Hedgehog "Balloon" Syndrome

• Generalised subcutaneous emphysema. (B259.w10, B284.6.w6, B337.3.w3)

• Unknown, possibly damage to the respiratory tract or could be gas-producing infection from a deep wound. (D66, B151, B259.w10, B284.6.w6, B337.3.w3)

• Possibly gas-producing bacteria

• Non-specific physical trauma

• Skin grossly inflated and stretched taut (the hedgehog may appear twice its normal size).
• The belly may be touching, and dragging on, the ground.
• The hedgehog's legs may be unable to reach the ground.

(B151, D66, B259.w10, B284.6.w6, B337.3.w3)

Note: Localised subcutaneous emphysema may occur also. (B337.3.w3)

• There may be air under the skin, possibly due to respiratory tract damage. (B151)
• The condition may occur due to a wound sucking air under the skin. (B337.3.w3)
• This may occur following trauma to the anterior mediastinum, for example after a road traffic accident, or rib fracture damaging the respiratory tract. (B284.6.w6)
• Balloning could occur due to gas-producing infection in a deep wound. (D66, B259.w10, B284.6.w6)

Diagnosis:

• Clinical examination. (B151, D66)
• The hedgehog will feel light for its apparent size. (B337.3.w3)
• If the spines are touched or tapped a distinct hollow sound may be heard. (B337.3.w3)

Treatment:

• Air may be aspirated from under the skin by using a sterile large-gauge needle, syringe and three-way tap, or by making an incision on the back of the hedgehog with a scalpel. (B151, D66, B259.w10, B284.6.w6).
• The procedure may have to be repeated several times. (B151, B284.6.w6)
• Caution is required to ensure that the procedure does not result in iatrogenic infection. (B337.3.w3)
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic cover (e.g. long-acting amoxycillin (B151) or amoxycillin-clavulanic acid (B337.3.w3)) is recommended. (B151, B259.w10, B284.6.w6, B337.3.w3)

This condition usually resolves over about three to seven days; the hedgehog may scratch more than usual while there is still gas under the skin. (B337.3.w3)

• Physical Examination of Mammals
• Necropsy of Mammals
• General Anaesthesia (Gaseous and Injectable) Techniques of Hedgehogs
• Subcutaneous Injection of Hedgehogs
• Intramuscular Injection of Hedgehogs
• 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

• Erinaceus europaeus - West European hedgehog (B151)