Sick hedgie, any ideas?

One of my males has ha diarrhoea to varying degrees and has been a bit ahky/wobbly since last Saturday. Took him to the vets on Thursday last week and he was prescribed Pro Kolin twice per day, put on a bland diet of chicken and rice (and a bit of scrambled egg) and ordered to rest much to his disgust. He produced nice healthy poops on saturday afternoon, Sunday and Monday but was still a little wobbly so he was booked into the vets for this evening. On the way to the vets he produced a runny green poop a sample of which has been sent off for testing in the meantime he has to continue with the pro kolin and bland diet e.t.c. If all the tests come back negative he is going to be reffered to the practices exotic specialist. He is still bright and alert though not quite himself and has gained weight since his first visit to the vet (probably due to not being allowed his wheel).
Has anyone had any similar experiences with their hogs or have any ideas what could be causing his problems?

Hey Brambrac. The first two thing that come to mind to ask is 'What temps is your hog being kept at?' and Do you worm?

As you know these hogs do not hibernate and if the temps drops their bodies cannot handle this in the same way our natives would and in essence their bodies shut down. Temp flux are normal within a house hold and many of these animals can be kept comfortably within a house with no other heating source added, however, as they are individuals I have seen one hog active and one wobble in the same temp range so taking this into account the wobbling you describe could simply be your hogs way or showing you the temps need upping a little. An inexpensive way to do this is to buy a heat disk, snugglesafe are fantastic little disk which retail for about 30euro or £20 depending on where you buy it. Simply pop into the microwave and heat. They gradually loose heat over a 12hr period but can provide enough heat to make that difference you require. Also keeping in mind your hedgie should not be kept at the same heat both morning and night these are ideal. I would always recommend it be one of the things you have at home in your hedgie first aid kit.

Another reason for wobbling can be WHS. We have only had two confirmed cases of WHS in Ireland so far, one from a UK import and the other a German (although this can happen in ANY hog regardless of lineage & age). This disease usually strikes hogs who are over 1yr old but in the states has been documented in 6wk old animals. WHS is a neuromuscular progressive incurable degenerative disease and there is no way of 100% diagnosing this until necropsy can be performed and brain slides taken, some people say it is similar to MS in humans but I would personally think it's more like a MD. I am not trying to scare you but this is something to keep in mind although temps are probably the more likely candidate.

Green poo in hedgehogs is a sign of internal parasites and or stress (other illnesses can have a knock on affect but regardless it is a physical or mental stress related problem). Some animals are upset internally by a change in diet or an incorrect diet and some from change in circumstance. Some times something as simple as a diet change and heat disk can solve the problems and save you money in the long run.

Although I would never deny an animal treatment when they require it one thing I will tell you is these little hogs although exotic are treated exactly the same way as our native but obviously doses are smaller. I work with both and for gum infections, exo & endo parasites, upset tummys etc...have all been the same drugs but the dose relevant to each animals weight class. I think you will end up spending more money then you need to in a lot a cases.

One other thing crosses my mind about is your hedgie is the fact hes male. Male animals will masterbate and this can sometimes look like a wobbling motion. I always think it a compliment as they don't all love their owners enough to do this and some are just driven by the seasons but he could be pleasuring himself. He won't always leave something behind to show what he's been up to nor will his penis always protrude (you will know if it does as they are fairly well endowed in comparison to their body size so you can't miss it ) but being frustrated could make him a little stressed. I don't think this is what it is but it is something to be aware of.

Thanks for that. WHS was one of the first things that came to mind when I saw him wobbling. I have been keeping the temps as level as possible and as the temperature has dropped again a bit recently have gone back to having the heating on overnight as one of my females (oddly enough the biggest one) has proved to be particularly susceptible to lower temps. I don't worm at the moment but have been considering starting to do this on a regular basis (do you have any information on good wormers for them and maybe doses?) My vet doesn't want to give any medication other than the Pro kolin until the results come back and we know what we are dealing with. I'm not sure how good the exotic vet is. The vet I used to see when any of them are sick has just retired and the practise has been raken over by another group.
I'm hoping something shows up from his faecal tests but have been doing a bit of research into possible causes in the meantime, one thing that came up that apparently has similar symptoms to WHS was Vestibular disease though I think from what I have read the prognosis is pretty much the same.
He hasnt shown any signs of getting worse since this started which I guess is a good thing, for now at least and he is still eating and drinking well so I will just have to keep my fingers crossed for the time being.

Got your PM :) Your experience sounds like many peoples in the sense they all assume WHS or it's the first thing that comes to mind if the hog wobbles as it is the dreaded three letters, I've done it myself often. I know this cannot be helped and it is worrying.

You could very well be right and it is the worst feeling in the world when it turns out to be something so devastating but chances are the research will bring on unnecessary worry for you so probably best to just keep him a little warmer the he is, wait for the results and take it from there.

As far as wormers go the one I use most often is Parazol (cat & dog wormer). It's a five day course given orally but I'll have to come back to you on doses as nothing infront of me or coming to mind. You can do this 2/3/4 times a year (your choice) with monthly parasite topical treatment he should be fine.

Just another thought, has your vet or yourself done any joint tests, ease of movement, range etc....They can develop arthritis which can lead to limping, wobbling or dragging of the leg. It is handy to know how to do this and I can tell (or show if I can get some shots) how.

Best of luck for your little guy and if you wish to talk more about this PM me.

All thats really been covered by the vet at the moment is the diarrhoea, I am trying to put WHS to the back of my mind until all other bases have been covered.
He did have a bit of an issue with his wheel about a month ago due to him running a bit too fast in it it kept falling over as he was running (he is in a converted shelcing unit there are no bars to secure it to). He knocked it over four or five times in 1 night which resulted in me taking it off him while I found a way of extending the base to stop it tipping. I'm wondering if he has hurt himself by doing this and the diarrhoea has made him weaker resulting in the injury being highlighted if that makes sense.
The joint test would be handy to know about even if it is just for future reference for other hogs. As well as being useful information to pass onto my vet, as she said to me on the last visit she's learning about these guys through the hogs that I take in and the problems that they are presenting.

Just a quick update. Blizzards diarrhoea has cleared up, The fecal tests came back clear so my vets were unsure where to go next. Over the past weeks he has developed a bit of a runny nose and is still unsteady on his feet so I asked about trying him on antibiotics which they agreed to but needed to consult with their exotic soecialist with regards which one would be best so they would give me a ring when they had it organised. U recieved a call from them today and they said they woldnt be able to provide him with an oral antibiotic and the only alternative they had would be to give him an injectable antibiotic - this would involve him having to go in every 2 days for a jab. They gave me 3 options - 1 - no treatment but continue to monitor and hope he improves, 2 try the injections or 3 take him to see the exotics specialist.
I decided on option 3 so we went tonight. He initially just observed him on the table and offered him a treat which he was interested in but when he went to grab it he missed. So the vet had a look at his eyes and although there is light going in there is no response from him - no corneal reaction he isnt reacting to the light and he wasnt following the light. He then took a sample of discharge from his nose which he checked under the microscope this showed up a few dead white blood cells but other than that nothing significant.
He has a 10 day course of Baytril (0.12ml twice per day) both to tackle the respiratory issue and if the blindness has been caused by an infection then the Baytril should be able to tack this too.
So all in all I am very happy with the new vet and happy to finally find the cause of his wobbliness. Fingers crossed he improves soon.

Good luck with this...very interested to see how your little hog turns out

So the vet is saying an infection has caused the wobbling? Are you located in Dublin, was in Bainbridge you used? I'm being nosey now

10 days on Baytril, hmmmm did he give you any names in relation to what he thought it could be like Pasteurella which will cause resp probs along with runny nose? I'm actually very intrigued by your hog, it's always interesting when cases pop up and we learn something new.

Is there anyway you can video him walking on a flat surface to share with us?????

I'm actually in London (well near enough). The only thing i can think of him having mentioned was meningitis though I would expect him to be looking sicker than he is if that was the case. He doesn't think its affecting the nerves within the brain because both eyes are affected equally so thinks the affected part is between the brain and the eyes if that makes sense. He selected the Baytril over other antibiotics as the other one he would have used would only have covered the respiratoryjside of things whereas the baytril should be able to get into the brain area to combat both. It does explain why he's been missing his mealies when they are right in front of him and he has been running away if i out food in front of him then coming back to it once he gets the smell.
I will try to get some video footage over the weekend if he'll co operate.

I'm actually in London

So just a little out side Dublin then They can develop tumours in the brain and face, something which has been seen more so in recent years although the reason is not known (suspected inbreeding) but then we can speculate all we want, half of the time it only leads to worry. Please do keep us posted as I would like to know his progress. This really is an interesting case.

Brambrac....Looking forward to the lil hog update...

Well his respiratory problem seems to be improving, his nose isn't as wet and he doeant make slurping noises when I first wake him up which is good. He is taking his medicine well but only because I've been injecting it into waxworms. I managed to get some videos of him tonight, not that he was co-operating
https://s123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/bracken27/blizzard/?action=view&current=101_2720.flv

He jumped in this one because i touched his back foot to encourage him to move
https://s123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/bracken27/blizzard/?action=view&current=101_2723.flv

https://s123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/bracken27/blizzard/?action=view&current=101_2721.flv

If he seems to be tilting towards the camera alot it's because the surface he is on isn't very level. He is now getting his confidence back and will go off and explore and is getting a bit better at finding his food.

Just about make out the hog on the movie images...you should try again, however, apply some lighting if poss....you have a number of great pics in your album...you should post a select few

Ok I will try again, maybe a different background too. I will see what I can do woth regards some pics too.

Excellent Brambrac. That's for updates and retry, it only helps to educate us all

Thanks
Here's the newest attempt I put him on a blanket this time but he is still on a slightly unlevel surface. He seems to be getting more confident by the day.
https://s123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/bracken27/blizzard/?action=view&current=101_2724.flv

and a bit better at finding his dried mealworms as long as they are nearby
https://s123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/bracken27/blizzard/?action=view&current=101_2725.flv

https://s123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/bracken27/blizzard/?action=view&current=101_2726.flv

I will also be switching him onto lower fat biscuits as soon as I can get hold of some as he is putting on weight fairly quickly with not having his wheel at the moment.

You really are doing a great job with the hog...I can see him in the video now IMO worth every single second of effort...good stuff and great post
do keep us updated on progress....

What kibble are you feeding him at present?

They are all on James Well Beloved mainly because his dad had a big problem with dry skin and lost alot of spines until I switched to JWB then although only a few quills grew back he didnt lose any more and his skin never really got flaky again. The diet was the only thing I changed so I figured he may have developed an allergy to something in the other brands. They also get meat of some kind if not everyday then evey couple of days.

Blizzard went for his check up at the vets yesterday and after taking his medicine like a good boy (ok so putting it in waxworms helped ever so slightly ) his respiratory infection has cleared up nicely. There has been no change as far as his eyesight (or lack of it) is concerned so it looks like the cause is going to remain a mystery as the only way left to find out whats going on in there is to do an MRI scan but at £2000 a hit thats not going to happen any time soon so i will just keep a close eye on him and warch out for any further developments.
Overall he is doing really well, he is getting more confident by the day, so over the past few days I have allowed him access to the second floor of his apartment (I just need to make a few minor adjustments to the ramp and he got his wheel back for the first time last nightwhich he was very happy about.
fingers crossed he will have several more happy and mischeivious years ahead of him.

I am very pleased to hear he is on the mend. I know the eye sight is a worry BUT one thing to remember is it is poor at the best of times and that wonderful little nose is far more important, especially with him being captive he can manage without them, he'll do just fine.

It's just shocking the cost of some tests but I think you've done a fantastic job so far and thank you so much for sharing with us and keeping us up to date.

So you know what I'm gona ask next, any new pics to share

At least now that I know the other vet is there I can go straight to him with any sick ones instead of wasting money at my regular vets, plus his check up didn't cost me anything so I wasvery pleased with that.
I will see what pics I can find over the next few days I have a litter in the nest at the minute so may be able to get some nice baby pics.