A nasty problem

One of the nastiest and most upsetting experiences is to find a hedgehog with small maggots in its skin, especially around the eyes. This looks particularly horrible and, sadly, is not uncommonly seen in sickly baby hedgehogs in late summer.

What seems to happen is that the hedgehog becomes ill and lethargic, its body temperature falls and flies mistake it for dead and lay their eggs (these little white things are sometimes foun in fur and should be swabbed with dilute disinfectant and combed out). The eggs hatch before the hedgehog is actually dead and lead to the distressing sight of a maggoty animal. It is probably the kindest to euthanise the hedgehog, especially if its eyes are affected, even though it will not itself show any signs of concern for its plight. By careful cleaning with disinfectant the situation may be retrieved, but the hedgehog is likely to die anyway from other causes. It may not, but the omen's aren't good.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

awww that is sad xx