11 Year of Gray Squirrel

[Chiquita's Sister]

I was not able to find my original thread on Chiquita. Chiquita is now 11 years old and has been told he has arthritis (in my original thread a few months ago we could not figure out what was wrong - thinking MBD as he was losing the "muscle" in his legs....he has been on the diet that everyone recommended as well as the spectrum light). We took him to several vets that just scratched their heads. We got him to someone in Atlanta that said his bones were brittle and it may be arthritis but not sure. The diagnose was Chiquita would gradually get worse and not be able to use his legs. We were given a steroid to take (Prednisolone).

Chiquita has gradually shown a little improvement; his appetite improving, his ability to run around, his desire to hang out on my mom's shoulder! However, we allowed him a few days ago to climb in a small tree and he fell; resulting in not able to move his legs at all. He was taken to a vet that we found and liked and told to keep still and calm. He went back to the vet yesterday and had xrays. Nothing was broken, thank goodness but the xrays showed arthritis (the vet mentioned a specific form of arthritis which we will try to get and I will share the name).

Has anyone experienced arthritis in squirrels?

Also, Chiquita seems to constantly urinate a few drops at the time - he seems to always be wet and when we hold him, he leaves a wet area. We had to stimulate him to urinate as a baby. When we stimulate him now all we get is a drop or 2 of urine, we don't feel a bladder, where is the bladder on a male? He is eating and drinking just fine and is very alert.

Everyone has been so helpful on TSB! Hopefully we can give some help back!

Chiquita thanks all of you for your guidance and well wishes!

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[Apple Corps]

What a magnificent and experienced fuzzer he is :thumbsup :thumbsup

Let us think some about how to help him - and you.

[luvs squirrels]

Wow, 11 years old...that is fantastic. I'm sure there will be people with ideas for you. I just wanted to say hello and best wishes for that sweet boy.

:grouphug :Love_Icon

[Mars]

I sounds like the fall may have caused nerve damage causing the lose of his legs and bladder. Let me think on this one I may be able to find something Homeopathic that could help. Is he pooping normally? What color is his urine? :thinking

[Chiquita's Sister]

Poop is normal. Urine color is normal - it's just a slow drip.

[skye]

Oh my he sure is a handsome boy:thumbsup I am so sorry he is having problems with his legs I pray vet can help him. As for the urine problem didn't vet check him for that? Just a thought would be it age doing this if no infection? Maybe warm pad or hot water bottle to lay on be good for his arthritis does help for the pain. I pray all turns out well. Best wishes to you and the little guy:grouphug

[Mars]

Please describe the symptoms of his arthritis and what the doctor said was on the xrays. Did he happen to mention what "phase " or "stage" arthritis it is?

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

That's one beautiful squirrel.

I believe I've seen some homeopathic treatments advertised recently specifically for pets with arthritis, but not sure if it's suitable for squirrels. I'll also dig and see what I can find.

[Sciurus1]

Squirrels can be given a compounded version of dog Glucosomine formula. Tastes awful though. and they don't like taking it. The pee issue sounds like it may be a prostrate problem. I know saw palmetto works on this for human males, not sure if it can be used on a squirrel though. Was there a test done for his kidney function, and were there any disc issues found in the x-rays?

[Sciurus1]

It is easy to see this is a MUCH LOVED Squirrel! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Carol]

OH WOW...HAPPY BIRTHDAY indeed!! He is SOOOO cute!! I hope and pray he'll be ok....This interests me also as I have a regular backyard friend I've named "Draggie" or "Dragon Tail" because he drags his tail whenever he walks and his hind legs "look" weaker than all the other backyard friends/squirrels I see...It's so wonderful there are people who can help with all these things that can happen to these precious little guys!

[Buddy'sMom]

:wave123 Chiquita's Sister! Glad to hear that Chiquita had been improving --- but so sorry to hear about his fall and latest problems. I hope he's feeling better tonite. :Love_Icon

Did the pee problem start at the same time as his fall from the tree? Or had it been happening before that?

If it was from before the fall, then perhaps it could be an infection as mentioned -- the vet should be able to determine that.

If it started AFTER his fall, it might be a spinal injury that is causing him to have both urinary and movement problems. Here is a post in a new Emergency thread where Loopy Squirrel described how to check their bladder: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showpost.php?p=237873&postcount=4

Often after a fall resulting in paralysis, the squirrel is given dexamthasone or another steriod -- this is an anti-inflammatory and may help them recover (not always, but it may). A prescription is needed. Did the vet speak of this at all? If not, can you call and ask about it? Sometimes an injection is given, sometimes oral medication. If it is to have any chance at working, it should be given very soon, Monday perhaps, if the vet can't be reached tomorrow. (Do you still have any of the prednisolone that had been prescribed for Chiquita before?)

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Chiquita's Sister]

Chiquita seems to be doing better tonight. He is very active today and a lot more alert. We are keeping him in his small carrier to keep him from climbing. He is really clinging to my mom and really wanting to stay with her. Before, Chiquita had his certain times in the day where he would be "lovable" like he is on a schedule!!

To answer some questions, in the XRays, we could see deposits from the arthritis which is closing up the gaps in his vertebrae allowing less room for the nerves - and pinching the nerves - all in his lower back.

[Sciurus1]

Good to hear you use the OTT light, thanks for sharing that with Primo!

[Sciurus1]

Has anyone experienced arthritis in squirrels?



I do. You can contact me on my PM board.

[Apple Corps]

Those sound like two very different things. You may be dealing with spinal stenosis - not arthritis.

At 11 years of age, either is most likely normal age related disease process at work. Relieving symptoms and loving that wonderful lil guy is the Rx for sure.

In humans, spinal stenosis is treated with surgery - in squirrels..... :dono :dono

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Anybody had an experience in feeding alfalfa or yucca to squirrels? It's supposed to be good in treating arthritis, and if it's not toxic, might be worth a try.

There's also a product call Arthronat which is a homeopathic treatment for dogs and cats, but I don't know about squirrels. I haven't found anybody with any experience with it yet.

[LynninIN]

It sounds like you are describing degenerative disc disease that often accompanies osteoarthritis of the spine. Glucosamine Chondroitin really helped my sheltie that has the same problem. Her dog food manufacturer added it and I didn't even notice until she quit needing the drug prescribed by the vet. Mars can give you some homeopathic medications to try or there are some meds that Chiquita's veterinarian can Rx that will help him.

Buddy's Mom asked an important question earlier about the urine problems...... did Chiquita have any prior to the fall or did they start at the same time?

[Sciurus1]

Those sound like two very different things. You may be dealing with spinal stenosis - not arthritis.

At 11 years of age, either is most likely normal age related disease process at work. Relieving symptoms and loving that wonderful lil guy is the Rx for sure.

In humans, spinal stenosis is treated with surgery - in squirrels.....

Arthritis is a condition that effect the joints, and common in older squirrels, so even so Stenosis may be the cause of his paralysis, it is important to address what he has moving, to keep it functional and him comfortable, in that regard. Glucosamine Chondrotin is a viable option.

[Sciurus1]

I sure would like to hear more here on specific of Homeopathic remedies for arthritis in squirrels!

[Buddy'sMom]

Chiquita needs a TWO-PRONGED approach for his health issues:

1. Arthritis/stenosis - whatever can be suggested here will no doubt be greatly appreciated -- easing his arthritis will very much improve Chiquita's quality of life . :bowdown

2. Injury - The results of Chiquita's fall are in need of immediate attention -- we should not let that be lost in the arthritis discussion.

The urine leakage started at the same time as his fall and loss of use of his back legs (received a PM from C's Sister -- who also reported he is more active now :) ).

C's Mom likely will contact the vet again. I suggested that one of our rehabbers might be willing to provide information to C's Mom or to consult with the vet (if the vet needs further info and is willing to consult) about administering or prescribing an appropriate steriod to Chiquita ASAP. It may or may not help improve Chiquita's situation, but Chiquita has taken and tolerated steriods before. It seems to me that it couldn't hurt and may also help him feel better. Perhaps a rehabber with this knowledge would make an offer here or by PM to Chiquita's Sister to assist the vet or C's Mom? :bowdown

Also -- keeping Chiquita dry is an issue -- I provided some very basic advice but perhaps others can give some practical suggestions? If skin irritation develops, would silvadene be appropriate? What if he can reach it to lick?? :shakehead

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[4skwerlz]

Could this be MBD? What is Chiquita's diet?

ASG, about the alfalfa...it is believed to be unhealthy for rodents. I don't know about yucca.

[Mars]

I've added my 2 cents by PM providing homeopathic supportive care options. Hope this all helps. :thumbsup

[Sciurus1]

Injury - The results of Chiquita's fall are in need of immediate attention -- we should not let that be lost in the arthritis discussion.

The urine leakage started at the same time as his fall and loss of use of his back legs (received a PM from C's Sister -- who also reported he is more active now


Injury indeed is another matter, which I am now understanding was the cause of his paralysis, not the glacier effects of Stenosis. Steroids are the standard treatment for this. Injections of steroids can be given after oral ones, and still work. I think CS is on the right track with the Vet, and needs our members support, who had this done with their squirrels, as to what was used and how it was done. Please contact her by PM with your info!

[4skwerlz]

I have also been PMing with Chiquita's Sister, since March, when she first made her thread about Chiquita having problems. She came on thinking Chiquita had MBD, and I gave her the proper diet, and care instructions. She passed all the info on to her mom, and Chiquita was doing much better.

Thanks, I was just checking....a lot of folks feed the "Healthy Diet" minus the rodent block, and that could definitely cause MBD and other deficiencies. In an older animal, even minor deficiencies can build up over time to cause problems.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:grouphug oh sweeties...good luck:grouphug

[Chiquita's Sister]

Thank you for all your help. My mom is calling the vet tomorrow regarding Chiquita's pee problem. He continues to constantly drip. We are using our "doggie pee pads" to line his bedding to help keep him dry and changing it frequently. However he is developing a rash. We will ask the vet about the silvadene. Chiquita had a good day and is alert and eating good.:thankyou

[skye]

I am praying for your little guy hope things get better. Best wishes to you:grouphug

[Sciurus1]

Mountainmama washed her squirrel, to keep a secondary problem from happening from the urine. Perhaps you can PM her, or she you, to hear more on that from her in detail?

[Buddy'sMom]

Thank you for all your help. My mom is calling the vet tomorrow regarding Chiquita's pee problem. He continues to constantly drip. We are using our "doggie pee pads" to line his bedding to help keep him dry and changing it frequently. However he is developing a rash. We will ask the vet about the silvadene. Chiquita had a good day and is alert and eating good.:thankyou

"Alert and eating" -- good news! :thumbsup He wouldn't be showing such good signs if he was feeling bad.

Here is some additional info that I received, to pass along to you and your Mom:

For the urine irritation she could try wash with gentle soap like sensitive baby wash, dry (completely dry) then apply a barrier cream. The barrier creams are usually in the pharmacy area at stores in the home health care area. They are used for incontinent humans.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Chiquita's Sister]

Update on Chiquita: The vet says he has spondylosis of the lumbar region of the back. Chiquita's bladder was also FULL. He was able to pee alot. The vet was able to show my mom how to help Chiquita pee. We are not sure how long this will last? The vet we have been seeing was out with a knee injury so we did not get the same experience today! My mom asked about silvadene and he said he had something that was close but he gave my mom the impression he was not too sure. She got some A and D cream today. They weighed Chiquita and he is 1.2 lbs. Thanks again everyone for the suggestions and help!

[Chiquita's Sister]

Update: Here's a new picture of Chiquita. He rides around with my mom in his denim traveler made from a pair of jeans :) My mom has felt some movement in his legs as she does daily exercises with him and also noticed his tail move. His tail has not moved since he fell. Thank you again for all your help, suggestions, and support!:thankyou
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[Pam]

Chiquits is precious! :Love_Icon He looks like my 6 year old Roxy.

[skye]

Oh my how precious I love the bag your mom made great job:thumbsup what a little darling he is so so cute and I am so happy to hear he is doing better. He will be in my prayers. He sure looks great for his age:D

[Chiquita's Sister]

Chiquita has started rubbing his back legs raw. He is dragging his legs and starting to rub the hair off. His legs are getting red. Chiquita is staying in a pet carrier (smaller size like you would carry a cat in) to keep him from climbing and falling. Any suggestions? We are worried that he is going to develop blisters or worse. He rides around with my mom in his denim carrier and we are keeping everything lined with towels. He does get to hang out on the grass once in a while but for very short trips. We are keeping him from running around as much as possible.

[Sciurus1]

Hi, just a quick question, are you keeping his legs clean each day when he pees. Pee on his legs could be causing an irritation there

[Chiquita's Sister]

My mom is keeping him as dry as possible but he keeps his legs cross and she says he is damp. She has given him a bath several times with baby shampoo. On his legs its his "knees" or his "upper legs" that is rubbing raw from dragging (almost like a carpet burn). He is dragging more on his right side. We are using the A&D ointment on him which has been doing good to keep his bottom area from getting irritated. My mom does some leg "exercises" with Chiquita and says she can feel very very little movement and most of the times his legs feel stiff. I've asked my mom to see if we can get a picture of his legs.

[molly]

We'll be saying a prayers for that sweet baby~:Love_Icon

[Chiquita's Sister]

Here's a picture of Chiquita's leg where he is rubbing it raw and losing his hair from dragging his legs. We are keeping A&D ointment on him to help keep a rash from developing from his pee. He is peeing on his own now. You can see a little bit of his legs that he is keeping crossed. We want to keep him as comfortable as possible.
46627

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Not sure if you've seen the thread for Lazaress. She was paralyzed, and her caretaker made a squirrels sized buggy for her out of a toy with wheels so the squirrel didn't have to drag her hind end on the floor. Have you seen that?

[skye]

Oh my the poor little darling. I sure will be praying for him. I wonder if you could wrap his legs with cloth not tight then the rubber wrap over that way wouldn't get wet:thinking or hurt himself when he drags .
Best wishes to you give him big kiss and hug for me:grouphug

[Sciurus1]

With squirrels that have any kind of hind end paralysis, they may try to bite off what seems to be something holding them, not feeling the legs, but thinking something is hanging onto them, because they feel the weight. IF you can get the legs wrapped in gauze that will breath, and put something on the irritated area, that would be good, but again, if he can reach it, the only thing you can do is to put an E collar on him till it heals. Wrapping the legs so they don't rub on surfaces with gauze may be an option. keeping them clean of urine is a must. Do not use baby shampoo, it is more harsh than you realize. There are special shampoos for small pets at the pet store, which are far more gentle. I would ask there then to see what brand would work well for your rodent. Mountainmama can help you with the steps to wash his bottom end, for she had a squirrel with paralysis once.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

It it possible you could get silvadene that would help that issue greatly!
I am praying for your baby.

[Mountain Mama]

Baby shampoo has a very high pH, and that will likely cause more irritation to your baby. I would definitely go with an oatmeal based shampoo for dogs...it would be more mild and soothing to him.

Make sure he is completely dry before you apply the A and D (or Silvadene) ointment.

You may want to try to line his bucket with something very absorbent, like a feminine pad (!) before you put in his towels or other lining. That will help pull the moisture away from him, rather than allowing him to sit in it.

Good luck...please PM if you need anything.

[Loopy Squirrel]

The biggest thing is keeping the pee of the body because it just eats away at the skin and you need to prevent the current irritation from getting any worse. You don't really need to use any soap on the squirrel because soaps are harsh and drying, just rinse him under warm water and pat dry. The A&D ointment is very safe for them. Do not use anything diaper creams w/ Zinc in it because there is such a thing as zinc toxicity. You could try the preparation H hemorrhoidal cream on the booboo on the knee. Only use that on red areas and use the A&D as a preventative in all the other unaffected areas. It will reduce swelling and because it is used on sensitive tissue it is not harsh on the skin. I have used it as per the vet for urine scald squirrels. As far as padding for when he is out, you could cut a tube sock and put the elastic part around him down past his knees with an open end and use a little bit of cloth first aid tape to hold it in place around his belly. Some of the tapes have some stick to them and others are stronger and may hurt when pulled off. I'd try a few and see which ones have minimal stickiness so it won't hurt him. You'll have to make sure the elastic isn't tight around his abdomen so it doesn't hurt him or cut off circulation.

[sdreamcatcher]

I've had little critters (non-squirrel) and birds who have had rawness like that. for them i use coconut oil, or, if i can't get that (its usually at health food stores), check the thai section of your usual grocery store for regular coconut milk (not the low fat). when you open the can, the top part will be mostly oil, and that works great. you can freeze the rest in ice cubes and use that too, coconut milk is also great for dogs and cats with dry skin :). oh, and if he licks it off, no harm; it soaks up fast and helps heal the skin.

[Chiquita's Sister]

Update on Chiquita: We are using Silvadene on his "rubbed" leg and A&D Ointment on his stomach area to keep him from blistering from his pee. This has been working great. My mom took an old gym sock and cut out the toe to make him a little sock suit to wear when he gets his exercise on the carpet and ground. The sock starts under his arms and covers his back legs. We only put this on him for his exercises to help keep friction off his legs. My mom has seen his tail move a few times so we are keeping him active and continue to do his exercises! Thank you to everyone for your suggestions, comments and well wishes. Things are going OK now and will update everyone if anything changes. Chiquita says THANK YOU! :thankyou

[JLM27]

So glad to hear that Chiquita is doing better! What love you have for this precious little dear!

[sherbear59]

Oh poor little thing ,,,,,,,,,,, I have an 11yr too stevo so i know how your mom feels they are like our little babies ,,,,,,,,,,praying for a speedy recovery:grouphug

[Sciurus1]

Warms my heart to hear things are going better for Chiquita, especially that his tail is coming back some. I will be praying for your sweetie.