A BEACH BALL sized hedgehog, who was deflated in the Wee County, has been released back into the wild.

Zepplin, as staff at the Scottish SPCA's Fishcross centre named him, was found with “balloon syndrome” in July 2017 and went on a lengthy recovery.

The poor creature was found with a punctured lung, which led to air becoming trapped under his skin, inflating the hedgehog to a relatively enormous size, measuring 30inches around the body.

However, after 253 days at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire, he has made a full recovery from the ordeal.

Colin Seddon, centre manager, said: “Zepplin suffered from balloon syndrome’

“It’s likely that he was clipped by a car, puncturing a lung and causing air to become trapped under his skin.

“He’s certainly one of the largest hedgehogs we’ve taken into our care, with a circumference of 30inches.”

Making sure the animal can be released was no mean feat as he kept reinflating

Colin explained: “Zepplin had a difficult time recovering, the hole we made in his skin kept healing faster than his punctured lung, we had to put plastic in with his spines to ensure the excess air could escape as the poor guy kept reinflating.

“Zepplin has thankfully made a full recovery after his ordeal and was released over the Easter weekend, along with other hedgehogs, in the Perthshire area.”

Anyone who discovers and injured or distressed animal is urged to call the Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.