Breaking My Heart

[Frickster]

hi all! not sure which section this should be posted in as i am not sure the severity. for those that have read about frick's apparent bite in my other posts...i was finally able to get a good picture of it now that all the swelling has gone down. it doesn't appear to hurt HIM but it's breaking MY heart. i can't imagine what could have gotten him and want to make sure there's nothing else i need to do. ANYONE who's got any suggestions or information PLEASE let me know. does it look recognizable to anybody? this little guy is so precious to me!!!

[island rehabber]

Frickster I'm not sure what started that nasty spot on your little guy but it still looks angry. It doesn't really look infected to me, though - unless you can see any type of pus or oozing that doesn't show in the picture. So, I would just make sure it stays clean, and that all formula and/or food is wiped off the area completely so you don't encourage infection. I would not put anything on it if the swelling is going down and you don't see green or yellow coming from it....just my personal opinion.

[Frickster]

It started as what I thought was a bite from his encounter with the not so nice squirrel last weekend. There hasn't been any puss or ooze. I don't know if he's scratching it but I had put first aid ointment and more recently cocoa butter to help with the dryness and the healing process. In the beginning he was very feisty about anything on it, but now that it's not so raw he seems to accept it well. I just don't know. Does it look like a bite to you?

[island rehabber]

It looks like a squirrel bite to me, not a bug bite. It's rectangular! More like a tooth made it, not a stinger. Others with more experience in this type of injury will hopefully chime in.....I haven't seen anything like that before.

[smoknbunny]

I'm far from an expert but it looks like a bite to me too. THe square shape makes me think another squirrel did it (which is better than a cat) and the little mark above also makes it look like a squirrel bite. It looks as if it is healing. Is it possible to get another photo from a lower angle looking up? I'd like to see the underside of the sore.

[Frickster]

Well I know there was a squirrel that definitely scared him back down a tree after a lunge at him. I believe this had happened a bit prior to that because he was already quite swollen and I got him immediately after what I had seen. Would a squirrel bite cause him to swell up like he did? I haven't let him out since we retrieved him due to his leg AND not wanting to risk anything irritating this wound. I don't know how all of you guys do this on a daily basis! I'm going to have ulcers by next month and I've only got this one baby. Judging by your name....are you a professional rehabber?

[FallensMommie]

That looks like a really nasty boo boo....poor fella. I would have taken to vet and had a e-collar put on to prevent scratching which could lead to infection. As it heals he may tend to scratch it more do to it itching and make it raw or break new healing skin. Your obviously keeping your eye on it so good look with him.

So sorry he has to go through this, not sure what could have gotten him, maybe a cat, or jabbed him self with a branch that might have been broken off with sharp edge or even a predatory bird....just don't know.

[Pam]

Here's the picture resized.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o127/pampray/DSC04958.jpg

[Frickster]

If you guys think it's healing...that definitely makes me feel better. What do you mean by the underside? The bottom red part is the lower sore...the little dot up top was the upper? Or do you mean underneat that little tuft of hair?

[FallensMommie]

Well I know there was a squirrel that definitely scared him back down a tree after a lunge at him. I believe this had happened a bit prior to that because he was already quite swollen and I got him immediately after what I had seen. Would a squirrel bite cause him to swell up like he did? I haven't let him out since we retrieved him due to his leg AND not wanting to risk anything irritating this wound. I don't know how all of you guys do this on a daily basis! I'm going to have ulcers by next month and I've only got this one baby. Judging by your name....are you a professional rehabber?


Yes it would have swelled up do to the trauma of the tissue even without infection it will swell.

[smoknbunny]

behind that hair on the underside of the big sore - I'm seeing a grey tinge and I don't know if it is the light or the actual color of his skin.

[Sammy in Canada]

I hope he heals just fine :Love_Icon

[Frickster]

I would LOVE to know a vet would see him, but I'm in VA and the ones I've called or stopped in at all said no. The afternoon I found him and Frack I went to one but they said there was nothing they could do. Here I am 3 months later and still haven't found one. I don't have any pets so unfortunately I don't have a regular vet

[Frickster]

I will try to get another photo...there were no lights on so I don't know if it's a shadow or not. He was not wanting to sit still...it's a little rainy here and he was ready to nap. I will try again though in a bit...give him a little more snuggle bunny time. :) Unless you think it's an ASAP situation!

[Frickster]

I figured so...I just thank you SO much for taking the time to assist everyone else. The rehab places I talked to wouldn't do anything except tell me where to bring them if I wanted to get rid of them. He's a tough little cookie and if possible, I'd like to keep him in the yard and trees he's growing up in.

[FallensMommie]

I figured so...I just thank you SO much for taking the time to assist everyone else. The rehab places I talked to wouldn't do anything except tell me where to bring them if I wanted to get rid of them. He's a tough little cookie and if possible, I'd like to keep him in the yard and trees he's growing up in.


Yes totally agree...I would not handle him over to nobody. Your home is all he knows and he has established himself with you and the outside. Can you do a local internet search for wildlife vet. I only found 2 vets in my area that listed wildlife. Then the others were out of my area. The other thing you can do is call a local rehabber and see who they use for their vet. :thumbsup

[Apple Corps]

IR / Mars / et al. - any chance that it could be a spider bite? I've been nailed more times then I want to count by some mean spiders and a patch of central necrosis with loss of skin coloring surrounding is very common.

Can you see inside the mouth for any injury there?

:dono :dono :dono :dono :dono

[Maxy]

it almost looks as though the tissue is necrotic. Is there any chance he was bit bite a spider? Im not sure if squirrels are vulnerable to spider bites such as hobo spiders or brown recluse's.. but, it might be worth looking into. Poor little baby! Give him a hug for me and a kiss. He's a little cutie.

[Frickster]

I don't know if a spider got him...here are the only 2 I could get though of the under side a little better....he's feeling frisky...

[Apple Corps]

You guys are good with the camera :D :D I'm going to forward the pics to several vets and get their opinion - not as good as an exam but some extra eyes on the issue.

LUV those fuzzer TEETH :jump :jump :jump

I'll also call a few local vets for you on Monday and get their two cents and willingness to see him.

[smoknbunny]

It really looks to me like it is a squirrel bite. I would think a spider bite would look redder and more swollen. Depends on the spider though. If it is the type that makes the skin necrotic, it would not be healing quickly and this seems to be healing. It looks pretty clean to me, a little puffy but the edges seem to be drawing in and the scab looks clean. And no discharge.
Keep an eye on it though. If you can, get a picture later today and then maybe tomorrow. Just to see the progress.
Good photos! Not easy to photograph a wiggly squirrel:D
Also, since he is frisky, that seems a good sign to me.

[Apple Corps]

I agree - the spider bite is a long shot guess - the hair loss pattern is odd given the lack of bruising.

[Frickster]

odd in general or odd for a spider bite? he's definitely wiggly...but he doesn't "yell" at us often so we know he's not feeling too trapped. :) totally off topic....when he first wakes up for the first couple minutes he's always done this weird little twitching thing. it doesn't last...it almost looks like hiccups, but no noise. anyone else experienced this with their angels? i appreciate everyone's help on the vets. i haven't had a pet since i was little so my vet experience has never been much.

[Frickster]

forgot to add...i looked at the vet list sent. i can get to most of them but none of them say squirrels and i think the animals they list are exotic, but not illegal like squirrels. :(

[Pam]

call the vets that have prairie dogs listed...they might see a squirrel.

[4skwerlz]

My 2 cents is, the wound looks like a deep puncture that was infected but is now healing. The edges of the wound look pink and healthy, and as Smoknbunny said, they look like they are closing up. The fact that the CENTER of the wound not only isn't injured but still has fur is odd; maybe the squirrel's upper and lower incisors punctured deep and met inside poor Frick's flesh, then pulled out. Probably more damage inside than is apparent outwardly. Just the sort of wound you'd expect to abscess.

Necrotic tissue usually turns dark red, then purple, etc., and the wound would be getting larger.

I think the wound looks good right now.

[Frickster]

it's hard to tell if it's gotten bigger because it was SO swollen for the first few days. i thought the little upper dot was the only thing. it looked like he just had a pink line because his skin was so tight. i had a photo of it posted on my other thread about his leg and face....

does it have to look worse before it gets better?

[4skwerlz]

With an abscess, they often look worse before they get better; infection destroys tissue, and most of the damage was probably deep inside. The fact that the swelling has gone down tells you the infection is better. And the healthy pink edges look good. However, an abscess must heal from the inside out. You don't want a hard scab to form. I would put a dab of something on it a few times a day so the open wound stays soft and can continue to drain. I like Bach's Rescue Remedy Cream as it seems to have almost magical healing properties and soothes pain (I know; I've used on myself). It also won't hurt Frick if he ingests it. But Neosporin or something similar will do.

Watch for pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the wound area.

[smoknbunny]

Watch for pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the wound area.
As well as those things keep an eye on his attitude - frisky is good but if he gets lethargic that's not good. Make sure he keeps eating. As 4S said, swelling and I'd add since it is so close to his mouth, watch for any drooling or odd mouth movements which could mean swelling towards the inside.
To me it looks as if he is healing pretty well and I'm sure he'll be fine. Squirrels have an amazing capacity to heal.:)

[Frickster]

i have opened his mouth as much as i can on and off and all i see is his little pink tongue and his teeth - no apparent wounds...i can look again later. his lethargy is on and off. when it rains he sleeps more and depending on how much he's running around. he goes from all over the place to being a lazy little bum. but a cute lazy little bum. i had been using cocoa butter to keep it from getting dry and itchy. my mom didn't think that would hurt him if he ate it and it should help with the scarring. i was definitely scared but you have all put me a little more at ease. while i'm thinking about it...have any of you guys ever used an outdoor release cage?

[TexanSquirrel]

Poor fuzzer! I can understand why you're freaked! But the good news is squirrels are tough little critters and he's got a momma that's there to take care of him. :alright.gif Heal up quick little guy!

[Frickster]

he is a poor little guy...but hopefully it looks worse than it is. i had posted a pic when it first happened in my "frick's puffy" thread. i don't know how to move it into a new thread...but i didn't think it looked that bad then...

[smoknbunny]

If you want to see a squirrel's capacity to heal, visit Ginger's thread - she was burned in a woodstove and is almost completely healed (except for the sight in one eye). But not if you are squeamish. She's in the infirmary along with some others who have been through some real ordeals. They are seriously tough little critters:) The stories of wounded squirrels are pretty tough reading sometimes but inspirational nonetheless.
Frick is luck to have someone to care for him like you do. You may not know everything but you know enough to ask questions.:thumbsup

[Frickster]

I read Ginger...broke my heart. It took a while to get through as I had to keep waiting for my eyes to dry. I have read some different stories today and just keep having mini breakdowns. The stories on here are truly heart wrenching. The jerk that shot that squirrel (today I guess) made me sick. Someone should show him how it feels....

[smoknbunny]

I read Ginger...broke my heart. It took a while to get through as I had to keep waiting for my eyes to dry. I have read some different stories today and just keep having mini breakdowns. The stories on here are truly heart wrenching. The jerk that shot that squirrel (today I guess) made me sick. Someone should show him how it feels....
Some people are evil. Every time another person signs on here it gives me hope though that squirrels are cared for and loved - indoors and outdoors. Ginger was lucky. The person who lit the woodstove pulled her out ASAP and called someone who knew someone who could help. JUst like Frick is lucky.
Just think how lucky we are to have these little critters in our lives. How many unfortunate people never get to meet a squirrel let alone be part of one's life:D

[Frickster]

One of you suggested taking a picture today to see how it looked now. He's all over the place today so I couldn't get as good of a picture. Here are two though that will hopefully get the idea across....any opinions?

[Frickster]

YAY!!! I got the pictures the right size! :D

[Apple Corps]

Frickster - I just emailed a pic to a vet that has helped us in the past. Would you please give me an update on his condition as of this afternoon?

Thanks

[4skwerlz]

Looks about the same to me, but it's a little out of focus. Can you get closer? I wouldn't expect a big change on this type of wound in one day. An abscess tends to heal slowly.

[TexanSquirrel]

Taking a daily picture will certainly help you track the wound's progress.:thumbsup

[FallensMommie]

Awww...just stopping in to check on Frickster and see how he is doing!
Keeping you both in prayers, you both have been through alot :grouphug

[Apple Corps]

Frickster - congratulations on re-sizing the photos :wott :wott :wott

Oddly enough - the photo I emailed was one of your big ones - it had so much detail in it for the vet to look at.

[Frickster]

He has TONS of energy! Right now he's running around all over the place (in the house of course). That's a good thing, right? He's so funny when he acts like things are chasing him that aren't moving.

[Apple Corps]

Energy is almost always a good thing :D :D

I'll follow up with the vet tomorrow and get his thinking on the wound.

When you feel in injured area:

Cooler, warmer or the same temperature as the surrounding area?

Is the injured area lumpy, hard, or normal, pliable flesh?

Any seepage yet?

When was he injured?

Does the area appear to hurt him when you push on it a bit?

Tell me all you can today so I can cover it with the vet when we connect.

[Frickster]

I believe he was injured last Sunday. I am attaching another pic that might be a little better but not sure. I think it's all I'll get as he is NOT sitting still today. He is somersaulting and flipping and hopping himself EVERYWHERE. He keeps jumping up in the air and almost clicking his feet together like he's Fred Astaire. At first, the wound seemed sensitive as he would squeak and squirm a lot. Then it started to be he'd let me put the ointment or whatever on it without a lot of fuss. The little tuft of hair seems hard but the skin around it feels smooth and just like bare skin. He doesn't really appear to mess with it from what I've seen...he'll wipe his face off after he eats or drinks but I haven't seen him picking at it or appear to be scratching it. I've tried to keep cocoa butter on so it doesn't get itchy. There has not been any moisture that appears to be coming from it. I'm convinced the little nut is going certifiably insane with all his hop skip and a jumping. :multi He drank two of his tubes of formula and I guess got a energy boost off it. He appears to be peeing and pooping fine. It was yellow this morning and clear this afternoon. He's definitely still spunky so I'm hoping it's just a matter of his wound healing. It looks more scabby now...is that good? I, again, just want to say how much I appreciate all your help...especially with looking into vets. Have you come across any that are near here that accept squirrels? Again...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You are truly a kind soul!

[Frickster]

forgot to add...it doesn't feel colder or warmer to me...just the same.

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

You know what else you can do..is break open a vitamin E gel capsule..and dab it on the open sore...E is a great healing agent!:alright.gif :alright.gif
I used this on Bean..so Im not recommending you to do anything I haven't done on my baby..He is now a year old..
Rachel n Bean:wave123

[Frickster]

thanks...i'll see if we have any. the only thing he's doing that is different is how much he's peeing. is it bad if he's doing it more than he usually does?

[Apple Corps]

Frickster - you are welcome. Fluffytailnut has a good suggestion - vitamin E is a good thing to dab on the area.

I've spoken with about 3 vet hospitals and one rehabber (from hell) - no takers yet. The info you gave me is good news - I'll send this photo along to the vet this evening as well.

I'll keep you posted.

[Frickster]

thanks! are you just trying the f'burg area or other areas as well. i can absolutely drive if he needs to be seen.

[Apple Corps]

I've gone broader then your area - running in to brick walls.

The good news is that Frick looks to be on the mend.

[Frickster]

what do they say? i'm also close to some parts of maryland. i guess i'm just worried about the what if.:dono

[Apple Corps]

They are saying they will not see wildlife - period. I've had very good luck but have run into a snag in your area. I'll keep working the issue though.

[Frickster]

thank you so much!! everyone has said you're the best so i have faith if there's one to be found...you'll find it. i just went to give him another tube of his formula. his face looked like it might have been a little moist, but i couldn't tell for sure. to make it more difficult...he was a little awake but i hadn't been up there in a couple hours and he might have just finished drinking - causing the moisture. it also could have been moist from the cocoa butter i put on him earlier. i applied some more - should i worry?

[Apple Corps]

Not from what you have described. The problem is trying to do a Dx and Rx on the internet has risks. I will be contacting a vet in Maryland in the morning.

On one hand, Frick's bite looks to be healthy and healing and he appears to be healthy otherwise. On the other hand - it was a big chomp with a lot of air loss - we'd all feel better if a vet sees him.

Good Night from California :-)

[Sciurus1]

Just a small note, if you use Neosporin, do NOT use the version with pain medication it, that one is not good to use on a squirrel.

[Apple Corps]

My post #59 was supposed to be "hair" loss - off to bed..... :shakehead :shakehead

[Jackie in Tampa]

Spider Bite...seen this before..I treated with baytril. 4 days...have had cmputer problems, so don't know story, sure does look like a bite, poor lil fuzzer. Good luck...

[Frickster]

They were thinking squirrel bite. I know another squirrel lunged at him and his swelling and all has gone down. Do you still think spider? It's been a week and a couple days.

[Frickster]

here are today's pics....he's starting to HATE the camera. do you guys still think it looks like it's healing? sorry for the abundance, but wanted to give the best chance for a good view....

[4skwerlz]

Looking okay IMO. I wouldn't be surprised if that center part dies and falls off too. It's very common for abscesses to begin to heal, and then develop another buildup of pus inside. You'll see new swelling if this happens. Unfortunately this requires it to be lanced and drained, so keep looking for a vet unless you're prepared to do surgery yourself. Hate to be a bummer here..... Is there any way you could apply a warm wet cloth to the wound? That will keep it soft and help bring the pus to the surface. Hoping all continues to go well. :grouphug

What's the red thing in his nose?

[Frickster]

i haven't seen any puss yet...will it definitely happen? i don't think there's anything in his nose....just the flash making it look very pink!

[4skwerlz]

i haven't seen any puss yet...will it definitely happen? i don't think there's anything in his nose....just the flash making it look very pink!

Nothing's ever definite....it's just common. The best way to prevent it is to try to put warm wet compresses on it as much as you can. There is almost certainly still some puss and dead matter in there, and it needs to come out.

[Frickster]

there have not been any vets found yet...do i need to give him up for him to be ok? i can try the warm compresses but you're saying it needs to come out and when it does he needs to be treated by someone else, right?

[4skwerlz]

there have not been any vets found yet...do i need to give him up for him to be ok? i can try the warm compresses but you're saying it needs to come out and when it does he needs to be treated by someone else, right?

Oh no, I wouldn't give him up. Right now he's healing fine. I just wanted you to know what MIGHT happen. If you start to see the area swelling up again, then we can figure out what to do. Luckily it isn't really a puncture wound, which tend to close up too quickly and then they can't drain. The warm compresses will help it continue to drain, and prevent a buildup of pus. Think positive! :thumbsup

[Frickster]

where do you think the puss will come from? the scab around his little white patch of fur?

[Apple Corps]

Frickster - a couple more strike outs with vets in Maryland this time.

One more number to check out in the morning - then we just do things ourselves.

The good news is that Frick is looking good - warm compresses and continue the cocoa butter - should do fine :-)

[TexanSquirrel]

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts...and hopefully you'll find someone to have on hand just in case!:thumbsup

[Frickster]

i'm just such a worrier and i don't see any difference in any of the pictures. what did the vet say that you e-mailed the pictures to?

[Apple Corps]

He said nothing of value - it could be - and he mentioned 6 things...

So - love Frick - we are here to help as best we can - and try to reduce your worry factor.

Lets give it a day or so and get back on with the nest box (pictures ?) and outdoor cage :jump

[Frickster]

Alrighty...but if it looks at all life threatening....to the point where he needs to go to a rehabber in order to live PLEASE tell me. His life is more important than me being happy. On the upside...I haven't noticed him limping at all. He ran up and down the stairs today, even fell off the landing but landed on all fours. Just looked at me and kept going. He's the most curious little fellow I've ever seen. Should I try any of the vet numbers on that list that was linked or did you hit all of them already? We looked today at supplies for cages. We have a spot in the yard where we can build it around a big tree trunk and a small tree and then put his nest box above the cage when it's time to move it. It's a little further away from where the not so nice squirrel was so I'm hoping he'll stay nested there. There's another small squirrel a couple trees over so it seems to be a safer place for the younger babies. The nest box is almost complete. He's also eating more fruit. He seems to favor grapes, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and a few bites of pineapple occassionally. Still enjoys his granola and formula too. Still working on the veggies.

[smoknbunny]

Hey Frickster - It looks like you are doing great monitoring and treating Frick's wound. I know it is really scary but as long as you keep an eye on it and monitor any changes, plus manage to find a friendly vet:) you and Frick will do great. One of my squirrels got picked on by her siblings and got a 1 1/2" X 3/4" wound on her back that looked like hamburger. She was not handeable so I isolated her and made sure she ate well and she healed PERFECTLY on her own.
I hope you manage to find a vet but in the meantime you're doing great:thumbsup

[Frickster]

Applecorps has tried in VA AND MD and nobody is willing. I don't mind driving him wherever or paying more for them to see him...I just need someone to say yes. I looked at pictures of his wound in the beginning and now and it doesn't even look the same to me. I have NO IDEA what's going on with it. :(

Enough about me though...I can't even tell you how much you blow me away. I was reading about 2 of your squirrels last night and I COULD NOT stop crying. It takes a super special person to take on all that you have and I am just blown away. You and those little bundles of joy are in my prayers....how are they doing? The two I read about were burned and then protruding bones...Ginger and Nicky? Is that right?

[tatcat]

Applecorps has tried in VA AND MD and nobody is willing. I don't mind driving him wherever or paying more for them to see him...I just need someone to say yes. I looked at pictures of his wound in the beginning and now and it doesn't even look the same to me. I have NO IDEA what's going on with it. :(

Enough about me though...I can't even tell you how much you blow me away. I was reading about 2 of your squirrels last night and I COULD NOT stop crying. It takes a super special person to take on all that you have and I am just blown away. You and those little bundles of joy are in my prayers....how are they doing? The two I read about were burned and then protruding bones...Ginger and Nicky? Is that right?


:wave123 darlin isnt it great we live in such an awesome world here...:wahoo

[SkwerlGirl]

Frickster I don't know how close you are to Eastern NC but if I can help, please let me know. it' possible that a vet here will help, they've done it before!! I do know of a vet hospital in the central part of the state that will help, and they've done it before too. email me at mcj0801@ecu.edu if I can help.

[4skwerlz]

Frickster, How about a new pic of the wound? The last one I saw looked good, but an update would be nice.

[SkwerlGirl]

On such a wound, is hydrogen peroxide a BIG no no to kill the germs???:dono

[Apple Corps]

Frickster - photos please - you take nice pictures and they really help us see what is going on.

Also - we all love updates :jump

[Frickster]

hey all! i'm so sorry i haven't updated...it's been hectic around here. i'm happy to say frick's face looks GREAT! the little scab and patch of hair fell off and it's barely there now...just a smooth spot where the hair is coming back. i'll try to get a picture up for you guys! the only thing i'm worried about is his little leg. it was almost better and then he seems to have twisted it a little. he can stand on it and put weight on it...he can stand up all the way and he can sit up. he can scratch with it. he's got a limp and he's careful with it when he jumps or hops or runs or even just gets down from something. should i wrap it or just let it be until it's good. he can jump short distances, but he sometimes misjudges so i'm trying to watch him like a hawk. :) sweet baby! he is still a little irritated by his diet change but he's at least eating the fruits and veggies. he's not a big fan of the lettuces so what else can i give him for the calcium intake - he DOES still take his formula like a good baby. :) alrighty....thank you all again and i'm ready for your thoughts. oh...his release cage is being built also. my dad is hard at work! :)

[Jackie in Tampa]

Yeah:alright.gif sounds good. I don't know about the leg, without being there...my guess is don't let him over do it! Moderation!:thumbsup
ROMAINE is a hit at my house, I've never had anyone turn down fresh wet cold Redleaf either...Mine hate kale and that is so good for them. Picky monsters:nono
Thanks for the update. Glad the face is better too!:)
:wave123

[FallensMommie]

I'm not sure on the leg either. When Fallen broke his he wouldn't use it for anything, and kept it tuck to his chest.

Fallen will eat Romaine too and a little spinach but hates collards, kale and turnip greens...won't go near them :(

Formula feeding is still good...can't go wrong there...just continue to give until he weans himself. I give Fallen formula in his PB Balls I make, but since his accident he will drink down some formula now....which is fine with me as it gets some good nutrition in him. I supplement Fallen's diet with calcium in his PB Ball.s 4S has a Squirrel Block recipe on here with calcium supplement you can try that to see if Frickster will eat...Fallen won't so I stuck to the PB Balls for now. I'm going to make 4S Squirrel Blocks again and stick them in Fallen's cage so maybe he'll eat some while confined and can have food in his cage again now that his cast is off!

[4skwerlz]

Great news on the wound. Would love to see a pic so we can see how it healed. As for the leg, Frick probably just strained it. With a break, they usually won't use it below the break.

Make sure Frick is eating rodent block--veggies aren't enough to give him the nutrition he needs.

[FallensMommie]

I wouldn't let Frick out to run and climb. I would keep him in a low cage until the leg is completely healed, or he is going to keep re-injuring it, and will never be able to be released. You'll have to keep a very close eye on his leg, and if it never heals to where he can run and climb like a pro, he may never be able to be released. We may be able to find someone to take him, and give him a wonderful life, if that should happen.


Yes Gamma is right...needs to be confined until his leg heals.
Even with Fallen's cast off and the leg has a good callous around his breaks, the vet ordered two more weeks of cage confinement for more healing and not reinjuring it.
Good Post Gamma!

[Frickster]

his playing is limited to the house....i didn't mean outside running and climbing. he's not supposed to stay in his cage the WHOLE time is he? he'll go crazy! i can put him outside in his cage...i just thought that would make it worse as he'd probably bounce all over the cage. you don't think? i'm hoping it's just a strain. i mean he definitely holds it stiffer than his other one...but he will stand on it like i said. and he'll let me work it out (like bicycle motions or just stretching it gently and massaging it without giving me a problem or acting like it hurts. good sign, yes? if he can't be released would he just spend his days in his big outdoor house where he could play and be outside and then be brought in at night? i tried the red leaf lettuce....he just rips it up and drops it. goofy little thing. he does like the rodent blocks though. LOVES sweet potato, seems ok with squash and green beans. yesterday he tried snap peas and LOVED them. i saw corn wasn't ok...what does it do? does that include those little baby corn things that are on salad bars? alrighty....i will try to get some pics of him tomorrow?

[Apple Corps]

Puleeeeeeze - a new picture if this lil cutie :jump

[4skwerlz]

his playing is limited to the house....i didn't mean outside running and climbing. he's not supposed to stay in his cage the WHOLE time is he? he'll go crazy! i can put him outside in his cage...i just thought that would make it worse as he'd probably bounce all over the cage. you don't think? i'm hoping it's just a strain. i mean he definitely holds it stiffer than his other one...but he will stand on it like i said. and he'll let me work it out (like bicycle motions or just stretching it gently and massaging it without giving me a problem or acting like it hurts. good sign, yes? if he can't be released would he just spend his days in his big outdoor house where he could play and be outside and then be brought in at night? i tried the red leaf lettuce....he just rips it up and drops it. goofy little thing. he does like the rodent blocks though. LOVES sweet potato, seems ok with squash and green beans. yesterday he tried snap peas and LOVED them. i saw corn wasn't ok...what does it do? does that include those little baby corn things that are on salad bars? alrighty....i will try to get some pics of him tomorrow?

Sounds like his leg injury is minor. That's great he likes rodent block; make sure he gets plenty of that. A little corn is okay as a treat. They do love it. Try some avocado; they love that too and it's healthier than corn. Sounds like he's eating very well. Good job.:thumbsup

[Sciurus1]

Just a note for clarification about Avocado. Do not feed with skin on, nor offer pit. Small amount, and only once a week, it is very fattening.