Feet & Paws

Last Updated on November 1, 2022.

• Hedgehogs have 4 toes on the rear feet and 5 toes on the front feet as in the Atelerix species.
• The nails on the front feet may need to be trimmed more frequently than the rear feet to prevent them from curling into the foot and damaging the footpad.
• Hedgehog’s feet and toes are made for walking and running.
• They do not have opposable thumbs or fingers for grasping or for vertical climbing.

Bloody Feet

• Symptom
• Raw sores, scabbed, irritated feet
• Actively bleeding feet
• Cause
  • Damaged nails are the most common cause of bloody feet.
  • Over-use of a wheel can cause blisters or tiny scrapes on the pads of the feet.
  • Some types of wheels have a tendency to cause more irritation than others.

• Treatment
  • Feet should be cleaned with warm water and a mild soap to determine if the injury is new or is healing
  • Remove all bedding and litter in the cage. Open wounds should be kept on clean paper towels or other non-stick substrate until healed.
  • Over-the-counter regular Polysporin (no Maximum Strength or Painkiller versions) can be applied to sore feet to aid in healing.
  • No wheel exercise until the injury has healed. Some hedgehogs become highly agitated without the wheel but one night without a wheel will make a significant difference in allowing the feet to heal.
  • “Angry red” or pustules indicate a veterinarian visit and possible medication.
  • Foot injuries tend to heal quickly without additional trauma.

Loss of Blood Circulation

• Symptom
  • Swelling, redness, or change in color
  • Necrosis of the entire foot, portions of the foot or toes
  • Rotting flesh smell
• Cause and Prevention
  • Circulation is cut due to tight wrapping of hair, thread, string, or carpet fibers around the foot or portions of the foot.
  • Permanent damage can occur in as little as 6 hours
  • Inspect liners, bags, and any other fabric object in the cage daily for loose threads
• Treatment
  • The constricting object must be removed immediately and damage must be assessed a veterinarian to determine if amputation is needed
    • Necrotic tissue can cause an animal to go septic
  • Antibiotics such as Baytril and an anti-inflammatory drug such as Metacam may also be necessary to treat any resulting infection or swelling.

Contributors:  Gail Smith, Melissa Ramos