WHS most often occurs in hedgehogs between two and three years of age, though younger and older animals have also been affected.
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome, also known as demyelinating paralysis, is a progressive disease that affects about one out of ten hedgehogs.
Loss Of Motor Control
At first, the hedgehog might wobble or even drag its legs when trying to stand or move around. After a while, this loss of control will hit the front of the body and their mobility will be severely impacted, rendering them quadriplegic.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a degenerative neurologic condition that can occur in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (aka Four-toed hedgehogs). The cause is unknown, but is believed to be genetic. This condition causes demyelination, where the protective coating of nerve cells experience damage.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a progressive paralysis that occurs in approximately 10% of pet African hedgehogs in North America.
If your hedgehog is acting sluggish, lethargic, uncoordinated or they are wobbly with the inability to move limbs; it may be a hibernation attempt. Some hedgehog owners fear the worst – Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome – which is a definite death sentence.
However if you find a hedgehog staggering around, lying still (not in a nest), with flies around it or obviously sick or injured be it day or night, it needs urgent help. Sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia.
A hedgehog that is too hot will lay flat on its tummy with all four legs stretched out in sort of a “splat” or “sploot” and will probably be taking quick, short breaths. Moving it to a room with recommended temperatures should slowly cool the hedgehog.
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
Strive to feed your hedgehog a diet rich in vitamin E, but keep in mind that this is only a temporary measure to help your hedgehog. Provide vitamin E rich foods, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, kiwi, and mangoes.
One of the best and easiest ways to bond with your hedgehog is to simply hold your hedgehog on your lap for an hour or so while watching television or a movie. Don't attempt to pet a shy hedgehog simply relax and come out on its own.
It is recommended to put it on the hedgehog's back, 1 drop behind each ear after a bath to allow the oil to spread across their backs. Vitamin E can be applied without a bath for maintenance as bathing too frequently can increase the dry skin. One must be careful not to give too much vitamin E.
The first two weeks with your hedgehog are the most important in shaping your new companion's personality and how they will react around you! Once home, you may notice a temporary personality change from when you picked out your hedgie, and this is completely normal.
When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.
Things you can look out for are: Does its skin spring back when you pull up a couple of spines? If the skin appears to stay in place, the hedgehog could be dehydrated. Ensure the hedgehog has access to plenty of water if you suspect dehydration.
The cage should be large enough to allow the hedgehog to move around. At least 2 x 3 feet (61 x 91cm) should be the minimum floor space provided. Walls must be high enough to prevent escape, as hedgehogs are good climbers. A glass aquarium or smooth-sided cage is a reasonable choice for many owners.
Handling Frequency
Pet hedgehogs do best if handled every day, even if it is for just a short amount of time. We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least half an hour a day. The easiest way to accomplish this task is 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
The average hedgehog is content to do its own thing and may not show any outward sign that it cares about its owner's existence unless you have a treat in your hand. Despite their somewhat solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoy snuggling on your lap.
Keep rocking it and talk softly to it. The two front feet should start to appear. When the front legs are well extended, slowly move the animal towards the table and allow it to put its front feet down. Carefully move your hands away and the hedgehog should start to put its back legs down as well.
Clicking (Popping & Growling)
This louder clicking or popping, may sound like a grunt or growl. A hedgehog makes this aggressive sound when trying to defend itself. A scared or irritated hedgehog might make this sound.
If a hedgehog manages to become impaled on a spike, it will curl into a ball instinctively and become enmeshed.
You can do this in April, after their hibernation but before hedgehogs start producing hoglets. However, the ideal time is in October before they go into hibernation, and after most of the litter have been weaned.
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.”