What to do if my hedgehog is wobbly, not eating, and can't stand?

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.

Based on why you are describing I am concerned that Chewie may have suffered some sort of head trauma (perphaps by falling or hitting his head). I would recommend watching him closely over the next 24 hours. If he continues to eat and drink he will likely be ok. If he seems lethargic, doesn’t want to eat, and is not moving around, I would recommend taking him to your vet to be examined. He may need some pain medication to help the swelling in his head. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello, I’m sorry to hear Hung May be having issues. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian for a new pet exam just to be sure she is otherwise healthy and to establish a relationship with a local vet. In general, hedgehogs need a high protein diet since they are insectivores. Mazuri insectivore diet is a good option, but feeding insects like mealworms, roaches, etc is also enriching and a good food source for them. Some hedgehog owners feed high quality cat or kitten food, which is an acceptable alternative to an insectivore food. Avoid human table scraps as obesity is a common problem in hedgehogs. Also, make sure you keep the hedgehogs enclosure warm ~72-82F. Dental disease, mites, heart disease, and cancer are common diseases of hedgehogs you might want to be aware of.

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.

He could have had a stroke or these signs could be compatible with an inflammation of the middle ear (causing vestibular signs). I would recommend a check up to confirm or rule out these clinical suspicion and give appropriate treatment. In case of an otitis antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I'm sorry to hear that Oscar isn't feeling well. The symptoms you describe are very concerning to me. It may be that he has a neurologic disease, or (especially if he's older) he may a tumor which has started to cause some internal bleeding. Though his gums are pink, this is still possible. Is there any chance he got into something in terms of a possible toxin? If he will get up and walk to you, and he responds to his name each time, and will eat and drink; it is reasonable to wait until morning if you don't have a vet emergency center near you. If he is unable to rise on his own, if he won't respond to his name, if he's vomiting, seems painful, or if he seems to be getting worse at all, please seek an emergency veterinarian. Best of luck with him, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.