My released Squirrel got hurt [Archive]

mvaughn3391

07-29-2008, 09:13 AM

I have raised a baby squirrel since last August. I released him in May and he has been doing fine. He was gone for 3 days (which was normal) and showed back up this morning. He has hurt one of his front legs. I cant tell yet but I am not sure if it is from a fall or animal. Its swollen a little and you can see dried blood. he is eating great and drinking. right now i have him back in his release cage. I at this moment dont know what to do. I live in Ohio I know where the rehab place is but really dont want to do that unless I have to. I am thinking about bringing him and his cage back into the house so that I can try and clean him up. I need help on what I should do. I hear that he might need baytril if its an animal bite. I have other meds like amoxicillin. please help.......

Buddy'sMom

07-29-2008, 09:26 AM

I know ... from experience .... how upsetting an injury to a young(ish) release can be. You are doing the best thing for him, getting him back into the release cage where you can observe him and he can rest and recover without worrying about food or safety. :thumbsup Sometimes all they need is some R&R and they heal up and are ready to go back out there again. And it gives you a chance to determine whether the injury is one that will heal on its own or needs attention.

Can you post pictures of the paw, especially the bloody part? That will help our rehabbers assess the injury and likely cause. Is he using it at all (eating, standing, climbing??) or really protecting it completely? (The rehabbers will probably have more questions, but that is a start, at least. :) )

We do have at least one rehabber in Ohio (squirrelsrule&bunniestoo) and you can send her a PM to see if she is near enough to you to be of more direct assistance, or at least back-up if you need it.

:thinking I would think bringing him in the house would be very confusing if he is to be released again, and it would be best to leave him in the release cage (unless otherwise advised by a rehabber :D -- for example, if his movement needs to be restricted to a smaller space)

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

mvaughn3391

07-29-2008, 09:36 AM

He is running around in his cage on 3 legs, he used the hurt one to hold up his food but you could tell he wasnt using it that well.

Pictures I will try.

Buddy'sMom

07-29-2008, 09:43 AM

If he's holding food with it, that's a good sign. :) Pictures will help. In case you need instructions for posting, here is a set that GB posts for people:

.... Here you go!....

Instructions for posting pics on here!! :thumbsup

1. Start a new thread or click on the one you want to post a pic in.

2. Hit Post Reply

3. Type what you want to say

4. Scroll down to Manage Attachments

5. Hit Browse

6. Find your pics

7. Hit open...keep doing this until you have all the pics you want.

8. Hit upload

9. Go back to your post and hit Submit. All done! :D

Don't try to preview your pics, because they will not show up.

Ok...We want pics!!! :thumbsup

Note that at step 8, you need to wait until the upload is completed. :)

I hope he cooperates in his photo shoot. :thumbsup

mvaughn3391

07-29-2008, 10:18 AM

here is one picture this is the outer part of his arm. there is more bloody part on the inside of his arm I would have to hold him and have some else take the picture to get the inside. no one is here right now to help me. maybe later this evening i can send more pictures.

island rehabber

07-29-2008, 10:19 AM

Sometimes these paw injuries are just scratches or sprains, and the squirrel will favor it for a couple of days and then be fine. Watch out for swelling or a misshapen look, which might signify a fracture ore even an abcess. I agree that bringing him in the house would be too confusing for him, but providing a safe recovery place for him outside is a great idea. :thumbsup

mvaughn3391

07-29-2008, 10:34 AM

you can tell its a little swollen and on his skin its red all the way up through his shoulder. I will leave him in his cage outside and keep and eye.

:thankyou

FallensMommie

07-29-2008, 11:54 AM

I'm sorry....I'm going against the grain here....I'd confine him to a smaller cage until he is either seen by a vet or shows improvement. If you are in a illegal state maybe one of our rehabbers can help you out.

I just went through this with my release and he had a broken arm. He used his arm to eat also but wouldn't use it for anything else. Also had swelling and bruising up into the shoulder area. The one thing he wouldn't do would clasp his foods or other objects...just brought the food to his mouth with the good arm or pick it up by mouth and then use his good arm to clasp and his bad arm he would use his thumb. He kept his paw in a ball when not using it to eat.
You can follow his story here:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11465&highlight=fallen+hurt

Sciurus1

07-29-2008, 12:49 PM

you can tell its a little swollen and on his skin its red all the way up through his shoulder. I will leave him in his cage outside and keep and eye.

If it were a dog or cat had this kind of injury, one would take it to a Vet to be seen, why then not a squirrel? I really think with what you are seeing here needs to be x-rayed to determine if it is broken or not. If it is, it would need to be cast or have a splint, and be given an E-collar to keep them from chewing on it while it heals. In anycase, Fallensmommie is right, when she says to confine him in a smaller cage, till it is determined if it is broken or not. Her boy squirrel Fallen, had an injury which appeared very much like one, not long after he was released too. His arm was confirmed to be broken by an X-ray, and was cast. Fallen's arm is healed now, and he is up and about!

Check around to see if there is a Vet that is willing to treat a squirrel for this kind of injury. Perhaps IR can provide the names of some Vets in your area, to make the seach allot easier.

mvaughn3391

07-29-2008, 01:16 PM

They are not legal in my state of ohio. I will only take him if I really have to save his life....I will do what I can for him before I take him there.

Sciurus1

07-29-2008, 01:44 PM

In that State, it is illegal to have a squirrel as a pet in to my knowledge, but don't let that stop you from seeking the care of a kind professional! Vets associated with a State Wildlife groups, are not willing to treat squirrels as pets, or wilds, unless you have a permit to keep one. Only IF you give them up, are they willing then to evaluate a squirrels' condition, to determine IF they would be able to be released after treatment, consulting with the local rehabber whether they can be kept to use in educational programs for children, if they aren't. Sadly if not, it likely then would be mercifully euthanized. Some Vets are willing, and capable of treating a squirrel with a broken limb, whether the squirrels are pets or not, or releasables or not! What you need then is one that can set a broken limb, if necessary, and splint, or cast it.

Call first, to ask if the Vet treats Squirrels with this specific kind of injury, and if they will allow you to rehab him yourself. The worst they can do then is to say they won't, if you are not licenced to rehab a squirrel, but don't let that discourage you, just call another Vet.

As for the help of a rehabber, if you want to go that route, or need to for financial reasons, you can ask if they treat a broken limbs or not, and what their policy is if the animal ends up being non-releasable; just don't share your ID with them if you have any concerns, till you are sure they are willing to help the squirrel, even if not releasable afterwards.

mvaughn3391

07-29-2008, 02:00 PM

None of them are close to me one of them is an hour away. I am calling now to local vets to see what they say. Stinky is resting right now.

mvaughn3391

07-29-2008, 02:40 PM

Local vets are refering me to the Nature center that I know will take him from me. I dont really believe they will fix him. I called them they told me if I could catch him ( i told them he was running around the neighborhood on 3 legs) they would take him but mostly what they do is let them naturaly heal in a cage where nothing can get to them.

If for some reason this could be an animal bite or even if it is broken and he was gone for 3 days. Should I start trying to find him and antibotic? Would it hurt to try?

JLM27

07-30-2008, 08:50 AM

I don't like the idea that it is red all the way up to his shoulder. Can you get some antibiotics in him asap? Maybe a friendly vet would at least prescribe you some Baytril.

mvaughn3391

07-30-2008, 03:45 PM

So far no vet help on the meds. Stinky is still eating and acting ok. I put him in a smaller cage. He is resting alot today and more calm. I hoping that a good thing and not bad. I need help with maybe giving him Amoxicillin. I have 500mg Capsules. Can you let me know If and how I should give it to him.

Thanks
Melissa and Stinky

Sciurus1

07-30-2008, 04:09 PM

I suggest you call a rehabber, on a phone that has your one caller ID blocked, and just ask them what they do when a squirrel has a broken arm, or leg. If they cast, or splint them, you will find out then. Perhaps it may be an uncomfortable moment for you, but just think of how much longterm comfort it would bring this squirrel, if they did offer this kind of Vet care! It is worth a try at least, seeing you may find a rehabber like one here, who is into going the extra distance to help a squirrel through that kind of rehabilitation.

Apple Corps

07-30-2008, 05:08 PM

3391:

How much does your fuzzer weigh?

Can you give me an update on the wound / symptom that your are trying to treat?

"Cillins" are generally not that great for fuzzers. Lets get a bit better handle on the symptoms - then we can go after the treatment.

mvaughn3391

07-30-2008, 06:48 PM

here is some updated photos there not that great. I have no clue how much he weights he will be a year old in 2-3 weeks.

Apple Corps

07-30-2008, 07:01 PM

3391:

Is the wound oozing liquid?

Is it warmer to the touch than the surrounding tissue?

Is it swollen?

Does it smell?

mvaughn3391

07-30-2008, 07:06 PM

nothing is oozing
dont think its warmer
swelling looks better today than yesterday
doesnt smell

also the redness is not as red
i can see purple from where is is brused

I am still working on the pictures having resizing issues

mvaughn3391

07-30-2008, 07:17 PM

pictures

Apple Corps

07-30-2008, 07:53 PM

3391 - that is all good news - suggests that a serious infection MIGHT NOT be active.

Check out the MACRO mode on your camera - they need a sharper focus.

Also - how is he using his leg - favoring it a lot / a little / not favoring it??

mvaughn3391

07-30-2008, 08:46 PM

He is favoring it a lot. but still likes to get around and climb. I know he needs to stay off of it I had him out to check on him and take pictures but I am a little worried that he maybe getting depressed being back in the cage. He acts like normal when he is out. Is there anything I can do for that.

Apple Corps

07-30-2008, 10:10 PM

Please gently palpate the leg - how sensitive is he to your touching it and where? Do you feel anything like a break, lump, odd angle/dislocation? You would use his other leg as the reference. Be very gentle - time does often heal things.

mvaughn3391

07-31-2008, 07:34 AM

He will let me touch it. there is the lump where he gets sensitive. I dont know if the lump is the skin. Too me there is no odd angle. I have a little bit better pictures but I keep getting error messages and too big. Can someone help me with the pictures.

Also he has brusing on the right side of his chest area.

getting ready to get him out to see how he is doing this morning.

mvaughn3391

07-31-2008, 07:54 AM

Stink is still acting normal. Wants to run and climb on 3 legs. he is not using his hurt leg at all. swelling and redness seems to be looking better and the area doesnt look infected at all.

JLM27

07-31-2008, 09:27 AM

Here's how I resize: I go to my Windows Explorer directory, select all the pictures I want to resize and then click File:Send To:Mail Recipient. The Explorer then asks if I want to resize all my pictures. The answer is "yes" (it will only resize what you have selected). So then it sets up an emaili n your email program that has the files (now downsized) attached. I save these back to my directory with a new name (like just put an "s" on the end) and then I can use these to upload.
You can also get something called "Microsoft Power Toys" that has a resizer, too. But I haven't tried to use it yet.

mvaughn3391

07-31-2008, 09:33 AM

Thank you very much on the picture help.

mvaughn3391

07-31-2008, 10:44 AM

Ya I have a back up plan. He will be with me forever, mjs I will keep him in the house.

I have never had a broken bone nor have my children, so its really hard for me to tell. I try to feel it and see if it will move but nothing. it dont dangle. I seen him cleaning himself and he used the good arm to hold up the hurt one while he was cleaning.

TENDERHEART

07-31-2008, 11:55 AM

I am so sorrry for your little one. How awful for your baby and you. I know it just breaks your heart to see your baby hurt, and that's looks like it hurts. Goosh!! Thank Goodness you found him before something or someone else did. I have to agree with Gamma's Baby, I don't like the looks of it either. It looks deep to me. Maybe down into the muscle tissue. It's a shame that you can't get a vet to help, it looks like it needs to be evaluated by one. I agree that it doesn't look infected around the wound, but I'm concerned about the reddness around and under his arm. Is that bruising? I know you said it was starting to bruise, but is that what you meant? Gamma's right again in that you may have to think long term care. He can do very well inside. Especially following the advice you get from the folks here. Keep us up to date.

mvaughn3391

07-31-2008, 12:04 PM

yes that is brusing under his arm and side chest area.

Apple Corps

07-31-2008, 06:02 PM

Please PM me with what city you live in so we can try to get a vet involved.

squirrelsrule&bunniestoo

08-01-2008, 06:28 AM

Hi, I just saw this thread, not sure how I missed it :shakehead . I am a rehabber in Northeast Ohio and may be able to help. It is virtually impossible to get a vet to see a squirrel in Ohio, even if you have a permit and are willing to pay, but if your squirrel is still friendly enough that I could hold him and check his leg out, I could determine if it is broken and if it is I could splint and wrap it. It has been a few days though, and the longer you wait, the harder it will be to get the bones lined up again if it is broken because it will start to heal in the current position. I also agree that the wound doesn't look good. I have both baytril and sulphatrim, which are good antibiotics to use on squirrels.

Let me know if you are nearby (I am in Lake County) and would like my help.

mvaughn3391

08-01-2008, 07:43 AM

I did map quest on Lake County and its 3.0 hours 42 minutes Total Estimated Distance: 220.80 miles.:shakehead You must be way up there close to Cleveland, I am in Dayton.

Apple Corps

08-01-2008, 09:15 AM

S & B 2 - rehabber names in the Dayton area that you think would help?

squirrelsrule&bunniestoo

08-01-2008, 10:23 AM

I am at work and don't have the name of the rehab centers, but one of the best rehabbers in the state is Nonda Surratt. She works at a rehab center in Columbus I think. Maybe you could search her name and it would come up? If not, I will check when I get home from work this afternoon.

I am up further northeast than Cleveland by another 45 minutes. I am even up in the northeast corner of Lake County, so it would probably take 4 hours to get here :sanp3 .

mvaughn3391

08-01-2008, 10:27 AM

Ok I called they do see Squirrels But I cant get an Appointment til Next Friday August 8th.

mvaughn3391

08-01-2008, 11:47 AM

9:00 am tomorrow morning :thumbsup its going to cost me a leg :crazy This is going to be an experence I will never forget. Stinky is going to a car ride:wave123

Jackie in Tampa

08-01-2008, 12:20 PM

:wahoo :wahoo
:bowdown :grouphug
Good Luck!

Jackie in Tampa

08-01-2008, 12:22 PM

Sciurus1

08-01-2008, 03:49 PM

Now that is what I call working the problem! Squirrel board members you rock! :wott

I am so glad your squirrel is going to get the help it needs!!

Apple Corps

08-01-2008, 04:00 PM

Thank all of you so much - fuzzers deserve the best we can do for them :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

Sciurus1

08-01-2008, 04:08 PM

Where is Stinky going, can you say? :dono

mvaughn3391

08-01-2008, 04:37 PM

Here is a post TinyPaws made in another thread...I wonder if he will look at the squirrel, if she calls him. :dono

Doctor Brower at DAYTON SOUTH VET CLINIC, corner of Wilmington and Brown-lee street......937-294-8888

I hear he is good and I believe the only vet around that sees squirrels...

:thumbsup

squirrelsrule&bunniestoo

08-01-2008, 04:47 PM

I am sooooooooooooooo glad you have found a vet to see your squirrel.

Good luck on your quest to become a licensed rehabber. I sent you a PM with the requirements to get started as a rehabber. Going to the Ohio conference would be a great start!

Nonda Surratt is an awesome rehabber. I met her the first time I went to the Ohio conference. She taught the bunny class and was great! I learned sooooooooooooooooo much about bunnies. She was willing to stay after and answer my questions too. She is a great rehabber and really cares about ALL creatures.

FallensMommie

08-02-2008, 07:31 AM

Thank God this is working out with a vet....

I've been off a few days...I am so happy you found somebody :)
Will ease all of our minds.....GREAT JOB EVERYBODY! :thumbsup

Do report ASAP as we will all be anxious to hear what is going on.

Hopefully the leg is not broken but sprained. If it is broken casting
with a e-collar can be done...Fallen and Nicky are proof :D

Prayers and thoughts are with you both......Good Vibes coming your way :D

mvaughn3391

08-02-2008, 12:19 PM

Ok everyone we are back from the vet and this was a great guy.

His Leg is not Broken:thumbsup :jump :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :crazy

They cleaned all the black scab off

It was infected they gave him Baytril injection
Baytril to take twice daily for 2 weeks
Benebac Gel once daily for 2 weeks
Metacam once daily (for Pain)
Soother cream to rub on the wound twice daily

He goes back in 2 weeks for a check up.

Oh stinky cried so loud. They didnt have to give him that shot to put him out but almost did have too. Stinky was so mad at them and me and he is still mad at me but he is getting better.

Stinky is on his way to recovery Thank you everyone :grouphug

I have found the best vet for our little guys in Dayton, Ohio He has rehabers that work for him and he will be my vet when I get my license.:wahoo

mvaughn3391

08-02-2008, 12:24 PM

OH I will post new pictures of stinky's wound when he is in a better mood.

Thanks again:thankyou

Apple Corps

08-02-2008, 12:48 PM

What a great outcome so far - super news it is not broken !!!!

:jump :jump :jump :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :jump :jump :jump

FallensMommie

08-02-2008, 12:51 PM

:wahoo Glad he was seen and on antibiotics so can get him healed!

Thank God leg is not broken :jump I can rejoice at that knowing what goes into recovery with them little fuzzers :shakehead

Great Job!!

squiggs

08-02-2008, 12:54 PM

Wow what a story! I am glad you found a vet, I am in the columbus area and even though I have not found a actual vet that sees squirrels I have lined one up through networking since I am in the vet field. Plus if you know what medication you need I am pretty sure I can get it. If anyone in the columbus area has a sick little one please pm me. I am not always on here since I have started my interning.
Thanks:thumbsup

squirrelsrule&bunniestoo

08-02-2008, 02:31 PM

:wahoo That is great news! I am soooooooooooooooo glad you found the vet and he is on antibiotics. He should be feeling better in no time. Way to go. That is great that the vet will sign for your permit too :thumbsup .

Sciurus1

08-02-2008, 03:23 PM

That is one blest squirrel. So glad it was not broken, but, ohwee, that is a nasty wound. So glad you got the Antibiotics to save his life.

mvaughn3391

08-04-2008, 11:53 AM

Hello everyone I just wanted to so you some pictures of Stinky's wound. These were taken Sunday. I have to fight with him to take the baytril he runs at the sight of the sringe. Any pointers on getting him to take it better?

The Benebac Gel i put on a piece of walnut and he eats it just fine.

FallensMommie

08-04-2008, 12:05 PM

:eek: poor baby :(

When Fallen was on baytril I had to fight him too :shakehead
I just hid it behind me, grabbed his butt in a good grip so he couldn't use back legs to prey out of my hand...then aimed the syringe toward roof of mouth...and then I would shoot some in let him drink it up and repeated this until it was all gone. I would hold him beind his back with my fingers wrapped around his ribs/stomach and put his feet on my knees and this way he was facing me and then hold on tight...I would have to at times let him go and repeat, but he did settle down knowing I would win our battle, but he's never bitten me either so I trusted him enough to be more aggressive in my handling of him.

I'm not sure how else I could have gotten it in him..Good Luck!

Did the Dr. say to put something topical on it also, looks so angry red :(

mvaughn3391

08-04-2008, 12:23 PM

Yes I have soother cream from the vet to put on it. It look better this morning. less red.

Frickster

08-04-2008, 02:12 PM

It looks SO much better than it did! I'm so glad you were able to find someone to help him and still keep him with you! :)

Apple Corps

08-04-2008, 08:15 PM

So glad to hear that he is improving and :thankyou from all of us.

Sciurus1

08-04-2008, 08:28 PM

Poor baby, so glad you are there for him now.

Sciurus1

08-07-2008, 11:30 AM

How is Stinky doing now, can you give us an update?

mvaughn3391

08-07-2008, 11:45 AM

Well besides being locked up. His wounds are healing great. :thumbsup It still has a bump on it. He did have another puncture wound on the outside of his arm and its healing good. He is still on 3 legs but will hold his food with both. Every now and then he trys to put weight on the hurt leg. He is not moving his fingers yet. I figure it will just take time. He goes back to the vet on the 16th.

Thank you all for being here for Me and Stinky. He would not have made it with that infection. :shakehead

Sciurus1

08-07-2008, 01:05 PM

Hi. After reading about your squirrel not using her fingers, I thought to share this bit of information. Sometimes broken bones do not show up right away on X-rays. I have had doctors send my X-rays to specialists to see if there is a break or not, for they were not able to determine if it was broken or not at that time. You see, some breaks may not show up on on X-ray for a week or so after the injury, when the edges of the break have begun to reabsorb. When it comes to animals, all one can go by how the injury appears, and how the animal shows us how it feels, which which from your description of not using the fingers lends some suspicion to it still possibly being broken. The best way then to determine if it is or not, is to take another set x-rays after a week, making sure you get a picture of the area, at more than one angle.