Wild animal is coughing, loosing balance...

[djg]

An American Grey, I think, squirrel has been coming nearby my house for a few months now. Following things have been repeatedly happening all this time: at first nothing is abnormal. Then she can't keep good balance, would fall on a side or even backwards while eating (standing and holding food posture). It's suddenly starting, like a spasm inside, and seems to stop after balance was lost. Her eyes seem to be different: one is bigger (more open) than the other but highly doubt about eye infection. Lastly: she seems to make harsh, respiratory sound at times (instead of usual high sounding one).
Doesn't look like it's bumpy infection or body part isn't alright. Tail, coat, back, feet seem working.
My conclusion would be: pregnant (though not visibly chunky around belly) or/and breathing infection. Unless there's "inside parasite" kind as well.
She's not my pet but love her a lot. What can I do in Toronto, Canada area? Please help!!!
Thank you in advance, DJ.

[JLM27]

Can it be head trauma? Hit by a car, fell out of a tree? Could have had a stroke.

[4skwerlz]

Did the symptoms develop suddenly or gradually?

Is she still eating/drinking?

Any sign of trauma at all? Scrapes, missing fur?

Has she lost weight?

Do you have a lot of raccoons in your area? Raccoon roundworm?

Any details will help. Also a pic.

[Ardilla]

I agree...sounds like some sort of neurological trauma. :(

[djg]

JLM27, It's rather wooden area so cars-least likely. Head or inner body related-yes, would even say human stroke like. Nothing more specific than I can clarify just by looking.

[djg]

Did thesymp toms develop suddenly or gradually?

Is she still eating/drinking?

Any sign of trauma at all? Scrapes, missing fur?

Has she lost weight?

Do you have a lot of raccoons in your area? Raccoon roundworm?

Any details will help. Also a pic.

4skwerlz's, symptoms are rather the same for about two months. Can't be completely sure as I might not see her for a few days at a time.
She's eating but it's going much slower than for other squirrels around.
Nothing points at outside trauma. Would say that tail, fur is rather good or even above average.
I wonder the opposite: seems little chunkier at the bottom than before. Usual Greys are basically less "wide"/skinnier.
Few (under five) Raccoons are surely around (can be heard at times). Roundworm is scary, found no cure so far.
Will try making a pic when she's around about tomorrow (have old one). Thank you.

[djg]

Ardilla, it doesn't seems to change with time so that's one of very few guesses :(

[djg]

:wave123 :Welcome Glad to have you with us, I just wish it were under happier circumstances. :( If need be, would you be able to trap her?

Thank you SO much for caring about this PRECIOUS little squirrel! :bowdown :bowdown :grouphug :thankyou :Welcome

Thank you for a warm welcome. Your support makes it easier. Not sure about trapping...

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

You can use a Havaheart trap to catch the squirrel, and then see about getting some help. We have members up there that might be able to assist.

[squirrelfriend]

I have a few like this. Mr Tilty, Grumbles and Weebles all had this. It doesn't go away completely (that would depend on the source of the problem though). It could be from an inner ear infection, a bump to the head, some kind of worm parasite gotten from raccoons, or toxins. I think mine were from either toxins or bumps to the head. The never fully recovered from it but got a little better in captivity. In captivity they were able to get some of their strength back with proper diet and warmth and were able to stay safe. Tilty and Grumbles were not even able to stand when I first got them. Grumbles now chases and pesters Squeety all over the place. Tilty and weebles had a nice spring in their step not too long after receiving them.

If you can catch her that would be best. Toronto Wildlife would probably just have her put down. Squirrels with this problem can still live a happy and safe life indoors.