THE success of a 2021 video showing a disabled hedgehog receiving hydrotherapy has prompted a wildlife rescue centre come up with a plan fora permanent pool.

RSPCA Oak and Furrows near Cricklade always has a large variety of British wildlife in its care, it also takes in a lot of hedgehogs - some of them with injuries. 

One that staff named Hydro was able to return to the wild after its unusual treatment. 

Read More: Hydrotherapy helps injured hedgehog walk again

Swindon Advertiser: Hydro, a hedgehog at RSCPA Oak and Furrows, that couldn't walk properly but was saved by hydrotherapyHydro, a hedgehog at RSCPA Oak and Furrows, that couldn't walk properly but was saved by hydrotherapy (Image: RSPCA Oak and Furrows)

Now, off the back of that success the charity is looking to build a permanent facility to offer other tiny casualties the ability to rehabilitate in water. 

The centre has asked for people to donate pallets so that it could build its own hydrotherapy pool.

In a social media post its said: "We need your help. The team at the wildlife centre would like to build a Hedgehog hydro pool to help those injured hog patients with their recovery.

"You have may seen some time ago that we had great success with one of our hogs who recovered well from his injuries following hydrotherapy. A real success story."

Hydro was taken to the centre in May 2021 after being seen struggling to walk and dragging its back legs. 

An X-ray showed nothing was broken and the vet recommended physiotherapy. 

Weekend volunteer Jools Janisch-Howe, a trained vet nurse and animal physiotherapist suggested trying it in waterbecause hedgehogs like swimming. 

She documented Hydro's progress and after weeks he showed major improvement. Eventually he was able to walk well enough on all four feet to be released. 

She then put a video together and posted it on Facebook where it was shared almost 1,000 times and received almost 10,000 reactions and likes. 

At the time centre manager, Anj Saunders, said: "It went crazy. It’s really encouraging, and I hope that it makes a few people smile. It shows how hard our volunteers work, and there’s hope if they see a hedgehog looking rough, it’s not always doom and gloom. We give everything a chance and try everything to help any animal get better.”