Kidney diseases and their symptoms and treatments

Understanding renal health in hedgehogs and tenrecs

Kidney disease is one of the most common, yet least understood, health issues in small insectivorous mammals like African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) and Lesser hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi). Because symptoms often appear late and many veterinarians lack experience with these species, kidney problems frequently go unnoticed until they are too advanced to reverse.

Yet kidneys are vital organs: they filter waste from the blood, regulate fluid balance and electrolytes, manage blood pressure, and even help produce certain hormones. When the kidneys begin to fail, the effects ripple across nearly every system in the body.

Causes of kidney disease in hedgehogs and tenrecs

Kidney problems in these animals usually arise from chronic strain, underlying infections, genetic predisposition, or exposure to toxins, including inappropriate medications, supplements, or contaminated food or water. Poor diet, prolonged dehydration, and low humidity can also contribute to long-term kidney damage.

Age can be a factor, older animals are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease, but even young individuals can suffer acute renal failure due to infection, trauma, or ingestion of a toxic substance.

In tenrecs, their seasonal physiology adds complexity. During colder months or natural rest periods (torpor or aestivation), their metabolism slows significantly. Disrupting these natural cycles or mismanaging their care during these phases can overburden their kidneys, particularly if there’s pre-existing stress or dehydration.

Symptoms: Subtle, gradual and often misleading

One of the biggest dangers with kidney disease in hedgehogs and tenrecs is the late onset of symptoms. The kidneys are resilient organs and often continue functioning until more than two-thirds of their capacity is lost.

The earliest visible signs are usually changes in drinking and urination. The animal may drink more (polydipsia), urinate more (polyuria), or, in some cases, stop urinating altogether, which signals acute failure. The urine may appear unusually pale or dark, depending on whether the damage is chronic or sudden. This can be difficult to observe when absorbent substrate is used.

You may also notice weight loss despite normal appetite, or a loss of appetite altogether. Other signs include lethargy, dull eyes, dehydration, and a decline in quill, fur, or skin condition. In more advanced stages, ulcers may develop on the tongue or in the mouth, a result of uremia, where toxins accumulate in the bloodstream.

In very late stages, animals may show muscle tremors, seizures, or disorientation, as the buildup of waste products begins to affect the nervous system. These symptoms can resemble neurological conditions such as WHS, but the underlying cause is systemic, not structural.

In tenrecs, these signs may be masked by their naturally low activity and tendency to enter rest states. It’s not uncommon for a sick tenrec to be mistaken for a resting or torpid animal for days or even weeks, while kidney damage progresses unchecked.

Diagnosis: Necessary but not always accessible

A reliable diagnosis of kidney disease requires bloodwork to assess markers such as BUN (blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, and electrolyte levels (especially potassium and sodium). Urinalysis can also help evaluate urine concentration, pH, protein content, and sediment.

In hedgehogs, blood can be drawn via the jugular vein or heart (under anesthesia), but this requires a vet experienced with exotic mammals. In tenrecs, blood collection is more difficult due to their small size and stress sensitivity, so diagnosis often depends on behavior, weight trends, and hydration status.

If available, ultrasound can help assess kidney size and structure, while X-rays can rule out stones or masses.

Treatment: Supportive and symptom-based

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and stage of the disease. In cases of acute kidney injury, quick administration of fluids and withdrawal of any nephrotoxic drugs may allow for partial or full recovery.

In chronic kidney disease, the goal is to support the remaining function and maintain quality of life.

Fluid therapy is essential, given subcutaneously or orally to combat dehydration and help flush waste. Wet foods, water-enriched insects, or oral electrolytes can be helpful in milder cases.

Dietary adjustment is also key: lower protein, but of high quality, and with sufficient calories to prevent muscle breakdown. There are no commercial renal diets for hedgehogs or tenrecs, but silkworms and phoenix worms are excellent choices due to their favorable calcium-phosphorus ratio and digestibility.

Some individuals may benefit from phosphate binders or potassium supplementation, but these must only be used under veterinary guidance. In cases of severe uremia, oral activated charcoal or bentonite clay may temporarily help by binding toxins in the digestive tract.

Above all, these animals need warmth, quiet, and minimal stress. Renal patients are prone to secondary infections and respond poorly to environmental fluctuations.

Prognosis and quality of life

The outcome depends on how early the disease is detected and whether supportive care is started in time. Some animals, especially in the early stages, can remain stable for months or even years with careful management.

In end-stage cases, where the animal stops eating, becomes severely dehydrated, or shows signs of systemic poisoning, humane euthanasia is often the kindest choice. Quality of life must always come first, especially in irreversible conditions.

Prevention: What you can do

While not all kidney disease can be prevented, you can take important steps to reduce the risk:

• Ensure a constant supply of fresh water, and clean the bowl or bottle daily
• Avoid overheating or low humidity, especially in dry indoor spaces
• Feed a diverse, insect-rich diet, with proper calcium and vitamin balance
• Never give medications without veterinary oversight
• Maintain a healthy weight and encourage regular activity
• Observe urine output, color, and drinking habits, especially in aging animals
• Respect the seasonal cycles of tenrecs, and avoid interrupting torpor unnecessarily

Final thoughts

Kidney disease in hedgehogs and tenrecs is serious, but not always a death sentence. With careful observation, a species-appropriate diet, and proactive care, early-stage kidney problems can often be managed, and life extended with dignity.

As a caretaker, your attentiveness to small changes, in weight, posture, hydration, or behavior, is often more valuable than any lab test. Never hesitate to question assumptions, and always seek a second opinion if “renal failure” is declared without any testing. Accurate diagnosis and thoughtful care make all the difference.