eileen
 Forum Moderator
Scotland
Posts: 18013
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| Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:11 pm Post subject: My newest patient. |
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I thought you might like to see the little hedgehog I have taken in. He has a broken hind leg and is very thin.
First thing to do was to make sure he was hydrated and had something to eat.
Well that seems to have worked well as he ate about 1/4 of a large tin of moist chicken breast (cat food) and had a long drink of water. I allowed him to have a rest and let his meal settle before working on his broken ankle.
Next it was time to splint his leg with two flat toothpicks - one either side of the break. I keep these handy as they are light, being made of wood, and are perfect for just this kind of job. I snip off the sharp end though as I certainly don't want to cause him any more pain than he's alredy in.
He was then put back into his box until he's recovered from all the handling.
I think his ankle must be less painful as he tried to curl up and sleep.
Lastly I made sure he has a nice deep, warm bed for the night.
Keep your fingers crossed everyone that he survives.
PS I've just checked on him and he's eating again so I'm hopeful that he's going to be OK.
Once the leg is healed he'll be put out into the garden where I'll keep feeding him until he wanders off of his own accord.
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stratsmom
Southern Oregon
Posts: 2282
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| Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:45 pm Post subject: |
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Oh Eileen you are amazing  What a good deed you have done. He's a cute little fella. I hope he makes a speedy recovery and lives a happy little life in your gardens. Do they bite?
Deanna
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eileen
Forum Moderator
Scotland
Posts: 18013
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| Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:59 pm Post subject: |
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I've never been bitten by a hedgehog yet Deanna although I've heard others say that they have very sharp teeth. Somehow I think my little wildlife patients seem to know that I mean them no harm and only want to help them out.
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Netty
Regular Plants Contributor
Southern Ontario zone 5a
Posts: 9959
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| Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:32 am Post subject: |
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I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the little guy Eileen. But I know he's in good hands and will be just fine 
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glendann
Texas
Posts: 9228
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| Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:47 am Post subject: |
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Oh how cute they are.I hope he gets well so he can play in your garden.
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Sjoerd
West - Friesland
Posts: 6915
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| Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:01 am Post subject: |
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What an interesting patient...your vet experience is invaluable here. He must be aware that he is receiving expert care.
This may be just the place to put all the slugs that you catch out in your garden...and when he has fully recovered, perhaps he will stick around and keep their populatioins down.
A sort of barter agreement for the mesical care, eh?
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Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html
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Droopy
Regular Plants Contributor
Western Norway
Posts: 9272
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| Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:32 am Post subject: |
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I'm glad the little fella's getting some help. I've handled lots of hedgehogs and they haven't bitten me so far. Sounds like it's doing OK, since it's eating. Good luck with it, I'll keep my fingers crossed. They are so cute!
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Biita
Norway
Posts: 2048
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| Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:38 am Post subject: |
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Ohhh well done Dr Eileen! He looks like he is getting the best of care, and is doing very well. The good thing is he is eating. Successful recovery to the little guy!
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tschnath
Southern Maine (zone 5)
Posts: 704
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| Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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I know this is a week old now so I hope he's doing well Eileen. Good job! He is very cute and I hope he'll be on his own soon. Thanks for sharing.
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Terry 
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jakrum421
Wisconsin
Posts: 115
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| Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject: |
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What an adorable little animal! I hope that he is recovering nicely. Please post an update.
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Julie
"It's a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy." Lucille Ball
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eileen
Forum Moderator
Scotland
Posts: 18013
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| Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:31 pm Post subject: |
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Little Prickles is doing just fine and when I changed his splints today I found that his leg is healing nicely and already forming a callous over the break. I'll give it another week and then try genty manipulating it so that it doesn't become too stiff. With any luck he'll be out in the garden in around 3-4 weeks. He's put on plenty of weight so should have no problems with hibernation when the time comes.
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DaphDaph
South Carolina
Posts: 170
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| Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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I'm so glad this little fellow found you.
I'm going to start calling you Dr. Doolitte.
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gardengater
NC
Posts: 1544
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| Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 12:08 am Post subject: |
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you're a true humanitarian, Eileen. Remarkable skill in first aide. I know the little guy will do well with your loving care.
Carol
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Netty
Regular Plants Contributor
Southern Ontario zone 5a
Posts: 9959
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| Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:28 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the update Eileen.
I'm glad he's doing so well and I just love his new name
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