DONCASTER, ENGLAND — A wild hedgehog was spotted earlier this week, wandering around in circles, blown up like a beach ball. He was twice his normal size.
Members of the RSPCA rushed him to receive veterinary care, where they realized he was suffering from a rare case of balloon syndrome. A condition unique to hedgehogs, balloon syndrome occurs when gas collects under the skin. This irregularity may have been caused by an infection or an injury, leading to gas being released into the cavity under the skin. To reduce the build-up and bring him back down to normal size, veterinarians used a needle to “pop” the hedgehog, slowly draining all the air out.
If the hedgehog hadn’t gotten treatment, pressure from the gas on his internal organs could have led him to suffocate or die from starvation. According BBC News, doctors say he is eating well, offering hope for a full recovery and a return to the wild.
Members of the RSPCA rushed him to receive veterinary care, where they realized he was suffering from a rare case of balloon syndrome. A condition unique to hedgehogs, balloon syndrome occurs when gas collects under the skin. This irregularity may have been caused by an infection or an injury, leading to gas being released into the cavity under the skin. To reduce the build-up and bring him back down to normal size, veterinarians used a needle to “pop” the hedgehog, slowly draining all the air out.
If the hedgehog hadn’t gotten treatment, pressure from the gas on his internal organs could have led him to suffocate or die from starvation. According BBC News, doctors say he is eating well, offering hope for a full recovery and a return to the wild.
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