RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital’s Veterinary Officer, Bev Panto, returned last week to deliver part two of her webinar discussing common wildlife conditions. In her usual enthusiastic style, Bev offered advice on treating wild mammals as a follow up to ‘part one’ held last autumn, and covered the management of common conditions in wild birds.

Bev explained that the majority of this webinar would focus on the much loved hedgehog but other mammals such as the bat, fox, badger and rabbit would also be discussed. Bev did however advise there are a number of conditions which are common to many of the wild mammal species encountered. For example mammals being catted or dogged is a frequent occurrence and prompt treatment is often necessary with antibiosis and analgesia regardless of the species. It is also important to consider why these mammals were caught in the first place and whether there is underlying pathology ‘slowing them down’? Wild mammal orphans are also frequently encountered by the practising vet and species identification under these circumstances can be very useful in determining the nutrition and care required.

Familiarising and aligning yourself to a local rehabilitation centre can also be particularly useful. Care does however need to be taken when hand rearing species such as the deer or fox to ensure imprinting does not occur. If tamed, these animals will effectively become un-releasable.

Bev went on to discuss conditions encountered in each individual species in more depth, but as stated previously, turned her main focus towards the common hedgehog. She explained how the ‘hands off’ examination of the hedgehog can prove very useful by observing their demeanour, stance and gait as well as their spines and faeces (green droppings can indicate salmonellosis). It is also worth noting that hedgehogs don’t commonly vocalise, so is likely to be significant when present and indicates the affected hedgehog is either in pain or distress.

In order to perform a physical examination, it is necessary to uncurl a hedgehog and as we all know this can at times prove difficult. Bouncing a hedgehog can be effective, and once it lands on its feet it may be possible to grab their hind limbs and wheel barrow them which allows for a more thorough examination. Vigorously stroking can also be useful although in some cases it may just be necessary to wait and allow the hedgehog to uncurl in its own time. If a hedgehog remains stubborn and refuses to uncurl it may be necessary to X-ray the entire hedgehog in a curled position where the presence of fractures and missing limbs can be checked. However if a full examination is to be performed, the curled hedgehog will need to be given a general anaesthetic by first pre-oxygenating and then delivering inhalational anaesthesia.

Common conditions encountered in the hedgehog include dermatophytosis with 25% of all hedgehogs carrying Trichophyton erinacei which is usually subclinical and is why all handlers should always wear gloves given its zoonotic potential. Ectoparasites are also very common and if heavily infested it should be assumed the hedgehog may well have underlying pathology. Also if parasites are found only on one side of the body, it may be due to an inability to groom which is often secondary to a problem with the hedgehog’s limbs which should all be checked thoroughly. Fly strike is also fairly recognisable by the pungent smell we all know is associated with this debilitating and life threatening condition. Trauma is also a common finding in hedgehogs although we don’t see many RTA’s as these animals rarely survive. If we do encounter a trauma case it is worth checking a hedgehog’s spines which will often flatten at the point of a spinal injury. Nasal trauma must also be assessed as hedgehogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and any damage to this area is likely to render the hedgehog un-releasable with Bev often considering euthanasia in these cases.

As always Bev delivered a plethora of information not just on hedgehogs but also on a number of other wild mammals. This webinar alongside others previously delivered by Bev offers an excellent reference point for the triage of wildlife, and common conditions encountered in wild birds and mammals and would make excellent lunchtime CPD sessions for the whole veterinary team.