looking for a vet

[Rhubarb]

Does anyone know how i might be able to locate a wildlife vet for my squirrel babies? I would like to take them in to make sure everything is kosher with their health?

[FallensMommie]

You first off need to find if your state is legal or illegal to have squirrels....if illegal you could get them taken away from you.

Legal and Illegal States:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1979&highlight=legal+states+squirrel

If state is not on list I would presume Illegal and would not jeopardize them by finding a vet to see them. If they are acting normally: eating, peeing, pooping with energy and sleeping well I would leave well enough alone. If any of them starts showing signs of illness....if you can hear clicking from the lungs, lethargic, etc. I would consider finding them a rehabber to take over the care as they have the knowledge and meds to treat.


I'm sure a rehabber or others with more experience will be on shortly to help :D

[Rhubarb]

Thanks for the input. I didn't know that. Yah, they seem just ducky. They poop and pee and eat with vigor.

You mention this clicking noise though. Both my little ones, when they're swallowing have kind of a click to it, but otherwise sleep soundly without a clicking noise. Is this something to be concerned about? I figured it wasn't since all signs were they were full of health. Putting on weight, etc.

[Rhubarb]

also, if this does sound like a concern- is there anything that I can do to treat them? i don't mind spending a little more money or giving up a little more time. i would rather take care of them myself, if it's possible. I do want to say again- they're eating, pooping, and peeing perfectly. Energetic, Henry practically wrestles my fingers until he settles down to eat quietly.

[Mads]

also, if this does sound like a concern- is there anything that I can do to treat them? i don't mind spending a little more money or giving up a little more time. i would rather take care of them myself, if it's possible. I do want to say again- they're eating, pooping, and peeing perfectly. Energetic, Henry practically wrestles my fingers until he settles down to eat quietly.


I always worried about the "clicking" sound too with the Fab 5. Everytime I heard anything I wondered ..."is this it...the click"....but that's just part of being a squirrel Mom I guess. So most likely , your little ones are just fine.

Are you around CT? I know this is an illegal state and there's no way I would contact a vet here.

[island rehabber]

Rhubarb, are you anywhere near Westchester County or the NYC area? If yes, PM me and I may be able to help .

[Rhubarb]

No, I'm not in the NYC area. I'm in the Northern VA area. Do I take it I should be concerned? Do you know of someone in this area?

[Rhubarb]

The noise they make isn't constant- only when they are swallowing. And it's in their throat area only. I've been very careful not to aspirate them and the formula as of yet hasn't come out of their little noses. And when I hold them up to my hear, there is nothing but their breathing. They sleep very soundly.

One thing does concern me though, little Rhubarb is a finicky eater. If the temperature isn't just right, she won't eat her consistent amount. I usually pick her up with her blanket in her home, but if she gets the sligtest whiff of a breeze- she loses her appetite. Any tips on this, and maybe a way to reduce the problem?

[FallensMommie]

Sorry I was off when you asked about the clicking.

If the clicking was constant and it came from the lungs it would be something to worry about and to get meds for.

They will do some clicking when happy but that comes from the throat. Fallen will click at me if I touch him while sleeping...kind of to tell me he knows I'm there and content.

[tatcat]

i think it is illegal to own a squirrel in Va...i am not positive though...maybe someone else could answer for ya...i dont see it on the list that FM posted...and i believe there are others on here that are from Va...

[Buddy'sMom]

Sounds like they are pretty normal and you can just keep doing what you are doing. :thumbsup

It will be very difficult - to impossible to find a vet consult in your area, as TSB has tried for another member. I do believe a rehabber contact in VA was finally located, though.

To avoid problems, feed them very slowly, even if they want to eat faster. As they get older they can suck harder so you need to keep controlling what they get. IF IT HAPPENS that they get the formula too fast, quickly turn them with their head down so the formula drains out their nose. The goal, of course, is for that NOT to happen, but sometimes it does. :shakehead (Formula in their lungs grows bacteria very quickly, and then an antibiotic would be needed .... from a rehabber or vet).

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Hayfield Animal Hospital, Alexandria, 703- 971-2127.
Eastern Exotic Veterinary Center, Fairfax 703-654-3100
Fort Hunt Animal Hospital, Alexandria 703-360-6100

[Frickster]

Have you tried any of those 3 contacts yet? If so, what did they say?

[Rhubarb]

Atlanta Squirrel-
No, I haven't tried those contacts. Sorry, after I wrung off yesterday- between Rhubarb and Henry and work- it was busy and I didn't have a chance to ring them, but I will. Before I do, if I contact them- would they try to take little Rhubarb and Henry from me? I'm not licensed and I don't believe my state is legal. Right now my babies are perfectly healthy and I was primarily looking for a vet to have on stand by should I need them. That and I'm real big on checkups for general health.

I also wanted to say- thank you for your efforts on my behalf. That is extremely kind of you to help me.

Lastly- to all that have helped me when I needed it- A big thank you. You all are so helpful. I cannot say this enough. Here is the latest shot of my mule- Henry. Sorry if the picture is out of focus a bit- I had to take it quickly. I was too afraid he'd get cold, or move.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f344/Rhubarb_03/DSC01639.jpg

[Sarabi]

One of Gods Most PRECIOUS sites!:Welcome Beautiful little boy you have there:Love_Icon

[Buddy'sMom]

Rhubarb, having the name of a vet for emergency contact is an excellent idea. This is recommended for anyone caring for a squirrel. However, you will want to be very cautious in asking many questions upfront -- without revealing any identifying information of your own. Virginia has proven to be a difficult state to find help in.

AppleCorps contacted vets for someone else recently, and could not find any vet that would help in -- or near -- VA. I don't know if he contacted the ones ASG suggested.

We have had reports of vets insisting that the squirrel needed to be turned over -- and this was in Florida, where it is not illegal and where a vet actually IS free to treat a squirrel for a private citizen. In FL, it is a matter of knowing your rights and being firm, walking back out with the squirrel if need be. But in VA -- or any other "illegal state" -- a vet may in fact have a legal obligation to take the squirrel and turn it over to a licensed rehabber. Not all vets would do that, of course, but I believe in many states they might have a legal obligation to do so. The trick is finding a vet who wants to help the animal. This may be easier in an emergency situation than in a "well baby visit" situation.

In addition, you will want to make sure the vet is one that knows baby squirrels. Many vet practices are limited to cats and dogs and such a vet may have no more knowledge of healthy baby squirrels than you do. Even if it is an "exotic vet" that might not include squirrels. So a "well baby visit" would be a good thing -- but only if you bring it to someone who knows what a healthy baby looks like and could tell you if anything is wrong.

I hope you are able to find someone, just please be cautious and circumspect in making inquiries.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Sciurus1]

I know of a rehabber in Falls Church, VA. Contact me by PM and we can talk, for even if this is not close, I believe we can still put you in contact with one in your area.

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

You can simply ask the vet receptionist if they will treat wildlife. They are usually honest if they want to "deal" with it.

[Mads]

Oh...he's sooo cute.




http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f344/Rhubarb_03/DSC01639.jpg[/QUOTE]