First report of intestinal intussusception in Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

Abstract

A debilitated adult female Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), rescued in Quarteira (South Portugal), died 2 days after its admission to Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre (RIAS). At the postmortem examination, this animal had a dilated stomach with small punctiform ulcers on the mucosa, bloody faeces, a full urinary bladder and an 8 cm intussusception in the jejunal portion of the intestine. This is the first description of intestinal intussusception in E. europaeus, which contributes to a better knowledge and understanding of the lesions that affect this species and may interfere with its recovery in rescue centres.