burned squirrel [Archive] - The Squirrel Board

Buddy'sMom

03-25-2008, 07:59 PM

I posted in Emergency also -- rehabbers get emails from those posts so someone should be here more quickly.

Meantime -- can you tell us more?

When did this happen? By running into the stove?

How big an area is affected?

What does it look like? Red? Black? Oozing? Bloody?

How is the squirrel acting? Is it a baby or adult? (you posted elsewhere I think that you trapped one? This one?)

Any info you can post will make it easier for one of the rehabbers to help you. Stay close and keep re-freshing the screen so you can see when they are here.

If it's possible to post a picture, that would help the best.
:grouphug

Squirrellie

03-25-2008, 07:59 PM

Do you have any pictures of your squirrel you could post? There will be people along soon who can give you help & advice, & it would probably really be helpful to them to see what the injuries look like.

atlantasquirrelgirl

03-25-2008, 08:05 PM

I'm going to suggest that you get this one to a rehabber, especially if it is a wild adult. It's important to get that eye treated before scarring occurs.

Apple Corps

03-25-2008, 08:09 PM

First I would make sure the fuzzer is hydrated with Pedialyte - let the fuzzer drink it normally if she can. Keep her warm and in a dark, quiet area. How badly burned? Do you have polysporin or vaseline on hand?

Also - have you found a rehabber in your area:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactN.htm

smoknbunny

03-25-2008, 08:14 PM

I will try to get a picture of her. The only one I have is not too detailed. It was her the day she was rescued. I didn't find her, she was in someone's woodstove when he started to light it. Luckily, he had enough presence of mind to get her out with a dishtowel and call someone who knew someone and so on. It happened about 3/14 and she has seen a vet who prescribed something for her burned eye. I took over her care because I have good up close up vision and we were told to keep her eye open in case it does keep its sight, we don't want the lids to grow together so I have to soak it and open it a few times a day. She was singed all over and lost her tail hair so she feels like a brillo pad and there are a few spots on the toes on her left side (same as the eye) that ooze a little bit of blood.
She is a grownup - she is at least as big as my 1 year old squirrel but she is being impossibly sweet and will cuddle in my arms while I stroke her head or put a wet piece of gauze over her eye and forehead. She took a little bit of apple today and is eating other food. She will eat nuts but it helps if I hold them since she has sore toes. And she takes water from a syringe.
The one I trapped was a tooth problem squirrel and he does not like me. She just came wrapped in her dishtowel smelling of smoke, all curled up.

TexanSquirrel

03-25-2008, 08:16 PM

:Welcome

What kind of squirrel is it?

smoknbunny

03-25-2008, 08:16 PM

Unfortunately I can't take her to a rehabber - she is a Fox squirrel and would be killed.
She is taking some water and I have given her some rehydrating solution.

Buddy'sMom

03-25-2008, 08:27 PM

Thanks for the information -- you are sweet for taking care of her -- and it sounds like she appreciates it. :) :)

From you post, the burn happened 11 days ago, so the issue isn't finding emergency burn treatment -- correct me if that's wrong.

I went back to your first post and your question was more about making her comfortable as she heals, I think. Are you looking for something to put on her burned SKIN or are you looking for something to make her eye itself feel better? Obviously those may be completely different things.

Food and hydration will help her heal. Has she been drinking water? She shouldn't get hydrating fluid for more than a day or so under most circumstances. Just checking to make sure.

:grouphug

Apple Corps

03-25-2008, 08:28 PM

Welcome by the way - sounds like you are doing the right things - give us some time to research issues - this is not a "just got burned" - thanks so much for helping this lil fuzzer.

Buddy'sMom

03-25-2008, 08:34 PM

Mrs. Jack

03-25-2008, 08:35 PM

You're in good hands.. luck to you and the squirrel. Just one thing I want to add: The guy was great to get the squirrel out and try to get it to help, but he's obviously got a flaw in his woodstove and/or chimney, please, if possible get him to check and repair if so, so their isn't a repeat incident. I can't imagine he'd want to go through it again either. :peace

Buddy'sMom

03-25-2008, 08:49 PM

As far as eating goes, since she will take water from a syringe, perhaps she might take Esbilac formula, or even (people) Ensure. I know she is an adult and would not be on formula, but sometimes sick or hurt squirrels will accept it -- as if they understand that they need extra nutrients. If it is hard for her to pick things up, that might be an easy way to get nutrients in her. She might also like yogurt -- full fat with active cultures, preferably w/o artificial sweeteners. Any flavor.

You could also try putting it in a dish where she can lap it up (but that might be messier and might be hard to clean her up w/o hurting her).

All the best taking care of this little sweetheart. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

FLUFFYTAILNUT

03-25-2008, 08:51 PM

:Love_Icon Oh..that squirrel sounds so, appreciative of all your care.
I am so, happy..it found it's way to your care...:Love_Icon
:grouphug You are a kind soul:grouphug
:Welcome Thats just what The Squirrel Board Needs..more caring humans:Welcome
:grouphug Hope..you get all the help and advice..to get this sweet squirrel on the mend..and fast!:grouphug
:wave123 FLUFFYTAILNUT:wave123

smoknbunny

03-25-2008, 08:55 PM

I think someone has talked to the guy about appropriate squirrel guards although after his experience, I'm sure he's thinking carefully about it.
To a previous post - yes - it happened awhile ago so I'm just trying to get her more comfortable. I have some silver sulfadiazine from a previous critter injury. I have put some on her but I worry because she licks it off. I think a little ingestion won't kill her but it probably isn't good. And I don't think it is supposed to go near the eye. The other trouble, when it is on her toes, she cleans it off and the bleeding starts again. Just oozing but I want the skin to heal.
The info on burn care is super helpful - I worry about which stuff needs to be removed and which stuff should be left alone. Since she buries her head in the blankets and would pull a bandage off in about 2 seconds, I have to pick fuzzies of of her eye area every time I treat her eye. It is getting easier to open and I can put the ointment in there where it can get to her eye, but there is a buildup of scabby tough skin which I have to soak. I don't want to pull too much on it since it will bleed so I mainly try to get the fuzz threads off. Luckily, she is a sweetheart while I am holding her so I can soak for a long time while she snuggles. Can those cleansers be used near an eye? That is my biggest worry. I have been using bottled water and I just got some sterile saline to use instead.
It is very likely that her eye is too damaged to recover but I want to give her the chance of sight so I try to open the lids a couple of times a day at least. Plus, I don't want an infection starting under there where I can't see it.
thanks to everyone for their very fast helpful information!

Buddy'sMom

03-25-2008, 09:02 PM

I would be hestitant using anything but water (preferably the sterile saline) near her eye. If no one responds here and your vet cannot help -- maybe call a people-eye doctor and ask what could be used other than the saline??

It sure sounds like you have good instincts and/or background knowledge on what to do. It is quite amazing that she is allowing you to take care of her like this. But we have had other instances of wild squirrels who are sufficiently ill or hurt to allow themselves to be taken care of.

You are a wonderful caring person and this squirrel knows it is in good hands.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Mrs. Jack

03-25-2008, 09:05 PM

I'm assuming there's no vet care available? I agree with your caution regarding her eye. Even if she loses sight, it's important to keep it from infecting and being the end of her. If you can cleanse it, with saline etc. things close to nature, I would keep on with that until one of our members knowledgeable with either vet or homeopathic care can give a good answer as to what to use.

island rehabber

03-25-2008, 09:08 PM

smoknbunny you're doing great -- and so are the folks here who've been helping you :thumbsup. Silvadene is a miracle cream in my opinion and I would use it on her as much as you can except near her eye. It will ensure that no infection starts in her burned areas, and let her heal much more quickly, poor girlie. You're right to use the saline solution for cleaning her wounds and her eye -- that's the best thing and the least harmful in my opinion. So long as she is in a dark, warm, comfy place and not stressed I'm betting she will recover very well. The yogurt idea is excellent, as is the idea of formula like Esbilac or even Ensure, if she will take it. She's obviously dependent on you for her nutritional needs right now, so you want to make sure she gets all the vitamins she needs. Check out our "Pet Squirrel Forum" for a comprehensive list of nutritional squirrel foods -- it will help you keep her healthy and interested in food while she's in your care. Good luck! :thumbsup:)

Buddy'sMom

03-25-2008, 09:10 PM

... I would keep on with that until one of our members knowledgeable with either vet or homeopathic care can give a good answer as to what to use.
Excellent Mrs. J! :thankyou Why didn't I think of that?

Smoknbunny, Mars is our "Homeopathic Goddess" :D She has a wealth of knowledge and is willing to share. If you would be interested in exploring any homeopathic remedies that she might be able to offer, just send her a PM (click on "Private Messages" under your log-in name at the top and go from there) and she will help you.

smoknbunny

03-25-2008, 09:15 PM

Thanks so much for everyone's input!
I do sort of have vet care available but he's not super experienced in squirrels. My other vet who has more experience, unfortunately lost my trust over some bunny issues and is now a last resort. The other, less experienced vet has been great and was the one who prescribed the eye med Gentak (gentamicin) and suggested keeping it open.
I'm heading in to cuddle/soak/feed her so I'll be away for a little bit. She seems to like the cuddling.
Thanks again!

Mrs. Jack

03-25-2008, 09:46 PM

In my opinion.. and this hasn't been with squirrels, but with a variety of other critters, will to live is the biggest part of a life threatening injury. If it's not there.. then all the care in the world will not replicate it.
thank you SO much for being willing to give/take that from this squirrel. It really seems that she wants to make it through this horrible instance. keep up the good work. and if you trust this vet, even if he's not super experienced in squirrels, what a good person to have available, nonetheless.

Pam

03-25-2008, 09:54 PM

"Silvadene" has been recommended elsewhere on TSB to help heal burns.

BUT --- big BUT here --- I don't know if it can be used near the eyes. The other instances were not near the eyes. Someone who has used it can advise on that.

I think (?) this is something you need to get from a vet -- perhaps the original vet who treated the squirrel would give you some, if it is appropriate for the place you need to treat.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
Silvadene is a human medicine, so if you can't get it from a vet, you might could ask an MD for a prescription. It is a wonderful treatment for burns. I have used it on my squirrel's face. She has an abscess that is between her eye and ear. I try to be careful to keep it out of her eye.

LynninIN

03-25-2008, 11:01 PM

I feel the need to clarify something posted earlier in this thread as I feel it is very important. Never use any form of vaseline, ointment or occlusive dressing on a fresh burn. These methods will trap heat inside of the burn resulting in increased damage.

Wear gloves when cleansing, debriding and applying ointment wear gloves to protect the squirrel from any bacteria on your hands that cannot be removed even with the best hand washing.

Debridement: The general rule is if it's coming off, take it off. Remove loose scabs and what comes off with gentle cleansing only.

The Gentek ointment is a good choice, it will help keep the eyelid moisturized and freely moving. Sterile saline is perfect.

Gentle assisted range of motion exercises in the toes will help keep movement and avoid contracture which is the shorting of the tissue usually at joint which impairs normal movement. Any questions feel free to pm me. The exercises should not disturbed the scabs. After the scabbing is healed apply a non-scented lotion (no petrolatum or mineral oil) and rub in twice daily.

LynninIN

03-25-2008, 11:27 PM

It seems my punctuation goes downhill like everything else after midnight. I'm past the allotted edit time so if something doesn't make sense in my previous post, let me know.

Why do you think an Oregon rehabber would put a foxer down instead of helping it? I'm asking this out of curiosity not to be argumentative.

smoknbunny

03-26-2008, 12:01 AM

Fox squirrels are a non-native species here. If you take them to the Audobon Society they will put them to sleep or, if you believe the horror stories, feed them to the raptors.
I've seen that there are licensed rehabbers in this state but I don't believe that their license allows them to take care of non-natives. I could be wrong, but I just wouldn't trust them unless they had a personal recommendation.
I couldn't bear it if I found out I had turned one over just to have it killed.
I was lucky to be introduced to someone whom I trust very much who is not licensed but has raised a number of squirrels successfully. This is the first burn victim though so we are in uncharted territory. Luckily we have some vet contacts even if they aren't experts, they at least will try to help.
I just really hope this little girl makes it through this.
Thanks again!

Gabe

03-26-2008, 05:46 AM

Rehabbers are animal lovers. That is why they do what they do. There are many non-natives that I care for ever year. Close to 50 of my cases are non-natives. Most of us rehab without prejudice. I would at least call a rehabber and ask if they would be willing to take the foxer before passing judgement.
Good luck with the little guy.

smoknbunny

03-26-2008, 10:51 AM

Hey Gabe - I'm a former CNY person myself - born in Syracuse. Anyway, there is a chance that one of them would take her but they are spread out around here and the closest one is a person with the Audobon Society and I'm pretty sure that I know someone who knows him and it would be a bad idea. She has perked up as of this morning and was sitting up and ate some stuff on her own. When I checked her eye it looked as if it is trying to stay open on its own. I gave her a really good long eye soak last night with the sterile gauze and saline and put the medicine in. I debrided a teeny bit but nothing that wasn't ready to come off. I worry that the skin around her eye will scar so it is difficult for her to hold it open but it is still up in the air as to whether she will have sight in that eye.
I'm going to try to get a pic of her today but I have to wait until it is a little brighter since I wan't to try not to use my flash.

Buddy'sMom

03-26-2008, 11:40 AM

Good to hear she is perkier today and eating a bit on her own. :thumbsup

Hugs :grouphug for your little sweetie.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Kathy56

03-26-2008, 11:53 AM

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Gabe

03-26-2008, 12:48 PM

Syracuse! That's only 45 minutes from me. I was born there myself.:thumbsup

smoknbunny

03-26-2008, 01:47 PM

Too funny. I grew up in Skaneateles and my mom still lives in Syracuse. I will let her know there is a rehabber nearby if she ever finds a baby!:)

sparky

03-26-2008, 02:02 PM

Prednisone, (Pred Forte) might be good for the eye. It's used for people with eye inflamations, but can be kind of expensive. A vet should be able to confirm this. I'm sure that they must have a vet med equivalent.

best of luck,

Sparky

Sciurus1

03-26-2008, 03:11 PM

There is medication that can be given around as well as in the eye by a Veternarian. My girl had an eye issue, and there was two different things they used for eye issues. As far as around, that too.

susanw

03-26-2008, 03:19 PM

What a terrible accident that poor squirrel went through, that has got to be painful. Lots of luck on her recovery!

atlantasquirrelgirl

03-26-2008, 03:34 PM

Makes me a little choked up that she likes to cuddle. Sometimes the really sick ones are like that, as their spirits are truly down.

smoknbunny

03-26-2008, 05:26 PM

OK, so here are some picture I got of her. I had to use the flash so I didn't try from her good side. The right side of her face looks almost normal - her eye seems fine and the hair on her forhead from nose to behind her head is good. Her left side is the bad side. The white goo is silver sulfadiazine and the lint sticks to her all the time because her singed fur is like velcro. I try to clean her up a bit until she gets fussy and then I snuggle her. Believe it or not, she seems better than she was.

island rehabber

03-26-2008, 05:30 PM

oooh, poor sweet girl!!! I will keep her in my prayers. You're doing great with her.....:bowdown

smoknbunny

03-26-2008, 05:52 PM

Leroy can't understand why I'm hanging out in the bedroom, on the bed, with another squirrel. While I am taking care of the poor little girl, this is the face I see looking at me...

atlantasquirrelgirl

03-26-2008, 05:52 PM

squirrel princess

03-26-2008, 05:53 PM

Poor Baby:shakehead She is so lucky to have you:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

Buddy'sMom

03-26-2008, 07:35 PM

I don't know if the following might be helpful, but some time ago, there were 2 squirrels burned in a plane crash accident, and were treated at a wildlife center in the Ft Lauderdale, FL area. Perhaps one of our members can identify the center, you could call and they may be able to give you some pointers. Here's the link to the accident.

http://wbztv.com/watercooler/plane.crash.squirrel.2.287425.html

Praying for this baby to recover quickly.

Website and contact info: http://www.wildlifecarecenter.org/
SPCA Wildlife Care Center
3200 SW 4 Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, 33315
Hospital: 954-524-4302

[Their website says: "Our state-of-the-art wildlife baby nursery admits up to 120 orphaned, abandoned or displaced baby animals per day during baby season." --- YIKES!!]

wheezer

03-26-2008, 07:40 PM

Just getting caught up with the little burned one. You are doing a great job:thumbsup
Being in Oregon I know what you mean about non-natives. I worked at a center that had vet facilities and open for tours of the permanents. We had strict rules about non-natives by the Government wildlife agency. We could lose out license if caught. BUT of course we rarely followed those rules and never got caught! It is also illegal to have squirrels as pets. I know the Audobon Society is pretty strict and would NOT keep non-natives:shakehead
Best of luck to you and thanks:thankyou
If there is anything I can do to help, I am sort of close, I think:tilt
(3 or 4 hours)

zoomom

03-26-2008, 07:54 PM

:thankyou Thanks for doing such a great job with this precious girl. You are a true angel. She looks like she is doiung great. :peace

Kathy56

03-26-2008, 08:11 PM

Leroy is too cute. My heart broke when I saw her. Thank you so much for taking such good care of her. She needs you so much and snuggling and loving her is her best medicine. God Bless You.You both will be in my prayers.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

skye

03-26-2008, 09:24 PM

Leroy is so cute give him extra hugs and kiss for me:) Oh my what a terrible accident that poor sweet baby so sad. God Bless you for helping this little darling your in my prayers I sure pray this little one does well. :grouphug

Secret Squirrel

03-26-2008, 09:44 PM

Squirrellie

03-26-2008, 09:45 PM

The poor little sweetheart, that has to hurt. :grouphug :grouphug I am glad she seems to be feeling better today. Hope she gets all better soon, she needs those hugs & cuddles & lots of TLC & prayers. Leroy is just precious, too, look at that sweet furry face!

Mrs. Jack

03-26-2008, 09:53 PM

What did you name the woodstove girl ???? Cinders sound like good name to me....but I aint right either !!!!!!:sanp3

seconded.

*leaves you to guess just what I am seconding* :Love_Icon

TinyPaws

03-26-2008, 10:00 PM

That poor baby....it was a shock to my system when i saw the picture....My heart just sunk for the her....Is she on any kind of pain medicine?

Mrs. Jack

03-26-2008, 10:21 PM

I just keep telling myself (and my boy) sometimes it looks worse than it is.. especially with burns. Keep up the good work. we all are rooting for you and "Cinder".

smoknbunny

03-26-2008, 10:34 PM

Cinder was proposed pretty early on but it didn't seem to stick. We want to name her something pretty, I wanted Cecily until I found out it means blind - oops. Don't want to jinx her. She isn't on any pain meds, I have some Metacam (?) left over but am not sure if it is too old. The vet didn't prescribe any and she isn't making any pain noises. Of course I'm always amazed at some animals when they must be hurting and they don't make a peep.
Thank you for all your good wishes and prayers - they mean alot and I think it helps.
Leroy is my boy with no use of his back legs. He is our spoiled baby who lives in our bedroom. Of course he's sharing it right now with Parker (toothy guy) and the new girl as you can tell by his expression. At least I can! The guilt!!
Well, gotta go soak her eye for a bit!
Thanks all!

smoknbunny

03-26-2008, 10:39 PM

p.s. it does look really bad in the picture - you can't see her good side. But it looks waaaaay better than her original picture. The person taking care of her was doing an awesome job but I took her because I said I wanted to work on her eye since I have very good close-up vision so I can see all the little fuzzes stuck on it and I am not working at the moment so I can sit for long periods and soak her eye.This is the first picture I saw of her before she came here.

Mrs. Jack

03-26-2008, 10:41 PM

poor baby.

ps Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians, many of whom rally under really adverse conditions and still give so much to the world.. and the name Cecily is beautiful. I don't think it's a jinx if it "feels" right.

Jackie in Tampa

03-27-2008, 04:58 AM

oh, so sad....looks like you are doing great, and with all these wonderful squirrel lovers, Cnders/ Cecilia is in good hands. Thank you for helping this poor little girl.

Mrs. Jack, you're so smart.
:Welcome :thumbsup :grouphug Good Luck!

Gabe

03-27-2008, 05:57 AM

Have you thought about using a little baby aspirin for pain control? I'll pm you the dose. How about some good ole antibiotic ointment around the eye? Like neosporin? Sorry if you are already doing that, don't mean to be repetitive.

Haha I grew up in Skaneateles too! On Onondaga Rd which is off of New Seneca Trnpke. Wow, maybe we were classmates? I graduated in 1975.

smoknbunny

03-27-2008, 10:01 AM

Gabe thanks for the asprin info - I'll get some for her. One of the concerns I had earlier was that she seemed really warm at the base of her skull. I put the wet gauze over her eye and also put a bit at the back of her neck. She would crawl out to the edge of the cage and put her head in the corner like she was trying to keep it cool - like I keep flipping the pillow when I have a migraine. I worried that she was getting a chill on the rest of her so I held her a bunch with her body snuggled but with her head out with the gauze on it. Maybe I am full of it but it seems that the temperature behind her head has lowered and she stays buried longer.
The good but inconvenient latest development is that last night she started giving her face a serious wash. I fed her and geve her some water and started to soak her eye but she perked up and started the toe licking/face scrubbing. That is great except that now it is difficult to get her eye cleaned and treated. I'm just trying to make sure her blankets are as clean as possible so she's not wiping nasty stuff in her eye. I don't want to have to resort to the "burrito". PLus, she seems to notice a lot more when I try to clean the dead skin/fuzz off. I really want her to stay passive enough for me to do a really good job on her eye but I also want her to get better and start being a squirrel again.
I'm still waiting nervously for the day she "wakes up" and realizes she's a full grown wild squirrel in the arms of an "OMG!!! human!!" But I don't want my wariness to seep into her while I'm cuddling her. So I keep telling myself - how bad could it be?? *nervous laugh* So I get my face scratched/bitten off...

smoknbunny

03-27-2008, 10:04 AM

Oh, and I grew up on West Lake Rd about 5 miles out of town. How funny to have someone recognize the town's name instead of telling me I'm making it up!!
I graduated in 1984/85 ( was an exchange student so the years got a little messed up).
It has changed so much!!!

Buddy'sMom

03-27-2008, 10:19 AM

I guess this didn't occur to any of us earlier because she had been so calm, but ....

Have you ever used Bach Rescue Remedy? It is a liquid formulation of flower essenses used to relieve stress. Many here have used it to calm squirrels and other animals (and people!) for stressful procedures, travel, etc. It can be purchased at GNC and other stores or ordered online.

It can be used as Mars has suggested:
Rescue Remedy is one of the Bach Flower essences and can be purchased at health food stores ot through Chris's Squirrels and More. Do not use full strength. All you need is one or two drops in about a cup of water in a misting bottle. Refresh about once a week.:)

Misting either the animal or the bedding. In her case, I think you would NOT want to mist her because it might sting any of her burned areas (:dono )

Alternatively, a drop or two (?) can be placed in their drinking water -- but unless you are giving her water via syringe, you wouldn't know if she got any.

Another alternative is to place a drop behind her ear or someplace like that -- again only on a "safe" spot where she isn't burned.

If you have it or can get ahold of some, I'm sure one of the rehabbers will help you figure out how it could be most safely used for her. :) It might help keep her calm.

(And it might help Parker as needed as well :) )

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

smoknbunny

03-27-2008, 10:25 AM

ha ha - I'm going to DIP Parker in it!
I'll try to pick some of that up tonight too. I'm giving her water through a syringe so I can be pretty sure she'd get it.
Do you have an opinion on dosage? I know some has alcohol as a preservative but I'm guessing since some of you have used it it isn't a huge issue.

Buddy'sMom

03-27-2008, 10:36 AM

It does contain alcohol, but you are only using a drop or two. I will check around and see what has been recommended for drinking water dosage.

TinyPaws

03-27-2008, 10:39 AM

She's a very strong little girl...she has the fight to live.....I took the liberty and looked in my name book and came up with some suggestions.....
GINGER (latin) meaning spice
HEATHER (english) shrub with violet flowers
HOLLY (english) holly tree
BONNIE (scottish) sweet and good
MEAGHAN or MEAGON (celtic/gaelic) pearl
JENICY (hebrew) God is gracious
TRISTA (latin) melancholy
AMANDA (latin) loveable
TAMMY (hebrew) perfect one
AMY (latin) beloved

These are in my favorite book of names....anyway it's a start...

Buddy'sMom

03-27-2008, 10:44 AM

I hope this helps -- taken from discussion on another thread:

I put about 1 or 2 drops in a cup of water into the misting bottle. As long as it is not exposed to extreme heat it should be good for about a week. A drop in the drinking water changed daily works well also but I hesitate to use it for more than a few days at a time. If you see it's not helping after a couple of days it's not likely going to and I would discontinue. Rescue Remedy seems to be most effective on stress and not on a deep seated fear.:)
Sorry Mars, didn't see you there!:)
Now don't take this the wrong way...I am not questioning your abilities or expertise, but I have some info from bach (for squirrels) that consists of giving 2 drops into water changed at least 4 times a day.:dono (This refers to a 5x dilution).
:bowdown Jules. :Love_Icon
Excellent. :bowdown I'll add that to my notes. Perhaps I will see better results. :thumbsup

Buddy'sMom

03-27-2008, 10:53 AM

:thankyou Gammas!

smoknbunny

03-27-2008, 10:56 AM

Ooh - thanks for the suggestions! I love Holly but there is already a Holly in my circle of squirrel aquaintances. I'll propose the others and see if I can get an approval:) Ginger and Amanda are tempting. I will also see what little squirrel lady thinks.

squirrel princess

03-27-2008, 11:11 AM

Is Leroy the squirrel with the bad teeth?????
What did you name the woodstove girl ???? Cinders sound like good name to me....but I aint right either !!!!!!:sanp3
You are doing a wonderful job with her .....God love ya...and her too!!!:thumbsup

I aint' right either :jump love Cinders reminds me a short nickname for cinderella. :Love_Icon
I was thinking something more firey hot for this little girl for pulling through this. Blaze, there was a movie of a singer that went to all the USO camps and sang for the soilders and that was her name.:wott

Gabe

03-27-2008, 02:17 PM

I would say the heat you were feeling may well have been evidence of a fever. The aspirin will help that also. She is on antibiotics right?
I would suggest the aspirin about 30-45 min before you do your soak and cleaning.

Secret Squirrel

03-27-2008, 02:31 PM

I really want her to stay passive enough for me to do a really good job on her eye but I also want her to get better and start being a squirrel again.
I'm still waiting nervously for the day she "wakes up" and realizes she's a full grown wild squirrel in the arms of an "MG!!! human!!" But I don't want my wariness to seep into her while I'm cuddling her. So I keep telling myself - how bad could it be?? *nervous laugh* So I get my face scratched/bitten off...

:peace I understand what you mean about her waking up and being in the arms of a human. I would be on the nervous side too. Always have the "what if plan" in you mind at all times.
What if she bolts....
What if she bites...
:blah :blah :blah
It seems to me that sick or injured animals "allow" you to treat them....but when they feel better it's....."get off me...I am a squirrel " Rah,rah,rah...sorry...squirrel sound inserted here !!! LOL!!!!

How about Ashley......that's a pretty name and still indicative to her accident. Please don't think that Cinders or Ashley or any name attached to her ordeal is grusome....it just states what hell she endured and lives to tell all the other squirrels....at the local squirrelly day spa !!!!! :rotfl

susanw

03-29-2008, 11:18 AM

How is the squirrel doing? Any updates?

Jackie in Tampa

03-29-2008, 11:44 AM

Bless both of you.
Hey a squirrel bite ain't so bad, it leaves a small red drippy splattered trail towards the band aid box....ha, it only throbs for three solid days, then heals up and you'ld never knew you had it after 5 more days. And if bitten on thumb, you can use this as an excuse from all house and yard work. It ain't so bad....7 years ago, {pre-squirrel} I had lovelyhands, arms and complextion.
I've graduated that class, with many degrees. I'll never forget Freds first and only real bite....what a snivler.....
On the serious side, thanks for being strong and loving:thumbsup

Chihua Lover

03-29-2008, 11:47 AM

AAAWWWW. That's so sad. Bless both of you.:thumbsup

Buddy'sMom

03-29-2008, 11:52 AM

How is our little sweetheart :Love_Icon doing????

(I like "Ashley" -- very pretty name, but hints at her experience. I'm sure that soon she will let you know what her name is. :) )

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

smoknbunny

03-29-2008, 11:58 AM

Hi all! - Here's the update (SORRY Long!) - the squirrel girl is still hanging in there but it is getting a little more difficult to treat her because she perks up and either tries to take off (usually this seems to mean she has to pee because she doesn't seem to want to pee on me and only did by accident once) or she sits up and starts cleaning herself and licks both her front paws (including the burnt one) and scrubs her face even scrubbing over the sore eye - usually after I have cleaned it all off and put her ointment in.
I sure hope the silver cream won't hurt her because she keeps licking it off her front paw! Wanting to be clean is a good sign but I worry that she will make her burnt areas scar up pretty bad by washing all the stuff off.
She will still sit in my arms for a while when I first get her out and let me soak her eye open and try to remove and fuzz or loose dead skin, I give her some water (with the Bach rescue remedy in it but only a little - like a drop - or she refuses it) and I have a little time to try to feed her some liquid food and treat her sores but then she's like "Enough!" and heads off to wash and pee. Yesterday she cleaned up her plate of veggies only scattering a few around but it looks like she ate most of them!
I discovered that the last 1 1/2 inchs of her tail was burnt too along one side so I started treating that with the silver sulfadiazine but I think she scrubs that off too. Argh! I also have colloidal silver which is a liquid with silver in it that I drip a little of on her burns. If she licks that off it isn't as scary as licking off the cream but it also doesn't moisturize as well.
I wish I could get a bandage to stay on her toes or tail or on her ear - did I mention there is a small burned area there too - shows up in the pics I think - but with her grooming attempts I think they would come off immediately of she would get a mouthfull of bandage. I worry because some of her toes look so bubbled up and I would really hate for her to lose any of them. I know they can survive missing a toe but if she (god willing) makes a full recovery and can be released, I'd rather her be released with all of her parts still attached! Her tail also worries me. Not trying to be funny or gross but the best way I can think to describe it is an earthworm on a dry sidewalk in the sun. You know - that dark red and all dehydrated.
I feel so bad for her, I just want to cuddle her all day and carry her around in my baby squirrel pouch but she won't put up with it - especially if she is taken out of the nice quiet squirrel hospital room (formerly known as our bedroom). Not to mention the fact that Leroy would never forgive me!

smoknbunny

03-29-2008, 12:02 PM

BTW - I thought about naming her Polly - after this poem:

Little Polly Flinders
Sat among the cinders
Warming her pretty little toes;
Her mother came and caught her,
Whipped her little daughter
For spoiling her nice new clothes.

It could come across as a bit morbid since she did "warm" her toes - a little too much not to mention spoiling her "clothes" and of course I would never condone whipping her BUT I like the name and I had a beautiful cat named Polly Flinders when I was little.
Opinions? Too gruesome?

Gabe

03-29-2008, 12:03 PM

I had a burnt squirrel that was missing a few toes when he was released. He name was Riley because he sure lived the life of riley while he was here.:)
He was able to climb well and also climb down, which was the big test for release, and he passed it well.
I used only AD ointment on his burns and did not worry if he licked it off. How about some opthamolic gentamyacin ointment for the eye? It has an antibiotic and if she licks it off there is no worry. Not sure the silvadene should be injested. Just be careful not to use any eye ointment with steroids in it.
Glad she is coming around. Good job with her.:thumbsup

smoknbunny

03-29-2008, 12:16 PM

The vet who saw her first prescribed terramycin (oxytetracycline hydrochloride) but when he saw her again he gave her Gentak - gentamicin sulfate, the stuff you mentioned, so have been using that. I still have the Terramycin but I'm guessing that should only be used in eyes and shouldn't be used on toes or tails and maybe shouldn't be licked off.
It's making me nuts!! I want so badly for her to get better and she keeps licking off all my nursing! :shakehead
I forgot to mention that the other thing she does if she's had enough of me smearing stuff on her is curl up like an armadillo or pill bug. Good thing she doesn't have a shell of I couldn't get to her.

susanw

03-29-2008, 12:40 PM

Sounds like she is improving and giving you a hard time!:jump A good sign!:thumbsup

Buddy'sMom

03-29-2008, 01:56 PM

I like "Polly" :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

What about Vitamin E? No personal experience, but many people swear by it. Has anyone used it on a squirrel??? [Note, please, I am not recommending it, just raising it for comment if anyone knows]

I did a little searching and the "cons" are: it can result in contact dermatitis (rare, but she hardly needs anything else to deal with) and overdoses via oral supplements can cause bleeding and other side effects (so this would be very tricky given her size and no knowledge of safe levels for squirrels).

HOWEVER, what I read indicated that having enough vitamin E in your body should be helpful for healing. And at least some of the dietary sources are somewhat squirrel-acceptable:

Eggs, fortified cereals, fruit, green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), meat, nuts/nut oils, poultry, vegetable oils (corn, cottonseed, safflower, soybean, sunflower), wheat germ oil, whole grains. Cooking and storage may destroy some of the vitamin E in foods.

Maybe a little oil on her salad might be accepted? (sunflowers and soybeans are on the "avoid" list so maybe not those oils) Nuts are ALWAYS well accepted :D (maybe dipped in the oil?) Don't know if you've tried, but many TSB squirrels like eggs. Mostly scrambled (due to the sensitivities of their humans :D ) but squirrels do eat raw eggs in the wild (:yuck ) and raw might have more vitamin E.

Hope this helps "our" little .... Polly. :)

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

AmyRose

03-30-2008, 07:24 AM

I have also used vitamin E creams on my own person, with GREAT success! Also, aloe is good, but poisonous if it's ingested, so they may not be a good idea.

atlantasquirrelgirl

03-30-2008, 08:04 AM

The good news is that she feels well enough to give herself a bath. Buddy's Mom and I were thinking along the same lines. I was just thinking yesterday that skin/eye building vitament vitamin supplements may speed the healing. Some of it can be hazardous in excess, so you'd need to do some research before beginning an supplementation, but certainly worth considering.

smoknbunny

03-30-2008, 11:38 AM

Hey good news! "Polly" was up when I got up this morning and had eaten some of her food and I saw her using the water bottle! She was moving really stiff but walking on all her feet and her eye looked partly open on its own.
Of course now it will be harder than ever to put anything on her and have it stay on. She gave herself a few very scrubby baths yester day which took care of the big scab at the top of her eye insofar as now it isn't restricting her eyelid movement. Of course now her tender skin underneath is exposed but I'll keep putting her antibiotic eye ointment in hopefully that will help keep it uninfected. That burn care info at the beginning really helped too - debriding any dead skin that is ready to come off and not pulling off anything that is not. I guess SHE was ready for it to come off.
I have thought about Vit E since I always got it put on my burns as a kid, I just wonder if she'll lick it off. Same with Aloe. There is a juice form of Aloe that you can drink (don't know if it does the same good as regular aloe on skin) and I read a teeny bit about a study with rats ingesting Aloe. It could be safe but there is a warning that people with IBS, Crohn's disease (sp?), pregnant or lactating women and small children shouldn't drink it. So unless I hear otherwise I will assume it is not good for a little squirrel to ingest it. Darn it, I wish I could use it, that stuff is great.
She was getting a little Vitamin E when she was still on a liquid diet, for the first week or so but I have heard the same thing - to much can be toxic. To the liver I think.
So that's the news so far today. I haven't taken her out yet to take care of her eye but I suppose I may be getting close to a time when I'm not allowed to touch her. :( but also :)

Buddy'sMom

03-30-2008, 11:51 AM

:) Sounds like Polly's got a name now!! :alright.gif :alright.gif

Great news that she is moving around and eating, etc. on her own. Even if that makes it harder for you to take care of her, it shows her strength and desire to get back to her squirrelly life! :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo Yay, Polly!! :wahoo :wahoo

Keep up the good work (as much as she lets you) :thumbsup

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

smoknbunny

03-30-2008, 12:12 PM

Oh my goodness! What a little trooper! (you too!) What happened?
I worry that she may lose a few toes over this and the end of her tail but I can't say for sure. I wondered if you could put one of those collars on a squirrel since she keeps fussing at her toes. I have to say though that the ones she licks (closest to her body) look pretty clean while the ones farther out are the bad ones. I also think though that the fire hit her from left to right so her leading edge (left side) is the worst.
A couple of things might keep that a last resort. One of her burnt areas is right behind/below her left ear, and her coordination is not so great yet so I worry that she would tip over and not be able to get up or get stuck somewhere. If her toes or tail get any worse though she may just have to have one!
I'll have to see if I can get some more pictures so you can see the latest on her eye and maybe give an opinion on her toes/tail. I'll set it up for macro.

smoknbunny

03-30-2008, 12:14 PM

GB - just in case - where do you find a squirrel size collar like that?

Gabe

03-30-2008, 02:35 PM

I think Aloe would be perfectly safe even if she did lick it off.
Actually, don't think of her licking it off, think of her licking it into the wound.:)

smoknbunny

03-30-2008, 02:36 PM

Poor little baby!!! I hope I can keep her from worrying her injuries when as she progresses. I'm happy that she is getting so perky but the perkier she gets, the rougher her grooming gets.
My dog bloodied the end of his tail to the point where I had to get 1/3 of it amputated (excessive wagging). The vet stitched it up beautifully so it would look normal when it healed. Of course Rommel had to chew on it so after many failed attempts to keep him away from it (he chewed his cone collar thing into little tiny pieces) I wound up shaving up a few inches and duct taping a piece of chrome towel bar to the end. We got laughed at on walks and it hurt like heck if he wagged it against your leg (which he did constantly) but it healed perfectly!
If her ear burn heals a bit more I might consider an e collar. But she could probably still reach her tail...

smoknbunny

03-30-2008, 02:38 PM

Hmmm... Gabe, do you think I should try the drinkable aloe juice or get some pure gel instead. I would definitely try to get something without other inedible ingredients.

Apple Corps

03-30-2008, 03:47 PM

I'd try some of the vitamin e fortified lotion. Do you have the ability to gently massage the lotion around the paws / toes? Polysporin might be more appropriate - just don't know the extent of healing yet. One major issue with burns is the adhesions that form and they will limit agility going forward. Lubricating her lil burned paws and gently forcing motion in them would be good therapy once the skin has healed some.

Got BANDAIDS ???

Mrs. Jack

03-30-2008, 04:01 PM

just pure aloe gel I'd think... lots of grocery stores even have the plants over in their flower section, could just get the aloe straight from the source, nothing purer than that, and it keeps growing.

smoknbunny

03-30-2008, 05:19 PM

Back from hanging out with the little girl. I wrapped her back foor in gauze soaked with saline and silver sulfadiazine. I sat with her for a long time so it got a while to work on her but as soon as I put her back off they came.:shakehead
I could probably manage to massage some cream into her toes and tail. As long as her good eye is covered and she is comfortable I can mess with her - gently.
She's still being a really good sport about the handling. She just gets bugged ocasionally by the stuff I put on her eye or fron toes and has a washing fit. Then she dozes off for awhile. Once in a while she will start wide awake and look around so I pet her on the head and she sleeps again. I gave her a little neck scratch earlier which she seemed to enjoy and tilted her head to the side for better scratching. I feel bad because I know if I was as crusty as her I'd itch like mad! I gently used a soft toothbrush when I scratched her neck so I could try to get a few of the mats and chunks in her fur out - she definitely seemed to like it.
I'll probably head out to the store tonight or tomorrow morning to see if I can find some appropriate cream.
Thanks!!!

Kathy56

03-30-2008, 05:57 PM

So glad to hear she is getting better. You are an angel for doing this. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

atlantasquirrelgirl

03-30-2008, 07:46 PM

Glad she is still enjoying some of the scratchins and affection.

smoknbunny

03-31-2008, 12:05 AM

Well, 'night all. I'll post an update tomorrow. Everyone has been put to bed so now I'm headed there too. Aloe cream tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Apple Corps

03-31-2008, 12:41 AM

Good Night - pray that the improvement continues!!!

Gabe

03-31-2008, 05:52 AM

Yes, What Mrs. Jack said. The gel or better yet, the whole plant.:thumbsup

Buddy'sMom

03-31-2008, 06:38 AM

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug for this sweet little girl ..... she's trying to take care of herself the only way she knows how, poor thing. Though I wonder if there is something healing in their saliva since they frequently seem to heal themselves up from more minor things in the wild :dono :dono Problem is that they seem to go into overdrive and do more harm licking and chewing than they should :shakehead

I'm a big fan of aloe myself ... it's very soothing. But with the bottled gel if you put too much on it dries stiff. A little goes a long way.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

susanw

03-31-2008, 02:53 PM

Would you be able to take another picture of Polly, so we can see how her wounds are healing? Please, please!:)

smoknbunny

03-31-2008, 03:45 PM

I'll see what I can do! I'm heading in there in a few minutes.:)

smoknbunny

03-31-2008, 05:35 PM

OK here are the pics from today... the ones that show her tail and back leg look really bloody but they are just red and they are shiny because I put stuff on them. You can see in the one of her eye that she scratched the big scab off but it appears to make her eye open more easily. I sometimes think she is sensing something with her left eye but it is hard to say for sure. I got one of her right side so you can see that the left side is the bad side. Luckily her right side seems to have minimal damage and her eye seems good. Can't tell if she has full 100 per cent vision but seems she can see.
So here she is...

Apple Corps

03-31-2008, 05:39 PM

Keep up the good care - prayers for a great recovery continue. Is she staying hydrated??

smoknbunny

03-31-2008, 05:45 PM

She seems to be - the level of her water bottle is lowering, I give her a big grape (plus a dish of veggies) every day and I offer her some water but she seems to prefer to drink on her own. When I first had her I would syringe feed her water and she would drink it readily but now I think she prefers getting it herself. She has definitely figured out her water bottle - she's so smart!

island rehabber

03-31-2008, 06:11 PM

oh that poor sweet girl....I'm so glad she seems to be better every day. Sending prayers and good energies your way! Are you using the Silvadene on her? I love that stuff....

AmyRose

03-31-2008, 06:19 PM

Oh, how my heart breaks for this baby. She's so beautiful. Poor girl. She looks like she's in a bit of pain, with the burns on her paws...if you can get a collar, the real aloe (go buy a plant somewhere) is,IMHO, your best bet. It will dry that up and block the air at the same time. But I do really think it would be better for her NOT to ingest it. I am praying for you and your little one.:grouphug Thank you SO much for being there for her in this desperate time of need.:thumbsup

wheezer

03-31-2008, 06:22 PM

She looks great:thumbsup ! You are doing a wonderful job:bowdown and she seems calm in the pics:) Is she still easy to treat?

Kathy56

03-31-2008, 06:27 PM

God Bless her. She is a brave little soul. Prayers and good thoughts coming your way. God Bless you too. You are doing a wonderful thing. :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

Buddy'sMom

03-31-2008, 07:07 PM

Thank you for the pictures --- even though it hurts to look at her. Is she in pain? That can be helped with aspirin or other pain meds .....

These pictures show the texture of her fur more clearly -- can really see why you described it like brillo. All the nice soft ends were burned off. Least of her problems, I know. But a girl likes to look pretty, right? Next molting and that part will be good as new. :)

You're doing great, and it looks like she appreciates it. I know we do!! :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

smoknbunny

03-31-2008, 07:33 PM

Today I put shea butter on her. I read a bunch about it and think it looks safe and I've used it a bunch. That is why the red sores look so shiny. Lots of stuff I've read says the pure stuff is not toxic. I worried some about aloe so I tried the shea butter since she licks off everything!! Thats why no neosporin or anything with petroleum jelly. I worry that if the sores are not moisturized at least a little she will loose toes and tail. Shea butter supposedly sinks into the skin and moisturizes. If anyone has heard anything negative please let me know!
She HAS to be in at least some pain and must be itchy as well now that she seems to be healing.
I was using the silver sulfadiazine but, again, the licking, so I got worried.
If you see her up really close the natural dark pigment seems to be returning to the skin around her eye and she seems to be blinking it more freely. I am still using the antibiotic ointment in her eye.
One thing that makes me sad/nervous is that she sometimes lies curled up out in the open, not snuggled in her blankets. It looks so pathetic!! I just hope she's not having too much trouble regulating her temp.
Thank you so much for all your good wishes and prayers. I'm sure they help :) I want so badly for her to recover.
I wanted to get at least one of her good side for you all so you could see what a pretty face she has. She really is a pretty girl. I have trimmed a teeny bit of the burnt hair away in spots so she can get in and scratch and maybe fuzz will stop sticking to her.
She is surprisingly easy to treat so far. As long as her good eye is covered and she is comfy I can do stuff to her toes and tail. To me this means that she is still probably a little in shock from the pain. That is why I worry when she isn't in her blankets. But she is in the warmest room in the house - about 70 degrees.
Thanks again!

smoknbunny

03-31-2008, 07:38 PM

Oh I almost forgot - the one thing that makes me nervous about aspirin is that she is still bleeding a little in some spots and only recently stopped bleeding in others. Since it is a blood thinner I am concerned about giving it to her while her sores are still oozing.

susanw

04-01-2008, 03:16 PM

Thank you for the pictures! The area around the eye looks so much better than her last picture! It's killing me that she has nothing for the pain, that has to hurt like heck. I can't swear to it, but I thought I heard you shouldn't put petroleum jelly on a burn because it holds in the heat. Your doing great with her!:thumbsup

Apple Corps

04-02-2008, 08:04 PM

Not as many postings but she remains in all our thoughts and prayers !!!

wheezer

04-02-2008, 08:32 PM

You are doing a great job:thumbsup . I love to see her progress:crazy .
You may want to ask Squarlet's Mom what she is giving for pain and see if you can get a vet to give you some. I know that can be impossible in some places:shakehead .
I do think wild animals can handle pain better than we do:D But whatever you can do to make her more comfortable. Maybe even the Rescue Remedy to make her feel calm:dono
Bless you:bowdown

TinyPaws

04-02-2008, 11:08 PM

Oh my heart breaks for her....don't know if this is true for squirrels but too much asprin or taking it long term can cause stomach bleeding....are you able to get something from a vet for pain? I remember when I got really sunburned from the beach and I hurt something fierce...she is way worse than that with third degree burns...it's gotta hurt....The rescue remedy is a good idea to settle her down more so she can sleep better....other than eating and drinking the best thing for her is to sleep it off and rescue remedy could help with that... provided you can't get anything significent for the pain. God bless her and you...I am praying for a quick recovery and pain relief.....give her a kiss for me....:grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

smoknbunny

04-02-2008, 11:39 PM

Hi all - just signing on for a quick update. She seems to be hanging in there. The bleeding seems to have stopped and now she has either bare skin or scabs. She's eating well and drinking and I can't tell what her pain level might be but she is very stiff when she moves. She sleeps alot and is still pretty docile when I pick her up to put the burn cream on her.
Her tail still looks pretty dark and stiff so I worry about that but her toes seem to look a lot better and her eye area seems better too. She can blink better now that the scabs are gone. Still using the ointment in her eye.
So not much new info, just hanging in there!
Thanks for everyone's good wishes and prayers. I'll try to get some more pics soon so you can see how she's progressing!

susanw

04-03-2008, 04:47 PM

Yes, please keep us up-dated on her progress! Still praying and thinking of you both!:grouphug

Buddy'sMom

04-03-2008, 06:16 PM

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

smoknbunny

04-03-2008, 06:51 PM

Well.... I think she's feeling better. My friend and I just went in to check on her and when I went to pick her up she jumped out of my arms, landed on the bed and when I went to pick her up, chomped me on the knuckle! She is now in my bedroom under a bookcase hopefully calming down.
I take this as a good sign! Not that I like getting bitten but WOW! she's acting like a real squirrel! Hopefully not wild enough that I will have to remodel my bedroom:shakehead
Looks like no more medicating for her eye!
Now I just have to get her back into the cage without too much more bloodshed.:tilt
Yay!

skye

04-03-2008, 07:12 PM

Haha the little bugger well we know now she can move :D aww bless her the poor baby. You and her are in my prayers and glad to hear she is still doing good. God Bless you. Good luck getting her back in her cage, maybe putting a blanket over her to pick her up may help.:)

smoknbunny

04-03-2008, 07:33 PM

She's back in her cage with a grape for a reward. Just put a blankie over her, put the cage on the floor and scooted her back in. Phew!
She's been around my friend before because she was taking care of her for the first week. The only reason I took her is because I like doing fiddly closeup stuff like soaking eyes open. My friend had waaay more experience with squirrels. I think we just underestimated how much energy she had today.
Looks like she will be named Ginger - we tried Polly out and for some reason it didn't stick so thanks to the person who suggested Ginger. I think that has finally stuck!
So, Ginger. I'm sure it wasn't a mean bite, just a mid struggle bite and I don't think it is terribly deep. Compared to her wounds the bite is nothing!

smoknbunny

04-03-2008, 07:35 PM

Ha ha - Skye, I just posted my last comment and then saw your post! Looks like we had the same idea and it was a good one. Minimal fuss and she's back in her cage.:)

primo

04-03-2008, 07:38 PM

hey I found this info & it sounds like it will really help out with your blood shed this stuff maybe your god sent to healing your little girl alot quicker

QR powder

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Apple Corps

04-03-2008, 07:50 PM

smoknbunny - I'm so glad you got bit.

Hmmm - that did not come out right :shakehead :shakehead :shakehead

Its a good sign - you know what I mean :jump :jump :jump

primo

04-03-2008, 07:59 PM

Really look into QR powder it could benefit everyone here.....:thumbsup

Link to QR powder video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8MKyCiEdLE

smoknbunny

04-03-2008, 08:09 PM

Hmmm Primo. If I continue to have squirrels in my life (which is certain) I may need to keep it on hand for all my scratches!! This is the first skin breaking bite I've had but I have been scratched either deliberately or accidentally ALOT! In fact my little girl squirrel accidantally got me on the face leaping from one spot to another just yesterday. My favorite was the startled squirrel backflip deep scratch right on my nose. Sure could have used that stuff then!
I shall investigate for sure.
Ginger's bleeding seems to have stopped but I have to keep an eye on her scabs. I was trying to find the ingredients because of the licking/ingestion factor but haven't had much luck..
Thank you!!
For this particular injury my very sanitary method of treating it was to stick my finger in my mouth. The bleeding has stopped though.:shakehead

skye

04-03-2008, 08:27 PM

Glad Ginger back in her cage :thumbsup Sweet Dreams little one. :) ( cute name :thumbsup )

primo

04-03-2008, 08:29 PM

you shouldnt worry about the licking its gonna bond to the blood spot cut area & they said really non-toxic so if she was to get a taste of it then I wouldnt be worried & would with her biting you & long jumps will help & cutting fruit.....

I mean they have this stuff for nose bleeds also & they talk about packing up your nose so you might inhale some so its that safe... if you dont have to worry about inhaling it

atlantasquirrelgirl

04-03-2008, 08:36 PM

So sorry she chomped on you, but glad she's feeling more like herself.

smoknbunny

04-03-2008, 08:43 PM

Don't anyone feel sorry for me!! I've gotten waaaay worse. I'm glad she bit me because I was worried that she had brain damage and was a little bit vegetable! Biting tells me that she is getting her squirrellyness back.:)

wheezer

04-03-2008, 08:52 PM

Little Ginger sure seems to be getting better....Yea:thumbsup

Buddy'sMom

04-03-2008, 09:31 PM

:thumbsup Glad she's acting squirrelly; sorry she proved it on your hand. :D

"Ginger" -- I like that one! Ginger is a little bit "fiery"(spicy) but is sweet also (candied ginger). :thumbsup :wave123 Ginger, sweetie!

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

TinyPaws

04-03-2008, 09:53 PM

That's the first name I put on my list, post 66....meaning spice....Glad you like it and it suites her...Ginger is a soft feminin name....Get well Ginger....:grouphug

smoknbunny

04-03-2008, 10:04 PM

squirrel princess

04-06-2008, 08:34 AM

Yes - it was you Tiny Paws! Sorry I was too lazy to go back through the thread and give you proper credit! :crazy
I think it suits her. And I am particularly fond of ginger - candied or in Thai food. Of course I won't eat this Ginger!
Just took awhile for a name to stick.:thankyou :thankyou

Yeah.........don't do that you may get salmonella:jump :jump :jump

Hey boobs in crime we need to start a thread with everybodys squirrel cleavage pictures:jump I bet there's alot more out there that people would admit to:rotfl
How's Ginger:Love_Icon
I still liked my suggestion of Blaze:poke
Couldn't be too bad my God you are smoknbunny:jump :jump

smoknbunny

04-06-2008, 11:34 AM

I think Blaze is cute too but the burnt squirrel committee decided on Ginger which I also really like. My friend who had her originally, liked Ginger and since this is the first name that actually seems to have stuck...
I think there should be a squirrels and cleavage thread - of course we could get in trouble with Cute Overload for stealing "cats (and other critters) 'n racks".:nono But then I don't think they have exclusive rights to the idea. It would have to have the perfect name of course - Squirrels 'n' Boobs might attract the wrong element.:wott
Plus then EVERYONE would want a baby squirrel just so they could stick it in their bra and then when it was too big for lingerie they would just kick it out of the house... Oh wait, that's what we're doing! In a loving way of course...

squirrel princess

04-06-2008, 07:21 PM

smoknbunny

04-06-2008, 07:42 PM

squirrel princess

04-06-2008, 07:47 PM

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
Sisters are funny.
Scampy Chippy!!! That picture is the very face of innocence - did you have to brush his teeth to get rid of any evidence? My squirrels' teeth are all yellow/orange so they're safe if they ever go on a rampage.

He still has his baby whites. No need to get rid of evidence he was all razor claws no chance to bite. I got scratched getting him off of him:rotfl He's just a little boy:Love_Icon
How is your baby doing with the burns:poke

smoknbunny

04-06-2008, 07:50 PM

Quick update - no update. I can't go into her room because DH has returned from India and has jet lag so he is in there sleeping! Rude.
I picked up her blankets though and she looked up at me and blinked. Of course I could only see the good side. I haven't taken her out for two days since the bite since she seemed to be returning to her squirrelly ways but I really want to risk it to check on her burns!!
Wake up:multi !!!

smoknbunny

04-06-2008, 07:54 PM

Yeah - I was always scared of being bitten by animals until I felt the claws of a pissed off squirrel. Sheesh - even a non pissed off squirrel can hurt - I'm sporting a scratch below my eye next to my nose because Allie (8month old baby) went leaping through the air and I put my face in her way. Duh.
People think I have a vicious cat!

squirrel princess

04-06-2008, 07:55 PM

:jump Hose her down with that rescue remedy stuff they are always talking about:jump

DH stand for Dear Husband:thinking :dono
Gamma has a NRBF non-releasable boyfriend:jump

smoknbunny

04-06-2008, 08:00 PM

Yup - dear husband - although right now he is SH - snoring husband. Leroy is used to it but I wonder what Parker and Ginger think.
Oh, Allie isn't vicious - only enthusiastic. On a good day we make a good team but on a bad day - blood.
They'll take food from me but if they get out and I offer them food a couple have scratched me pretty good.

smoknbunny

04-06-2008, 08:02 PM

Oh, I think you meant Ginger. Oops. Well I'll see how she is if he'll wake up!!!

My Little Trouble

04-06-2008, 08:10 PM

I'm so amazed at how you're bringing precious little Ginger along,
she is such a trooper ....
and you .... well .... all I can say is
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh160/MyLittleTrouble/Smiles/Youarethewoman.gif!!!

susanw

04-08-2008, 02:37 PM

How is Ginger doing?

smoknbunny

04-08-2008, 02:51 PM

Well, she seems to be coming along pretty well. I got one picture of her good side today which I'm attaching. I saw her burnt side the other day and the scabs seem to be coming off, all her toes seem to be there, her eye is open (no idea if her vision will return) and I can see some pale skin where there used to be scabs.
I was cuddling in the bed with Leroy (squirrel) and watched her come out of her nest, eat some food, do a funny backwards duck waddle into the corner to pee, walk the cage perimeter, stretch and yawn and then crawl back into bed. I pulled back the blankets to take her picture and scritched her a little then covered her back up. So.... seems like she's pulling through!
Here's her good side photo

luvs squirrels

04-08-2008, 04:00 PM

God Bless her and you!
:grouphug

squirrel princess

04-08-2008, 04:20 PM

:thumbsup Good to hear she is doing well. If I was her I would only show my good side for the camera too:wave123

AmyRose

04-08-2008, 06:38 PM

Thank God she found you. She's looking so much better already! Thank you so much for your kind efforts.:thankyou

TinyPaws

04-08-2008, 08:12 PM

She looks wonderful....so much more alert...and though wild I believe she has a fondness for you...

Apple Corps

04-08-2008, 08:56 PM

It is difficult to express how good we all feel about your efforts and results.

THANK YOU

Squirrellie

04-08-2008, 09:04 PM

What a sweet little face. I :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon Ginger.

skye

04-08-2008, 09:30 PM

Thank for the photo. What a sweet darling:thumbsup she looks so much better and seems to have even gotten bit bigger. You have done wonders for this sweet baby God Bless you. I pray she keeps looking better each day.:grouphug

island rehabber

04-09-2008, 12:48 PM

Sweet Ginger has been (gently) moved to the Infirmary, so we can track her recovery and wish her well. :thumbsup

Abacat

04-09-2008, 03:44 PM

WOW! What an amazing story, smoknbunny, you truly are Ginger's CMfairy. Awesome job!:thumbsup
Sending prayers for a full recovery. :Love_Icon :grouphug

Baby's Mom

04-09-2008, 08:02 PM

Sweet Ginger has been (gently) moved to the Infirmary, so we can track her recovery and wish her well. :thumbsup

::thankyou for "gently moving" this thread to the Infirmary so I could "stumble upon" this truly amazing story of our poor little one, now known as Ginger.

I send my love and best wishes for Ginger's continued healing and good progress. :grouphug

squirrelfriend

04-10-2008, 08:21 AM

Poor little girl. I hope she hears quickly. Poor girl sure has a lint problem. She looks like a little dust kitty. Bless her little heart.

smoknbunny

04-10-2008, 12:16 PM

Very brief report on Ginger. She seems to be doing well. I peek at her now occasionally but I see her very little. I'm considering being brave and gently bundling her up and taking her out to check on her but I have to get my nerve up and I really don't want to stress her out.
Her food disappears, her water level drops and there is a fresh batch of poop everyday on the non-nest side of her cage. If someone told me a few years ago that I would be happy to see poop I would have thought they were crazy:shakehead
There is a scab peeling off her tail and I'm hoping it will leave the whole tail behind and she won't lose any. From what I can see she still has all her toes and her ear seems to be intact. And her eye seems to be not sticking shut anymore.
I'll try to get another picture.
Thanks to everyone for following her story and giving her your well wishes and prayers and giving me encouragement and support!:grouphug

Sarabi

04-10-2008, 12:19 PM

Bless you and :thankyou for being Gingers Angel:grouphug

squirrel princess

04-10-2008, 12:26 PM

I would be scared too:shakehead especially after seeing what Chipper did the other day to John.
Sounds like she is eating pooping and peeing....that is always a good thing:thumbsup
I am crazy too.... picking up poop from my Peez dispenser...cute little nuggets:multi
She is one lucky lady to have you :wahoo

smoknbunny

04-10-2008, 12:39 PM

Here's what she did to my finger - not bad at all, really just scratched along my knuckle and didn't puncture - but it made me a little cautious...(it's almost healed now). I certainly don't hold it against her in the least:) She's a darling - especially compared to the little toothy guy. What a brat! I should take a video of him so you can see his spunk!

squirrel princess

04-10-2008, 12:56 PM

atlantasquirrelgirl

04-10-2008, 12:58 PM

Thanks for keeping us updated. I frequently wonder how the two of you are doing. Have you added any kind of supplements to her diet? Also, does she have anything in her cage to knaw on?

squirrel princess

04-10-2008, 01:31 PM

Thanks for keeping us updated. I frequently wonder how the two of you are doing. Have you added any kind of supplements to her diet? Also, does she have anything in her cage to knaw on?

You mean besides her fingers:rotfl

Feeze

04-10-2008, 02:16 PM

Wow! SmoknBunny! What a phenomenal story! You really are a lifesaver for this poor little squirrel.
Send Ginger my love.:Love_Icon She will be in my prayers through her recovery!:grouphug

Squirrellie

04-12-2008, 09:30 PM

How is her tail doing with the scab that was peeling off? Hope she is doing great & feeling better!

smoknbunny

04-13-2008, 08:52 PM

Update on Ginger: I pulled back her blankets today and checked on her - she is developing a dark ring around her burnt eye which I'm taking as a sign that skin pigment is returning and her eye seems to blink. All her toes look good and even her tail looks like it may pull through with no loss but it's hard to say - there still seems to be a little scabbing going on there and it looks pretty crispy and stiff. Her burnt ear is bald but it looks as if it is intact.
Her movement also seems less stiff when she walks around - she sits up and looks around and looks pretty alert.
So it seems like good news for now!:)
I'll try to get a picture soon but I don't like stressing her out so it is a little difficult.

Buddy'sMom

04-13-2008, 09:10 PM

:) :) Good news, indeed!! So glad to hear Ginger is healing. Such a little fighter -- amazing that she's been through so much and seems to take it in stride. Strong little girl. :wahoo :wahoo You are doing very well with her. :bowdown :bowdown

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Sissy

04-13-2008, 10:49 PM

So glad to hear she is still doing well. You have been a wonderful nurse to her! God bless you for taking such good care of this little sweetie!
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

squirrel princess

04-14-2008, 09:48 AM

How's the boob.......I mean the squirrel........oh get your head out of the gutter:poke I am talkin' bout Ginger:nono
Still have all your fingers intact:wave123

smoknbunny

04-14-2008, 10:40 AM

he he. Well my fingers are still intact but we'll see about later since i have to attempt to clean out both Ginger AND Parker's cages. Ginger I can bundle in a blanket on one side as I clean the other but I'm sure Parker will do his absolute best to escape, scratch me or bite me (of course his teeth are all wrong so he maybe can't get them around my finger)
While I clean I'll have my camera ready. I suppose the flash may be a test of her vision if I try to keep her good eye covered.
I am glad she seems to be improving daily but I miss snuggling her every day. It was such a peaceful time. She wouldn't fit in between :) :) but sort of curled up on left side between the left:) and my armpit. Better though that she's becoming a regular squirrel again:D

squirrel princess

04-14-2008, 04:20 PM

Come on over and visit for some priceless :) :) pictures I just added.:poke

AmyRose

04-14-2008, 07:27 PM

I am so glad to Ginger's improving!

Abacat

04-16-2008, 06:01 AM

Good news about Ginger! Great job! :thumbsup
*Glad to see your fingers are still "attached"...hehe ;) *

smoknbunny

04-17-2008, 03:24 PM

Well, here are the latest pictures of Ginger. She seems to be doing well but I worry still about the possibility of brain damage or some sort of internal damage. She will act pretty normal and then sometimes it seems as if she just flops down wherever in strange positions. She's still somewhat stiff.
She is eating and drinking and sometimes I reach in and scritch her butt or side or behind her head and she relaxes and closes her eyes.
Somebody with more experience with wounds please look at the picture of her back left foot and tell me if it looks like gangrene?? It is so hard to tell what is normal since her skin is turning back to it's normal color - sort of greyish - and fur is growing back but her toe(s) look strange to me. The other sad thing is that she seems to be missing a chunk of her ear.
So here are the pics. I want to see her left front foot too but I didn't want to stress her too much. They might be a bit big but I wanted the detail to show.

squirrel princess

04-17-2008, 03:36 PM

Bless her heart:Love_Icon You have to admit she looks a lot better. :thumbsup

smoknbunny

04-17-2008, 03:50 PM

Well, she's looking more like a squirrel and less like a piece of toast. I hope that doesn't sound mean:nono
The pictures always make her look worse than she really does. I mean, it's still pretty bad but she looks waaaay better than the first few days.

squirrel princess

04-17-2008, 03:55 PM

No that does not seem mean. I get your sense of humor it is sick like mine:jump Like you would totally not get upset with me saying only a smoknbunny would end up with a smoknsquirrel......maybe you should change your name:poke :jump
Hey.....I went through two years with a husband with lung cancer that passed away........if you don't laugh about things then you cry:wott so why not find the humor in things...... we know we have soft hearts and man things in jest:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

smoknbunny

04-17-2008, 04:17 PM

I don't know what I would do if I couldn't laugh about stuff:crazy Losing a loved one is really rough - I'm sorry. But you're right, being able to laugh helps not to mention having good friends around:)
I don't know what I'm going to do about my little toothy guy, Parker. He's a wild squirrel but may wind up a permanent. I feel mean laughing at him but it is his adorableness that made me fall in love with him in the first place and forced me to catch him.
Off topic but here he is today...He's a little spider monkey and he makes me laugh - he was grabbing my pant leg as I was photographing Ginger:)

Abacat

04-17-2008, 06:57 PM

I'm no expert, but her foot does not look like gangrene to me. Has she been to vet recently? What do they say?
Ginger looks so much better! Awesome job! *kisses for Ginger*:Love_Icon

Parker is adorable! What a little :monkey He looks like he could use some braces...:poke Poor guy, even with trimming, his teeth look like they're not where they should be...:dono *kisses for Parker*:Love_Icon

smoknbunny

04-17-2008, 07:18 PM

I'm making some calls about getting Ginger to see a vet who knows a bit about squirrels since the other vet is helpful but not as experienced. It is hard to find vet care around here.:shakehead
There doesn't seem to be any more raw skin, now it's just waiting to see how the healing goes. Since she is getting better she has become less tolerant of inspections so I peek when I can, I can sometimes cover her head and get a pretty good look and she seems to be healing. I'm surprised at how fast the hair is returning to the area around her eye. I think it will wind up a little smaller than the other from the burn scars but at least it is open. That way if she manages to keep at least some sight she will be better off.
I'm thinking of starting another thread asking for opinions on Parker. I am considering having his teeth removed but scared of the risks. They just don't seem to be growing back properly and I don't know if more trimmings will help. I really want him to be happy - he's given me alot of joy over the last 6 months while he was a yard buddy (and then alot of worry of course).

FuzzyTail

04-17-2008, 07:30 PM

I have seen and worked with an orthopedic case that was gas gangrene..
You would smell it LONG before you saw it!!!! Trust me!!!

FuzzyTail

04-17-2008, 07:37 PM

I have seen and worked with an orthopedic case that was gas gangrene..
You would smell it LONG before you saw it!!!! Trust me!!!

One concern I will voice is the topic of scar tissue...

Are you stretching her limbs and body out to prevent contracture of the limbs and underlying muscles, etc due to the scar tissue?
Does she get a good deal of physical movement every day?

Other than that, she is looking great!!!!!:thumbsup

You have done a fantastic job helping her heal!!!:grouphug

smoknbunny

04-17-2008, 07:46 PM

That makes me feel better. All I smell is normal squirrel smell. And I looked at some pictures online (ugh). So I hope all it is is the normal skin pigment returning like in the other areas. The skin looks a bit dry around the nail but I'll keep an eye on it.

smoknbunny

04-17-2008, 07:50 PM

She has gotten pretty sensitive about being touched so it is difficult to move her around. The burns were mainly on her toes, eye,ear and tail and didn't reach past the joints above her toes. I agree that it would hamper her in the wild if she has stiff toes so I'm hoping that her walking around the cage will give her a bit of stretching.
As far as re-releasing her, if she doesn't have sight in her left eye I don't think she should be out there. Seems like that would be a pretty big handicap.

TinyPaws

04-17-2008, 08:12 PM

Ginger looks wonderful...I take it that she is letting you handle her more since you scritch her but.....:rotfl Well Done SB :thumbsup

fltech

04-18-2008, 03:23 PM

Smokinbunny - So glad your baby is doing well. But for future info, we use a
product called Carravet wound gel for topical things like this. Not only does it help with the healing process, it also has a pain reliever in it. You can get it at some vets, but not all of them carry it. The clinic I work at happens to carry the cream and the gel. We use the gel in absesses and it works great.

Hope your baby continues to improve.

smoknbunny

04-18-2008, 03:29 PM

Thanks Fltech - someone else mentioned that too. The biggest issue I had was what to put on that wouldn't hurt her if she ingested it or accidentally got it in her eye. After a time she started licking her paws and tail and vigorously scrubbing her bad eye with her bad foot.
Is caravet toxic if ingested?

fltech

04-18-2008, 03:53 PM

If your talking about Loopy, I talked to her on my way home from work and she asked me about using it on burns. I really wasn't sure because we have only used it on minor wounds and absesses. I called back to work and talked with the vet I work with and he said it would be fine to use on burns. It is actually an animal med. If at all possible it you could put a loose layer of vet wrap around the more serious areas and the squirrel leave it on, (good luck) that may help also. Someone should really come up with squirrel e-collars, lol.

Hope this helps.

smoknbunny

04-18-2008, 04:08 PM

I think someone has made an e collar - at least on this board. Someone suggested it to me somewhere in this thread and I think even gave an example. Also some clever restraining wraps. The problem I had with putting one on her was the damage to her ear - she is now missing a chunk so the collar would have been right against a pretty nasty spot.
Yeah, the loose wrap lasted about 3 seconds after I put her back in her cage:)
How about ingestion? Is caravet toxic at all? I'd love to have some on hand - not that I ever want to have one that needs it again!

Feeze

04-18-2008, 04:09 PM

You've done an amazing job with Ginger! I can't believe how fast she is improving. You are doing great!:thumbsup
I love Parker, he's so beautiful. I'm sure you'll get all the info you need on his teeth in your new thread. Good luck with him:grouphug

fltech

04-18-2008, 04:29 PM

Lynne has used it in some of her squirrels and we use it on dogs and cats at work and I have never heard of any complications about it. Animals lick no matter what you try to put on them. I looked on the tube, and there is no warning about that. I have got to go by work tomorrow on my way home from an avian meeting at another clinic in Tampa, and I will ask the vet. We have 5 vets in our clinic, but 1 of them is the avian, exotic and wildlife vet that I work with. I am considered the avian, exotic and wildlife tech, even tho we do the other animals also. One of Lynne's squrrels had a bad absess on his back leg and we used the gel and a syringe and put carravet in the absess and there was a big difference just the next day. He was out and about very quickly. Of course, it did take lots of flushing and carravet, but it healed nicely.

susanw

04-22-2008, 12:52 PM

Ginger is looking better, does she tilt her head to one side when she looks at you? I am trying to figure out if she lost the sight in that eye that was burned so bad. Her toes look swollen to me. I have seen squirrels choke on the skin of grapes, you should be removing them. This poor girl would have never made it without you, you deserve an award!:thumbsup

skye

04-22-2008, 03:54 PM

It is so wonderful to see Ginger is doing so well after all she has been through. God bless you your a great mommy and I wish you best of luck with your fur babies. :)

Baby's Mom

04-22-2008, 06:52 PM

Finally got a chance to check in on Ginger again. :grouphug

You are an amazing person smoknbunny! ........and you have done so well looking after Ginger. She is really looking great! :thumbsup (but you don't need me to tell you that)

I,........ like all the others here,........ do nothing but care deeply for our furry friends and worry constantly when someone is hurt.
It is the most wonderful feeling for me to see the helpless get help!!

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

smoknbunny

04-22-2008, 07:03 PM

Well, it's pretty much up to time and good thoughts/prayers now:)
I'll update if there are any changes but for now I just give her what I hope she needs, scritch her butt and speak to her softly.
Thank you all for your visits to her thread and all your well wishes and prayers. It means a lot:grouphug
She's an amazing squirrel!

Sarabi

04-22-2008, 08:13 PM

She is an absolute doll baby. God bless her and you for all your hard work, she looks great!:grouphug

JLM27

04-22-2008, 09:03 PM

I just read through this thread and I want to say that I think you must be a person of great faith in life to have taken on this responsibility. She is certainly adorable, and I would have been just terrified the whole time about losing her, but you pulled her through! :flash3

wheezer

04-22-2008, 09:19 PM

I continue to send you :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Between Ginger and Parker, you have made such a difference in their lives and the world:bowdown . You make me feel all warm inside:Love_Icon :tilt

Buddy'sMom

04-22-2008, 09:37 PM

I haven't been able to keep up with Ginger very well lately and I'm SO GLAD she is doing so well!! You've done such a great job getting her this far:bowdown :bowdown -- truly amazing!! :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif

I'm glad she is still allowing some contact and likes her skritchings. What a sweetheart. :Love_Icon So courageous. Please do keep posting Ginger News and pics!

smoknbunny

04-22-2008, 10:04 PM

I don't believe she is out of the woods yet but she has come pretty far:)
Thanks for caring about her!!:thankyou
I will continue updates

Jackie in Tampa

04-23-2008, 04:58 AM

SB..you're a double squirrel hero!:thumbsup Taking care of those two babies!:grouphug

wheezer

04-25-2008, 09:57 AM

Just checkin in on Parker and Ginger.
(saw Parker's pic on another thread today..he is the cutest:Love_Icon :tilt )

smoknbunny

04-25-2008, 10:01 AM

Hi Wheezer - thanks for checking in:) You must have missed Parker's "operation" - he is a she!!! OMG - still red in the face over that one:D
Ginger is hanging in there - not much change these days - I want to get another picture of her toes, though, to see how they are. I might try later today. I'm hoping for some nicer weather so I can let her get some fresh air.

wheezer

04-25-2008, 10:13 AM

I knew that:tilt

I just forgot.....she just looks like a cute little boy:D Maybe because that is what I knew her as at first:shakehead

Thanks for the update. Look forward to seeing pics when you can:thumbsup

smoknbunny

04-25-2008, 10:21 AM

I know! :D She just seemed like a boy and I'm so used to calling her "him". My friend kept referring to "her" on the way home from the vet and I was so confused. That's probably why I keep repeating it:D

Sarah

04-25-2008, 11:55 AM

They are both so precious! So pathetically lovable in the sweetest way possible! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
:thankyou for the updates.

smoknbunny

04-26-2008, 05:41 PM

So here are Ginger's latest pictures. She is outside in her cage today getting some fresh air. Her tail worries me most - not bloody any more and a peice has dropped off. This appears to be how it is healing - it just looks like a dried up worm. And yes, there is a picture of her poop because it looks kind of chalky to me - not nice and dark like normal - not solid white or grey but it looks like it is dusted with white. or drying white.

pamela lee

04-26-2008, 05:44 PM

I don't know anything about the poop but I have to say that Ginger looks 100 times better then she did. She looks great, you've done such a good job getting her through this.

smoknbunny

04-26-2008, 05:55 PM

wheezer

04-26-2008, 06:24 PM

Smokebunny you have done a fantastic job with Ginger:wott :bowdown

She doesn't even look like the same squirrel you first showed us!:thumbsup

Her tail looks like it is healing. It just won't be normal at the end.

I see how her eye does stick out a bit but she does seem to see out of it, right? It was the other one that was questionable:dono

She seems calm too. Is she adjusting to her captive life?

smoknbunny

04-26-2008, 06:39 PM

GB - she eats a variety of fruits and veggies - kale, squash, zucchini, bok choi, apple, grape, pear, broccoli, snap peas, I'm trying to remember what else...; she has some rodent block and she gets a few pecans and in the shell walnuts which she cracks and eats just fine. She has a dish and a water bottle but I don't think she drinks as much as she ought to.
Wheezer - it's the sunken eye that I'm worried about - the other one sticks out but it seems normal especially because she is timid and stares a lot when there is movement.
She doesn't want to be handled and I wouldn't say she likes a cage but at least when I take her outside she doesn't leap around like a demented monkey (like Parker:D ). She just sort of sits and watches things go by and if she gets scared she hops or waddles away. Such a sweet little girl:)
Thanks for checking up on her:)
Here's one more of her left side...

Kathy56

04-26-2008, 07:17 PM

Ginger looks so wonderful. You have done a great job with her. I love her name too. My oldest daughter's name is Ginger. :grouphug :grouphug

Loopy Squirrel

04-26-2008, 07:18 PM

She is adorable and looks so much better. I have had the chalky poop in some of my squirrels but I can't identify what they are eating that is coloring it this way. The next time one poops like that I'll get a picture. I have a squirrel (Cy) that was attacked by a cat and the eyeball itself was punctured. We were going to remove it but waited because she was so critical. Over time the eye healed but she has no vision in it. It isn't drying out but it is considerably smaller than her other. The color of the eye has turned from the normal black to grey/white. I will post a picture.

smoknbunny

04-26-2008, 07:21 PM

I get to be embarassed again - I think. I was clearing off the place where Ginger's cage sits (under Parker's) and I THINK she has been doing a little remodelling for me. THe paint in that area is scratched away and I wonder if she ate some - it doesn't look like chip of paint in her poops but I'll move the cage away from the wall and see if it stops looking white:dono

squirrel princess

04-26-2008, 07:30 PM

What an amazing difference I can't believe she finally ventured out enough for you to get a decent pic. How is your bonding going are you able to touch her anymore. I would think at this point she should trust you. Sounds like sheet rock poops:rotfl you have a real motley crew going on over there:alright.gif

smoknbunny

04-26-2008, 07:33 PM

She's the opposite of Parker - she mellows out outside. Parker goes whacko.
Motley is right!:D
I can scritch her butt but cuddling is out.

squirrel princess

04-26-2008, 07:37 PM

She's the opposite of Parker - she mellows out outside. Parker goes whacko.
Motley is right!:D
I can scritch her butt but cuddling is out.

Wonder what that means chipper is real mellow when I put his cage outside. He usually sprawls out on his nest box and suns or goes in it to sleep.

Jackie in Tampa

04-26-2008, 08:39 PM

:thumbsup You two are awesome! :bowdown :bowdown
and Parker is so cute:Love_Icon
Great job:grouphug

Lady Squirrelly

04-26-2008, 09:43 PM

She is looking so good. You have done a great job with her.:thumbsup

Apple Corps

04-26-2008, 11:31 PM

What a recovery and what care - it is heartwarming to see what you have accomplished - she is a cutie and has endured so much.

Have you thought about some antibiotic lubricating drops for her eye???

Baby's Mom

04-27-2008, 06:54 AM

I forgot to mention - her eye doesn't open all the way because of the burn and she blinks a lot with that eye - it also doesn't stick out as much as the other one which you may be able to see in the picture of her face. I waved my hand in front of that eye and she doesn't seem to react much. Maybe a little to the motion but the sight seems to be gone I'm afraid.

My hubby is a paramedic and has seen lots of burns. (BTW Ginger is looking really good) :thumbsup

If a squirrel's anatomy is anything like us, burned tissue losses it's elasticity which causes the eye lid and surrounding tissue to be tight holding the eye in. She blinks alot because the tear ducts may be sealed over or at least reduced. If in time you get to where you can handle her and she can stand you touching it, gentle manipulation of the flesh around the eye may loosen it up or it may even happen with her grooming herself daily.

She's come a long way now, the future looks very bright for Ginger! :grouphug

atlantasquirrelgirl

04-27-2008, 09:01 AM

Wow, what a different squirrel. She does still have a way to go, but you have done a fantastic job.

I wonder if the scar tissue can be surgically removed from that eye to clear the tear ducts. That has to be uncomfortable to have a dry eye. Either way, she's looking more like a non-releasable.

Sarah

04-27-2008, 11:46 AM

Ginger is looking so much better! Poor little cutie, please blow her a kiss for me. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
Even our healthy fuzzies are looking disheveled this time of year with their spring coats coming in.

AmyRose

04-27-2008, 03:37 PM

Whoo-hooo!!! She looks just wonderful. How far she has come, thanks to you!

:thankyou

One pretty squirrelly on the mend...

GoldenEyes

04-27-2008, 11:06 PM

smoknbunny, I had no idea about all the things that are going on behind the scenes because you seem really calm all the time. I get confused trying to figure out where I read what on TSB because there are so many different sections, but I recently came across your thread about Ginger and Parker. Thank goodness you were able to take action during their darkest hour. They both look like they are doing so much better and have a brighter future to look forward to! I don't know what I would've done if I had been in your shoes.

Just out of curiosity, do you think they make teeth implants for squirrels in case you decide to have Parker's teeth removed?

smoknbunny

04-27-2008, 11:26 PM

I wasn't too calm the day I caught Parker - I was shaking like a leaf:) - Ginger was really lucky - not in the woodstove but the guy that grabbed her out happened to know someone, who knew someone who knew my friend who got her to the vet. She did a great job stabilizing her. I stole her so I could work on her eye. And Ginger was a sweetheart to take care of
It's really great how people are following their threads - it's nice having encouragement and support:)
I was thinking mini braces for Parker:D

GoldenEyes

04-27-2008, 11:39 PM

Aha! Now I found my way back to your thread without getting too lost.

The way Ginger came into your life is like "Hands Across America" since there were so many people involved. I'm glad to see so many who care.

I would've been terrified about trying to open her injured eye several times during the day to keep it from closing permanently because I would've been afraid of causing her pain or a lot of discomfort, but you really handled it like a pro! Great job!:thumbsup And we can hope that some of her sight will eventually come back in that eye.

Good night, smoknbunny, Ginger and Parker.:)

smoknbunny

04-27-2008, 11:43 PM

Goodnight GoldenEyes! I'm headed off to bed myself
(p.s. - do you use the New Posts tab in the blue band along the top?)

GoldenEyes

04-27-2008, 11:46 PM

Oh, I never stopped to figure out what the New Posts tab does. I feel like I'll get even more confused if I tried especially at this hour. But thank you for letting me know. I'll try to figure it out later this morning. nite nite:)

smoknbunny

04-27-2008, 11:47 PM

Goodnight:wave123

Buddy'sMom

04-28-2008, 03:25 PM

Ginger is looking fantastic!! :wahoo :wahoo What a long way she has come in your care!! :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif Please give her some extra skritchins!! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

From the first pictures, it's quite amazing that she looks fluffy so soon again! Even that she has recovered, truth be told. :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

squirrel princess

04-28-2008, 03:53 PM

Celebrate Gingers recovery by having one of these. They also had a fuzzy purple squirrel I would prefer mine neutered please http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/29/29_5_2.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSman000)

Neutered Purple Squirrel recipe

rating
7.7
3 votes vote 10987654321

serve in
Cocktail Glass (http://www.drinksmixer.com/glasses/4/)
alcohol
18%
options
Print (http://www.drinksmixer.com/print/9781/)
Save (http://www.drinksmixer.com/dusers/handbook/index.php?id=9781&d=1)
Add Comments (http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink9781.html#comments-form)

ScaleRecipe('9781',1); Scale ingredients to servings
1/2 oz light rum (http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc826.html)
1/2 oz dark rum (http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc11.html)
1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur (http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc240.html)
1/2 oz grenadine syrup (http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc102.html)
1/2 oz fresh lime juice (http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc71.html)
1/2 oz club soda (http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc74.html)

Pour the light rum, dark rum, blue curacao, grenadine and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, and strain into a cocktail glass with a small amount of crushed ice. Add the club soda. Garnish with an almond-embedded slice of lime, and serve.

if (typeof(gnm_ord)=='undefined') gnm_ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000; if (typeof(gnm_tile) == 'undefined') gnm_tile=1;document.write('');

http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb095&pp=ZSman000 (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb095_ZSman000&utm_id=7923)

smoknbunny

04-28-2008, 03:56 PM

I WAN'T one!!
It is complicated - reminds me of a drink I used to have a lot (and a lot of:shakehead ) - The Red-Eyed Smiley Face. I'll have to look up the recipe.
It's dangerous!

Abacat

04-28-2008, 03:57 PM

Ginger doesn't even look like the same squirrel...:bow awesome job with her!

Lady Squirrelly

04-28-2008, 03:58 PM

OK, I have to ask.

Why is it a "Neutered" Purple squirrel????:D

smoknbunny

04-28-2008, 04:01 PM

I KNOW!! - doesn't sound very neutered to ME!:D

squirrel princess

04-28-2008, 04:06 PM

I KNOW!! - doesn't sound very neutered to ME!:D

The recipe for the fuzzy purple squirrel is the same so I don't know why it is called a neutered. when I first saw it I thought maybe it would be the virgin option of the drink:rotfl

Lady Squirrelly

04-28-2008, 04:08 PM

Is there a virgin version??

I am in the Red Hat Society. Our colors are red and purple. I am Queen Squirrelly. What a hoot this would be to serve at a gathering. Not all my ladies drink.

smoknbunny

04-28-2008, 04:08 PM

The recipe for the fuzzy purple squirrel is the same so I don't know why it is called a neutered. when I first saw it I thought maybe it would be the virgin option of the drink:rotfl
Doesn't sound like the virgin version would be very purple:D

TinyPaws

04-28-2008, 04:47 PM

You did such an excellent job with her...she doesn't look like the squirrel you first brought home.......:alright.gif :wott

wheezer

04-28-2008, 07:49 PM

I fell off my chair just reading that recipe:D But I am pretty much a light weight drinker:tilt

But you sure do need to celebrate Ginger's improvements:alright.gif :thumbsup

(as well as the wonderful love and care you give all your dear critters:Love_Icon )

atlantasquirrelgirl

04-28-2008, 08:56 PM

There is a vet in N. GA that does wildlife dental work. If you want, send me a PM and I'll give you her number.

Sissy

04-28-2008, 09:07 PM

Smoknbunny you have done an absolutely fantastic job with Ginger! God bless her and you! She looks wonderful.

Sarabi

04-30-2008, 07:23 AM

OMG You deserve a standing Ovation. Ginger looks so good! You have done a wonderful Job with her:grouphug

FallensMommie

04-30-2008, 10:01 AM

She's come a long way! Great job!!
She looks sooooooooo much better! :D

Buddy'sMom

05-11-2008, 07:34 PM

How's Ginger doing?? :dono :dono

smoknbunny

05-11-2008, 08:11 PM

Hi! Thanks for checking in! - I've been running around a lot this weekend and now I'm getting caught up on all that I missed.
No new pictures of Ginger - I've been waiting for a nice day to take her outside where I can get a good picture. She's hard to get a good look at since she's very shy but her fur seems to be growing back and she seems to be out of the woods with the burns. She is moving more easily and was even burying nuts the other day in her blankets. Still usure of the vision in her eye but I keep trying to test her when I catch her up and about.
Looks like her tail has stabilized and it seems to be growing new hair too. The end looks a little like a club and I'm curious to see if hair will grow all the way to the end and cover the stump.
As soon as possible I'll get a picture of her!

Abacat

05-13-2008, 03:23 PM

:wave123 Ginger! :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
:hyper waiting patiently for the pics... :poke

susanw

05-13-2008, 05:28 PM

Where is that little angel? :Love_Icon

smoknbunny

05-21-2008, 11:32 AM

Hi all - sorry for the lack of updates. Ginger seems well but is quite timid. She hides alot so it is hard to get a photo. I got one this morning, not the greatest, but you can see her face. I want to get a better one of her whole body so you can see the hair growing back, Her tail still looks like a bottlebrush but the rest of her looks pretty good, considering. You can tell though that she is missing part of her left ear but i think with a little more hair, it will just fill in a bit and probably give her character. Her left eye doesn't look so great in the picture but it is still open and she may have at least a little vision in it. Still need to test her - if I can catch her while she is out of her nest!