What to Expect when you leave a Hedgehog with us
IntFirstly, we have to find out what the issue is. If the Hedgehog has been found out in the day, the chances are it is either injured or has a parasite issue.
Some Hedgehog treatments we can sort out here on site. Others may involve specialist care by decent Qualified vets (Horsebridge Veterinary Practice). At this branch we have discovered that although all vets are good at general Hedgehog Health, certain vets seem to be in tune or specialise in certain areas. Therefore, we may a choose a particular vet and start treatment whilst waiting for an appointment.
We name the Hedgehogs. Not because its cute or the hedgehog will learn to come when called - but because we don't want to work with numbers and naming a hedgehog and getting on the books for treatment means I can inform/show the vet of what treatment has been started and they will ok it, or maybe increase medication over the phone, whilst we are waiting for that appointment. Thanks to apps like whatsapp, our vet can see your Hedgehog well before they physically examine Prickles,
We will not repeat names. So sorry, but Sonic, Harry, Hattie, Harriet, Prickles, Tiggywinkles etc allowed. You, of course can call them what you wish - one lady recently called her Hedgehog "Long legs", we called it "Legolas". It makes no odds, but it keeps it simple for our records and that of the veterinary practice. Why do we not repeat names? Well, Rosemary has been in three times and we know she's the same Hedgehog, fortunately we are small enough with only 200 or 300 a year not to have to tag them with electronic tags.
It is against the law to keep a wild Hedgehog, therefore we will try to get a Hedgehog out as quickly as possible. There's always exceptions to the rule but it stresses a Hedgehog to be held in captivity so its not something we undertake lightly.
Now lets run you through it. You come in with a Hedgehog found out in the day. First thing, is a general check up. Has it got four legs? A tail? Teeth and two eyes? Remove any fleas and ticks, flystrike too if its present. Check the Hedgehogs weight (this is for medication). Administer fluids and start antibiotics if there's a wound. Treat said wound. Sometimes more than one type of antibiotic is used. These Standard operating procedures are agreed with our vet. Details are written down. Your name and address and contact number (something our vet does not see). What's the Hedgehogs temperature and how fast is is heart beating. Sometimes a natural aromatherpy warm bath is given to clean the Hedgehog, kill any fleas and assist in the uncurling. Then a oiled massage is given whilst said hedgehog is relaxing on a heat pad - after this they are then either sent to the ward where we await feacal sampling or sent to the ICU upstairs and put in an incubator. All incubated Hedgehogs will probably have vet appointments made within the hour. Some more urgent cases are taken immediately. This could be hanging limbs, bone exposures or really bad abscesses that need immediate veterinary attention.
Once faecal samples are taken, they are examined in house and any treatment can commence immediately. Parasites can take three or four weeks to sort, in extreme stubborn cases that can change to three months. Faecal sampling is done to keep the Hedgehog healthy and your family safe.
Daily injections are done for any with parasites or under vet supervision, for other medical issues. When the vet is happy, and/or we get three all clear faecal samples THEN we can think of releasing your hedgehog. If its up to weight then, its off to the rehabilitation unit. You are now called - this is our notice to you to get things ready! This area is outside in a purpose built shed. Its a step down from house warmth and all Hedgehogs in the unit do not get human contact. Daily cleaning is still done, but its done when the hedgehog is in the bed area, allowing us to clean their living room and replenish food and water. The area is monitored by a solar CCTV with solar lighting and after three or four days, usually your hedgehog is ready to go home.
Some Hedgehog treatments we can sort out here on site. Others may involve specialist care by decent Qualified vets (Horsebridge Veterinary Practice). At this branch we have discovered that although all vets are good at general Hedgehog Health, certain vets seem to be in tune or specialise in certain areas. Therefore, we may a choose a particular vet and start treatment whilst waiting for an appointment.
We name the Hedgehogs. Not because its cute or the hedgehog will learn to come when called - but because we don't want to work with numbers and naming a hedgehog and getting on the books for treatment means I can inform/show the vet of what treatment has been started and they will ok it, or maybe increase medication over the phone, whilst we are waiting for that appointment. Thanks to apps like whatsapp, our vet can see your Hedgehog well before they physically examine Prickles,
We will not repeat names. So sorry, but Sonic, Harry, Hattie, Harriet, Prickles, Tiggywinkles etc allowed. You, of course can call them what you wish - one lady recently called her Hedgehog "Long legs", we called it "Legolas". It makes no odds, but it keeps it simple for our records and that of the veterinary practice. Why do we not repeat names? Well, Rosemary has been in three times and we know she's the same Hedgehog, fortunately we are small enough with only 200 or 300 a year not to have to tag them with electronic tags.
It is against the law to keep a wild Hedgehog, therefore we will try to get a Hedgehog out as quickly as possible. There's always exceptions to the rule but it stresses a Hedgehog to be held in captivity so its not something we undertake lightly.
Now lets run you through it. You come in with a Hedgehog found out in the day. First thing, is a general check up. Has it got four legs? A tail? Teeth and two eyes? Remove any fleas and ticks, flystrike too if its present. Check the Hedgehogs weight (this is for medication). Administer fluids and start antibiotics if there's a wound. Treat said wound. Sometimes more than one type of antibiotic is used. These Standard operating procedures are agreed with our vet. Details are written down. Your name and address and contact number (something our vet does not see). What's the Hedgehogs temperature and how fast is is heart beating. Sometimes a natural aromatherpy warm bath is given to clean the Hedgehog, kill any fleas and assist in the uncurling. Then a oiled massage is given whilst said hedgehog is relaxing on a heat pad - after this they are then either sent to the ward where we await feacal sampling or sent to the ICU upstairs and put in an incubator. All incubated Hedgehogs will probably have vet appointments made within the hour. Some more urgent cases are taken immediately. This could be hanging limbs, bone exposures or really bad abscesses that need immediate veterinary attention.
Once faecal samples are taken, they are examined in house and any treatment can commence immediately. Parasites can take three or four weeks to sort, in extreme stubborn cases that can change to three months. Faecal sampling is done to keep the Hedgehog healthy and your family safe.
Daily injections are done for any with parasites or under vet supervision, for other medical issues. When the vet is happy, and/or we get three all clear faecal samples THEN we can think of releasing your hedgehog. If its up to weight then, its off to the rehabilitation unit. You are now called - this is our notice to you to get things ready! This area is outside in a purpose built shed. Its a step down from house warmth and all Hedgehogs in the unit do not get human contact. Daily cleaning is still done, but its done when the hedgehog is in the bed area, allowing us to clean their living room and replenish food and water. The area is monitored by a solar CCTV with solar lighting and after three or four days, usually your hedgehog is ready to go home.
Faecal Testing
Faecal Testing is done to keep the Hedgehog Healthy and your family safe.
It identifies worms and parasites in the Hedgehogs stools, which allows us to treat with the correct treatment.
It is usually easy to tell that a Hedgehog has parasites when ill or out in the day, but it's impossible to tell for certain which parasite it has without testing.
Sometimes a Hedgehog has different parasites but does not show any signs of infection. Stress can sometimes bring on a parasitic burden.
Different wormers treat different parasites and some wormers are toxic to hedgehogs and will cause their death. Knowing which wormer can be used and at what dosage, due to the weight of the hedgehog and where to apply it are vital.
Untreated Hedgehogs can die from parasite infections. Diarrhoea, blood loss, intestinal blockages are just a few of the symptom's shown in a poorly hog.
Some worms or parasites are zoonotic, which means they can infect people or other species like dogs and cats. This makes children and the elderly vulnerable.
If you have collected a Hedgehog and it's pooped before you've left the house, PLEASE leave then sample in the box.
If that's not possible then you will need to collect a faecal sample for us.
To do so:
1. Wear gloves.
2. Collect a fresh sample that's still soft and moist.
3. Use disposable utensils such as a wooden tongue depressor/tooth pick or even plastic spoon. Collect the sample, at least the size of a £1 coin, put it in a collection pot and seal the lid. Alternatively a bit of tin foil will work, if it is not squished.
4. Bring the sample with you. If you have to store it, you can put it in the fridge.
And NO - we can not do a faecal sample from a picture on your phone - Oh yes, we have been asked!
It identifies worms and parasites in the Hedgehogs stools, which allows us to treat with the correct treatment.
It is usually easy to tell that a Hedgehog has parasites when ill or out in the day, but it's impossible to tell for certain which parasite it has without testing.
Sometimes a Hedgehog has different parasites but does not show any signs of infection. Stress can sometimes bring on a parasitic burden.
Different wormers treat different parasites and some wormers are toxic to hedgehogs and will cause their death. Knowing which wormer can be used and at what dosage, due to the weight of the hedgehog and where to apply it are vital.
Untreated Hedgehogs can die from parasite infections. Diarrhoea, blood loss, intestinal blockages are just a few of the symptom's shown in a poorly hog.
Some worms or parasites are zoonotic, which means they can infect people or other species like dogs and cats. This makes children and the elderly vulnerable.
If you have collected a Hedgehog and it's pooped before you've left the house, PLEASE leave then sample in the box.
If that's not possible then you will need to collect a faecal sample for us.
To do so:
1. Wear gloves.
2. Collect a fresh sample that's still soft and moist.
3. Use disposable utensils such as a wooden tongue depressor/tooth pick or even plastic spoon. Collect the sample, at least the size of a £1 coin, put it in a collection pot and seal the lid. Alternatively a bit of tin foil will work, if it is not squished.
4. Bring the sample with you. If you have to store it, you can put it in the fridge.
And NO - we can not do a faecal sample from a picture on your phone - Oh yes, we have been asked!