A BABY hedgehog swelled to nearly treble its size due to trapped wind.
Bubbles ballooned because of a rare bacterial infection that produces large amounts of gas.
4
After catching a rare bacterial infection, a baby hedgehog swelled to nearly treble its size Credit: Kennedy News 4
Bubbles produced large amounts of gas and had to have its skin pierced with a needle and syringe to release the excess gas Credit: Kennedy News
Vets pierced his skin with a needle and syringe to release the excess — but had to repeat it three times after he re-inflated.
His skin was so tight, he was also given painkillers.
Eight-week-old Bubbles, found on a busy road in Henlow, Beds, is now on the mend.
Veterinary nurse Laura Bernal, 33, told how hedgehogs can go into fatal shock from the condition unless they get treatment.
Laura, who runs The Little Hog Hospital in Arlesey, Beds, said: “He’d ballooned but was light as a feather.
“It’s a rare but instantly recognisable condition which affects hedgehogs. Gas is trapped under the skin, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
Most read in The Sun
'ANTI-VAX' POST Jordan Pickford's wife Megan Davison reposts 'anti-vax' message online
DOC'S ORDERS I'm a doctor and here's what a faint line on your Covid test really means
THAT’S A WRAP I've already bought next year’s Christmas presents AND they're wrapped
BAD NEW YEAR Nostradamus’ 7 chilling 2022 predictions: From war in Europe to death of Kim
"The trapped gas has nowhere to escape which leads to the inflated appearance.
“He is responding well and eating like a little pig. He is one lucky hog.”
Once recovered and the weather is milder, Bubbles will be released back into the wild.
4
Veterinary nurse Laura Bernal, 33, said 'It’s a rare but instantly recognisable condition which affects hedgehogs' Credit: Kennedy News 4
Eight-week-old Bubbles, found on a busy road in Henlow, Beds, is now on the mend Credit: Kennedy News
Hedgehog rescued by Donegal gardai on patrol after getting its head stuck in a milkshake cup