RSPCA inspector Sandra Dransfield said it was clear the animal was in pain due to the rare condition: “It’s the worst case of balloon syndrome I’ve seen. This poor chap was almost twice its natural size, literally blown up like a beach ball with incredibly taut skin.” ‘Mr Hedgehog’s’ skin was punctured to release trapped air, and he’s now been given a course of antibiotics and is expected to make a full and speedy recovery.