First aid and emergency care

Mullineaux, Elizabeth; Keeble, Emma

doi:10.22233/9781910443316.5

Cited by 5 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…The main seasons of admission were summer (36.8%) and spring (33.2%). Similar data were observed in other studies, and are expected based on the animals’ natural behavior [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. In spring, they emerge from the hibernation period and are more dispersed on the search of food.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…The Western European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), is a generalist nocturnal mammal, widely distributed across the European continent [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. It hibernates from November to March, with some periods of awakening to forage or move in its nest [ 4 ]. Its diet consists mainly of macroinvertebrates, although, due to their great trophic adaptation potential, they can be generalist feeders [ 1 , 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…E. europaeus is one of the species that seem to prefer urban areas as their current habitat. These animals are commonly found on green spaces in constructed areas such as gardens and parks [ 4 , 7 ]. Some studies in the UK have suggested that the hedgehog decline is more severe in rural than in urban areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some studies in the UK have suggested that the hedgehog decline is more severe in rural than in urban areas. Urban areas have become a suitable habitat for hedgehogs due to the higher food densities associated with human occupation, the existence of additional nest sites, and a decreased risk of predation by their natural predators [ 4 , 6 , 7 , 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hedgehogs are one of the most common mammal species admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centers, sanctuaries, or veterinary hospitals. The main reasons for admission described in the literature include skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, malnutrition, hypothermia, and traumatic injuries [ 4 , 5 ]. Due to their preference to inhabit urban areas, hedgehogs are subjected to a higher risk of human-related traumatic injuries, which can include drowning, injuries inflicted by domestic pets, poisoning, entrapment, and road injuries [ 4 , 5 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Outcomes, Mortality Causes, and Pathological Findings in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus, Linnaeus 1758): A Seventeen Year Retrospective Analysis in the North of Portugal

Garcês¹,

Soeiro²,

Lóio³

et al. 2020

Animals

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This study aimed to analyze the admission causes, outcomes, primary causes of death, and main lesions observed in the post mortem examinations of Western European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the north of Portugal. The data were obtained by consulting the records from the two main wildlife rehabilitation centers located in the north of Portugal (Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Parque Biologico de Gaia and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro). Over 17 years (2002–2019) a total of 740 animals were admitted. Most of the animals were juveniles, with the highest number of admissions occurring during summer (36.8%) and spring (33.2%). The main reasons for admission were debilitation (30.7%) and random finds (28.4%). Of the total number of individuals admitted to these centers, 66.6% were successfully released back into the wild. The most relevant causes of death were trauma of unknown origin (32.7%), nontrauma causes of unknown origin (26.6%), and nutritional disorders (20.2%). The main lesions observed were related to trauma, including skeletal and skin lesions (fractures, hemorrhages, wounds) and organ damage, particularly to the lungs and liver. The hedgehog is a highly resilient and adaptable animal. The urban environment has many benefits for hedgehogs, yet the presence of humans can be harmful. In the future, the public needs to become even more involved in the activities of the wildlife centres, which will make a positive difference for these populations.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%