We found out from our vet tonight that our beloved 3 year old hedgehog, Baxter McPrickles has bone cancer. I saw the x-rays and it was devastating. The doc gave us the animal equivalent of ibuprofen for him and sent him on home with us. There's nothing we can do about it except keep an eye on him and make sure he's comfortable.He's been his usual hedgie self - running in his wheel and eating like a pig. The only things that tipped us off were some skin issues...and last night we noticed his left front leg was very swollen and he was limping. I was hoping it was nothing more than a minor injury and that we could put some sort of tiny cast on him for a while (maybe give him a teeny crutch? Haha). Come to find out, that's where the cancer is.
As much as I tried to keep a stiff upper lip in the vet's office, I have to admit I wasn't successful. My heart is broken.
Since Baxter is Honeydew Studio's mascot, I thought I should let you guys know. Keep my little friend in your thoughts. This is going to be rough going for a while.
25 comments:
Oh he is such a sweetie, I hope that he will be a little trooper and be strong. My thoughts are with you and your hedge hoggie friend. xx
Oh, Nicole - I'm so sorry to hear about Baxter. He's a lucky guy to have such loving hedgie-parents.
Oh, sorry to hear that. He is just too stinkin' adorable!
That is so sad, hugs to you :(
oh, he's such a sweetie.
oooh noooooo!!! This IS sad news. I hope that the hedgehog ibuprofen helps at least a little, and that the poor little guy isn't in too much pain.
I've pretty much been blubbering for two days now. Aside from his limp, Baxter has been acting like his normal self. I sure hope that lasts a while...because when he starts getting bad and we have to put him down, I'm going to be a total mess.
I really appreciate all your comments and support. Thank you!
Baxter is an adorable hedgehog!
I'm so sorry to hear that he has bone cancer. Did the vet give you any type of timeframe to expect his health to change?
I'm so very sorry. I dealt with cancer. My dog had it, he lived 7 months and battled bravely. It was a long, tough road. I know there isn't as much they can do for a little hedgehog. Just hold him tight and spend all the time you can with him.
Oh dear. I'm so sorry. I'll be thinking of you and your little guy.
the smiling frog - I'm so sorry to hear about your dog! It's so devistating to have to watch an animal go through this.
ally - no exact time frame. If I add up how long we've been seeing symptoms, he's been this way for a couple months now. The vet said that you'd be surprised how tough little mammals are. I hope Baxter does okay for as long as possible. Right now, he's still curious and playful. He's also still eating a lot and drinking just fine. Looks like we'll have to wait and see.
)o:
I am so very sorry. Such a dear pet, I had one too. I hope he will still be with you awhile. I am just mush when it comes to my furry loved ones, and I know how devastating it is to lose one. Warm thoughts, and good kharma sent your way.....
Very sorry to read your news. He's lucky to be in your care.
cathe - thank you.
He's always been spoiled, and now it'll be more so! He has two new sleeping bags and he'll definitely get getting all his favorite treats. I have this hedgehog-specific recipe that he LOVES. I haven't made in a while because it involves putting bugs in my food processor (ICK!!!) but I think I'd better get baking.
blackfeatherfarm - I really do feel like I'm losing a tiny member of my family. Thank you for your kind words.
I am sorry to hear of your little prickly friends illness.. I have been through having a terminally ill beloved pet also.. Comforts to you and Baxter.
What an adorable little fella. I'm sorry to hear about his struggles.
My heart goes out to you and Hedgie, will keep you in my thoughts.
Aw...thank you so much everyone. You're making me get misty-eyed at work.
Poor Baxter - what a sweetie. So sorry to hear.
poor baxter!
I am so sorry to hear about your sad news. That last photo is heartbreaking.
Oh, I'm so sorry to read about this. This should not happen to that cute little guy! I will be thinking of him and send postive thoughts your way.
I am so sorry to hear about your little hedge!! Baxter is in my thoughts and I know, no matter what happens (though I have every hope he will last for quite a while because little mammals ARE resilient) he has had a kickass life!
I'm so sorry! He is an adorable little guy.
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