AboutLaura T. Expertise Any questions regarding housing, feeding, or other care for pet hedgehogs or whether a hedgehog would be a suitable pet for a particular person or family. Also able to answer most breeding questions and willing to suggest questions to ask a veterinarian if an animal requires veterinary care.
Experience I have had pet hedgehogs for the past eleven years and have seriously bred them, focusing on excellence in health and temperament, for the past nine years. During the entire time I have owned hedgehogs I have provided rescue services whenever needed. I have been involved with several nationwide hedgehog organizations and am one of the owners of a large social and advisory site for hedgehog owners. With the help of colleagues I developed a test for hedgehog temperament that has been used both nationally and internationally by hedgehog organizations, breeders, and fanciers.
Education/Credentials BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Have done extensive independent study on care of hedgehogs, including studying information on their lives in the wild and veterinary publications both on the internet and as recommended by our veterinarian.
Past/Present Clients Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Sedgwick County Zoo, Garden City Zoo
Expert: Laura T. Date: 11/7/2007 Subject: HELP!! AIR BUBBLE IN MY BABY HEDGEHOG!!!
Question hi i just found an air bubble in my baby hedgies stomic ( its quite large ) and im verry worried what should i do???
Answer Your best bet is to treat it from both ends. You are going to want to give him a drop of mylecon before every feeding and potty, potty, potty him. Use vaseline, neosporin, KY jelly or something else to help lubricate and stimulate until you get movement, even if it takes quite some time. If you do not get movement consistently (and he should pass a fair bit of gas once the mylecon works) it is very unlikely that he is going to make it. The most effective way I have found to stimulate babies to use the bathroom is to rub their belly very gently, then stimulate their privates by stroking gently towards the tail with a finger repeatedly. It can take quite some time to get a bowel movement if you haven't had one in a while but it is NECESSARY to take the time. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Laura T
Keeper of the Chaos
PogStar Hedgehogs and
PrairieStar Farm
