Im worried about Loki

[NewAlbinoMom]

Your local spca may offer reduced fee vet care. Especially if you are near a major city. Remember, YOU are her voice. She cannot go see a doctor, explain symptoms or even ask for help. I respect finance issues. I just adopted a 2nd hedge with special needs. And now my child is sick. And my dog needs more arthritis medications. Each one of my babies, furry and not furry, will get what they need. Even if the vet has to work out a payment plan with me. You and your parents can find a way. The first step is just calling vets to get pricing. A phone call costs nothing but time

[Draenog]

This is probably not what you want to hear, but you have to think about your hedgehog now - that's the only thing that matters.

I don't think you want to be a bad owner. I don't think anyone does, but that doesn't automatically make them good owners. It often has reasons and some are beyond our control. You don't always know what will happen next in your life. Sometimes we have to make choices. But you have the choice to be a good owner and right now you aren't making those.

You asked about hydrogen peroxide before, and you were told NOT to use it. Why did you use it?

Your hedgehog needs to see a vet. There simply is no other option. A possible ear infection can be really dangerous (read: deadly) and only a vet can help her. Hedgehogs are really good at hiding illness and pain. There is clearly something wrong with your hedgehog. Your hedgie can't speak, can't go to the vet herself: YOU are the one who has the responsibility to take care of her! And if you can't do this, you have to find another way. THAT is your responsibility.

So, if you don't have the money right now you have to do something about that. Get money somewhere else. Call your vet and ask if you can pay later. Ask family/friends for money. If you don't have the money to keep a pet and pay for vet cost, you shouldn't have one! This is a living animal, not something entirely for your own pleasure. You have to take care of her.
And if none of these options work, you have to give your hedgehog away to someone who can take care of her because right now, you can't. You probably don't want to, but you have to make the right decisions for her. This is your responsibility. If you aren't able to take care of her, you shouldn't have her.
Right now might not be a good moment in your life to have a pet. You don't have the money, and as you stated before, you don't take very good care of her in general. You don't clean her cage often enough because you "can't find the motivation". You don't take her out that often.
Depression is not an excuse. Lack of money is not an excuse.
Now, don't get me wrong: this doesn't make you a "bad owner". You might be a fantastic owner in 2 years. Or more. Or maybe less. But you aren't one right now. And that's something you can change by choosing for your hedgehog, and not hide behind excuses.
This problem has been going on for months (!!) You are neglecting your pet and you are closing your eyes and choose not to see it.

This might sound harsh, but you really need to get your priorities straight right now. This is in YOUR hands and only you can do something about it!!

[Nancy]

Wonderful post Draenog. You said everything I would have.

[heckyeha]

I posted another thread asking about vets. Tomorrow, when my phone is charged, Ill call whatever numbers I can get and compare the prices. I love her so much; shes sleeping on my shoulder as I type this; and she deserves treatment

[Draenog]

I am really glad to hear you're going to call some vets! You can also ask them if you can pay later, or maybe a part of it. I saw your thread, maybe there are vets listed in your local phonebook or you might find some on Google?

Edit: hope this is helpful http://www.yellowpages.com/westfield-ma/veterinarians


There might be something on this list as well https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/31-united-states/

[Draenog]

Did you find a vet?

[heckyeha]

so far ive only found ones that treat only cats and dogs. Im gonna continue my search though

[Darcyroach]

Where are you located I can help out if you would like


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[heckyeha]

I'm in the Western Massachusetts region