Spine Loss in Hedgehogs

• Baldness

• Probable vitamin or trace element deficiency. (B291.12.w12)

See also: 

• Caparinia Mange in Hedgehogs
• Chorioptic Mange in Hedgehogs
• Demodex Infection in Hedgehogsn
• Notoedres Mange in Hedgehogs
• Sarcoptic mange
• Ringworm in Hedgehogs

• Demodicidae (Family)
• Microsporum (Fungal Genera)
• Psoroptidae (Family)
• Sarcoptidae - True itch mites (Family)
• Trichophyton (Fungal Genera)

• Trace element or vitamin deficiency, e.g. zinc (deficiency).

• Massive loss of spines may be seen, resulting in a partially or totally bald hedgehog. (B291.12.w12)
  • This must be distinguished from the normal loss of spines in juveniles as the adult spines grow in. (B291.12.w12)
• Loss of hair and spines has been described associated with presumed zinc deficiency. (B151, B284.6.w6)

• Spine loss is commonly associated with mite infections ( e.g. Caparinia Mange in Hedgehogs, Chorioptic Mange in Hedgehogs, Notoedres Mange in Hedgehogs, Sarcoptic mange (with special reference to Hedgehogs)) and may also occur with severe ringworm infection (Ringworm in Hedgehogs) and the possibility of such infections should be ruled out by skin scrapings and fungal culture. (B284.6.w6, B291.12.w12, B337.3.w3)
• In Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog alopecia has been described as one of the signs of Cushing's disease. (B339.10.w10)

Treatment:

• An appropriate multivitamin/mineral supplement should be given orally for a period of two to four weeks. (B291.12.w12)
• Supplementation with zinc and vitamins is suggested. (B151)

• Physical Examination of Mammals
• Necropsy of Mammals
• Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation
• Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment
• Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form

• Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog
• Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog