Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a progressive, fatal neurological disease in African pygmy hedgehogs with genetic predisposition, causing progressive paralysis with significant welfare implications for affected animals.
WHS welfare management requires honest assessment of quality of life at each disease stage. Early WHS causes hindlimb weakness that may still allow normal eating and some mobility; welfare may be acceptable with appropriate environmental adaptations including ramps and lower exercise wheels. As paralysis progresses to involve the forelimbs, feeding becomes difficult, self-grooming is impaired, and the ability to access basic resources declines. Seizure development adds acute suffering to the chronic disability. Welfare-centered management of WHS involves regular quality-of-life assessment, environmental modifications for each disability stage, pain management if indicated, and clear euthanasia criteria based on inability to access food, water, and elimination.