Wild squirrel can't eat

[Squirrelly]

Hello,

It appears that one of our wilds can't open his mouth to eat. I'm assuming he has a maloclussion as he doesn't seem injured in any way. He tried to eat a shelled walnut and kept turning it around in his paws, but didn't take a bite from it. He looked like he was trying to find a tiny enough piece that he could squeeze into his mouth.

Unfortunately one of our other wilds chased him away, twice. This evening is the first I've seen him. As I realize that he will probably starve to death, I consider this an emergency. If I see him again should I try to trap him? I have a hav-a-heart trap I could use. Does anyone know what it would cost to have his teeth trimmed by a vet (I assume he'd have to be anesthetized before it can be done?)

Or does anyone have a suggestion what else I could/should do?

Thank you in advance for any forthcoming advice.

[island rehabber]

Where are you in NY? If you're near the city, I may be able to help get this squirrel to a wonderful vet.

[Squirrelly]

Thanks IR, but I'm in Montgomery County, 30 miles from Albany. My next door neighbor is a veterinarian, shall I give him a call to see if he would treat him (if I can catch him, that is)? I have no idea whether he would even attempt to treat a wild, or whether he is a good surgeon.

:thankyou

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

If you're able to catch him, it is possible to trim the teeth yourself. I do with Lulu-Bean, wrapping her up, sedating her myself, and using wire cutters. Doesn't hurt her at all, but if you'd feel more comfortable having a vet look at it, I'm of no use there. Best of luck though. :)

[Squirrelly]

:thankyou Lulu, I'm not a rehabber, just a wild squirrel lover who's never handled a squirrel before. A few have come to my lap but that's about it. This particular squirrel is a stranger though. I wouldn't know where to begin.

Does it seem strange that if he does have a malocclusion that his mouth seems "stuck" closed rather than open?

[island rehabber]

Depending on the type of malocclusion, his mouth may seem stuck closed. The teeth might grow in such a bizzarre way that they've locked together :(. This poor squirrel will most certainly starve to death if we don't help him. I am going to PM you with some rehabbers from my NY state directory. Squirlgirl and Nancy in New York might be sort of near you -- I will PM them as well!

[Squirrelly]

Thank you so much, IR. Squirlgirl is about 60 miles from me and I could do that, if need be. I don't know where Nancy is though. Thank you for your ever present availability and caring and help.:)

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

It does seem strange about the "stuck" thing...have you seen him yawn or anything? Maybe it's a jaw problem too, where he can't move his jaw back and forth properly because of the length of his teeth. Do his top teeth seem to "poke" out of his mouth?
I'm not a rehabber either, but Lulu-Bean is far from wild, so I've got a bit of advantage there with her.
I guess if you don't feel comfortable handling a wild though, I can't blame you at all. I would try to capture him and get him to a vet or rehabber. It's going to take more than one trimming to get the teeth to grow as properly as they can.

[Squirrelly]

Lulu, No, he is a newcomer and I haven't had much time to observe him at all. But he has lifted his face up to look at me (I'm viewing him from a first floor window) and I don't notice any teeth at all. He doesn't look skinny though, so if he isn't eating I'd guess it's only since very recently. If he does return and I'm able to catch him, he may have a chance.....

[Squirrelly]

I will check back here in the A.M. Thank you. :)

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

Have you seen him yet today? I actually had a dream about the lil guy last night, that you were able to catch him and get him to a vet. In the dream, he was quite tame for a wild...rode in the car like a dog, sticking his head out the window...apparently I was in the trunk or something, because I wasn't a player in the dream, just the camera.

ANYWHO, I know you said he looks plump so this seems like a recent thing. Maybe try giving him some soft veggies or blueberries, and see how he eats those. That way, you can gain his trust and be sure to keep him fed until you can find a solution for him.

Wishing for the best!:grouphug

[Chuck2]

Try to give him some applesauce and/or flavored yogurt on a little disposable plate. You can also sprinkle it with finely crushed Tums, just to rule out Metabolic Bone Disease!!!

[Nancy in New York]

I heard from Squirrelly a little while ago. She has a haveaheart trap and is all prepared to capture the little one, however he did not show up today. She has phone numbers to some excellent people and all he needs to do now, is show up and he will be on the road to feeling better...isn't that always the way....:)
Good luck with you little one...keep us posted....:grouphug