Every year, hundreds of hedgehogs walk through the doors of veterinary clinics, and almost two-thirds of them require an X-ray. Many animal enthusiasts like having these little, spiky critters as pets, but their unique physiology and innate instincts make them extremely vulnerable to injury and sickness. In the treatment of these animals, X-rays are an important diagnostic tool, assisting veterinarians in identifying a variety of health concerns.
But how precisely does an X-ray on a hedgehog work? First, the hedgehog is properly sedated to keep it calm and immobile during the process. Following that, a tiny plate is put behind the region of interest and an X-ray beam is aimed at it. The laser goes through the hedgehog’s body, capturing the picture on the plate. The veterinarian then removes the plate and processes and analyzes the picture.
While X-rays can aid in the detection of a variety of health conditions, they are especially valuable in diagnosing shattered bones, foreign objects, and other inside ailments that are not apparent from the outside. They can also be used to track the course of therapy or recovery in hedgehogs suffering from chronic illnesses.
While hedgehogs are not the first animals that come to mind when thinking about X-rays, they are a regular and important patient for veterinary clinics all over the world. Hedgehogs, like any other pet, require adequate maintenance and medical treatment when necessary. And for these little creatures, that frequently means getting an X-ray to keep them healthy and happy.
