Why is my hedgehog not eating, pooping, and has a lump?

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!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can have little Henry seen by a veterinarian, this would be best, because it sounds like he may be suffering from internal & external parasites. A stool sample would show if Henry has a parasite called coccidia, or other parasites such as lungworms, tapeworms , or other species of nematodes. The rubbing could result from the presence of the common mange mite of hedgehogs, although they can also harbor other mite species, fleas & ticks. Keeping his environment very clean ( every 2 days ) will prevent reinfestation once he receives treatment. Hope all is well soon with Henry.

I’m sorry to hear about your hedgehog. There is a progressive neurologic disorder in these guys called “Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome”. I am suspicious that this may be the problem. However other issues such as brain tumor, trauma, etc could be the cause as well. I would try using a dropper to drop water into his mouth to keep him hydrated until you can get him to the exotic veterinarian. I do worry that this could be a life threatening situation and the earlier you have him seen the better. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thanks for reaching out about Taz. Sorry but not photos were included. It sure seems like a veterinary visit is needed, sooner than later. A swollen back end including blood is worrisome, and sign that he is quiet and eating less, is even more serious. You should see a veterinarian tomorrow. Good luck.

It depends on what type of cancer you are talking about. Cancer is a general term. The symptoms vary widely depending on the type of cancer. If you are referring to that lump on the side, yes, it could be cancer but it could also be an abscess (infection) or a cyst. I suggest you have her examined by a vet - it should be easy to distinguish what it is based on an exam and an aspirate of the lump.

It should like Comet is getting really sick. Hedgehogs can get bladder stones, urinary tract issues but also endocrine disease (issues with cortisol) and cancers. I would recommend taking Comet to a vet for a good physical exam and possible bloodwork and x-rays. IT is important to figure out the exact cause so proper treatment can be started. I hope Comet starts to feel better soon

Hi and thank you for this question, I assume it is an African pygmy hedgehog. I would watch her weight and see if it is stable. If it is stable there is less cause for concern. You could also offer treats such as meal worms and see how she reacts. If she continues not to eat I would take her to see a vet, especially since AP hedgehogs sometimes have tumors in their mouth that can cause them to stop eating normally.