My hedgehog's hind end is swollen and he's lethargic. What's wrong?

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.

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 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

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!

Hi, Hedgehogs are very sensitive to environmental temperature and may behave abnormally if the temperature is out of range. Make sure the temperature in the cage is 72-80F. If his behavior has been abnormal in face of appropriate temperatures, then I would be more worried about an illness and recommend a visit to your veterinarian.

Thanks for reaching out about Hubert and including photos. The lump on the skin could be a cyst, abscess or tumor. Not sure if this is part of the anorexia problems or a second problem, but a veterinary visit is recommended. Try wetting the food and offer through a syringe. Try and maintain hydration also, until a veterinary visit is scheduled. Good luck.

I am not sure how warm it has become in your house, but I think that what you have done is a good place to start. Hamsters are most comfortable when housed between 65-75F, so if it was warmer than this, it can cause them to not want to burrow. Since you also feel like his testicles may be more swollen, I would recommend watching these closely for changes. They may be hanging lower and appear larger due to the heat, but once you have cooled the temperature in your house, they should go back to a normal position. If they continue to appear swollen, or if the activity levels continue to be abnormal, I would recommend having Ralphie evaluated by a veterinarian. I hope that gives you a place to start, and stay cool!