Erinaceidae (Hedgehogs)

The family Erinaceidae contains the hedgehogs and gymnures or moonrats and is within the order Eulipotyphla. Hedgehogs are small, insectivorous mammals that possess a characteristic dorsal covering of nonbarbed, keratinaceous spines used for protection. The four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) are the most represented species in the veterinary medical literature. Based on their popularity in zoological institutions, this chapter focuses primarily on the four-toed hedgehog, also known as the African pygmy hedgehog. Hedgehogs readily roll into a protective ball of spines when stimulated, making heavy sedation or general anesthesia necessary for examination and diagnostic imaging. The thorax of hedgehogs is relatively short for their body size. Plain radiographs are helpful for a cursory examination of the abdominal cavity. Adult male four-toed and European hedgehogs possess large accessory sex glands.