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thundersquirrel
09-03-2006, 09:05 PM
hello all, i'm back from up north and i have a situation

our fourth fox squirrel (female, 3-4 weeks old) is in extreme danger. it's a strange situation, and it sounds a lot like ms oakley's case.

when we first got her, she had respiratory problems, maggots, and a small puncture wound near her bottom. we got rid of the maggots (which were still in egg form), put a light cream on her wound, and started giving her anti-biotics for the respiratory problems. the resp. problems were actually caused by her own blood, which she was sneezing up for a couple of days.

after a few days, everything seemed pretty good. she was still weak, but willing to eat, and was pooping well (even though the poop was black).

then her belly started to bulge, and she became very thin and dehydrated at an alarming rate. she still had a desire to eat, though not as much. she had a couple of poops that were diarrhea, then they changed to firmer and lighter colored poops.

although her heart rate has kept up, my mother and i are extremely worried that she might die. the bulge of her stomach is dark and unnatural, and sometimes she'll turn over on her back and won't have the strength to correct herself. however, she is managing 1 or 2 ccs of formula every four hours, and continues to pee and poop on a regular basis. we'd really like to see her live. any advice?

here's a picture; note the contrast between her thin and emaciated chest next to her big belly.

Squirrelly1
09-03-2006, 09:24 PM
Wow. Poor critter! I cannot say that I have seen anything like that before. The first thought that came to mind was some sort of internal trauma.....but you have had her for a while right??
When did the tummy begin swelling?
Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way....

thundersquirrel
09-03-2006, 09:59 PM
the tummy began swelling on this past friday.....i think. it's hard to tell. i really should keep a log for all of my squirrels.....

*sigh* i just wish she could tell me if she's in pain, or if she wants me to keep trying......

GhosTS
09-03-2006, 10:38 PM
Sorry to hear that the baby is not well TS.Black mass on the body can mean an internal injury.Are you sure its not the organs you're seeing.The baby looks so thin.If he aspirated blood..that might mean that she has an internal injury from a fall she had.I think going to a vet will be a good.

thundersquirrel
09-03-2006, 11:55 PM
well, it's too late now folks. the little baby died.

i'm sad and glad at the same time. it was a case in which death, perhaps, was better than living. i just hope she didn't suffer too much at our hands.

thank you for the responses.

GhosTS
09-04-2006, 01:53 AM
Yes TS..you did your best.When there is an internal bleeding..there's nothing much we can do.So sorry to hear about the baby.But she didnt suffer as much as she would suffer in the wild, without any warmth.:sad

Squerly
09-04-2006, 07:19 AM
I'm sorry TS. It's the negative side of what you guys do and it's going to happen from time to time. Wouldn't have turned out any differently in the wild though so don't be to hard on yourself. Be strong....

Critter_Queen
09-06-2006, 10:38 AM
Oh TS, I'm so sorry.

Did you figure out what happened? I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, but one of these times I'm going to take it upon myself to perform an "autopsy" and see if I can find out what happened. I get so many that are too far gone that it seems such a waste of their lives if I can't learn anything from them to help another squirrel in the future, ya know? Just haven't gotten up the courage to do one yet.

Again, I'm so sorry the little girl didn't make it. I just HATE that part of rehabbing... But the sweet releases (in whatever form they take) make every death worth it to me.

(((Hugs)))

Secret Squirrel
09-06-2006, 04:00 PM
Sorry TS.......you did your best.....God bless you and your mom for all you do :grouphug .

island rehabber
09-06-2006, 07:42 PM
Ditto that from me, TS....it's awful to lose a baby and it never gets easier....know that you tried so hard and did your best but it was not meant to be. :grouphug

Squirrelly1
09-07-2006, 02:49 PM
Just logged in for a couple of minutes....so sorry for your loss!!!!
Suffering would have been being all alone without your warmth and touch - you gave her everything that you possibly could have!