Olive is Cold, not moving, and stiff..

[jeffbot]

I'm not sure what happened, I think she may have went into hibernation over the day, since the temp dropped since yesterday. I found her about an hour ago, cold, stiff, and not moving. Although I know she may be dead, there's a part of me hoping shes just hibernating. Would it even be helpful if i'm trying to warm her up? There's so much I should have done, and I feel like im totally to blame. What are the signs of hibernation?

[Loves2LoveChins]

Stick her under your shirt immediately. Against your skin is best. There is a chance she could come out of it but the longer you wait the less likely she will. I would also call your exotics vet asap for any advice or a visit as soon as you can.

[hemi_mygirl]

How old is she?

Since I'm a bit morbid, I'd try warming her up before really panicking. Signs of hibernation are a chilly body, lethargy or an unwillingness to move at all. They curl into a tight little ball and sometimes are so deep into it that they don't hiss or move when picked up. I have this huge fear of mistaking hibernation for death, even though that seems pretty unlikely.

What I would do is put an extra sweatshirt on and snuggle her between layers. Put a heating pad on low and hold it over her on the outside of the shirt, and just breathe calmly for a while. Give her 15 minutes to half an hour, and you may feel some movement. If not, see if you can gently work a finger to her belly and feel for a little heartbeat. It may be faint, but you may be able to find it.

Good luck - I'm sure the experts will be along shortly to weigh in.

Also... is her nose moving at all? Watch her nostrils closely... if she's breathing, you'll be able to see a slight fluttering or twitching.

[ellencho]

If you manage to get her revived and awake again, keep an eye on her digestion. My vet told me that a lot of times their digestive systems have trouble "waking up" after the rest of them have woken up so he might have issues with her tummy. Good luck to you and your hog.

[Nancy]

I'm talking with him. I don't think this was a hibernation attempt.

[jeffbot]

Thanks everyone, Nancy and I have agreed that she has most likely died in her sleep, and not by hibernation. If you would like to see a picture of her as she is now, http://flickr.com/photos/jeffbot/2441632397/
Nancy has told me most hibernation attempts has the hedgie curled in a ball.

I'd like to thank Nancy and all of you again for you help, and wishes. I'm gonna bring Olives remains to the vet tomorrow, to possibly get a necropsy, if i can afford it, and get her cremated.

[hemi_mygirl]

I'm sorry to hear about your Olive. :(

[Sasha]

Oh no, Im very sorry to hear that :( Take care.

[Nancy]

I'm so sorry Olive is gone but to pass in her sleep peacefully is a wonderful way to go.

Hugs

[fuzzymogel]

I am sorry to hear about your poor hedgie. *hugs*