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Sedation in African Pygmy Hedgehogs

Pocket Pet · Atelerix albiventris · typical adult weight 0.30–0.60 kg

5 cited drugs treat Sedation in african pygmy hedgehogs: Acepromazine, Butorphanol, Dexmedetomidine, Medetomidine, Tiletamine-Zolazepam.

Pharmacologic sedation for diagnostic procedures, minor surgical interventions, and pre-anaesthetic premedi-cation. α2 agonists (dexmedetomidine, medetomidine), phenothiazines (acepromazine), and benzodiazepines (midazolam) form the backbone of veterinary protocols.

The overview above describes Sedation across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to african pygmy hedgehogs — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Acepromazine(PromAce, Atravet)

Sedative
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO, SC, IM0.1–1 mg/kgnot statedSedationWeak25. Heatley J. Hedgehogs. In: Mitchell MA, Tully TN Jr., eds. Manual of Exotic Pet Practice; Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2009:433-455. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.739 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Butorphanol(Torbugesic, Torbutrol)

Analgesic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
SC0.2–0.4 mg/kgOnce 20min beforePre-med / sedation adjunctModerateHeatley J. Hedgehogs. In: Mitchell MA, Tully TN Jr., eds. Manual of Exotic Pet Practice; Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2009:433-455.; Johnson D. African pygmy hedgehogs. In: Meredith A, Johnson-Delaney C, eds. BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, 5th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2010:139-147. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.742 (2026-08-01).

Dexmedetomidine(Dexdomitor, Sileo)

Anesthetic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
IM0.02 mg/kgonceSedationWeak40. Lennox AM. Safe sedation and immobilization of unusual exotic species encountered in practice. J Exot Pet Med. 2014;23:363-368. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.739 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Medetomidine

Uncategorized
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
IM0.05–0.1 mg/kgonceLight sedationWeak34. Johnson D. African pygmy hedgehogs. In: Meredith A, Johnson-Delaney C, eds. BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, 5th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2010:139-147. | 71. Stocker L. Medication for Use in the Treatment of Hedgehogs, Marshcliff, Ayelsbury, UK; 1992. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.740 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)
SC0.2 mg/kgonceHeavy sedationWeak6. Barbiers R. Insectivora (hedgehogs, tenrecs, shrews, moles) and Dermoptera (flying lemurs). In: Fowler M, Miller R, eds. Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, 5th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA; 2003:304-315. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.740 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Tiletamine-Zolazepam(Telazol)

Anesthetic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
IM1–5 mg/kgonceSedation; anesthesiaWeak25. Heatley J. Hedgehogs. In: Mitchell MA, Tully TN Jr., eds. Manual of Exotic Pet Practice; Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2009:433-455. | 34. Johnson D. African pygmy hedgehogs. In: Meredith A, Johnson-Delaney C, eds. BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, 5th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2010:139-147. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.741 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Sedation in African Pygmy Hedgehogs: 5 Cited Drug Options | ExoticRx