Eastern Grey NOT WELL

[npfdladder1]

I have a brother and sister eastern grey. They are about 7 weeks old. I have had them for about 2 weeks. They both sleep majority of the time, unless it is time to eat. The female seems to be O.K. when awake, but the male tilts his head to one side and wobbles in circles. He seems weaker than her. They both eat the Esbilac puppy formula fine from a syringe, and are having bowel movements. He just seems a little off. HELP!

[island rehabber]

npfdladder1 can you tell us a bit more about these babies? I'm assuming they fell, and that would explain what sounds like head trauma in the little boy. Wobbling in circles and tilting his head are typical symptoms of that. You can try a couple of courses of action: if you have access to a wildlife vet, or a vet experienced in exotics including rodents, see if you can get him a shot of dex to relieve any swelling in his brain. There is also a natural med available at www.squirrelsandmore.com called Vetri-DMG....a few drops will boost his immune system and help with neurological issues. These symptoms may or may not subside, and you should start thinking about how you will take care of a possible non-releasable squirrel.

BTW -- :Welcome to The Squirrel Board! :)

[JLM27]

Welcome to the board npfdladder!:Welcome Thank you for coming here to help your babies. There are many experienced rehabbers and squirrel people here that will give you good advice. You have found the mother lode!

[npfdladder1]

Island, I am a firefighter and responded to a tree down. I found them on the ground. He has been a few days behind her up to this point. His eyes opened a few days later. He is somewhat knawing on the rodent blocks, but not as much as her. Do they need water if they are still eating primarily Esbilac? I'm going to try to post a video on youtube of his behavior if that will help. From what i read, I was suspecting MBD but he seems strong.

[Pointy Tale]

npfdladder1, Hi Welcome, I wish it were under better circumstances. Thank you for saving these little ones, not many people would. How's your little one doing? Have you talked to a rehabber about MBD? My prayers are with you.

[island rehabber]

He doesn't need water so long as he's on formula, and MBD is not a possibility at his young age, either. While babies are on formula they are getting all the required nutrients -- it's after they spend months with us humans, unfortunately, that they risk MBD if really close attention is not paid to their dietary needs. I would definitely try the Vetri-DMG drops with him, and if you'd like us to try and find a squirrel-friendly vet near you we can do that :thumbsup. In fact if you'd like us to find a squirrel rehabber near you we can also do that -- with your extremely important profession you may not have time to deal with squirrels for the next 6-8 weeks :)

[npfdladder1]

I would greatly appreciate a reference to a vet. At this point I am attatched to these little guys so I will do whatever it takes to help them. I take them back and forth to the station with me so time is not a problem. The guys actually like em!

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Good luck with your little mascots. Hope they grow into healthy squirrels.

[dmgualtieri]

I've sent a message out to a wildlife list I am on to see if we can come up with a vet in your area that will look at him:thumbsup ....where in RI?

[BigNibbler]

Good luck with your little mascots. Hope they grow into healthy squirrels.
Must be the cutest mascots any FD has had!

Hope the little guy gets well soon.

[dmgualtieri]

OK....got some numbers for you. Here are 2 rehabbers that can help you out with volunteer vets at their clinics too! They have listed the main wildlife hotline and their individual numbers so call them ASAP to help the little guy!!


The Wildlife Hotline at the Wildlife Clinic of RI lists every licensed individual in the state of RI, as well as the volunteer veterinarians, Perhaps if we knew where this person was in the state, we could give contact info for the person closest. Once again, the number to find a rehabber in RI is 401-294-6363. They can also go to the website www.riwildliferehab.org., which also gives contact info.

Wildlife Hotline # is 294-6363 for a list of rehabbers who can help ASAP. I can be reached at 401-253-3991.


Kristin Fletcher
Executive Director
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of RI



Our main clinic number here in RI is (401) 294-6363 and I can be reached at (401) 523-9214. Our vet is the only one in RI willing to treat wildlife, but our rehabbers are also excellent and can triage these guys. Please pass this information on to the person who found the squirrels ASAP and we'd be happy to help!
Lorna

[npfdladder1]

Island, what is a shot of dex? is it dextrose? how many milligrams of dex is it going to need?

[Pam]

Island, what is a shot of dex? is it dextrose? how many milligrams of dex is it going to need?
npfdladder1, I believe island rehabber was referring to dexamethasone which is a steroid.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17191&highlight=dexamethasone