Stručni rad
Practical approaches to the clinical examination, diagnosis, and treatment of African pygmy hedgehogs
Maja Lukač
orcid.org/0000-0002-4584-6152
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Dražen Đuričić
orcid.org/0000-0002-8013-2091
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
African pygmy hedgehogs are increasingly popular as exotic companion animals. Due to their distinctive anatomical structure, physiology, and behavior, a specialized approach is required during handling. For accurate and comprehensive clinical examinations, as well as for performing various medical procedures, these animals typically require inhalation anesthesia. Following the assessment of the head, a systematic examination of the skin (including spines and fur), limbs, and abdomen is conducted. In addition to the clinical examination, further diagnostic procedures may be necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis and assess overall health status. These include hematological analyses (e.g., complete blood count, differential blood count, hemogram), blood biochemistry, microbiological and parasitological testing, diagnostic imaging (radiography and ultrasonography), cytological or histopathological evaluation, urinalysis, and potentially serological testing. This paper outlines the specific handling techniques and procedures applied to African pygmy hedgehogs during clinical evaluations, therapeutic and diagnostic interventions, including blood sampling methods, sites for drug administration, and other relevant clinical practices used in examination, treatment, and veterinary care.
Ključne riječi
African pygmy hedgehog; drug administration; diagnostic procedures; clinical examination
Hrčak ID:
332401
URI
Datum izdavanja:
20.6.2025.
Posjeta: 210 *