eyes, which makes them more susceptible to injury. The cause may be dust or other different objects that touch their eyes. Symptoms include tearing, holding the eye shut or frequent blinking. 

If you want to prevent this health problem, you have to make sure that the cage of your hedgehogs is always clean and free of sharp objects that can touch their eyes. 

They can develop a respiratory infection

Respiratory diseases are common in almost all pets and the most common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, crusty nose and eyes, raspy breathing and dyspnea. Unfortunately, both young and aged hedgehogs can develop respiratory diseases. In most cases, these respiratory infections are caused by contagious viruses. Yet, symptoms of respiratory infections in hedgehogs can vary depending on the cause of the infection. If you pay attention to their behavior, you will also notice lethargy and loss of appetite.

Moreover, if your hedgehog develops pneumonia, it can lead to “increased respiratory rate and effort, labored breathing, lethargy, anorexia, and weakness,” Dr. Wilkinson explained.

Sadly, respiratory infections can be deadly to these little pets if left untreated. So, try to talk to your vet as soon as possible if you notice something different in your pet’s behavior. Your veterinarian will find out the diagnosis and give you the appropriate treatment.  

“Treatment will involve antibiotics and, potentially, supportive-care measures [such as] syringe feeding, fluids, nebulization, etc. [but] if the animal isn’t eating or drinking,” Dr. Wilkinson says. “Prognosis for upper respiratory infections is excellent, but for pneumonia, it can be more guarded depending on the extent of disease.”

So, all you need to do to prevent this possible disease is to keep your hedgehog cage clean, don’t skip regular vet check ups and try to keep them away from other new pets for at least two weeks.