Out in the day picked up and at rescue centre

[SeagullSuzie]

So sad to see a hedgehog out in the day last week. My neighbour spotted it when driving past and knocked on my door. Immediately we could see it was not lovely and round and plump, but sunk in at the sides. No obvious injuries. Thank goodness she spotted it on the pavement, if it had got much further it would have been hidden in the garden. Receiving treatment at a local hedgehog rescue and we’re hoping it’ll do well.

[Nic]

Hi SeagullSuzie

Well down helping out the hog. I hope it does well and can come back to you for release again. Let us know how it gets on.

[SeagullSuzie]

Latest update is it’s a female and about a year old, but very underweight and dehydrated. Was receiving injections of fluids. We’re really hoping it’ll survive and can be collected and released but with winter coming up in The Dales we may not be able to release until spring. Will update you in a couple of weeks.

[Nic]

Hi SeagullSuzie

So lucky you rescued the hog! Yes, if they get too dehydrated they need specialist help, so really great that it’s getting that. It depends how far along it is whether it could be released before winter. But fingers crossed for a successful release whether soon, or in the Spring.

[SeagullSuzie]

Hi Nic, you know I was able to do a good assessment of the shape and overall look of the hoggie (apart from the obvious fact it was out in the day) because I had taken an online basic first aid course with a hedgehog rescue in York called Little Silver Hedgehog. It was so good that I knew what to do and in what order. Like don’t give it food, but keep it warm. It doesn’t make me an expert and I certainly couldn’t and wouldn’t attempt look after one, but I knew what the correct thing to do was. Because of the course, I had a ready made kit of container, paper, towel and bottle (to fill with warm water) and a list of rescue centres/vets. It stopped me from panicking. I do want to stress that that was the purpose of the course and not about how to treat sick or injured ones-which would be totally wrong.

[Nic]

Hi SeagullSuzie

That course sounds a really good idea and how lucky that you knew just what was needed and were well prepared. Somtimes getting help quickly is really important. But also some people get really worried about even having to pick up a hog who needs help, so I imagine the course would make people more confident about that, too.

[SeagullSuzie]

Sadly she didn’t survive. I thought she looked very poorly. How sad. Must be so sad for rescue centres as they work very hard.

[Nic]

So sad to hear that, SeagullSuzie, but you did your best for the hog, which is all we can do.

[Author]

Posts