Rinsing a hedgehog's mouth:

Courtney · Jun 13, 2009

Kismet had three back teeth removed today and the vet recommended that I rinse out her mouth just so crumbs and pieces of food don't get stuck in the open wound. She is on a moist diet of crushed kibble and water (the Eagle Pack was giving her very nasty poop).

My question is, when and how is the best way to rinse her mouth? I was thinking every AM, I'd fill up a syringe with water and gently squirt it onto the area. However, I'm not 100% sure of the logistics because I've never done it before. Should she swallow the water or can it just drain out of her mouth? Would a mild mix of sea salt be fine? I know that was recommended to me when I had a gum infection, but I also know hedgehogs shouldn't have a lot of salt. Should the water be cool, tepid or a little bit warmer? Is it something I should start tomorrow morning, or should I give her mouth a bit of a chance to recuperate?

Thanks! I mixed her food a little more runny to ensure she gets enough water. To encourage her to eat, I added a tiny bit of apple sauce to the mixture and as far as Kismet is concerned, that's the best food ever created. Aside from a little bit of tenderness, she seems to be back to her normal, loving self. She's digging, looking for food, asking for kisses... nothing that suggests an extreme amount of discomfort.

Kalandra · Jun 13, 2009

When NeMali had her's removed, doc had me rinse her month twice daily and I used chamomile tea (check the ingredients to ensure there is no black tea leaves, only chamomile). I warmed it to room temperature and just squirted it towards where the tooth used to be. I preferred to do it so that the liquid did flow back out of her mouth (you don't want to shoot it backwards for risk of aspiration). NeMali was a good girl and would let me do anything with her, so it was very easy.

Courtney · Jun 13, 2009

Kismet is the same way. I do have chamomile tea. The ingredients are: unbleached tea bag paper and chamomile flowers. Why did you use the tea? Is it have antiseptic properties or something?

I figured I'd just gently put the tip of the syringe into the side of her mouth were the teeth were removed and gently squirt the liquid into the spot. If she drinks the tea, will that be fine? Kismet has strange tastes and she just might try a taste or two.

FiaSpice · Jun 13, 2009

Courtney said:
If she drinks the tea, will that be fine?

Yes, it's perfectly safe. It's even good to spur up their apetite, I was told to give diluted chamomil herbal tea after an hibernation attempt.

Courtney · Jun 13, 2009

Good thing, because that's what she wanted to do. She loved the tea and while I don't know how much her mouth was rinsed... she had a good drink. Then she started running around and playing like I haven't seen in a while... even though the tea is caffeine free. I'll try to rinse again tonight, before medicine.