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BigNibbler
05-15-2009, 11:54 PM
Hi, i am a new member.
Been developing a wonderful relationship with my local squirrels.
One of them, just got injured.
two thirds of her left hand is skinned to the bone!
It hurts me so the see her struggling.
She was the sharpest and strongest of the older members here.
She has been lactating for the past six weeks, and i was hoping to meet her babies. Over the weekend, she must have gotten into a fight, or had an accident, and her hand is mauled to point where the entire bone is showing on several fingers, possibly one even missing.

What do you suggest, what are her changes of not dying from infection and of being able to survive like that.
She is an eastern gray outdoor squirrel, who prior to her injury was comfortable, coming into my house, onto the table, across a path and would sit and eat her choice of nuts, and would sit two inches from me.

For the last few days, she has been very remote, and won't come to me.
I have tried to provide food close to her nest, but the other squirrels give her no peace there. I attached a photo of her hand. What do you think?
How serious is it? Will it heal on its own?
Really appreciate any advice, on what i can do to help her?

TinyPaws
05-16-2009, 01:52 AM
I'm so sorry to see your squirrel in pain....It hurts me to even look at her poor hand....

A rehabber will be on soon to help you....I'm guessing you do not have physical possession of her....you will need to use a have a heart trap and capture her so she can get treatment......If she has babies, they will need to be gathered also.....

Hand in there....My prayers are with you and that little girl...

merman
05-16-2009, 02:11 AM
Oh, poor little thing!

This guy must have a kind of infection.. Guess she will need to be captured and the bone finger removed. I am not a Vet or a rehabber.. And i am sure an experienced member with more knowledge will guide you through this..
(in the morning time in US)

Hope you can help this little one and save her life.. :shakehead

Thanks for your care!!

Vas

Wild Tails
05-16-2009, 02:47 AM
Hi!

Such a sad case - her hand does look terrible.

There are two options at this point to help her out. Preferably, you can get her contained and to a rehabber in your area. Hav-a-hart traps can work, depending on how smart she is! The extent of that injury is definitely life-threatening, and acting quickly before the bone becomes necrotic and sepsis sets in is important. Those fingers will almost definitely come off, but with proper care and meds, the hand may retain enough use for a successful release.

The second option is hard to consider - if she is still active and healthy, she may be too difficult to capture and may come through this injury on her own. Wild animals have a remarkable resiliance and ability to heal. Some animals have injuries in the wild that would be incredibly challenging (if not impossible) to treat in a wildlife hospital, but that end up healing well without intervention. If you can't get her contained, watch her closely for the next week or so for changes in behavior - if she starts going downhill, get her into a center right away!

Here's a link to licensed NY rehabbers:
http://www.nyswrc.org/counties.htm

Jackie in Tampa
05-16-2009, 05:13 AM
JMO...needs anti=biotics, however treating a sq in the wild is diffecult.
Trapping will be a strain on the sq if OLDER adult as you have described. If you can get baytril, that is perfered. Peanut shell loaded with medicated avacodo or peanut butter is a great disquise.
However I have had many wild sqs with serious wounds that were able to heal and adjust to their handicaps.
Great photo, someone should be able to help soon. We have a ehabbers near you, hang on, I'll PM one of them.:grouphug
:thumbsup Thanks for helping!
and Welcome to TSB!:Welcome

Pointy Tale
05-16-2009, 06:25 AM
MasterNibbler—Hi Welcome, I am Not a rehabber, but I think Jackie is getting you one, you are in good hands.:)

I am sorry to hear and see your squirrels hand is in such bad shape. I know how heartbreaking it can be especially with the one you have such a close relationship with and what you describe, your girl has chosen you, she trusts you. Squirrels do surprising adapt to their injuries and heal quickly. Please keep us posted.
All the best,

island rehabber
05-16-2009, 06:33 AM
MasterNibbler, :Welcome to TSB from your neighbor across the LI Sound.....I am going to PM you with a short list of LI rehabbers who I know and respect. They might be able to help you either trap this girl and treat her paw, or at least give you some antibiotics to slip in a yummy treat for her to ward off infection. Despite these unhappy circumstances, it's great to have another squirrel lover with us!

4skwerlz
05-16-2009, 07:35 AM
She appears to still have all four fingers on the hurt hand (they have four, plus a nubbin of a thumb)...can't tell about the index finger. The totally skinned finger will probably "die" and drop off, but she should get along fine with three fingers. Bad as this looks, based on watching my own wild friends recover from all sorts of injuries, I believe she will heal on her own. Wild squirrels are amazing healers! The fact that she's using the hand to eat is great. If she was in great pain, she would try hard not to use that paw. I don't see a lot of swelling. The abraded flesh looks fairly healthy pink and dry. I do see one area on the second finger that looks like the abrasion went to the bone as well. Unsure if that can heal and be covered with tissue again. Her eyes look bright...always a good sign. We have some great folks here with experience in wound healing and hopefully they'll give their expert opinions.

In short, if she were MY little buddy, I wouldn't trap her at this point....especially since she has babies. I would just watch her. Updates and pics will help us all keep an eye on the hand as it progresses.

As mentioned by others, look for signs of infection: redness, swelling, drainage, any "spreading" of the bare area, or signs she's not feeling well (moving slowly, weakness, not able to climb well, and so on).

You might go ahead and get the Baytril just in case. It's a good idea to keep some squirrel-friendly antibiotics in your fridge at all times anyhow, as occasionally a wild squirrel will wander into your yard with an advanced infection of some kind, and you'll be ready. It will ease your mind a bit.

:Welcometo TSB.

PBluejay2
05-16-2009, 08:31 AM
I agree with 4s. Though the wound is nasty looking, she's still able to use the hand and what appears to be three of the four fingers and the wound doesn't appear to be infected. Trapping would cause her a lot of stress, as would attempting to treat the wound daily. Keep an eye on her if possible and watch for any complications.

Wild Tails
05-16-2009, 11:31 PM
I hate to disagree about the baytril, but here I am doing it! It is not a good idea to start a round of antibiotics that you can't necessarily finish. It is difficult to effectively medicate a wild squirrel in the wild, to be sure it gets both doses daily for 5 days, and this is absolutely necessary. If you don't manage it, you are opening yourself up for more serious complications down the road.

For example, let's say the hand isn't infected at this point, or it is only contaminated to the point where the body is handling it. You improperly dose (since you don't have a weight) and then you inconsistantly give baytril for a few days. This kills off the bacteria that is very susceptible to the antibiotic, leaving plenty of space and food for the bacteria that is semi or wholly resistant to overtake the hand, thus creating a resistant infection that is no longer easily cured by the wildlife vet/rehabilitator's go-to drug. This situation would then be life threatening, and the sad part is, it would have been entirely preventable!

Also, baytril is a pretty strong antibiotic that lasts the ecosystem for upwards of 4 months after the last dose. It can do major damage, especially to birds, if they get ahold of it either by accident and overdose, or through long term environmental exposure. There are more and more studies coming out that indicate that baytril is a rough drug overall, and it is not a good idea to use it unwisely.

So I strongly urge you to either choose to wait & watch, or try to get her contained and into care where the antibiotics can be properly given.

4skwerlz
05-16-2009, 11:46 PM
I hate to disagree about the baytril, but here I am doing it! It is not a good idea to start a round of antibiotics that you can't necessarily finish. It is difficult to effectively medicate a wild squirrel in the wild, to be sure it gets both doses daily for 5 days, and this is absolutely necessary. If you don't manage it, you are opening yourself up for more serious complications down the road.

For example, let's say the hand isn't infected at this point, or it is only contaminated to the point where the body is handling it. You improperly dose (since you don't have a weight) and then you inconsistantly give baytril for a few days. This kills off the bacteria that is very susceptible to the antibiotic, leaving plenty of space and food for the bacteria that is semi or wholly resistant to overtake the hand, thus creating a resistant infection that is no longer easily cured by the wildlife vet/rehabilitator's go-to drug. This situation would then be life threatening, and the sad part is, it would have been entirely preventable!

Also, baytril is a pretty strong antibiotic that lasts the ecosystem for upwards of 4 months after the last dose. It can do major damage, especially to birds, if they get ahold of it either by accident and overdose, or through long term environmental exposure. There are more and more studies coming out that indicate that baytril is a rough drug overall, and it is not a good idea to use it unwisely.

So I strongly urge you to either choose to wait & watch, or try to get her contained and into care where the antibiotics can be properly given.

I wasn't suggesting a course of antibiotics at this time, but "watch and wait." The only reason I suggested she go ahead and get some AB was simply to keep them on hand, just in case the wound goes bad in a hurry. I agree there are other options besides Baytril for wounds.

Overuse of ABs is rampant and does cause many problems....but who wants to be the first person to not take them or use them, for "the good of the species"? You can argue til you're blue in the face, but people will use the best AB they can find for themselves or an animal they care about and there's not much you can do about that.

Wild Tails
05-17-2009, 12:00 AM
I'm simply saying that more harm can be done to this particular squirrel at this time if antibiotics are tried in an uncontrolled setting, not that Batril is a bad idea for this squirrel. Also, if the squirrel "goes downhill in a hurry" there are more important concerns than an immediate dose of antibiotics. Once you see physical symptoms like lethargy, the squirrel is suffering from secondary problems and needs to be stabilized before antibiotics are administered. Damage to kidneys or liver (or other organ damage) is entirely possible if the squirrel is not stable before the antibiotics are given. There are many potential complications with the use of any drug, which is why they are legally only prescribed after diagnosis by vetrinarians, who have had the schooling in these areas.

Environmental damage and resistance are issues we all will have to deal with, and if one squirrel has to be captured and maintained in captivity for a couple weeks to ensure the animal's health as well as responsible use of drugs, then that is the best option.

Jackie in Tampa
05-17-2009, 07:19 AM
JMO...I disagree, if a sq needs help...give them help!
Ok, this is not the perfect solution in the scientific world, but as you see, we are sq lovers...not biologists with lab stats.
This is a pro sq web site...
I will help treat a wild in a new york minute!
Phooey on all the jargon of resistance etc, Baytril rules when a sq is really sick! I can say that we probably will never have to treat the same sq twice in the wild! As far as environmental damage...PESTICIDES and OIL and FERTILIZERS are a little more likely to squash our world than a few drops of sq antibiotics! I have saved a many a wild sq!
JMO!:tilt

I am only making reference to posts concerning treatment of wild sqs.:peace

SkwerlGirl
05-17-2009, 10:30 AM
any word on this one yet???

tree-queen
05-17-2009, 08:14 PM
I am no rehabber, but I know some about animals. I know from experience that wild animals, including birds and squirrels have amazing systems and can recover amazingly from injuries. If you start antibiotics for her, and cannot finish them, that will inevitably make it infinatly worse and harder to cure. I suggest leaving her be, and watching for any of the symptoms discribed below. Best of luck! :grouphug

rippie-n-lilgirlsmom
05-17-2009, 08:58 PM
I agree with 4S & Jackie you must do what you can do. I believe any vet would also agree getting one or 2 doses is better than nothing.

BigNibbler
05-18-2009, 12:26 PM
I am very touched by such a response. This seems like a wonderful group.
Sorry been slow to update.
Worked all weekend, and in my haste to respond, the notebook battery died before long update was sent... and it was lost.

First, the sq's name is Cyan. And i think she might survive.

She came to me each day. I have photos of her in better days, but these are her this morning ( monday, probably nine or ten days after the injury ).

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/8248946_tgmgv/1/539577257_UgYHP

There are a series of photos, different angles. Not sure if better to provide this link, or actually upload to forum.

I am pretty sure i can get Cyan to eat AB treated food.
May have problem keeping it regular as i myself, am not a regimented person. Also, i have been providing a huge excess of food, so that after the other sq's get their fill, and are tired of hoarding( if that ever happens! ), there still remain more for Cyan. I notice, they tend to be a bit less argumentative, when larger quantity of nuts and numerous feed stations are available. Today is my first day off, since my urgent post on saturday before leaving for a hard day. Will try contacting rehabbers, later.

Love to all who are trying to help me with this little mama ( Cyan )
ps: how she got that name is a long story.

Pointy Tale
05-18-2009, 01:19 PM
MasterNibbler—Yes this is a wonderful group. Poor Cyan. Just looked at your link, but it needs a password? Maybe you can upload to the thread? Even if we are not regimented, our squirrels keep us that way…:) Well…now you just have to tell us how she got her name, please and pictures…:)

BigNibbler
05-18-2009, 01:53 PM
MasterNibbler—Yes this is a wonderful group. Poor Cyan. Just looked at your link, but it needs a password? Maybe you can upload to the thread? Even if we are not regimented, our squirrels keep us that way…:) Well…now you just have to tell us how she got her name, please and pictures…:)


Sorry. No Password was intended. http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/8248946_tgmgv/1/539577257_UgYHP

please try again.

ps.. those were shot 7:30 am. Now at 2:30 pm, the first two digits of the finger have fallen off! She came back had some more nuts, and for the first time took a none shelled one, and buried it with her one good paw.

merman
05-18-2009, 01:55 PM
Wow..

These are seriously good pics, the bone finger is falling off as i see..
---
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http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539576699_Ta93t-M.jpg
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http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539576962_kvxf7-M.jpg
---

Did you start AB treatment ?

merman
05-18-2009, 02:02 PM
Other finger looks swollen as well..
??
I'm not a Vet or a rehabber but guess abx treatment is a must..
Any ideas from experienced members ??




Wow..

These are seriously good pics, the bone finger is falling off as i see..
---
---
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539576699_Ta93t-M.jpg
---
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539576962_kvxf7-M.jpg
---

Did you start AB treatment ?

BigNibbler
05-18-2009, 02:02 PM
Wow..

These are seriously good pics, the bone finger is falling off as i see..
---
---
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539576699_Ta93t-M.jpg
---
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539576962_kvxf7-M.jpg
---

Did you start AB treatment ?

No, i did not. Was reading all the opinions here.
As one who hates taking meds, and always have bad issues with ABs myself those critical of meds at this moment seem reasonable.
I have tried to help Cyan be able to find food.
I probably have nice photos of her, in better times. but thought this section is for urgencies.

philomycus
05-18-2009, 02:21 PM
I actually think the swelling isn't that bad. And although it's gross for some to look at, I think it looks like it is healing nicely. The wound has a nice clean edge around it. I think it looks pretty good now considering what it did look like in the first photos.

And trapping would stink if she's nursing a litter of babies, you don't want to jeapordize them.

Pointy Tale
05-18-2009, 02:31 PM
MasterNibbler—poor sweet Cyan…I don’t know what to say, although it is good to see that she is using her hand, I agree with Merman..AB’s, I know I don’t like taking meds either, but is her bone actually falling off? I am so sorry. Do you have access to AB’s? I am sure a rehabber will be on soon to give you expert advice, but it is good to see Cyan using her hand and that she had food and water. My prayers are with you. Excellent pictures by the way. And, I used your link, worked perfectly.

BigNibbler
05-21-2009, 11:54 AM
She spent a lot of time with me today.
I did not photograph her at all.... did not want to give her any stress.
BUT i have updated my online photos with ones taken prior few days.
They may not be sorted in date order, but ..

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/539576699_Ta93t-M.jpg



She has been coming to me to eat.
Her nipples look like she is feeding her young.
She does not put any pressure on her hand.
But uses it to help hold a nut in her other hand.

Have not given any AB or anything other than nuts and water.
She does seem much slower, but just as alert as always.
Hope she can survive.

Will be more responsive this weekend than last weekend to all who post a response.

BigNibbler
05-21-2009, 12:28 PM
Link to one nice photo

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/542360957_nBhCk-M.jpg

her nipples suggest that she is feeding the babies.
Hope they have not starved during her worst week, two weeks ago.

PBluejay2
05-21-2009, 12:29 PM
I agree with Philomycus. The skinless finger is falling off, and the wound itself looks pretty good. Some swelling and pus is to be expected.

4skwerlz
05-21-2009, 12:37 PM
As predicted, the bare bone is falling off. There is some swelling, but agree the wound edges look clean. If this were a captive squirrel, a course of AB would probably be automatic. It's a tougher decision with a wildie.

Signs of infection:
Swelling
Redness
Pain (reluctance to use the hand)

But you would expect these with this type of injury anyhow.

Signs of Serious Infection:
Pus and drainage
Wound seems to be "spreading"
Swelling increases or spreads
Not feeling well: loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, weakness

So, in short, although there is some swelling and pain from this injury, I'm not seeing signs of serious infection. On the other hand, a course of AB won't hurt her and could prevent this wound from going bad in a hurry. With exposed bone, the chances of this are increased. If she comes daily, you could probably dose her once a day in a "peanut pill" with no problem.

If you decide to "watch and wait," do watch very carefully for signs of serious infection listed above, and you might want to go ahead and get the AB now. If the wound goes bad, it could happen fast.

Bottom line: Looking good so far, and likely this will heal on its own; however, if a serious infection sets in (like a bone infection) Cyan could be in big trouble real fast.

BigNibbler
05-21-2009, 02:08 PM
i am pretty sure i could dose her once a day.
more than that doubtful.
but where can i get the meds?
have had a number of PM, but no real simple source.

could i speak to medical doctor about this.
Does it have to be a vet?
can i get it online?

wont be able to see redness, as the fur is quickly covering the whole hand.
she does not put wait on it.
and she is definitely not looking for a fight.
should get it now before i need it, i agree.

philomycus
05-21-2009, 02:17 PM
If her appetitie is really good, that's a great sign!!! Just keep a close eye on her. You'd have to get a vet or a rehabber for AB's. Human docs aren't allowed to treat animals and visa versa.

BigNibbler
05-25-2009, 08:54 AM
I think she is doing better. Its now the third week after incident.
Bone finger fell off.
Fur is growing over the hand.
She uses the two remaining fingers to hold things.
But she is not putting weight on her foot at all.
She is very fast and capable on three legs and is chasing other squirrels away at times, taking the dominant action.
Has a great appetite. Eats about 30 nuts here, sitting on table, over three visits from early AM to late afternoon. Drinks water.

Seems fast and agile and as alert as ever.
But keeps her left hand and entire arm, elevated an inch above ground.
Shot some new photos, and video.
Hope her babies did not suffer permanent loss from neglect during her first week. For days she was just limp on a limb, hunkering down and not moving.

Will she bring her babies in to me?
Should i expect her to behave differently, with them, if she does bring them.
Will they be curious and inquisitive of everything, or will they stick close to mom?

Pointy Tale
05-25-2009, 09:07 AM
I'm not sure about the answers to your questions, but I think that it is great she is doing better. It is amazing how quickly they can and do recover from their injuries, and add a bit of good food and water to the mix and it makes it even quicker:) Don't forget to post some new pictures of her when you have them.

Jackie in Tampa
05-25-2009, 09:25 AM
Please PM me if you are still looking for help, but I truly believe she is on the path to recovery. Sqs are very knowledgable when they need to take care of themselves, only a really dibilitated sq wil need to be trapped. I do think ABs would have healed her sooner, but also worry about the effects they may have on her babies. There are plenty of ways to treat a wild with meds without trapping.:thumbsup
Chances are she will allow her babies to have breakfast with you, free food is always a bonus!
Mommas make sure the lessons on safety have been learned before she lets them go anywhere...I don't usually have the kids visit the feeder tree until about 4 months old, although I DO see them when they are about three months. I have alot of wilds everyday, but if you have only a few, she may bring them sooner. She will sit back on a limb and watch them for a month or so before she really let's go.
I am sure they are fine, a momma sq is very dedicated. Sometimes having her kids live with her for a year!
Her finger looks as expected by the way.:thumbsup
However I am not a rehabber, just a sq friend!
Happy Holiday:wave123

4skwerlz
05-25-2009, 09:53 AM
Will she bring her babies in to me?
Should i expect her to behave differently, with them, if she does bring them.
Will they be curious and inquisitive of everything, or will they stick close to mom?
I agree with Jackie; three weeks in, she's probably well on the road to recovery.

If she's still not putting weight on it after 3 weeks, it must have been badly broken and very painful. I would look for a little bit of improvement every day at this point. If she's still not putting any weight on it at all in another week, it might be time to reassess the situation.

She'll probably let the babies explore a little at a time. Then once they're running around, they'll see that mama comes to you and they'll probably be all over you!

One last thing....30 nuts per day is a lot. Honestly, I would try to cut that back or vary it a bit. She needs her natural foods to stay healthy....not a pure nut diet.

Please keep us posted.:grouphug

BigNibbler
05-25-2009, 01:03 PM
She nibbles on barks and leaves, and little berries outside.
What can i offer her that she would eat here?
Any suggestions?
Was going to buy those blocks.
But thing i like about nuts is that they do not attract rats and mice.
The blocks are supposed to be good for all rodents.
Would corn cobs be good.
My squirrels do not like the kernels, but after i eat the corn, they like to go to town on the cobs. Is that nutritious for them?

yotetrapper
05-25-2009, 01:46 PM
Offer her some fruits and veggies. Things like grapes, melon, lettuce, berries, etc. Too much nuts and corn can cause a calcium defiency resulting in metabolic bone disease.

BigNibbler
05-25-2009, 01:54 PM
all the wild squirrels here, tend to ignore those things.
walk right over them.

should i grind up some tums tablet and mix in their water?
will it taste foul then?

Pointy Tale
05-25-2009, 02:13 PM
Hi, I'm not the best linker, but I will try. The Nutrition Section is an excellent source of information, check it out when you have time, here is the link, I hope: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=191
Also, I feed my wilds HHBlocks in the morning, the littles ones love it, and the ones who are sick or have a problem love them too, but I only give it in the morning, because I'm afraid they'll bury any extras:), but that is a compliment. Anyway, you can buy them here online or you can make them.

BigNibbler
05-26-2009, 08:14 AM
Thanks for all your help and concern.
Cyan is very lucky! I hope i am helping her as much as she may be trusting me to. I would order the HH in a heartbeat. But on their site, it says, specifically designed to be fed along with other healthy vegetables etc.
Well my squirrels are wild. They do not want no darn veggies. I tried lettuce, cabbage, apples, as well as cheese, bread, just the normal people food.
No Go. Some like Corn Cobs, but that is it.

I did buy a rodent block, the low grade stuff in a local pet store, before i found this site. They like that, but spit out each and every corn kernal.
My squirrels dine in, and that stuff makes real mess!
No longer have the ingredient label, but sure you know what i mean.
It said for squirrels on the label, but made to fit in those wire cage like bird feeders ( which i do not use ).

So if i got the blocks, and that is all they ate, would that be ok?
Just clarifying because of various online information.
thanks.

4skwerlz
05-26-2009, 08:38 AM
Thanks for all your help and concern.
Cyan is very lucky! I hope i am helping her as much as she may be trusting me to. I would order the HH in a heartbeat. But on their site, it says, specifically designed to be fed along with other healthy vegetables etc.
Well my squirrels are wild. They do not want no darn veggies. I tried lettuce, cabbage, apples, as well as cheese, bread, just the normal people food.
No Go. Some like Corn Cobs, but that is it.

I did buy a rodent block, the low grade stuff in a local pet store, before i found this site. They like that, but spit out each and every corn kernal.
My squirrels dine in, and that stuff makes real mess!
No longer have the ingredient label, but sure you know what i mean.
It said for squirrels on the label, but made to fit in those wire cage like bird feeders ( which i do not use ).

So if i got the blocks, and that is all they ate, would that be ok?
Just clarifying because of various online information.
thanks.
Wildies usually won't eat much people food, though some do acquire a taste for bread or cookies. They usually won't eat rodent blocks--but then neither will our captives. Commercial RB smell fishy and squirrels just don't like them. Wildies usually won't touch veggies either. They get all the veggies they need nibbling branches and flowers and such. The reason we feed our captives veggies is to make up for the lack of natural fresh foods.

IMO, HHB would be a better supplemental food for wildies than plain nuts because it is nutritionally balanced....for example, it won't throw off the calcium/phosphorus ratio as could happen by feeding corn or nuts, which have an inverted ratio. And the complete protein in the HHB would probably be a benefit. Most people can't afford to feed HHB in quantity to wilds; on the other hand, one block per day per squirrel would certainly be enough for a wildie IMO.

Ontario Rehabber
05-26-2009, 11:20 AM
:Welcome Her hand does look like it is healing nicely. As others have said, I would definitely suggest having the baytril on hand just in case it is required. It can change so quickly and you want to have the meds immediately. :thumbsup

BigNibbler
05-31-2009, 10:07 PM
Update: Her hand was healing. No puss. Finger fell off.
Fur growing all over the hand.
She has two fingers and the thumb.
But on Thursday, she seemed very slow, and did not want to eat.
She did not show on friday or saturday.

Saturday, for the first time, the little babies were seen.
There was a big issue with birds, and their two nests, and the babies not being able to go back to their second nest, by a flock of birds, and no mama was in seen at all.

Today, Mama showed up! She came to me, and did not want to eat the shelled almonds. Drank a lot of water. But had great difficulty and could not crack the harder nuts like filberts, and pecans, and ended up choosing an almond with a shell.
She only ate a few.

Later she came back. I had for the first time, cracked a half dozen assorted nuts and left them on the table. She liked that, and quickly tried eating them. She did eat most, but had trouble with the nutmeat deep in the shells. She left, taking a whole walnut. But i found she dropped it a short distance away. Not buried. She is putting her foot down more, but not for weight bearing. I think it would be difficult for her to dig up nuts without putting weight on that other hand.

And she is having trouble climbing up things. But she can make it to the top of her nest eventually.

The main nest is in a hollow of a tree limb about 25 feet up.
For the first time, i saw her and her babies, snuggling on a limb.
They must be very crowded in there. One baby tail hangs out of their nest!

I have seen that nest for months. Today, i noticed a major new hole on the bottom. I wonder if maybe that is why Cyan is so tired. Perhaps she worked real hard gnawing that hole. The babies, could not possibly have done that. But maybe, i just do not remember the hole being there before.
I must have it on some video footage, but no clue to where.
Hope she is better tomorrow.
Will try to post some cute photos soon.
Have to decide on the ABs.
Hope to get some.
The babies, are chomping on leaves and bark.
Figure they are just about finished nursing.
They are very playful and acrobatic.
One is a bit of a loner. Hope they do not lose their mom too soon.

tatcat
05-31-2009, 10:28 PM
i feel so sorry for mom and her babies...she not only has to take care of them but her hurt hand also...i am such a wuss...i cant stand to see an animal hurt but if she has babies it makes it that much harder.....what can i say i am a animal lover...i am crying looking at her now...:thankyou so much master for looking after her...it is amazing how they do it...and we think we have it rough...:shakehead