Superficial fungal or bacterial infections are also common. Internal ear infections are caused by yeast or bacteria. Symptoms include a foul odor and an increase or change in normal wax production. Severe infections may cause a head tilt. Respiratory Disease Symptoms of respiratory disease include oral or nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, raspy breathing, and an increase in respiratory effor especially when the hedgehog is stressed.
Respiratory disease can also result in a loss of appetite, lethargy, and sudden death.
The primary cause of respiratory diease is bacterial infections. Common bacteria include Bordetella and Pasteurella. Other causes are viral and tumors of the lungs. Respiratory problems can also be secondary to heart diease and other chest tumors. Dusty cages and low environmental temperatures may predispose hedgehogs to respiratory diesase.