Hedgehogs: Health and Management
(Erinaceus europaeus)

ISBN: 0-9547185-6-9

Editors:
Becki Lawson MA MSc VetMB MRCVS
Debra C Bourne MA VetMB PhD MRCVS
Suzanne I Boardman BVMS MRCVS

Wildlife Information Network developed this Wildpro volume to assist all those caring for casualty hedgehogs: veterinarians, veterinary nurses and concerned members of the public. It also provides practical guidance for anyone wishing to make their garden hedgehog-friendly, or simply interested in learning more about hedgehogs.

An in-depth natural history section documents the appearance, life stages, physiology, natural diet, behaviour, habitat, geographical range and conservation of the West European Hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus.

The core flowchart covers the practical aspects of casualty hedgehog care. Hand-rearing is explained, from housing and hygiene of hoglets to what, how often and how much to feed, weaning, and potential problems.

The catching and handling page includes information on encouraging hedgehogs to unroll for examination. Feeding considers food for convalescents, short-term diets and also longer term feeding.The accommodation pages give suggestions on transport containers and housing for casualties as well as detailing longer-term requirements.There are pages on overwintering under-weight juveniles and the permanent care of animals which cannot be released.The release page discusses pre-release assessment as well as timing, suitable release sites, types of release and post-release monitoring. This is supported by pages on marking and tracking.

Every known disease of the hedgehog is categorised in a number of ways to assist in diagnosis.

Veterinary procedures described in detail include fluid therapy, wound and fracture management, general anaesthesia, intravenous access/venipuncture and injection techniques. There is data on medicines and dosages commonly used in hedgehog treatment, a directory of organisations able to provide further information and an electronic library of related documents.

Acknowledgements

The West European Hedgehog volume was funded by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Matthew Eyton Animal Welfare Trust, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Wildlife Information Network. It was supported by Great North Eastern Railway and The Royal Veterinary College.

Published by Wildlife Information Network. Copyright © March 2004