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Introduction
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African Pygmy Hedgehog Triage
A health assessment tool for your African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).
Quickly identify emergencies and common conditions.
3-5 yrs
Average life expectancy
300-600g
Normal adult weight
75-82°F
Ideal ambient temperature
Disclaimer — This tool provides indicative guidance only. Only a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets can establish a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatments. The African pygmy hedgehog is an exotic animal that requires specialized veterinary care.
Protected species — The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a protected species and keeping one as a pet is prohibited. This module concerns only the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), a domestic companion animal.
HIBERNATION: If your hedgehog is cold and motionless, this is an EMERGENCY. Warm it up gradually against your body and seek veterinary care immediately. African pygmy hedgehogs do not survive hibernation.
Step 1 of 6 — Profile
Your hedgehog's profile
Age and weight help determine the most likely conditions.
Step 2 of 6 — Medical history
Medical History & Treatments
The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is prone to specific conditions. This information helps guide the assessment.

Current treatments

Medical history

⚠ WHS (Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome): A hereditary degenerative neurological disease affecting up to 10% of captive African pygmy hedgehogs. It typically appears between 2 and 3 years of age. Progressive ascending paralysis (hind legs first). No curative treatment — palliative care only.
Step 3 of 6 — Duration
How long have you been observing these symptoms?
The duration of symptoms helps differentiate emergencies from chronic cases.
Step 4 of 6 — Behavior
What is your hedgehog's general behavior?
Behavior is a key indicator of overall health.
🚨 URGENT CHECK: If your hedgehog is cold to the touch and motionless, this is an attempted hibernation which is a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY. Warm it up immediately against your skin (under a sweater) and seek emergency veterinary care. African pygmy hedgehogs DO NOT SURVIVE hibernation. Check that the room temperature is above 75°F (24°C).
Step 5 of 6 — Observed symptoms
What symptoms are you observing?
Check all symptoms present. The more precise you are, the better the guidance.
🧠 Neurological
🦴 Skin / Quills
💩 Digestive
💨 Respiratory
🦷 Dental
⚖️ Obesity
❄️ Attempted hibernation

📊 Scientific Resources — Hedgehogs

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) Research
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine
Scientific publications

Research on Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS): a progressive demyelinating disease, diagnosis, and palliative care management.

Access journal ↗
Hedgehog Neoplasia Study
Veterinary Pathology / Raymond & White 2012
Retrospective study

Retrospective study on the incidence of tumors in African pygmy hedgehogs: prevalence, histological types, and prognosis.

Search on PubMed ↗
Caparinia tripilis — Hedgehog Ectoparasites
Parasitology Research
Clinical articles

Data on Caparinia mites, the most common ectoparasites of the African pygmy hedgehog. Diagnosis and treatments.

Search on PubMed ↗
Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook
BSAVA / Carpenter
Reference manual

Exotic companion animal medicine handbook including hedgehogs: dosages, protocols, and emergencies.

Access library ↗
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Hedgehog emergency?

Attempted hibernation, seizures, acute paralysis, respiratory distress — see an exotic pet veterinarian immediately.

☎ 3115

Useful contacts

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Exotic pet veterinarian

Consult a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets — not all vets are familiar with hedgehogs

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Hedgehog Owner Communities

Advice from fellow owners, exotic vet directories, adoption assistance

📞

Veterinary emergencies

National free hotline, 24/7 — ask for an exotic pet veterinarian

3115
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Temperature advice

ALWAYS keep the room at 75-82°F (24-28°C). Below 68°F (20°C): risk of fatal hibernation.

Legal disclaimer — This triage tool provides indicative guidance and is in no way a substitute for a clinical examination by a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets. The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is an exotic animal whose care requires specialized veterinary expertise.

Data — No personal data is collected or transmitted. All processing is done entirely in your browser.