Found baby squirrel w/2 broken legs and cut eye

[AutumnFair2121]

Hi, I just found a baby squirrel from our cat.
It's a male squirrel, around five to six weeks old (fully furred, eyes open, bushy tail, etc.)
The thing is I think he has two broken legs. He pulled himself into the bushes before I picked him up, but he was only using his two front legs and his two back legs were dragging behind him.
Also, his right eye (when looking straight at his face) looks like it got cut. There's a small hole near the inner corner and it looks like there's blood in the eye.
I don't see any blood anywhere else, so I don't think the cat bite him. He was probably just pawing with him first.
Anyway, what do I need to do for his legs and eye?
I already know how feed squirrels and such (rescued one squirrel after hurrican Ike), so I just need to know what to do under these circumstances.

Thanks.

[Buddy'sMom]

First, keep him warm and quiet, in a box with tshirts, fleece or something like that (not towels) and with a heating pad on low under half. If you don't have a heating pad, a rice buddy (fill a sock 2/3 with rice, beans or lentils, knot the end and microwave till very warm but not tooo hot).

I know you said you have experience from Ike ( and for whatever rescues you cared for!), but since you didn't mention whether you got the info HERE, pls bear with us if we repeat what you already know. This thread gives you all the basics you need: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=11782

He may be dehydrated and (once warmed up!) should be given Pedialyte or homemade hydration fluid (recipe is in the thread I linked for you).

As to his injuries -- he should be seen by a rehabber or vet. Cat saliva can be deadly to a squirrel, so even if you don't see evidence of a cat bite, it would be best for him to get antibiotic to be safe. In addition, he may benefit from antiinflammatory meds and/or pain meds. Do you need a rehabber contact? I can find some local (Houston) contact numbers for you. Also, we have an excellent rehabber further east (north of Beaumont), in case you can't find someone closer.

[Buddy'sMom]

Great minds think alike, digi!

AutumnFair, here is contact information for two centers in Houston. I know that both took MANY hurricane rescues -- hopefully their busy-ness level has dropped and they could care for an injured baby. Or perhaps assist you in getting care and helping you take care of this baby (if you are willing and able).

The Wildlife Rehab and Education Center is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will take any native injured and orphaned wildlife. The WR&E Center is located at 7007 Katy Road, near the Houston SPCA. The phone number is 713-861-9453. For more information or to schedule an interview with Sharon Schmalz, call 713-.869-7722, Ext. 138, or 832.473.5647.

Houston SPCA, at 900 Portway Drive. http://www.houstonspca.org/ The Houston SPCA's Animal Response Disaster Hotline will be staffed from 10 am to 6 pm daily to field lost and found reports, rescue reports, and to offer animal related information. The number is 713-435-2990. The TOLL FREE number is 877-661-0161. Messages left after hours will be returned promptly the next morning.

EDIT: I see Lookmomchickens is on -- she is in your area and might be able to help you with logistics or contacts.

[lookmomchickens]

Where are you located in Tx? I myself am still unsure of the "laws" in Texas regarding these little fuzzbutts... everything I read is condraticting, but if there is anything I can do to help please let me know... I'm in Katy - West Houston - and proably have a vet out here that could help. He's treated all of my animals & livestock for years and is very good at "donating" help for educational purposes - teaching tech's and stuff. He's never turned an animal away. I've not had to take Ike there YET (hopefully never have too) but if I ever do he'll be the first person I call...

There are a few "true" exotic vets/squirrel/small animal vets in Houston, but again I'm not sure of the laws here and if they would take them and not return them...

[lookmomchickens]

But if you are close to the SPCA or Wildlife Rehab Center, that would probably be your best bet if we can't help you find a local rehabber.

I agree that immediate attention needs to be brought to his *ouchies* before something to severe develops...

[lookmomchickens]

Is there anyway you can post a picture?

I'm sure it would be VERY helpful to gather some opinions/options for this little guys recovery!

...sorry about so many posts! I'm a blondie so my thoughts tends to come in spurts!

[digiandchipper]

Try to find a container that he cannot get out of but can get enough air. Put him in a quiet, dark area of the house. If you have a heating pad, put that under 1/2 the container (so he can move if he gets too hot).

A rehabber should be on soon - they monitor the thread - to tell you what to do next. If it is a while longer before they post, do you have any pedialyte and small syringe you could use to rehydrate if necessary?

Also, cat saliva is POISON to a squirrel - do you think any got in the eye cut? I'm sorry I don't know the laws in your state, but if necessary would a vet visit be possible as he will probably need antibiotics.

Thanks for saving the little one and, again, a rehabber should be posting soon so sit tight and keep checking the thread!!

[digiandchipper]

OOps, sorry for the post repeating what you said, BM, you're quick on the draw!