Is a new quill growing on my hedgehog's back normal or a concern?

I would recommend an exam at a veterinarian who sees exotic pets. Quill loss and dry skin can be a sign of mites in these little guys. The vet can check for these mites and to see if the quill loss is excessive/abnormal (some quill loss can be normal but it sounds like you are describing excessive loss) and prescribe medication if needed.

Yes, I would temporarily remove her wheel. You can also try using this spray on her lesions. If no improvement in a week or so you should have a vet check her as this could be ringworm or skin mites. https://vetericyn.com/product/vetericyn-plus-all-animal-wound-and-skin-care/

Hello, and thank you for your question. Possible causes of itching in hedgehogs include dry skin, mites, bacterial infection, or ringworm. I'd recommend starting with a vet exam, who may be able to help pinpoint a cause by physical exam alone. They will likely recommend a medication for mites, even if none are seen, as mites are a common cause of itching. In the meantime, you can try supplementing Gummy's diet with a bit of omega 3 oil in case dryness is involved. I'd also do a thorough clean of her cage, accessories and bedding in case of mites, although this won't be effective in itself - we'd need to treat Gummy with medication from the vet as well. I hope this helps, and that Gummy is feeling better soon!

Thanks for reaching out about Prickles. A raised blister could be an abscess (inner ear), neoplasm or cyst. A veterinary visit is needed to determine which and to prescribe a treatment plan. Treatment probably has better success if it doesn't continue to progress. Good luck.

Hello! Unfortunately this is a very common thing for hedgehogs to do to themselves but there is not a single reason as to why. I will list some of the reasons and you can rule out what you can at home, a vet is needed for the others. !) itching: can be caused by parasites such as mites that can be diagnosed and treated by Shaymin's vet. Allergies can cause itching too but can not be diagnosed itself, it is what is left when everything else is ruled out. 2) Being overweight: If it is an older hedgehog that was overfed at its previous home this can be a cause as they traumatize their skin when normally moving around. 3) non healing trauma: If she was injured by another hedgehog or sharp cage decor and she won't leave it alone it can be difficult to heal without pain meds and antibiotics from her vet. 4) urine scald from a messy wheel: These guys sure love to run and they don't care if they pee or poop there first. Sometimes this can be prevented by letting her out or blocking her wheel when she first gets up until she goes potty somewhere else first but wheel cleaning often is still necessary. 5) behavior: Stress can cause this for many reasons and is very difficult to figure out sometimes. Below is some basic care information to start with and make sure her needs are being fully met. Some hedgehogs can tolerate a topical antibiotic from over the counter twice daily in small amounts but others will traumatize more because of it and will need oral meds. https://www.petcoach.co/article/african-hedgehog-husbandry-and-nutrition-housing-diet-behav/

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an infection or nothing serious. This cannot be completely assessed just by looking at pictures and usually requires sampling such as fine needle aspiration to determine its origin. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

They do not usually get them form insects- but can get them from bedding, other hedgies and other pets. This does sound like it could potentially be a parasite so I would see a vet for some testing to find out what it is-- she can give you some meds if needed to get rid of any parasite-- there is not anything safe over the counter for most of the parasites that might affect them. Make sure to get rid of any wood shavings in her cage and keep it very clean and urine free.