Hedgie problems

[PuddinPop]

Hello, was wondering if I could get some opinions from the group. My hedgie as of the last week is running around a bit sluggishly. Occasionally she falls over or as she's running her hind legs just sort of stop moving and she sprawls out. I have a hunch this is WHS and she has a vet appointment for monday. I was jsut hoping to get a second opinion before then.

Thanks,
JJ

[Hedgiepets]

Has it been colder inside or outside recently? What temperature are you keeping the room at? Have you moved the cage recently? How many hrs of light does she get? How old is she?

[strawberryfields]

How old is she? WHS usually comes on slowly and starts as paralysis of one or two legs. It's good that you're going to get her checked out, though, because every hedgie could develop it differently. Did she come from a breeder?

[PuddinPop]

My apologies for not getting to this sooner. She is about 9 months old I think. I keep my room around 74-78 depending on how well the heater is working and how cold it is outside. The temperature has dropped before on accident, but she wasn't phased that I could tell and I warmed her on my lap for over an hour. I just now heard her running slowly on her wheel, and checked in her cage and she was lying on her stomach on the ground. She got up to move a bit but it seemed her left legs were not cooperating.she's in my lap right now again. Vet is tomorrow.

Addition: she is from a breeder and she gets I assume 8-10ish hours of light a day, but it can be weird. I have my room light on often, and it gets dark early and my room only gets morning sun.

[strawberryfields]

It could be from the temperature fluctuating a little too much, or she might not be getting enough light. Most folks around here aim for 12-14 hours a day. But it's good that you're taking her to the vet, because it sounds like it could be something else entirely. Keep us posted.

[Variant-B]

Just curious as to how the temperature would affect her walk? If it's snowy outside could that affect how her hedgehog moves?

[Hedgiepets]

I find when it is warmer outside the room gets warmer then I want. When it is colder outside the heater has to work harder to keep it warm, so is usually not as warm. I try to keep it at 73º.

Light is very important, they need 12 -14 hrs of light. Please keep a light on in the room.

[Stephanie76]

As far at the temperature fluctuation's, have you thought about getting a thermometer for your room you house your hedgie in? I have 3 (just because I am paranoid and want to make sure I am getting an accurate reading) thermometers in my hedgie's room and I always put them at floor level since that is where their cages are located. This helps a ton with temperature consistency!

[Ahava]

Heyy, jw (Hedgiepets) why 12-14 hours specifically?
I'm curious is all. =)

[Lilysmommy]

Shorter periods of light would simulate shorter days, which means winter to hedgie instincts (and most animals). That can cause hedgehogs to have a hibernation attempt. 12-14 hours of light is closer to spring/summer light patterns, which keeps them from attempting hibernation and lowering their immune system.