What are some of the common diseases of pet hedgehogs?
Common conditions of pet hedgehogs include parasites, ringworm, and pneumonia. What are the signs of these diseases? Both internal and external parasites are seen in hedgehogs. Internal parasites (“worms” and protozoa) can cause diarrhea (intestinal parasites), coughing (lungworms), or be diagnosed during the yearly fecal examination in animals that are not showing any symptoms. External parasites that may be seen include fleas, ticks, and mites, and cause various types of dermatitis. Ringworm is not really a worm but rather a fungus. Clinical signs can include missing spines, hair loss, flaking, and crusting of the skin. It can be transmissible to other pets and people. Respiratory diseases, especially pneumonia, are often seen in pet hedgehogs. Nasal discharge, sneezing, and difficulty in breathing may be seen. Severely affected pets may be listless and stop eating. One of the most common causes of pneumonia in hedgehogs is the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, which causes kennel
