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. 2017;7(3):261-267.
doi: 10.4314/ovj.v7i3.10. Epub 2017 Sep 6.

Ophthalmological abnormalities in wild European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus): a survey of 300 animals

David Williams  1 , Nina Adeyeye  1 , Erni Visser  1
Affiliations

Ophthalmological abnormalities in wild European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus): a survey of 300 animals

David Williams et al. Open Vet J. 2017.

Abstract

In this study we aimed to examine wild European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in rescue centres and to determine ocular abnormalities in this animal population. Three hundred animals varying in age from 2 months to 5 years were examined, 147 being male and 153 female. All animals were evaluated with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy in animals where lesions were detected. Tonometry using the Tonovet rebound tonometer was undertaken in selected animals as was assessment of tear production using the Schirmer I tear test. Four animals were affected by orbital infection, 3 were anophthalmic, 2 unilaterally and one bilaterally, 3 by conjunctivitis, 3 by non-ulcerative keratitis and 4 by uveitis with corneal oedema. Fifty seven animals were affected by cataract, 54 with bilateral nuclear lens opacities. Twenty six of these animals were young animals considered too small to hibernate. This report documents the first prospective study of ocular disease in the European hedgehog. The predominant finding was bilateral nuclear cataract seen particularly in young poorly growing animals. Investigation into the potential causation of cataracts by poor nutrition or poor feeding ability by lens opacification requires further study.

Keywords: Cataract; Conservation; Eye abnormality; Hedgehog; Rehabilitation.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The somewhat propototic eyes of a normal 2 year old male hedgehog.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Orbital infection and periorbital abscessation in a one year old male hedgehog.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
A bilaterally anophthalmic hedgehog with inflammatory tissue filling the orbit.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Periorbital Tricophyton infection in an emaciated hedgehog.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
A hedgehog with trichiasis, a common finding in otherwise normal eyes.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Hedgehog with corneal oedema and presumed uveitis with a hypotonous globe.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Nuclear cataract in a 3 month old hedgehog.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Prevalence of cataract across age groups of hedgehogs in this study.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Graphical representation of age and weight of hedgehogs with and without cataract.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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