Stay Strong Spineless Hedgehogs!
I’m sure practically everyone’s seen what a hedgehog looks like. So you’ll see why these two hedgehogs I’m about to present to you are a little bit spineless special. Meet Spud and Spudlina:
Spineless Spud: His plight has left the wildlife experts perplexedHe looks like a cross between a battered children’s toy and a pink potato.
Meet Spud, the spineless hedgehog.
Staff at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire, who have been caring for him since August, are baffled by his condition.
Founder Les Stocker said: ‘Spud was brought to us last year after someone found him in their garden. He’s had biopsies and skin tests, but we’ve had no answers.
image credit: strangeunknown.com
‘He seems quite happy and does all the things a hedgehog should. We’re now appealing for someone to come forward with ideas about what has caused his problem, and suggestions for treatment, whether it’s homeopathy or some other natural treatment.’
Pampered: Spud has to undergo a daily routine of a warm bath, followed by a baby oil massage
Staff believe he is still able to grow spines after one was found under the skin – but had to be removed.
Hedgehogs rely on their spines, hollow hairs made stiff with keratin, for insulation and protection as they are the only animals in Britain immune to most predator attacks.
When under extreme stress or during sickness, they can sometimes lose spines and the ability to roll into a tight ball is compromised.
image credit: personalitycafe.com
Spudlina
Staff at St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire have made a little jumper to keep a spineless hedgehog warm. The animal was found by a member of the public in a garden in Bedford and has been named Spudlina by staff as her skin resembles that of a potato. The two year old is undergoing various tests to determine the cause of the loss of her spines and she is currently enjoying regular skin massages with a Vitamin E moisturiser.
I do hope these guys grow their spines back soon, but in the mean time I am enjoying looking at their wrinkly skin 
Blech. Hedgehogs definitely look better with spines.
Poor little potatoes. Though I’m sure they are not short on volunteer helpers. I <3 hedgies!
I know this sounds silly but you do know about mange right? It is a mite that affects the hedgehogs skin…I have dealt with it. My email is a.aperahama@gmail.com if you want any info x
Hypo Thyroid?
we actually raised a baby hedgehog that had ingrown quills that had to be surgically removed but she wasn’t completely spineless. She only and patches. The vet wondered if it was because she was the runt of the liter.
Poor hedgehogs
Lucky little hedgehog to have been found by such nice people. Hope you figure out what’s going on, soon. Meanwhile, the sweater is quite attractive. Looks like he could use a brown cap and a butterfly net to go with it.
i with their adorable!!!!!!!!!! especially spudlinda with her sweater on!!!!!!!! its adorable!
They are very cute! Once at school I found a hedghog spine sticking right in my shoe (long time ago) and I had no idea how it got there. Its kinda funny I used to have a chicken named Spuddy. She had two sisters, Buddy and Wavy, but the cyotes got to them, and now I have no chickens.
Awwh poor hedgies! <3 They’re still adorable.