Sick Squirrel

[Nutters_mom]

Hello, I just found this board today, and am so glad I did!! I just wish I would have found it sooner.

My problem is, I have a 5 year old squirrel named Nutters, this morning when I went to feed him he was lying on his nesting box almost lifeless. His eyes are crusty. I can get him to drink water, but he won't get up and move. He has never been sick and always healthy. The only thing that has changed in his diet was that I gave him some acorns, but I have done that every fall with him. If any one has any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks

[island rehabber]

nutters mom, welcome to The Squirrel Board although I'm sorry it's under these circumstances. Tell me what your squirrel's diet is like, other than the acorns -- what does he eat on a daily basis?

[Nutters_mom]

He eats monkey bisquits, unsalted peanuts, fruits and veggies, spinach greens, I try to keep a balanced diet for him.

[4skwerlz]

He eats monkey bisquits, unsalted peanuts, fruits and veggies, spinach greens, I try to keep a balanced diet for him.

I'm so sorry your baby is sick; you must be terrified.

Can you be more specific about Nutter's diet? How many monkey biscuits per day, how many peanuts, etc? Is spinach a daily item? Also, what other foods does he eat?

Have there been any changes to his environment? Has he been outside? Any chemical treatments for pests, etc., in or around your house?

Also, have there been any other symptoms, even mild ones, before this? Gradual loss of appetite or seeming to sleep more?

Do you have any way of taking Nutter's temperature? A rectal thermometer will work if he will let you do that, but a digital ear thermometer is of course a lot easier. This would help rule out infection.

[Kat762]

Welcome, NM, and I'm sorry Nutters is ill.Do you check his teeth to make sure they are okay ? Indoor squirrels have a lot of dental issues with maloclusion and overgrown teeth.

I couldn't find a photo right away of a normal squirrel's mouth,but the top2 front teeth should be straight and rather short.The bottom 2 front teeth should be straight and longer to meet up with the top teeth, and they should be an orangy color.

Hopefully someone can post a pic of normal teeth.Dental issues can cause nasal and eye symptoms including weepy and crusty eye as well as inability to eat. Please look in Nutter's mouth and make sure his teeth are not overgrown.

to Nutter

Kat, owned by Andi

[4skwerlz]

Normal teeth:


Normal teeth in a young squirrel:

[BHO]

welcome.

did this just happened overnight??? with the crusty eyes?? Hard to know from your description. Is it conjunctivitis??? can you take him to a vet if you arein a squirrel friendly state. Can you post pics of his eyes?? GB

[Nutters_mom]

Yes this happened over night, he was fine yesterday. Here are a couple pictures, not sure if you will be able to tell anything from them. I don't want to distrub him to much. We also don't have a vet in this area that will treat squirrel's. Thanks