Balloon syndrome hedgehog found 'blown up like a beach ball'

A hedgehog found wandering around in circles "blown up like a beach ball" has been diagnosed with a severe case of balloon syndrome.

The animal, which had inflated to twice his size, was found by a concerned member of the public in Toll Bar, Doncaster.

She called the RSPCA and told them the hedgehog was dragging its back legs, had blood on its nose and due to its size might be pregnant.

But RSPCA inspector Sandra Dransfield said that she quickly realised the animal had the rare ‘balloon syndrome’ - when gas collects under the skin of the hedgehog making it inflate like a balloon.

It can be caused by a traumatic event, like an injury, or underlying infection, which releases gas into the cavity under the hedgehog's skin.

"It's the worst case of balloon syndrome I've seen,” Ms Dransfield said. “This poor chap was almost twice its natural size, literally blown up like a beach ball with incredibly taut skin.

"I took the stricken animal straight to Peak Vets in Sheffield, where he was X-rayed and they released some of the air from under his skin.

"The vet then started him on a course of antibiotics and pain relief. We found him in the nick of time, and I really do hope he pulls through."

The hefty 1kg hedgehog has been transferred to an RSPCA's wildlife centre in Cheshire where he will be put under a general anaesthetic to be thoroughly examined and more air released.

The RSPCA said he will continue to be treated at the centre for this unusual condition and cared for until he is ready to be returned to the wild.