Acariasis (Mite Infestation) in Hedgehogs

Acariasis, the medical term for an infestation of mites, is the most common skin disease affecting African Pygmy Hedgehogs. The most common mite involved is Caparinia tripilis. While a small number of these mites can live on a hedgehog without causing problems, an overgrowth can lead to significant irritation, quill loss, and discomfort. It is a treatable condition but requires a veterinary diagnosis and prescription medication.

The Cause: An Opportunistic Pest

Many healthy hedgehogs are asymptomatic carriers of a small number of mites. An infestation, or acariasis, typically occurs when the hedgehog's immune system is compromised, allowing the mite population to explode. Common triggers for an infestation include:

• Stress: Stress from a new environment, improper husbandry, or illness.
• Malnutrition: A poor diet can weaken the immune system.
• Concurrent Illness: Any other underlying health problem can make a hedgehog more susceptible.
• Direct Contact: Mites can be transmitted through direct contact with another infested hedgehog or from contaminated bedding.

Signs of Acariasis

The signs of a mite infestation are primarily dermatological:

• Quill Loss: This is the most classic sign. You may find an excessive number of quills in the cage bedding.
• Itching (Pruritus): The hedgehog may be seen scratching itself frequently, sometimes frantically.
• Dry, Flaky Skin: You may notice white flakes, resembling dandruff, on the skin, particularly on the back and around the face.
• Crusting: In severe cases, a thick, yellowish crust can build up on the skin, especially around the base of the quills, on the face, and around the ears.
• Lethargy and Irritability: The constant irritation can make the hedgehog feel unwell and act grumpy.

Diagnosis

Because the signs of mites can be very similar to a fungal infection (ringworm), a veterinary diagnosis is essential.

• Skin Scrape: The definitive way to diagnose mites is for a veterinarian to perform a skin scrape. The vet will use a scalpel blade to gently scrape a sample of skin and debris, which is then examined under a microscope to identify the mites and their eggs.

Treatment

If mites are diagnosed, your veterinarian will prescribe an anti-parasitic medication.

• Prescription Medication: The most common treatments are ivermectin or selamectin (Revolution). These are safe and effective when prescribed and dosed correctly by a vet.
• NO Over-the-Counter Products: Never use over-the-counter mite sprays, powders, or shampoos. These products are ineffective and can be toxic to your hedgehog.
• Environmental Cleaning: While the mites primarily live on the hedgehog, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean the cage and all accessories and replace the bedding to reduce the environmental load of mites.

With proper veterinary treatment, the mites will be eliminated, the itching will stop, and the lost quills will grow back. If your hedgehog is experiencing quill loss, a prompt veterinary visit is the best course of action to get them the relief they need.