A hedgehog that swelled up to the size of a football due to a condition known as “balloon syndrome” has been deflated by rescue centre staff.
The female hedgehog had inflated so much that she was spotted by a passenger on a passing bus near Quedgeley in Gloucestershire.
The animal was then found in a field by a dog walker and taken to Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue, which diagnosed her.
Balloon syndrome is a rare condition, unique to hedgehogs and linked to their ability to roll up. Gas can become trapped under their skin as a result of injury or infection.
The hedgehog had swelled so much that her legs were barely visible
WILD HOGS HEDGEHOG RESCUE
In this instance, the hedgehog had inflated so much that her skin was stretched very tight and her legs were barely visible.
Rescuers inserted
