don't know what to think

[Jessy-vet in training]

I have been mothering 5 eastern grey squirrels, i just noticed (not sure if its a new development) that on one of them on is is much bigger (possibly swollen) than her other eye, im not sure if thats what happens when they open or what is going on. Im starting to get pretty worried. I believe my babies are about 3-4 weeks old. Also is NH a squirrel friendly state? Thank you!!!!:thankyou

[island rehabber]

Hard to say without looking at a pic, but one eye should not be larger than the other. If their eyes are opening they are at least 30 days old -- 4 weeks plus two days, as grey squirrels open their eyes between the 30th and 40th day. Is it that one has an eye that's not quite as open yet as the other? That would be normal...but not if one is swollen-looking. Check the eye to see if anything is stuck in it, or under the lid. Please post a pic if you can -- it might help us to help you better. :)

[Jessy-vet in training]

neither eye is open yet, one is just larger than the other. I dont believe they should be opening their eyes at least another week or 2. None of the others seem to have the same problem. I will get a picture up tomorrow.

[Jessy-vet in training]

i can't figure out how to post a picture but like i said shes probably 3 1/2 weeks or so and one eye just looks bulgy where the other eye is more "flat" with the face, the size difference is very noticeable...ill keep trying to get a picture up but im starting to get really worried about a possible infection behind the eye or something....my mind is going through every possibility...

[Jessy-vet in training]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/squirrels.jpg

i hope the pic works...if it does ill get one up of her eyes soon

[island rehabber]

pic came through fine -- a closeup of her eye would be great.

[Anne]

These babies are way younger than 3/4 weeks old. Get a close up of just that one baby's face so that both eyes show. That will help with comparison of the two eyes.

[Jessy-vet in training]

I'll get that picture up for you today some time...that picture was taken a week ago, they have their lower teeth already through and they have grey fuzz all over i thought that was 3 weeks or so what age do you think they are?

[PBluejay2]

I'll get that picture up for you today some time...that picture was taken a week ago, they have their lower teeth already through and they have grey fuzz all over i thought that was 3 weeks or so what age do you think they are?

These guys look about two weeks to me.

[Jessy-vet in training]

I am sick to my stomach worried about my lil tulip it doesn't seem to be getting better...the pictures are blurry but you can clearly see the difference...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture007.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture010.jpg

please help asap...

:shakehead

[Mookie's Mom]

I can see how you would be worried! I don't know how to help you as I'm not a rehabber, but can you not show her to your vet? This may be serious.

[Jessy-vet in training]

I live in New Hampshire, and i dont think its a squirrel friendly state. do you know if its ok to bring to the vets??

If anyone knows of a vet thats deals with squirrels in mass, maine, or new hampshire please let me know..


-Jessy

[Mookie's Mom]

I personaly think that if this is your first time raising squirrels, FIVE is alot to take on! I just raised one and it was very hard. You will not be able to release them for a long time and if you are going to school, you may not have the time, money, and abiliy to do it. Think about it, you may want to give them up to a rehabber and visit them. JMO. :Welcome to TSB.

[4skwerlz]

I think you need to get this baby to a vet right away. Usually if you tell them you are rehabbing the squirrel, they will have no problem seeing them and will give you a break on the bill.

The bulge could indicate a serious infection which could be life threatening. At the very least, her eye is at risk.

[Fallinwhisper]

I sent you a P.M. Jessy, let me know if you need more info.

[Mookie's Mom]

Can you give us an update? What will you be doing? Did you find a rehabber or vet?

[Jessy-vet in training]

thank you for all your concerns and help. I am not raising them alone, my mother in law is an experienced rehabber but also is not sure what the problem could be. The problem I have with taking them to a rehab is that I do not know of one within hours of me. If someone knows of one or of a good vet in the Maine, NH, Mass area PLEASE let me know. All the rest are doing excellent so I dont think I should jump the gun and hand them all over yet. Like i said I am in school to be a veterinarian and do have some knowledge. I am also going to ask my teachers but they really are not wold life experts which is why I am asking people here.

[Jessy-vet in training]

Update:

I have been notified of a vet in Maine and will be calling them in the AM. Tulip is eating, pooping, moving and acting normal other than that so I will call tomorrow. I will keep everyone posted and again, THANK YOU!!! Tulip really appreciates it!:thankyou

[Mookie's Mom]

Where is everyone?? Ususally someone here gives you a list of vets or rehabbers in your area. I am looking for the thread that has that list. I think the rehabbers are in TSB home page. We have to search the board. You have to find someone to see his eye as soon as possible.

[Jessy-vet in training]

my tulip is a girl hehe, but i did look at the list and i need to mapquest to be sure but i think they are all at least hours away. I found a vet that I am calling tomorrow. However to ease my mind tonight i reallt wish someone could give me some sort of diagnosis, I'm sitting here biting my nails until I can call the vet tomorrow. The person who gave them to me (a tree worker) said they did fall from their nest but i thought after over a week i would have seen signs of trauma before this and this is the first sign I have seen. Anything would help...

[Pointy Tale]

Hi, I am not a rehabber, but I wanted to say that you helping these babies is very admirable and I applaud your efforts for loving them. I wish I knew how to help you. I will pray for your little one that she gets good medical treatment and nothing is serious or permanent. All the best,

[Ontario Rehabber]

It is very hard to tell with the picture but this definitely looks like some sort of an abscess to me. Need a little background info - where were they found. Could it have been a cat bite. Sometimes a cat bite is so hard to see. Normally with an abscess you would try to drain it and put the little one on antibiotics. With it being so close to the eye I don't know whether it can be drained without jeopardizing the eye. Do you have access to a vet? Can you get better pics and give a bit more history?

[Mookie's Mom]

Oh, that's great that you will be showing him to a vet. All this private messaging is keeping us in the dark. And we could all learn here. Thanks Jessy for keeping me posted.

[Mookie's Mom]

Oh, seems like we were typing at the same time. Thanks for joining in Ontario Rehabber! I was wondering were all the rehabbers were!

[Ontario Rehabber]

So just to get up to speed do you have a vet apptmt for him today or tomorrow?

[Jessy-vet in training]

there isnt much back ground info as i was given them by a tree worker...they came straight from him to me...and straight from the tree/ground to him...no cats (only 4 other siblings) an absess/ infection was exactly my worst fear...I was thinking the same thing... I will give updates as soon as I have them from...

if i didnt mention they are eastern grey squirrels...dont know if that helps at all...

[Jessy-vet in training]

It is too late to call tonight and as she seems to have no other problems with eating etc...i will call them asap in the AM tomorrow...I'm on eastern time and they will not be on tonight

[Jessy-vet in training]

also a question for the rehabbers, how do you become a licensed rehabber? I'm really interested in taking m vet training that route...let me know...

[Jessy-vet in training]

ontario here are all the pics i have my camera is old and some setting must be screwed up...but anyway here are all of them maybe one will help you better than one i already posted...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture009.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture008.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture007.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture006.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture005.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture004.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture003.jpg

ill try to take better ones tomorrow with a different camera...

[4skwerlz]

I don't know what else could cause this other than some kind of infection. Please let us know what the vet says. Be sure to mention to the vet that you are rehabbing Tulip, and that you are a vet in training. It can really make a difference in their attitude.

[island rehabber]

I've never seen anything like that before so I'm afraid I'm not much help, but I would encourage you to get Tulip to the vet you found as soon as possible. If it is an abcess over her eye, it should be treated before it becomes so bad that it affects her future vision in the eye. We do have one rehabber in Mass. you could send a PM to: Mars.

[Ontario Rehabber]

If you can call and get a vet apptmt tomorrow a.m. I would suggest that. The pics are fairly fuzzy so is really hard to tell but it does look like some kind of infection. Needs antibiotics and possibly lancing.

First step to becomming a rehabber is to volunteer for many hours with a rehabber in your area.

[Jessy-vet in training]

thank you i will:Love_Icon I'm so worried im going through all my vet books looking for a way that this could happen before their eyes open...and of course im blaming myself...ill post if i find anything

[4skwerlz]

thank you i will:Love_Icon I'm so worried im going through all my vet books looking for a way that this could happen before their eyes open...and of course im blaming myself...ill post if i find anything

Possibly when she fell from the tree, something could have pierced her eye.... You'll know more hopefully once the vet sees her.

[LoveScratty]

I have never seen that on a squirrel, but i prey that she might have just been born like that, it seems to be a fairly large litter, maybe a deformity? Good luck, and keep us posted:-)

[Jessy-vet in training]

i don't think its a birth defect as this just developed and i've had her for over a week, it's making me nervous that no on knows what it is...and i can't take my eyes off the computer in case someone comes up with something...haha im a little over doing it i guess...thank you though!!!

[LoveScratty]

Oh right.
Hmmm...im stumped!:thinking
If there's anyway i can help you just let me know:D

[Anne]

My very first squirrel came to me at 3 weeks old and her eye was swollen like your baby's. A bruise from falling from the tree and hitting her eye on the way down. First, is there any fever to the eye? Does it seem to cause her any pain? Fever would be an infection and she will need antibiotics from a vet. No matter what the problem is she should be seen by a vet. Second, warm contact lens saline (slightly warmed like formula) may ease the eye and make her more comfortable. Don't rub the eye, just apply the saline with a cotton ball.
Treat for about 5 minutes at a time, perhaps when you feed her-feed her last.
Let us know about your vet's treatment for Tulip.
By the Way- all your babies are soooo cute.
Good luck and hang in there,

[LoveScratty]

Tulip, what an adorable name:rotfl

[Jessy-vet in training]

Thank you finally some one who has seen it before!!!

It does not seem to cause her pain and she seems to be normal in all other ways, temperature etc...

was your babies eye open or shut? what was the treatment? I have so many questions I'm sorry, and don't worry im calling the vet tomorrow and will let everyone know the results...

[Fallinwhisper]

Keep us posted! :grouphug Good Luck! That vet is awesome, worth the trip. You have my contact info if you need more info about them.

[Jessy-vet in training]

I just called the vet and they will not take her. I have called a few other vets in the area and they referred me to fish and game who will kill her. In all other aspects she is doing excellent and blossoming. I hope to find somewhere soon! If anyone knows any info that may help let me know... i'll be checking here periodically throughout the day...

[digiandchipper]

I wish I could help....how far can you drive to find a vet? Maybe that will help someone with suggestions?:dono I am praying for the little one:grouphug

[Jessy-vet in training]

I can drive about 2 hours or so...Thank you for keeping us in your prayers, she is still a happy little tulip right now and it doesn't seem to bother her so im still searching for a place to take her

[Mookie's Mom]

Hi Jessy, how disapointing that they won't see her. Keep calling all the vets possible or the rehabbers. Good luck little Tulip.

[4skwerlz]

Keep calling. If they won't see her, ask if they know a vet that will.

[Jessy-vet in training]

I asked if they knew of a vet that would and they said call around, i understand that this is not a squirrel friendly state but I just wish someone who care more about the animals than the legalities...I'm getting so frusterated...

[Pointy Tale]

Jessy,
I am Not a rehabber, but wish I could help. I understand your frustration about the vets in non-friendly squirrels states not wanting to help and it is upsetting.
I’m sorry to hear about your little one. I think you said you lived in NH? I think the goal is to get your little one diagnosed and perhaps, medication dispensed, maybe a local rehabber can help you with that.

Here is a link I found this morning with the rehabbers for your state, maybe this can be useful to you?

WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/wildlife_rehabbers.htm

Also, there is an online store I used for my own squirrels, I do not believe they sell medication, but perhaps they can offer you support, the people were very friendly. Chris’s Squirrels & More: www.squirrelsandmore.com

Best of luck to you.

[Jessy-vet in training]

Thank you I will look at the list and call those that are within driving distance. I also just had a thought about taking her Mass because i believe it IS a squirrel friendly state. Does anyone know any good VDM's in the mass area, preferrably close to the mass NH border?!? Thank you!!!

[Pointy Tale]

Oops, my mistake this Board actually has a post of complete rehabber list. Here is the link: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23
. Also, here is the area for all the threads, http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=8

I’m looking into MASS for you, brb.

[Pointy Tale]

Our board lists, squirrel friendly states here: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1979&highlight=massachusetts

I think MASS is OK, but please read for yourself.

It’s under the Breed Specific, Pet Squirrels, and UK Information. > Pet Squirrel Forum > Squirrel Friendly States

[Jessy-vet in training]

mass is ok for only a certain type or squirrel not grey squirrels which is what tulip is...I'll keep looking Thank you

[Buddy'sMom]

Jessy, I am sending PMs to a rehabber in NH (Mars) and two in MA (dmgaultieri; Treedweller) to see if they can give you a vet contact that will see your squirrel. I'll tell them to contact you by PM if they can help you.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jessy-vet in training]

Thank You!

[Pointy Tale]

Jessy, I hope everything works out. Please let us know.

[Jessy-vet in training]

Just to keep updated, all 4 other babies are doing great. Still waiting to hear back from vets for tulip but she is also still doing well in all other areas...

[Ontario Rehabber]

Praying you can find a vet or rehabber to take a look at the little one.

[LoveScratty]

I would be frustrated to.
If you want to be all legal about it become a lawyer not a vet.
Im getting anxious for updates :poke

[Jessy-vet in training]

i got some good info on some vets today and have gotten some advice on how to treat until i can get her to a vet she seems to be doing well so far...i qill give morw updates when i have them

[Buddy'sMom]

:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[Fallinwhisper]

:confused: I'm sorry to hear they would not take her in ... I hope that you can find someone who will take a look at her. Poor doll. Keep us posted!

I could go on and on about 'illegal' states ... and the vets in them that wont help an animal. :bash

[Ontario Rehabber]

i got some good info on some vets today and have gotten some advice on how to treat until i can get her to a vet she seems to be doing well so far...i qill give morw updates when i have them
Does this mean you have spoken to vets that are willing to see him? Hope so!

[JLM27]

I think that you are holding your camera too close for it to focus. Try holding it farther away and then cropping the resulting picture and making it larger with the computer software.

[Jessy-vet in training]

quick update:

I am getting in touch with a few vets today that I have a good feeling about:D But I also got some advice from some teachers and have starting using warm tea bags and some antibiotics and she seems to be doing well. I am still taking her to the vets though. I will take the advice on the camera, and try to get some new pics up and keep everyone posted on progress.

ps. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me find information and given me advice, I've never seen a group of people be more caring and helpful to someone they don't know. This is a great place and I'm glad I have been put in position to meet and and make friends with such great people. Tulip and I greatly appreciate it.

I am looking into getting licensed and hope to continue doing the great work that you have we have all come to love. Like I said I'll keep everyone updated on the vets I call today and let you all know what the problem was when I find out.

Thank you

Jessy& Tulip

[Mookie's Mom]

I am so glad that you found us and that you are part of our squirrel loving family!!!:multi It is wonderful that you will have a career in animal care! The world needs more people like you! Thanks for your caring and compassion for them :thumbsup

[Pointy Tale]

Jessy & Tulip, Thanks for the update, it's good news about the Antibiotics, that should work (but I'm not a rehabber), did the vet give it to you? You are so right, everyone on this board is amazing, caring and helpful. Can't wait for the next installment of Tulip's progress (great name by the way). All the best to you,

[Jessy-vet in training]

The swelling in my little loves eye has gone down quite a bit with the treatment, I am supposed to call the vets back because they are so far away and let them know how things are going and if they do not improve I will bring her in...as for now...she is eating great, pooping great and growing great...o yah...and she gives the best kisses:Love_Icon I'll try and get some updated pictures of the progress tomorrow or the next day depending on if we have to drive 2 hours to the vets or not...

Love tulip & Jessy

[LoveScratty]

:wott
So glad that the swelling has gone down, I hope that you don't have to drive two hours, and you are an angel and Tulips rescuer:bowdown
Keep up the great work, im so glad you joined TSB:D

[Buddy'sMom]

So glad you found help and are seeing some improvement.!! :wott

Keep getting better, little Tulip! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Ontario Rehabber]

Great news that the little eye is coming down. :wahoo :thumbsup Keep up the good work, and keep the updates and pictures coming.

[Fallinwhisper]

:multi That is fantastic news!!! I am so happy you were able to find some people to help! She is very lucky to have you! :thumbsup Good job!

[Pointy Tale]

Tulip & Jessy,
This is good news, I’m so happy for you and Tulip. So glad there is a vet out there to help you. Kisses…that is so sweet. Give her a kiss for me! Can’t wait to see the updated pictures.
All the best, E

[Anne]

Jessy, hope little Tulip continues to improve. The tannin in the tea bag draws the fluid out of a swelling, and is good also at helping a small wound stop bleeding. A great many dentists tell their patients to use a wet tea bag to reduce swelling, discomfort, and bleeding after having a tooth extracted. Give Tulip kisses for me. Thank you for helping her and siblings:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug .

[Jessy-vet in training]

the swelling is almost completely gone and i am so happy! eyes look like they will be opening soon i cant wait! hopefully once her eyes open we can check for any permanent damage but i think she will make a complete recovery! more updates and pics soon...

[Ontario Rehabber]

Best news I've had today:jump Great job. Can hardly wait for pictures of all the little cuties.

[Pointy Tale]

This is good news. Can't wait to see everyone's pictures.

[Ontario Rehabber]

I can't seem to find the pictures - :poke Have the eyes opened yet? How is she doing?

[Jessy-vet in training]

haha you got me I have not put pics up yet but I will get them up in the next couple days...eyes are not open yet but the slits are really close to opening! I can't wait...all 5 babies are doing great tulips eyes are completely healed now and are both the same size:jump I promise i will have pics up soon!!!

Jessy, tulip, chatter, daisy, grace, and honey

[Ontario Rehabber]

Thrilled that the eye is better - great job :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup You get a pass on this exam from me:D

[Jessy-vet in training]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/newtulip.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/newwholecrew.jpg

trying to get a good pic of how well her eye is doing but she wont sit still for me...they are moving around so much now and i THINK the eyes are starting to crack open...not opening yet but they are so close I just can't wait...:multi

[Jessy-vet in training]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture371.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture372.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture373.jpg love this picture!!!!
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture374.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture375.jpg

[Mookie's Mom]

Oh how absolutly adorable :D I love the one lying on his back with his toes fanned out in the second to last picture. I love the names you gave them too!!! Great job :thumbsup :flash3

[Ontario Rehabber]

What little sweeties, great pics of the little squirmers. They'll soon be able to see what Mommy looks like. :thumbsup

[Twistedsiren]

I am in Mass and should anyone ever need a helper to drop of some babies or help via the phone, I am here and will drive some distance if neccessary. My phone is 774-488-2699 and my name is Jacqueline.

[Pointy Tale]

Jessy, Tulip, Chatter, Daisy, Grace, and Honey—everyone looks so…pink, truly a heartwarming way to begin the morning. Thank you for sharing. How is Tulip doing? Is she still on medication? I’m praying for a good recovery. All the best,

[Jessy-vet in training]

Good news!!!!!!!!! Grayce opened an eye today!!!! so excited!!!!! pics coming soon!!!! also we put them on a hard surface so they can start building walking muscles, they did great for their first time!!!

[Jessy-vet in training]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture377.jpg
tulip and daisy
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture378.jpg
honey
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture379.jpg
grayce
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture380.jpg
chatter (mr. fuzzball)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture381.jpg
daisy and honey (the twins)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture382.jpg
wrestling
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c377/mjiscool6969/Picture385.jpg
of course my rolly polly tulip!!!!
:jump

[Ontario Rehabber]

Great pics of all the little munchkins. What beautiful little babies! So glad everyone is doing well. Great job Mom :thumbsup

[Pointy Tale]

Jessy, Tulip, Chatter, Daisy, Grace, and Honey—how precious they look on the hardwood floor. What love they have for each other…Daisy and Honey. Wrestling…too cute. Everyone is too cute for words. Big hugs from me to them, please.

[Jessy-vet in training]

quick update: tulip opened her right eye yesterday and there doesnt seem to be an permanent damage which was a big relief!!!

more good new to come im sure!!!

[Ontario Rehabber]

That is super news :thumbsup Good for you and little Tulip

[Mookie's Mom]

That's great news! What cute little babies and a great job you're doing! :thumbsup

[Jessy-vet in training]

looks like i jumped the gun, littlw tulip opened her other eye and i think she is blind in her right one, the one that was swollen now that i have something to compare it to, her eye looks like there is a blue film over in, but i am optamistic...she is the largest of the 4 (rip grayce) and eating and moving and being my crazy little girl...they all have different personalities it so adorable...