Bcaterial dermatitis can occur due to contact with wet shavings or excessive scratching due to mites or dry skin. Treatment involves using topical and systemic antibiotics. Dental Disease Thorough examination of the teeth and gums of hedgehogs usually requires sedation. Dental tartar and gingivitis are commonly seen in hedgehogs. Clinical signs may include anorexia or reluctance to eat hard or dry foods.
Treatment involves scaling of dental tartar and extraction of loose or decaying teeth.
The prevention of tooth and gum disease is the usage of hard food as a major portion of the diet. Oral abscesses are also seen and may be due to an infected tooth root but may also be associated with inner ear or eye infections. Musculoskeletal Disease Traumatic injuries such as sprains, strains, and fracture may result from a limb getting caught in water bottles, exercise wheels or wire cages. Diagnosis of a body fracture may be confirmed by X-ray and depending on the fracture location, may be treated with an external splint. Sprains and strains can be treated with antiinflammatories or splints for more severe cases.