Every hedgehog that comes in to us has poo samples checked under the microscope for signs of parasites, and the sample I have just checked shows that one poorly hog has fluke eggs (first picture) and pollen (second picture).
The pollen is quite innocuous, and is fairly common to find, along with bits of insects (usually undigested legs or wings), hair and fibrous particles.
The fluke is a different matter, these invasive parasites can cause pain, lesions, internal bleeding, infections, rapid weight loss, anaemia and may rapidly lead to the hedgehog dying.
The hog is now undergoing a regime of flukicide meds and antibiotics, and we’re hoping she will pull through.
