Prevalence and characteristics of dental and periodontal disease in Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted into an animal shelter in northwestern Germany

Dental and periodontal disease are common findings in Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted into rehabilitation but are rarely studied. This study aimed to collect data on the prevalence and characteristics of dental and periodontal disease in Western European hedgehogs admitted into an animal shelter in northwestern Germany. A full body examination including a dental assessment was conducted on all 95 hedgehogs admitted between 15 August 2024 and 15 April 2025. Indices judging calculus, gingivitis, gingival recession, and tooth mobility were assessed and added up to an overall dental examination index representing the severity of the disease. Disease prevalence and risk factors and clinical signs as potential predictive factors for the presence of the disease were examined. The prevalence among the overall study population was 44.2% (95% CI [34.7-54.7]). Calculus was found as the most common pathology. For gingival recession and the overall examination index, low and high scores were more common than medium scores. In the final multivariate model, a higher body weight was a positive predictive factor for the presence of dental/periodontal disease among both juvenile hedgehogs and those past their first calendar year (p < 0.001; OR = 1.011). Further research is needed to understand the risk factors for the disease and to assess the significance of dental and periodontal disease on individual hedgehogs and the declining overall population.