Hedgehog Getting X-Ray Sparks Delight: 'Funnier Than I Could Have Imagined'

A video of a hedgehog undergoing an X-ray is spreading some much-needed cheer online.

The footage was shared to TikTok by an X-ray technician posting under the handle love_my_life.80, who wrote that the clip was for anyone "having a bad day."

It's proven popular, having received more than 9.9 million views, though that's not necessarily a surprise.

Cute animal videos have been proven to reduce stress. A 2020 study by researchers from the University of Leeds found watching such clips can help reduce stress levels by as much as 50 percent.

In the study, carried out in partnership with Western Australia Tourism, 19 participants were tasked with watching a 30-minute montage of images and videos featuring cute animals.

Participants had their heart rate and blood pressure measured both before and after the study, with the majority fitted with heart monitors during the viewing.

Those involved in the study were mainly students due to sit an exam 90 minutes after the experiment, while the remainder were academic support staff who had declared themselves as feeling stressed over work.

The study, led by Dr. Andrea Utley, identified a notable drop in heart rates, while the group's average blood pressure was found to have moved into the ideal range, "indicative of limited stress or anxiety."

In some individual cases, the study found anxiety levels dropped by almost 50 percent in a further indication of the stress-relieving power of watching animal clips.

Further proof of the positive effect can be found in the comments section of the video from love_my_life.80, with viewers in awe of the adorable nature of it all.

In the clip, a hedgehog can be seen spread out on its back, awaiting an X-ray. It is a sweet look at the soft underbelly of these traditionally prickly animals and one that has left many on TikTok pleasantly surprised.

Weekendswithjesi wrote: "I was so not prepared....." with Shashingo posting: "I was not ready for that sudden hit of cuteness." Schuyler.W commented: "It's a hedgehog pancake... a hedgecake," while The saltnpepper wrote: "Me after having a few too many."

For some, the image was reminiscent of the film 50 Shades of Grey. Mo Down called it "50 shades of veterinary," while zazatomy asked: "what is his safe word?"

Elsewhere, TikToker Ayella on my farm wrote: "I don't know what I thought it would look like but that's funnier than I could have imagined," with homer120709 adding: "you sure that's not me on a Monday morning?"

Others, meanwhile, thanked the X-ray technician for helping the evidently injured hedgehog. ImAMJackson posted: "I am sorry but concern was my first feeling for your lil patient. I'm sure it's in good hands," while TikBomb wrote: "Get better poor hedgehog."

Newsweek contacted love_my_life.80, but they declined to comment on the video.