Hedgehog dilemma

[spikeymom]

Well, I’ve got a dilemma and I was hoping some of you could shed some light or give me your opinion. I’ve got a hedgehog in my class on loan to me. I have had him for about two weeks. He belongs to a fifth grader but I think the mom is trying to get me to take him. Recently he has been losing quills (I posted about this a few days ago). The owner called the vet (the only one in town that will see hedgies) and just for him to come in will be 175.00 not counting what they might do once he is seen. The mom isn’t willing to pay that much money. I can’t pay that much money (private school teachers in the south don’t make much). So, Spikey won’t be able to see the vet. My dilemma and many questions are such:
1. It could be possible that Spikey has mites. If so, are mites contagious to children? The mom is worried Spikey might spread these to the kids in my class. Now, if they are contagious she will have to take him home.
2. If they are not contagious... what do you think is the most humane way to deal with Spikey…there are a few choices…first, know that the vet is out for both of us and on that note would it be better to find him a new home with an owner who is willing to spend that kind of money to get him treated or some kind of rescue society? The owner asked the vet school if they would take him and treat him, but they said no. Second, is it better that he go with the owner and basically stay in his cage? I don’t know how much they interact with him, but I don’t think much at all. Her kids have kind of out grown the fascination of the hedgehog or third, is it better that he go with me and I would be willing to try to do some stuff to help with his dry skin (you can tell it is dry and flaky), I would be willing to give him oatmeal baths and he plays at my house and in my class. My class adores Spikey and they would be really sad to see him go.

I know none of these are the optimal choice, but I really want to do what is best for him given the circumstances. What do you think the best thing would be?
Thanks so much!

[Tampaquillowner]

My first initial vet visit cost me forty dollars, someone is seriously pulling your leg. I have never heard of an initial vet visit cost that much. Could the mother be lying, did you talk to the vet yourself? If the vet really is trying to charge that much then just take him to a vet somewhere else. Could you take him on a weekend, or what about the mom couldnt she drive him somewhere else? My advice is to find a vet, even if it isnt in your town.

[Pippin'sMom]

In all honesty, if neither you nor the previous owner can properly care for the hedgie, GIVE IT TO SOMEONE WHO CAN. That's inhumane to make the poor guy suffer with mites. Leaving him in the cage will not solve the problem, it will only make him lonely. From what you've said, it sounds like the old owners don't care about poor Spikey, and you should try your hardest to find someone who does. It sounds like you really want to help, but don't have the financial means. Hope everything works out. :(

[spikeymom]

Thanks! You've helped me. I just assumed that no one else in my town saw hedgehogs. I did a search and found a place that will see him for about 37.00. Another question if you don't mind, has anyone ever taken their hedgehog to the vet before for mites and what was the cost of the medicine and whatever the do to test for it. I need to decide if I can afford to take him.

Thanks

[kaiteedyd]

My mites treatments have cost (for everything including vet visit, medicine and check ups) a total of $150 most recently for Malachite and $100 several years ago with Beastly.)

They are probably going to recommend giving three doses of Ivermectin several weeks apart. Or you could urge them to prescribe Revolution a one dose treatment. That should cost, including what you said they vet visit was, around $90.

edit:
I'd like to add that hedgehogs are like any pet, the cost really isn't in the purchasing it is in the upkeep. While you may be able to afford treating this mite thing more than likely other things will come up and you'll have to be at the vet again. If you really can't afford it, I would suggest finding him a new home. I can't say for certain but I've spent over $1700 on hedgehogs not including the price of food and bedding.

[paris26]

My first hedgie was treated with Ivermectin and needed a total of 3 injections that cost me ~$30 total. My second hog who had mites was treated with Revolution and that was ~$15 and it was a one time treatment. I preferred the Revolution because I thought it worked much better. I'm pretty fortunate that after the initial exam, I don't get charged an exam fee.
Good luck with him!

[teela1342]

What a bad position to find yourself in! I am glad you have found a cheaper vet, but just keep the upkeep in mind.

So here is my 2 cents:
If I were you I'd take him from the school family. See if you can manage with the vet bills and time requirements. If you really see that this is not going well for you and the hedgie, find him a new home. Hedgehogs need vet care and regular handling. Your school kids will be sad, but this could be a good opportunity for you to discuss responsible pet ownership. The new owners may even be willing to let you stay in contact somehow.

If you decide to re-home him, I am sure the people on this site could help you out.