- Dr. Bianca Zaffarano
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
Hedgehogs make great pets, maybe a bit shy around strangers but delightfully interactive and social with their owners. So as a caring pet owner, what should you do if you notice your hedgehog is losing weight?
Hedgehogs instinctively hide their illnesses (often more so than dogs and cats) so weight loss in small, exotic animals can be an early indicator that something is wrong. And because hedgehogs are small with limited fat reserves, a change in appetite or unexpected weight loss can negatively impact overall health quickly, causing:
Dehydration
Weakness/lethargy
Reduced immune response
Organ dysfunction
If your pet hedgehog is experiencing emergency symptoms, VEG ER for Pets animal hospitals are open 24 hours every day to care for your pet.
How can I tell if my hedgehog is losing weight
Your hedgehog’s quills can make visual detection of weight loss difficult, which is why we recommend weighing your pet regularly (a small pet or kitchen scale works) to detect weight loss early.
Weight loss signs in hedgehogs
Decreased appetite
Changes in stool or urination
Weakness/lethargy
Reduced activity or wheel play
Loose skin around the belly or sides
Prominence of the spine or hip bones
What causes weight loss in hedgehogs?
There are several reasons why your hedgehog might be losing weight, some more complex than others.
Common causes for why hedgehogs lose weight
Dental issues: tooth fractures, gingivitis, or oral tumors in hedgehogs
Dental problems are one of the most common causes of weight loss in hedgehogs.
Signs of a dental problem in hedgehogs can present as:
Not eating as much as usual
Food sits in the bowl longer than normal
Dropping food while eating
Bad breath
Swelling around the mouth or face
Your primary care veterinarian can examine your hedgehog to evaluate for any dental or oral problems. However, if you're experiencing an emergency or if your hedgehog requires urgent care, VEG vets are here to help, 24/7.
Salmonella in hedgehogs
It is not known why the majority of pet hedgehogs carry the dangerous bacteria, salmonella, in their gastrointestinal system. But we do know that in times of stress, they may shed the organism.
Salmonella bacteria in hedgehogs can lead to:
Loss of appetite
Loose stools
Lethargy
While your pet parent instincts may make you want to snuggle up with your poopy-feeling pet, remember that salmonella can be transmitted to you or other members of the household. Be sure to practice good hygiene if you suspect salmonella and bring your hedgehog to your nearest VEG ER for Pets ASAP.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome
Though the name sounds cute, Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a serious neurodegenerative disease that causes brain and spine deterioration over time. Often appearing in young hedgehogs (under 2 years of age), afflicted hedgehogs will show symptoms.
Symptoms of Wobbly Hedghot Syndrome
Have trouble controlling their limbs, making walking difficult
Stumbling
Wobbling
Falling over frequently
Paralysis occurs as Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome disease progresses, with the illness being ultimately fatal. While WHS has no known cure, there are other treatable potential causes for stumbling and abnormal gait, so a proper diagnosis by a veterinarian is essential.
There is no diagnostic test for Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, however, bloodwork and x-rays can be performed to determine if other diseases are causing similar signs in your pet.
Heart disease in hedgehogs
The symptoms below can be an indication of heart disease in hedgehogs, especially if your hedgehog is three years of age or older:
Faster than normal breathing
Difficulty breathing
Decreased activity along with weight loss
A thorough physical exam by one of our VEG emergency veterinarians can help determine if heart disease is the cause of your pet’s weight loss. When diagnosed early, treatment can be started to help prolong your hedgehog’s life and keep them comfortable. Heart disease is a progressive illness that needs routine follow-up with your primary care veterinarian to make sure your pet is on the best treatment regimen.
Cancer in hedgehogs
Hedgehogs of any age can develop cancer, but it’s more common as they get older. If your hedgehog is losing weight, has new “lumps or bumps,” or is just not as active as usual, cancer may be one of the many possible causes.
One of our highly skilled VEG emergency veterinarians can perform a thorough physical examination. Depending on the signs and what is found on the physical examination, the VEG doctor might suggest some testing in the ER to determine if the cause of your pet's illness might be cancer. Some forms of cancer are treatable, so a thorough vet exam is key for a proper diagnosis.
Dehydration or hypothermia in hedgehogs
Something to be particularly aware of is how sensitive hedgehogs are to temperature changes. If their environment becomes too cold, they may attempt to hibernate, which can result in low body temperature and dehydration. In turn, this can cause lethargy, appetite loss, and rapid weight loss.
Watch for signs of hedgehog dehydration such as:
A cool belly
Refusal to eat or drink
Difficulty moving
Extreme lethargy
Parasites or gastrointestinal disease in hedgehogs
Even if your hedgehog appears to be eating normally, intestinal parasites or infections can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
Symptoms of parasites or GD in hedgehogs may include:
Diarrhea
Abnormal or foul-smelling stools
Decreased appetite
Respiratory infections in hedgehogs
As with many illnesses, respiratory infections can make hedgehogs feel sick, reducing their appetite, resulting in weight loss.
Symptoms of respiratory infection in hedgehogs may include:
Wheezing or coughing
Nasal discharge
Open-mouth breathing
Lethargy
Contact a VEG vet if your hedgehog is experiencing weight loss
Weight loss in hedgehogs should be treated as a veterinary health emergency, since it can be symptomatic of a number of serious illnesses and because their low fat reserves mean that even a small amount of weight loss can further damage their health.
VEG ER for Pets has locations all over the country with compassionate vets skilled in emergency care who are available 24/7 (including weekends and holidays) to help you and your pet hedgehog. When you come to VEG, our team will promptly and efficiently diagnose your hedgehog’s condition and ensure that your pet will get the very best of care.
