The hog with no hedge (3 pics)
He looks like a cross between a battered children's toy and a pink potato. Meet Spud, the spineless hedgehog. Staff at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire, who have been caring for him since August, are baffled by his condition.
Founder Les Stocker said: 'Spud was brought to us last year after someone found him in their garden. He's had biopsies and skin tests, but we've had no answers.
'He seems quite happy and does all the things a hedgehog should. We're now appealing for someone to come forward with ideas about what has caused his problem, and suggestions for treatment, whether it's homeopathy or some other natural treatment.'
Mr Stocker added: 'We think he's at least three years old, but we don't know if he was born like this or it was a problem that developed later in life.
'The fear is that in winter it would get too cold for him, so we can't risk releasing him.
'Funnily enough we've got a bald squirrel in too.
'We call him Smoothie, and we don't know what his problem is either.'
Staff believe he is still able to grow spines after one was found under the skin - but had to be removed.
Hedgehogs rely on their spines, hollow hairs made stiff with keratin, for insulation and protection as they are the only animals in Britain immune to most predator attacks.
When under extreme stress or during sickness, they can sometimes lose spines and the ability to roll into a tight ball is compromised.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
