Hedgehog Central banner

Respiratory Infection??!!

15K views 19 replies 9 participants last post by  nikki 
#1 ·
Herisson licks his nose quite frequently. I always thought it was a normal thing that hedgehogs did. Just resentaly I read in this topic http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=278 that if they lick their nose a lot it could be a sign of a repertory infection. :shock: What are some other signs of a respiratory infection? Herisson seems perfectly healthy but I don't want to chance it. Please Help! I will be very worried until I hear something.
 
#2 ·
It sounds like it could be a respitory infection. Schedule an appointment with the vet as soon as possible. Is he sneezing or wheezing at all that you've noticed? Does he have discharge from the nose or eyes? Licking his nose is only one symptom. The treatment for a respitory infection is usually antibiotics.
http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/p ... gehogs.pdf (see the part about respitory infections)
Respitory infections are usually easily treated by a vet, so get Herisson checked out ASAP. Let us know what the vet says!
Good luck. :)
 
#3 ·
Is he licking boogers off his nose? Or is he just licking his nose?


These are general symptoms for URIs in hedgehogs:
Wheezing/gurgling noises
difficulty breathing
sneezing
discharge from eyes/nose
lethargy

If you suspect he has a respiratory infection, I would bring him to the vet as soon as possible. Hedgehogs are very good at hiding illness.
 
#9 ·
It's your call, really.
You know your hedgehog, and you know what's normal and what abnormal.

If he seems abnormal to you, I sincerely suggest you seek veterinary advise.
If he seems fine to you, it would be okay to wait.

Just know that a URI left untreated can become pneumonia.
 
#11 ·
I just got Herisson up and started listening to him very carefully. When he first wakes up he licks his nose like crazy and sounds a little sneezey. Then he stopped making those noises. I think that
He just sneezed again.

Now I am noticing he sounds snuffy when he is digging or pushing around in his blanket.
 
#14 ·
I just got back from the vet. He said that it was nothing serious yet. He prescribed some flavored Baytrill Suspension that I am supposed to give to Herisson in the morning and evening to prevent it from going anywhere.

Any tips on giving oral medications? I managed to give it to Herisson but he put up quite a fight. I am worried that next time he might see the syringe and ball up so he doesn't have to have it going towards his mouth.
 
#18 · (Edited)
This thread is from 2008! Please post your own so it is less confusing and your question is not overlooked. To answer your question though, it sounds like a hibernation attempt and he needs to be warmed up immediately. Wrap him in a blanket and hold him against you for warmth. You can also place him on a human heating pad set on low. What is the cage temp? Do you have a lighting schedule?
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top