Belgium: Hedgehog loses spines to fungal infection, receives intensive care

A unique hedgehog, nearly bald due to a severe fungal infection, is receiving specialized care at the Nature Rescue Center in Oudsbergen, Belgium. The animal arrived in a weakened state, having lost most of its spines. This condition makes it particularly vulnerable.

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This is actually a unique guest for us. We had never seen this before.

To combat the infection and promote healing, the hedgehog undergoes an intensive treatment program. This includes daily medication and two special baths each day to restore its skin's health. Fortunately, the first signs of new spines are beginning to appear.

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It's quite a strange sight, a hedgehog without spines. Fortunately, they are slowly starting to grow back.

"This is actually a unique guest for us. We had never seen this before," said Frederik Thoelen of the Nature Rescue Center. While the center frequently treats hedgehogs with fungal infections, the severity of this case is unprecedented. "It's quite a strange sight, a hedgehog without spines. Fortunately, they are slowly starting to grow back."

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It is a bit like our hair, only they are stiff, thick hairs. If they fall out, they grow back. A healthy hedgehog loses many spines every day.

Thoelen explained that hedgehog spines are similar to human hair, growing back if they fall out. A healthy hedgehog naturally loses many spines daily. The center, which typically handles about 2,000 hedgehogs per year, has already admitted 1,200 this year. The current heatwave makes it difficult for hedgehogs to find food, leading to many young and weakened animals being brought in. Other common issues include infected wounds where flies lay eggs, and the resulting maggots consume the hedgehog.

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Currently, that is mainly due to the heat. Hedgehogs find it very difficult to find invertebrate prey to eat.