Wobbly hedgehog syndrome
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Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) is a disease found in the African Pygmy domesticated hedgehog. It characterises of vacuolization of the grey matter of the brain and spinal cord that leads to neurogenic muscle atrophy. There is no inflammation of the central nervous system associated with WHS. The cause of WHS is unknown, but familial tendency to the disease has been indicated.[1]
[edit] Symptoms and treatment
WHS slowly degrades the hedgehog's muscle control. This first appears as a wobble while the hedgehog is attempting to stand still. Over time, the hedgehog will lose control of all muscles from the rear of its body to the front.
There is no known cure for WHS. Vitamin E hides the effects of WHS, but does not slow the disease. A resistance to vitamin E will form and the effects of the disease will continue.
[edit] References
- ^ Graesser et al.; Spraker, T; Dressen, P; Garner, M; Raymond, J; Terwilliger, G; Kim, J; Madri, J. "Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix spp.)". Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 15: 59–65. doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2005.11.010.
[edit] External links
- Laura Roberts (2006). "Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome". Animal HELP. http://www.animalhelp.com/pets/articledetail.cfm?artid=104. Retrieved 2006-05-03.
- Laura Ledet (1999). "Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome In African Pygmy Hedgehogs". Caring for your hedgehog. http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/comemeetmyfamily/wobblyhs1.html. Retrieved 2006-05-03.
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