Metabolic
Bone Disease
Metabolic bone
disease is a
severe calcium
deficiency. It
not only strikes
squirrels but
many other
animals such as
reptiles. Symptoms can
include:
Metabolic Bone
Disease is
easily prevented.
Here is how:
All captive
squirrels need
sunshine. If
direct sunlight
is not available
full spectrum lights
can be bought at
pet shops,
especially ones
that deal in
reptiles. Make
sure that the
sales person is
knowledgeable
about reptiles.
They will be
more likely to
guide you to the
proper light.
Feed the
squirrel a wide
variety of green
leafy
vegetables.
These contain
calcium.
Calcium
supplements can
also be used. If
the squirrel is
still on formula
they will not
need a
supplement. the
formula contains
calcium. Prime
is a
popular brand
with squirrel
rehabbers. It is
a calcium
supplement for
birds and can be
found in pet
stores. A
calcium liquid
can also be
used. This can
be added in the
water bottle.
This can be
bought in a drug
store. Do make
sure that the
liquid calcium
only has calcium
in it, no other
vitamins.
MBD is very
painful and very
deadly. This one
should not be
taken lightly.
the quicker the
treatment the
better the
chances of
recovery. some
of the paralysis
and any
deformities
cannot be
reversed. It can
however be
stopped in its
tracks therefore
quick treatment
is very
important. treatment
consists of:
Calcium
supplements
Give the
squirrel a
heating pad
under half of
the cage
(therefore if it
gets too warm it
can get off of
it). The heat
will help soothe
the aching
bones.
change in diet.
Make sure that
the diet is in a
wide variety of
vegetables,
fruits and nuts.
Keep them in a
small cage until
the pain is
gone. this way
the little guy
won't have to
move far to get
his food or
water.
Visit The
Squirrel Board
for more
interactive
information.
