I haven't had a hedgehog with a URI before (thankfully), but I can tell you that green stools and a little loose are commonly seen in hedgehogs that are on antibiotics. Often a little sprinkle of acidolphilus on the hedgehog's food (given mid way between antibiotic doses) helps.
Black and tar-like stools are very concerning to me though. Black and tar-like often means there is blood present. If there is blood it often comes from high in the GI system (upper GI or stomach).
Are you certain that stool is black and not just a deep moss green and is mucousy? A nasty moss green stool could be caused by the antibiotics really messing with your hedgehog's GI.
One option you have is to take in a couple of stool samples for examination. I'd call the vet, and tell them what is going on and that you would like to bring in a stool sample for examination. Scoop up a black and tarry stool and a green one in separate plastic baggies. I usually label them with my name, hedgehog's name and date as often these are being left for the vet to look at when he has time between clients. If there is blood present the veterinarian will be able to determine that and should be able to modify your hedgehog's treatment accordingly. Usually a fecal float is very cheap.
I'd also add a probiotic (acidolphilus) to the hedgehog's treatment to help combat the GI upset caused by antibiotics. Give them mid way between antibiotic doses though, else the antibiotic kills the probiotic and you get no benefit. I would only do this if blood was ruled out though.
Black and tar-like stools are very concerning to me though. Black and tar-like often means there is blood present. If there is blood it often comes from high in the GI system (upper GI or stomach).
Are you certain that stool is black and not just a deep moss green and is mucousy? A nasty moss green stool could be caused by the antibiotics really messing with your hedgehog's GI.
One option you have is to take in a couple of stool samples for examination. I'd call the vet, and tell them what is going on and that you would like to bring in a stool sample for examination. Scoop up a black and tarry stool and a green one in separate plastic baggies. I usually label them with my name, hedgehog's name and date as often these are being left for the vet to look at when he has time between clients. If there is blood present the veterinarian will be able to determine that and should be able to modify your hedgehog's treatment accordingly. Usually a fecal float is very cheap.
I'd also add a probiotic (acidolphilus) to the hedgehog's treatment to help combat the GI upset caused by antibiotics. Give them mid way between antibiotic doses though, else the antibiotic kills the probiotic and you get no benefit. I would only do this if blood was ruled out though.
