Possible brain damage? What are my options?

[ourglasslake]

Hello all,

On a bike ride around the neighborhood, my husband and I stopped to check out a home for sale...and noticed a squirrel lying in the backyard. She was alert and not bloody at all, and seemed to be unable to move her back legs. She was grabbing at and munching on some blades of grass, and while my husband ran home to grab a box, I nudged some of the crabapples (?) in the tree that she appeared to have fallen from near to her and she chewed seemingly happily on those for a while.

After getting her home and finding this website, I've determined that she is probably about a 10 week old grey squirrel. After pinching her shoulderblades, she does not seem to be dehydrated, but there is something really wrong with this girl. She only seems to want to lie on one side. I was wrong about my initial assessment that both of her back legs were not working; instead, neither leg on her left side will respond to touch. Her head also seems to list to the left side. I am wondering if this is a sign of brain damage? Does this gal even have a chance?

I'm keeping her warm for now, and since I couldn't really tell about the dehydration issue, I gave her some pedialyte mixture earlier. She seemed to like that a lot. I didn't have a syringe or any way to get one quickly, so I let her drink out of a paper cup. She also enjoyed chewing on the edge of the cup.

She is pooping and peeing in what appears to me to be a normal way (poops like like rabbit poop, nothing smells weird).

I called the only rehabber in the area and they said that they would almost certainly put her to sleep if I brought her in, based on what I described over the phone.

If I can get her through the night, there is another rehabber I can call in the morning.

So -- any suggestions on what to feed her at this age? Does she even have a chance?

And what kinds of noises are normal for squirrels to make? She was giving me a little symphony when she was chewing the cup. Something that sounded like a purr almost that was slightly disturbing!

Thank you so much!

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Just sit tight we will try and help locate another rehabber! Thank you for going the extra mile to help this baby.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

As far as feeding, Esbilac puppy formula, warmed if you can get a syringe.
Ensure nutrional drink will do in a pinch.


Warmth, dark, quiet, away from pets your doing everything right!

Are any of these close to you?
South Carolina, Central
South Carolina, Central region (Columbia)..... 803-772-3994

Joanna Weitzel (executive director), Carolina Wildlife Care
Wildlife Species: songbirds, waterfowl, small mammals, and reptiles
South Carolina, Central region (Spartanburg)..... 864-515-8678

Deborah Woody, Piedmont Audubon Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Program
paswrp@aol.com
Wildlife Species: primarily sonbirds and small mammals (but will rescue any
raptor or rabies vector species for transport to proper facility/licensed rehabber
Comments: cover upstate of South Carolina, vets on call 24/7, 27 years of experience
South Carolina, Central region, Aiken County (North August)..... 803-278-3298

Brenda Ice, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
bande1@comcast.net
Wildlife Species: Opossums

[ourglasslake]

Hi, thanks for the reply! Only Carolina Wildlife Care is within 100 miles of me, and they are the ones who said they would likely euthanize. If that's what's best, then that's what's best, I just thought I'd see if y'all had any more ideas first!

[Peaches]

thank you for taking this baby in to care for her. She may have fallen from the tree and landed on her left side. Its possible she experienced trauma to that side and when the trauma subsides she may be normal again. It's too soon to tell if the damage is permanent so please don't let anyone put her to sleep.

[digiandchipper]

I'm so glad you found TSB!:Welcome and thanks for saving this sweet girl. It shouldn't be long before a rehabber will be on to advise you.

As was mentioned above, keep her warm and quiet until you hear more.

:grouphug

[4skwerlz]

A squirrel can recover from a head injury or spinal trauma if it's not too severe, especially a young squirrel. Personally, I would give her a chance to get better before I thought of euthanizing. Unfortunately, many rehabbers are legally required to euthanize a squirrel with an apparent spinal injury. But if you can keep her fed and hydrated and have a cage to keep her in, then perhaps you can keep her for a short time until we can either find a rehabber willing to give her a chance, or she starts to get better.

Please keep us posted on how she's doing.

:thankyouso much for rescuing this little one.

[digiandchipper]

A squirrel can recover from a head injury or spinal trauma if it's not too severe, especially a young squirrel. Personally, I would give her a chance to get better before I thought of euthanizing. Unfortunately, many rehabbers are legally required to euthanize a squirrel with an apparent spinal injury. But if you can keep her fed and hydrated and have a cage to keep her in, then perhaps you can keep her for a short time until we can either find a rehabber willing to give her a chance, or she starts to get better.

Please keep us posted on how she's doing.

:thankyouso much for rescuing this little one.


what about neighboring states..?

[SkwerlGirl]

I know about where she is in SC...6 hour drive from me, but.....hold on....

[SkwerlGirl]

HERE!!!

it's a .pdf file of ALL registered SC rehabbers by county---and these are ALL for mammals...

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/publications/pdf/mammals.pdf

[SkwerlGirl]

there are others in counties next to you, like Lexington...her name is Emily Miller, 803-317-6032
803-582-8233

and in Winnsboro there is a Sylvia Parris, 803-635-1583

[Pointy Tale]

Ourglasslake—thank you for rescuing this precious soul, not many people would. I am Not a rehabber. You have come to the right place. Everyone on this board is great and can help you. I am praying for your little one…Does she seem like she is in pain…can she walk at all? Listen to the instructions from the rehabbers on this board…they can help you to help her. My Prayers for your strength now too, as you will need them. Please keep us posted on her progress. Please, give her a chance before you let someone euthanize her…there are people on this board who have done amazing work with neurological squirrels.

[SkwerlGirl]

what about neighboring states..?

she's right in the middle of SC...probably a 2 hr drive to NC....:dono

[Jackie in Tampa]

Welcome to Tsb, someone will be on soon!
I agree it is too soon to know how permanant injuries are.
Good Luck

[ourglasslake]

Hi all, thanks for the replies so far. I just checked on her and she's warm, quiet, and sleepy, so everything seems fine for the time being.

Unfortunately in terms of the rehab situation, I'm a grad student without a car. I get around on my bike most of the time. I have some friends who might be willing to drive me somewhere in Columbia, but much farther than that and I'm not sure it's a possibility for me :-/ I will at least do some calling around in the morning to the nearest places. My brother, who also lives in Columbia, goes to Charlotte and Greenville pretty often, but he won't be back in town for probably a week.

In any case, I've gotta help this girl through the night before anything else can happen!!

I am not sure if she is in much pain. Earlier after she drank and had fun chewing on the cup, she seemed to want to move around, so I set her on the floor. She is kind of able to lunge a little bit, but she pretty quickly fell over on her side again. I didn't get to her fast enough for her liking (I wanted to put a glove on first), so she started screaming and moving her legs. I am not sure this was because it actually *hurt* her to be on that side or because she was just aggravated that she couldn't move. I tried gently touching the legs she can't move when she was drinking, and she did not recoil them or really even seem to notice.

[Buddy'sMom]

:Welcome ourglasslake and thank you for rescuing her and looking for help.

We have two rehabber members in SC (Secret Squirrel and Kathy56), though neither are very close to you. I sent them each a message to see if they could help or had any contacts closer to you that might help give her a chance.

In the meantime, you are doing great. Did you read the Sticky with the Emergency Care Info (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11782) which has the basics. Making sure she is warm and hydrated are the key first things -- without that start, she wouldn't be able to digest anything you feed her.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Pointy Tale]

ourglasslake, Very thorough explanation, thank you. So when you touch her leg she doesn’t act like she’s in pain? I’m sorry you are without a car…do you think you have the supplies to take care of her through the night…and taking care of her in the morning. Again, I can’t thank you enough for stopping to help her. Please keep us posted, you and your girl are in our thoughts now… Yes, yes...please listen to Buddy'sMom...she has a lot more knowledge than me.

[ourglasslake]

Buddy's Mom -- I have been following that "first steps" thread from the beginning...hopefully I've gotten it right. She's warm, quiet, and as far as I can tell, not dehydrated...but I have some more of the homemade pedialyte that I'll try again with when she's not asleep.

Pointy Tale -- She's safely in a cage so at least in terms of supplies, I feel fine taking care of her for the next day or so. Except for food...I'm reading that Esbilac is what I should try and get. Is this appropriate for an older baby, like 10 weeks or so? She seems very keen on chewing, and she was definitely eating solids when I found her. I can easily get to a grocery store and a pharmacy, so if there's anything I need to pick up from either place, I'll do it!

In terms of pain, she really only screamed when she got frustrated from trying to turn over. She does not seem to be in pain when her legs are touched. She was using her seemingly non-working leg to (ineffectively) brace against my finger when she was enthusiastically chewing that cup!

[Buddy'sMom]

OK, without a car, I guess we assume that you can't run out and pick up Esbilac puppy formula (available at Petco or Petsmart but not too many other places). Although if you have access to Walmart, they have a formula called First Born Puppy formula that is OK for temporary use.

If that's not feasible either ... do you have any yogurt? She may want to lap at some yogurt (but have a wet loth or paper towel handy to wipe her off if it gets messy. Or a piee of avocado (no skin or pit). Or chunk of apple. Or green leafy anything. Or piece of sweet potato.

She may well sleep through the night -- at her age, with a fully tummy, she would. But she may do well with some of the pedialyte mixture during the night -- if you and she are awake. In the morning, give her some pedialyte (or the formula if you were able to get it) and you an try some of the foods.

They make lots of noises -- the purring is a good noise, though :Love_Icon

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

Yes, formula would still be important at her age, tho she would be getting solid food too. The formula provides most of her nutritional needs, though, so it will be important. (But it's ok if you can't get it tonite)

But if she is to have the best chance of recovering, she will need a vet and meds -- which really means she needs a rehabber since I don't think it is legal for you to bring her to a vet (plus, the transportation thing). So I hope one of the rehabbers responds and can find someone to help you.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[longshotgamble]

:thankyou So much for helping this little kid, sounds like you are getting great advice from the members in here. Hang in there, they are pretty tough critters. If I can help in transport I will, in coastal SC (2 hours away, at least). I am NOT a rehabber; just a animal lover.

[ourglasslake]

Thanks so much Buddy's Mom! She is still snoozing away, but I will check her again before I go to bed and see if she would be up for a little more Pedialyte.

I was hoping that esbilac would be a CVS or grocery store item...:-/ I could definitely get to a pet store tomorrow if necessary.

Don't worry, I am not someone who is dying to have a squirrel for a pet. I have a ferret now, and somehow I don't really see them getting along long term.... He still hasn't noticed any squirrely smells, and she is definitely out of his reach, but still. Not a situation that is ideal for the long term. BUT I will do whatever I can to make sure this girl gets help for as long as I need to!

Thanks again!

[Pointy Tale]

ourglasslake, you are doing great. I hope tonight goes well for you and your new little girl. I can't thank you enough for stopping to help this little one...

[ourglasslake]

:thankyou So much for helping this little kid, sounds like you are getting great advice from the members in here. Hang in there, they are pretty tough critters. If I can help in transport I will, in coastal SC (2 hours away, at least). I am NOT a rehabber; just a animal lover.

Wow, longshotgamble, that is really generous of you!! I will make some calls tomorrow just to see if there's anyone close by that won't kill her immediately.

[longshotgamble]

Wow, longshotgamble, that is really generous of you!! I will make some calls tomorrow just to see if there's anyone close by that won't kill her immediately.
Please do. We live in a state where it is not legal to have a squirrel and therefore I think they kill some when it wasn't really necessary. Good luck tonight. Keep us posted, please:thumbsup

[Buddy'sMom]

Not all pet stores carry Esbilac, so you should call ahead first to see.

If you go to buy yogurt for her, get some that is full fat, without artificial sweeteners. A fruit or vanilla.

Some squirrels eat scrambled eggs -- not all do, but I'm trying to think of things you might have on hand or would be easy to get.

A jar of baby food rice cereal-fruit mix might work.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

There are members who are willing to give non-releasables permanent homes. This is more difficult with an adult, because they are already wild and afraid of people, so being young is in her favor. We have assembled transport trains in the past to get them to a sanctuary.

[Buddy'sMom]

Ummm, never mind about finding formula at Walmart --- I checked what they offer to make sure I had the name right and it's no longer listed anywhere as being available. Walmart seems to only be selling Hartz puppy formula --- but we have heard very bad things about the Hartz formulas and do not recommend that you get that.

If you can care for her for a day or so while we try to work out someone that can take over and get the medications that will help her, that would be wonderful. She was very lucky to find you -- you're doing great!

It sounds like she will be OK over night. But there are usually some members logged in at all hours. In case you need anything, feel free to post any time.

:grouphug :grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

Working on trying to get rehabber assistance. longshotgamble's generous offer to do the driving may make it more feasible to get to someone. :bowdown :bowdown

ourglasslake, I hope you and baby have a quiet night. :grouphug

G'nite.
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Chesters_mom]

If you have a tractor supply store there, they carry esbilac.

[Nancy in New York]

Awe, what a big heart you have getting this little squirrel in need. Good luck with this little one, and I will be saying prayers for both of you...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Jackie in Tampa]

Great job saving this little one!:bowdown
If a rehabber cannot be found this morning and some one Is going for supplies, here are a few items to pick up {only suggestions}
Esbilac PUPPY REPLACER MILK
1cc needleless syringe Or 3cc
Dannon All Natural Vanilla yogurt or Stoneybrooks Vanilla
these things can be found at most pet stores, feed stores, Tractor Supply
Good Luck!

[Pointy Tale]

Just checking in to see how the little one is doing. I am praying for the best.

[BHO]

She may have hurt her spine. I have some Esbilac powder and also homeopathy for trauma and back injuries. If you want please PM me, I can send some to you priority mail. If I hear from you b4 postie comes, I can ship today if not tomorrow.

I dont drive and dont have a car so I know how hard it can be. let me know. Thanks for finding her and taking good care of her. GB

[island rehabber]

ourglasslake, :Welcome:Welcome:Welcome to TSB!
You've gotten excellent advice here already and it does sound as if this squirrel is doing well considering her injury. Some solid foods to offer her: pieces of sweet potato or yams.....broccoli....cauliflower.....snow pea pods.....berries.....green leafy stuff like kale, escarole or chicory.....radicchio if you can find it, squirrels LOVE it......raw almonds....pieces of apple or pear. At her age she will want to chew so you can even put some local branches into her enclosure and let her play with them. If you do end up holding onto her for more than a day or so, there is a homeopathic treatment called Vetri-DMG that can work wonders with trauma victims and is not expensive.

EDIT: wow, BHO.....great minds think alike. :)

[longshotgamble]

Just getting moving around, got to see if Ms. Butter wants some formula than I will try to get a hold of SS and see what she thinks needs to be done. Be back in a bit, I hope the baby is doing well,

[LynninIN]

Beth at Keeper of the Wild, in Charleston, is a very active rehabber. She would probably know someone in your area. 843-636-1659

http://www.keeperofthewild.org/




Other Resources:
Animal Rehabilitators of the Carolinas: 704-552-2329
http://www.arcwildlife.org/


Pat, Indian Land, SC 803 548-4232
http://web.comporium.net/~motleyone/framepgenosnd.htm

[Secret Squirrel]

Wow, longshotgamble, that is really generous of you!! I will make some calls tomorrow just to see if there's anyone close by that won't kill her immediately.

Thank you for caring for this little one. Have you called the other number that are listed closer to your county ? I am sure you can find a rehaber closer that won't euthanise her.

I can not drive to Columbia....been sick and on some meds that have me pretty woozy. I am also at work and won't get home until 6:00pm.
Kathy56 is close...at least I think she is close.

Sorry I can't do more right now. Keep us posted about the other numbers you have tried to call.:thumbsup

Have any TSB members spoken to ourglasslake on the phone?

[SkwerlGirl]

Just checking in to see how she's doing...

You sound like you're doing an excellent job!!! :thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

I have only been following, but I do know a vet that will see sqs in SC...
But I do not know where you are...so do you know where Greenville or better still, Seneca is? {VERY CLOSE BY}
The vet I am speaking of, I have taken MY sq to, so this is safe! I know!

[Buddy'sMom]

Thank you for caring for this little one. Have you called the other number that are listed closer to your county ? I am sure you can find a rehaber closer that won't euthanise her.

I can not drive to Columbia....been sick and on some meds that have me pretty woozy. I am also at work and won't get home until 6:00pm.
Kathy56 is close...at least I think she is close.

Sorry I can't do more right now. Keep us posted about the other numbers you have tried to call.:thumbsup

Have any TSB members spoken to ourglasslake on the phone?
:wave123 SS -- thanks for checking in! (sorry you've been sick -- hope you are better soon!:grouphug)

I don't think anyone has spoken with her -- so all the info about the sq. is right here.

I had sent a PM to Kathy56 also -- she is a little closer, but I wasn't sure if she is currently rehabbing? Also -- longshotgamble offered to drive the sq from Columbia to the Charleston area and the finder does not have transportation (a different direction would make quite a long road trip for her). Do you know the rehabbers that LynninIN posted for the Charleston area? Would they be possibilities if ourglasslake cannot find someone close to her location? Is it possible that you could contact them and pave the way for her call?

ourglasslake -- how is baby doing this morning?

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

145 miles one way from Columbia to THE VET I know.....Hmmm
I can swim that far on a good day!:D ...just kidding!
Wish I could offer something else, good luck!
Hoping for a good update:grouphug
just gotta be someone close...fingers crossed that someone will be found!

[Secret Squirrel]

:wave123 SS -- thanks for checking in! (sorry you've been sick -- hope you are better soon!:grouphug)

I don't think anyone has spoken with her -- so all the info about the sq. is right here.

I had sent a PM to Kathy56 also -- she is a little closer, but I wasn't sure if she is currently rehabbing? Also -- longshotgamble offered to drive the sq from Columbia to the Charleston area and the finder does not have transportation (a different direction would make quite a long road trip for her). Do you know the rehabbers that LynninIN posted for the Charleston area? Would they be possibilities if ourglasslake cannot find someone close to her location? Is it possible that you could contact them and pave the way for her call?

ourglasslake -- how is baby doing this morning?

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
Keeper Of The Wild is who Kathy56 and I rehab under. Beth Mouder is the Vise Pres and she usually calls me about squirrels. Beth may know someone else closer so it's worth a call to KOW. Longshot can transport but we have heard nothing back from ourglasslakes yet. Maybe she is in class ?We really can't send a new member on a wild goose chase. Longshot will be working this afternoon so we really need to hear from the finder first. And see how much progress she has made.Can someone get her # and try to ramp this thing up??? I am at work and seem useless right now.I hope this squirrel is hanging in there.

[Buddy'sMom]

Ourglasslake -- First, can we have an update? Then, let's try to get you and longshot in direct contact. You can PM either longshot or me with your phone number (or to have us send you longshot's number if you prefer).

For PM, click Private Meassages on above right under your name (it appears only if you are logged into TSB). Then Send New Message. Then start typing the member's name in the box and it will give you the full name to click on. Type message and send. When you get a response, a pop-up box will appear when you refresh the page or go to a new one.

It sounds like there are good possibilities for someone who will take good care of the squirrel -- and also some possibilities for transportation. :thumbsup Keeper of the Wild is a good facility and would be one good choice if you cannot find someone more locally.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[FranP]

I spoke to some one at The Carolina Wildlife office here in Columbia when I found my little flying squirrel 2 mos. ago. The ph.# I was given by Riverbanks Zoo was 803-772-3994. I had to leave a message because I was told they are busy feeding and would get back to me as soon as they could (which was that afternoon). I hope this helps! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Buddy'sMom]

:thankyou FranP!

ourglasslake -- Whoever you call, be sure to ase them what they would do -- euthanize or treat and care for.

:grouphug :grouphug

[longshotgamble]

Hi just checking in. Praying this baby is doing fine. I go to work in about an hour and a half, but will check back for any news when I get home. Secret Squirrel knows how to get in touch with me and I think some other members also have my number. The offer of help still stands for tomorrow AM.

[ourglasslake]

Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay in replying.

Lots of good news this morning! The little girl made it peacefully through the night, and was happy to eat some Ensure from a syringe this morning. That's all I could get from CVS, and someone upthread suggested it, so I hope that's alright. She sure seemed to love it! She also wanted to chew, so I gave her a piece of carrot and she shredded it to bits quite happily. I'm not sure she actually ate any, but she seemed to have fun. She is super alert and adorable today! It seems like things went well overnight and maybe she got some healing done :)

The other good news is that she is using both of her arms this morning! I think her right hand (if I said left earlier, I meant right...I'm bad with my that lol) is not working well, but she is definitely using the arm to try and get things done! I called Carolina Wildlife Rehab and with the updated info they said she has a shot. Definitely not a sure euthanasia since she has use of 3 of her limbs at least.

So I have a friend coming to pick us up within the hour.

Thank you for all your help!

[digiandchipper]

:wott :wott :wott
Keep us posted!!!

[Buddy'sMom]

:wahoo :wahoo That's fantastic news, ourglasslake!! :wahoo :wahoo

She now has a chance for a happy, squirrely life, thanks to you!! :bowdown :bowdown Regardless of how it works out for her recovery, this is a great rescue -- without you, she would have been an easy target for predators, as well as probably starving from not being able to get what she needs.

We would love to hear how she does, if you get updates from the wildlife center. :)

:Love_Icon :grouphug

[Pointy Tale]

ourglasslake, This is wonderful news…. I couldn’t be happier for her or for you. Can’t thank you enough for all you are doing for this sweet soul… A Million Thank Yous. Please keep us posted, if you can. Hey, can you get a picture of her to upload before you leave for the rehabber? I know…you have a lot to do…just asking.

[Secret Squirrel]

We are hoping for good news :grouphug ....please keep us non sleepers posted of your daily events. We worry about the squirrels not in our care just as much as the ones IN our care. It's unexplainable....if you catch my drift.
Best wishes for you and Lil' girl.
XOXOX

[Pointy Tale]

Is there any update?

[longshotgamble]

:jump
It sounds like good news for this baby, thanks from the bottom of my heart for updating us. You have been on my mind and in my prayers for the last 24 hours.

[BigNibbler]

Hello. Any good news?