[Mabel the hedgehog]

So I’ve notice a couple days ago that my hedgehog isn’t eating as much and there’s barely any poop in her cage. Today I got some syringes and pure pumpkin, i fed some to her (about 1 tsp, most of it got on her face). Im going to wait until tomorrow (continuously feeding her pumpkin) and see if she gets better. I’ve also given her warm baths and massages to help her poop. Im just wondering when and if i should take her to the vet,, She ate a little bit of her kibble today and she keeps straining when she goes to the bathroom. She isn’t making any noise when she does tho. Please help

 

[Emc]

I would schedule a vet appointment. A lack of appetite and constipation is a cause for concern - and not to worry you, but given how prone hedgehogs are to cancer this isn’t something I would overlook.

hopefully it is nothing, but a vet visit will put you at peace of mind - and will help her feel more comfortable regardless, so isn’t going to wasteful irrespective of the outcome.

for now, you can also add some flaxseed oil to her food to also help alleviate constipation. But I would definitely advise a vet visit for peace of mind.

 

[Plotinus's.Mom]

Hello!
I just took my baby to the vet for constipation. The warm baths, pumpkin, massages, and other tricks didn't really work so I was scared. But it turns out that he isn't backed up. Vet suggested it was dietary fiber! The vet said to make sure the food is a higher fiber food, she recommended 15% (my foods have been less than 10% – We have gone through several foods and he is a picky eater so I'm still working on that). She also recommended more "hard crunchy" insects because they are insectivores in the real world and they have fiber and aren't too fattening. But also, because he wasn't pooping he is a little overweight, so that is something to look out for.

I noticed his constipation because his wheel wasn't nearly as dirty as usual but he had been running. His poops are usually picturesque logs or piles but I hadn't seen those, only little tic-tac like ones, not even little nuggets.

Hope this helps!