Hedgehog Swollen to Size of Football Found in England, Requires Urgent Veterinary Care

A female hedgehog was found near Quedgeley, Gloucestershire, England that had swollen to the dimensions of a football, requiring immediate veterinary care due to a serious condition called 'balloon syndrome' that could be fatal if left untreated. The hedgehog, now named Bounce, was spotted by a passenger on a passing bus and taken to the Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue.

Upon arrival at the rescue center, Bounce was struggling to walk and her skin was stretched tightly due to the extreme swelling. She was diagnosed with balloon syndrome, a condition unique to hedgehogs where a wound or infection causes air to get trapped between the skin and the animal's muscular-skeletal structure. This leads to the hedgehog ballooning up, which is extremely painful.

Emily Harper, the manager at Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue, and her team worked quickly to treat Bounce. They used a needle to deflate the trapped air and gave the hedgehog pain relief and antibiotics. Bounce also underwent an X-ray to check for any internal injuries. "Balloon syndrome can be fatal if not treated," Harper explained. "Bounce will remain in our care for at least a week as she recovers on antibiotics and pain relief."

Why this matters: Balloon syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition that affects hedgehogs. Raising awareness about this condition and the importance of prompt veterinary care can help save the lives of hedgehogs found in similar situations. The story also highlights the critical role that wildlife rescue organizations play in protecting and caring for vulnerable animals.

The rescue center is accepting donations to help cover the cost of Bounce's care and treatment. Despite her ordeal, Bounce was found to be otherwise in good health. The rescue team is optimistic that she will make a full recovery and be released back into the wild near where she was found once her treatment is complete. Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue takes in around 500 hedgehogs a year and has warned that this is the time of year when hedgehogs are often injured by lawn mowers and trimmers, urging people to be more careful when maintaining their grass.

Key Takeaways

• Hedgehog found near Quedgeley, Gloucestershire with 'balloon syndrome'
• Condition caused air trapped between skin and muscle, requiring vet care
• Rescue team used needle to deflate air, provided antibiotics and pain relief
• Balloon syndrome can be fatal if untreated, hedgehog expected to recover
• Rescue center warns of hedgehog injuries from lawn mowers, urges caution