Ballooning Hedgehog

Rescue - 28th June, 2021
Release - 6th July, 2021

Rescue

Have you ever seen a hedgehog with balloon syndrome?

We only see cases like this a handful of times in a year, however, this chap was certainly the largest yet!
Balloon syndrome usually occurs due to an injury or infection, which allows a build-up of air under the hedgehog’s skin. In this case, the hog had what looked to be a ruptured left eye and a small fracture in the nasal area.

Rehabilitation

It took a little while for Tim, one of our vets, to deflate the poor hog, and it’s safe to say the difference was remarkable! This process occasionally needs to be repeated until injuries heal, however, it was not necessary for this hog.

Sadly though, the hog’s eye needed to be removed once it was stable enough for surgery – it’s proven that they can lead a full life with only one eye.

Release

After a little rehabilitation to recover from the surgery, this hedgehog was released, back to the same area that it was found.

We need your help

Any help you give can make a huge difference and keep us saving wildlife.

When you donate you help towards the costs of looking after all the animals here at the hospital.

When you adopt an animal you help towards the costs of looking after all the animals of your chosen species here at the hospital.
16-Balloon-Hog-6

How your donation could help

£10

donation

Could provide medicine for a sick animal

£25

donation

Could provide worming treatment for hedgehogs and other small mammals

£50

donation

Could help rear an orphaned hedgehog

£100

donation

Could help us treat and care for an injured badger