Please help! Something is wrong with Ike's back!!

[lookmomchickens]

I don't know what happened... he's screaming. I just went to put some strawberries in his cage and he wouldn't come out of his hammock so I picked him up and he started screaming. Something is wrong with his back, he's having a hard time even sitting up and when he does he just moans. There isn't anything he can hurt himself on in his cage and he is always supervised when out..

What's wrong with him?! He gets fresh veggies everyday and eats the Kaytee blocks that are left available to him in his cage. He gets avocado everyday as well. I have noticed he hasn't been as active these past few weeks and he's lost quite a bit of weight.

Please help. I'm so worried... we've never had any problems with him before, he's always a happy boy but something ISN'T RIGHT! He's 1 1/2, he'll be two in August..

MBD?!

[Skul]

Oh No!
Don't have the foggiest idea.:dono
I know you've watched his diet pretty close.
If unsure about his calcium intake, perhaps it might be
a good idea to give him some additional suppliment.

[CritterMom]

Since you say he has been "off" for several days, it doesn't seem like a physical trauma. I would start emergency MBD treatment NOW. It will not hurt him if this is not the problem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emergency Treatment for Metabolic Bone Disease (updated 3-31-09)

Get calcium into the squirrel IMMEDIATELY, not later, not tomorrow, NOW. Delaying treatment can cause death or permanent paralysis.

You will need:

--Tums or calcium pills (any kind)
--a syringe, eyedropper, or spoon

Crush one Tums or calcium pill and add a little water or fruit juice. Use the syringe, eyedropper, or spoon to force-feed the mixture, a little at a time, until it is all gone. Feed a total of 600-800 mg of calcium, and spread it out through the day and night to keep his blood calcium levels as steady as possible.

If the squirrel is having seizures, weakness, or paralysis, the symptoms will usually improve within a few hours, but this does not mean the squirrel is cured. It will take many months to rebuild the calcium in the bones.

Long-Term Treatment for MBD

The next step to curing MBD is to fix the diet.

1. Remove ALL seeds, nuts, corn, and treats.

2. Follow the Healthy Diet For Pet Squirrels, which can be found at the top of the “Squirrel Nutrition” forum. (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=16093) Your squirrel MUST eat rodent block or squirrel blocks every day. If your squirrel doesn't like rodent blocks, you can try crushing them up with peanut butter or avocado temporarily. You can also make a tastier version of squirrel blocks using the recipe at the top of the Squirrel Nutrition forum.

3. In addition to the Healthy Diet, you will need to continue giving extra calcium every day for several weeks. Either use the syringe/eyedropper or you can try putting the calcium on a small piece of fruit.

Week 1: calcium = 500 mg per day
Week 2: calcium = 250 mg per day
Weeks 3-8: calcium = 100 mg per day

The cause of the acute symptoms—weakness, lethargy, seizures, paralysis—is a drop in blood calcium levels. If these symptoms return at any time, you will need to give another emergency dose of calcium.

More Tips
MBD causes brittle bones that break easily. Try to keep your squirrel away from high places, where he might jump and break a bone. Also, if he is in a tall cage, either place him in a smaller cage, or pad the bottom very well.

Heat is very soothing for a squirrel with MBD. A heating pad turned to low and placed so they cannot chew the pad or cord, or a rice buddy (a sock filled with dry rice/beans and microwaved for about 20 seconds) will work.

Do this immediately - calcium/heat.

Good luck.

[island rehabber]

CritterMom's got it right -- start the emergency MBD treatment now because it certainly COULD be and it won't hurt him if it's not. Then once you've given him emergency calcium, try to quiet him down (RR, if you have some) and gently squeeze his hind feet and legs to determine whether he's got feeling in them. You need to see if there is serious spinal injury or paralysis. Take it one minute at a time....don't let him pick up on your fear. :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Roky's mom]

i am still new to squirrels but Roky and i are sending prayers to your way. :grouphug

[4skwerlz]

Poor Ike. Let me know if there's anything I can do.:grouphug

[lookmomchickens]

I've talked to Jackie, Ive started the emergency MBD treatment. He has feeling in his toes and everything, no seizures and is fine for the most part.
He's been sleeping a lot for the past two days. After talking to Jackie we believe he might have sprain his back or pulled a muscle.. We decided to give him some metacam to help ease the pain. He cries when he tries to sit up and he won't hold his tail up either. I also noticed his ears are staying pinned back and Jackie mentioned that is an indication of pain. I'll continue to give him calcium for MBD and metacam for the next few days. He just wants to be snuggled up in my tank top which is fine with me, I'm laying on the couch with him right now on a heating pad and seems relaxed and calm. I'll be moving him into a smaller cage with lots of padding for the next few days.

[Skul]

Poor little guy.
I know you'll take good care of him.

[island rehabber]

It's good news that he can relax with you -- good sign :thumbsup. Metacam is a great idea....please keep us posted as we will all be worried about little Ike as if he were our own! :grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

I've talked to Jackie, Ive started the emergency MBD treatment. He has feeling in his toes and everything, no seizures and is fine for the most part.
He's been sleeping a lot for the past two days. After talking to Jackie we believe he might have sprain his back or pulled a muscle.. We decided to give him some metacam to help ease the pain. He cries when he tries to sit up and he won't hold his tail up either. I also noticed his ears are staying pinned back and Jackie mentioned that is an indication of pain. I'll continue to give him calcium for MBD and metacam for the next few days. He just wants to be snuggled up in my tank top which is fine with me, I'm laying on the couch with him right now on a heating pad and seems relaxed and calm. I'll be moving him into a smaller cage with lots of padding for the next few days.

Do you have any prednisolone? I wonder if it's too late for that to be of any use not knowing when/if something happened. That was what really saved Jeffrey I believe, getting him a shot and then giving him that daily. It was a very similar situation with the tail and the moaning...
But most likely Ike still has another problem since he has the weight loss and being lethargic...Unless he hurt it a couple of days ago, and reinjured it again today...Just trying to think of reasons....:dono
Sending lots of good vibes for your little baby...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[lookmomchickens]

I've just noticed his soreness today, it's been storming something nasty here so I just figured he was sleeping a lot because of the weather like he normally does. I have dextrose, and I might have some pred in pill form but not sure of the dosage becase it was from Zenas heartworn treatment but I'll check it when I get home. I'm open to any suggestions. He managed to eat some avocado laying on his back snuggled in my arms. I'm basically carrying him around in a baby sling wrapped around my shoulder and waist. Spoiled much?

[Mrs Skul]

LMC I have Pred for Max. I will go check the dose.

[Mrs Skul]

tinfoil 5 mg Prednisone. I have enough to treat him for a Pred treatment.
Which is 2Xday for 3 days.
Then 1 a day for 3 days
I do not know the dose for Squirrels.
The day thing would be the same as Max (dog)
Talk to Jacki and let me know. That is the first thing the vets wont me to do for Max when his back is hurt.

PS LMC call if you need I will be off line for a while. I have Babies COONS. I am pulling my hair out.:eek:

[CritterMom]

Can't do prednisone and metacam together, can you? I though that was :nono

[Mrs Skul]

NO !!But I have the Pain stuff for squirrels she can use. After 24 hr the pain should go away. But I still keep them on this stuff. Don't know how to spell it. I do have the dose for squirrels. I used it on Rocki with her POX.
Critter Mom If you need anything, Call. I will try checking off and on every 2hr or so.

[lookmomchickens]

I don't think you can. I was just saying I had some.. I'm content with using metacam, he seems to not be in pain right now and since metacam is also an antiflammatory (sp?) I think it's the best option at the moment along with the calcium treatment.

[lilbitsquirrely]

:shakehead He could have a pinched nerve,if he jumped and landed wrong.I had that happen to one of my pets and a cortisone shot from the Vet. helped him :thinking Anyway I hope he will be OK.:grouphug

[TinyPaws]

Awww..prayers for your little Ike....:grouphug

[gs1]

How is Ike today??? :grouphug

[lilbitsquirrely]

:dono Is Ike any better today?:Love_Icon :grouphug

[Momma Squirrel]

Didn't want to get in the way of help but I have been watching and just wanted to check on Ike and see how things are going today??

:grouphug :grouphug

[Pointy Tale]

Lookmomchickens—
Oh my gosh, just found this—is Ike feeling any better?

[lookmomchickens]

He's still pretty sore today. I moved him into a smaller cage with lots of padding and fleece along with a heating pad.. The metacam seems to be helping and we are still doing the calcium. I'm going to keep him in a smaller cage for a few days. Although he's definitely more content snuggled with mom.

I'll post an update in the morning. Thank you everyone for the good vibes and prayers for my JuJu Bug.

[Pockets]

I sure do hope your little one is better. I wish I could help somehow. My prayers are with you.
Lori

[Ronda]

:grouphug hope Ike is doing better

[Nancy in New York]

He's still pretty sore today. I moved him into a smaller cage with lots of padding and fleece along with a heating pad.. The metacam seems to be helping and we are still doing the calcium. I'm going to keep him in a smaller cage for a few days. Although he's definitely more content snuggled with mom.

I'll post an update in the morning. Thank you everyone for the good vibes and prayers for my JuJu Bug.

Sending good vibes for little Ike....:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Jackie in Tampa]

How's our nephew this morning?
:thumbsup Good girls...NO PRED and Metacam together!!!!
Steroid and NSAID:nono
Blowing kisses from Tampa!
:poke Keep the calcium going and get that boy back on blocks! Even if ya have to starve him...it works! No comfort junk food for IKE!:shakehead
:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug

[island rehabber]

:thumbsup What Jackie said! :goodpost :)

[lookmomchickens]

He's surprisingly better this morning. He slept like a rock last night and was pretty relaxed - of course I would be too if I was given a nice feather pillow and heating pad to curl up on with someone rubbing my head! :poke

He runs when he sees the Calcium come out of the pantry Lol.. He's definitely tired of it! I leave a tums in his cage 24/7 and he'll usually eat about half of it. I've removed all of his stashes that I can find and upped the high calcium veggies. He won't touch the blocks 4S makes lately but he will eat the Kaytee blocks from Petsmart.

I'm going to stop on the way home and get some yogurt and try to mix some Fox Valley in with it..

I'm going home at lunch to check on him. :thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

sending sqmooches to IKE!:Love_Icon

[Gina]

Sounds like the extra calcium is helping him.:multi If you have not already done this try a rice buddy too. Even with the heating pad as he can cuddle next to it when momma can't hold him. Mine would not eat straight calcium and i was able to mix it with avacado or in milkshake. Sending good vibes your way.:grouphug

[Ardilla]

Hugs and kisses to Ike

:grouphug

[Momma Squirrel]

great news, so happy to hear Ike is getting better :thumbsup :crazy

[Legomom]

I'm happy that he seems to be improving. :thumbsup
Christine is a fan of yogurt/FV, so I hope that Ike will like it, too.
I'd say give him extra lovin' from me & mine, but I don't know how much more he can take! :rofl4

[Mrs Skul]

:wave123 LMC, I am so glad he feels better! :grouphug :Love_Icon Don't scare your squmommie that way Ike. You can get all the loven you wont, without being sick. Huggs and Kisses from over hear. :thumbsup Eat your calcium Ike. :thumbsup It will help grow hair on your chest. :D

[JLM27]

Do we still worry about enough UV light, or is that passe?

[4skwerlz]

He's surprisingly better this morning. He slept like a rock last night and was pretty relaxed - of course I would be too if I was given a nice feather pillow and heating pad to curl up on with someone rubbing my head! :poke

He runs when he sees the Calcium come out of the pantry Lol.. He's definitely tired of it! I leave a tums in his cage 24/7 and he'll usually eat about half of it. I've removed all of his stashes that I can find and upped the high calcium veggies. He won't touch the blocks 4S makes lately but he will eat the Kaytee blocks from Petsmart.

I'm going to stop on the way home and get some yogurt and try to mix some Fox Valley in with it..

I'm going home at lunch to check on him. :thumbsup

So glad! I've talked with Jackie on the phone about Ike several times, just to make sure there was nothing I could do. So since Ike is so much better, are we thinking definitely MBD caused by Ike being a very naughty squirrel and not eating his blockies? :tilt

[4skwerlz]

Do we still worry about enough UV light, or is that passe?

I don't know about "passe," but back in the day when we were trying to cobble together a healthy diet from veggies, etc., the UVB light was regarded as essential since it would be the only source of Vit D in that diet. The problem with the diet of course, was that it was still grossly deficient in important nutrients. The problem with the UVB light being used--the Ott light--is that all evidence suggests it does not produce enough UVB to stimulate Vit D activity. And with the reptile lights that truly do stimulate Vit D activity, there's a risk of eye damage.

Now we have a better block, and therefore no UVB light should be required because the blocks provide the necessary Vit D. Still, many people feel that the UVB light may have other health benefits (better energy, and so on), which is possible. The Ott light might provide that and would not likely cause eye damage; in other words, it may or may not do any good but can't hurt.

Personally, I think it's great to provide some time on a screened porch or near an opened, hardware-cloth-covered window for an hour or so during the warm months of the year: they get fresh air, natural sunlight--which always feels good, plus a little extra "Vit D insurance."

I personally never used any kind of light for Henry once he was on HHBs, at around 5 months old.

Just my 2 cents.

[muffinsquirrel]

I'm so sorry to read that Ike isn't feeling well - I know you've been worried and scared to death! But hopefully he's on the up-swing now, and will continue to get better and better. If there is anything - anything at all - that I can do to help, let me know. And give Ike a big hug and kiss from Lance and I.

muffinsquirrel

[mugzeezma]

He's surprisingly better this morning. He slept like a rock last night and was pretty relaxed - of course I would be too if I was given a nice feather pillow and heating pad to curl up on with someone rubbing my head! :poke

He runs when he sees the Calcium come out of the pantry Lol.. He's definitely tired of it! I leave a tums in his cage 24/7 and he'll usually eat about half of it. I've removed all of his stashes that I can find and upped the high calcium veggies. He won't touch the blocks 4S makes lately but he will eat the Kaytee blocks from Petsmart.

I'm going to stop on the way home and get some yogurt and try to mix some Fox Valley in with it..

I'm going home at lunch to check on him. :thumbsup
I have the same problem with giving HHBs to Mugzi and Chucky. I find that rotating the types of block and nutballs is much more successful.
Just from seeing all the finicky eaters on this board and having 2 of my own. I don't think you can go wrong with a rotational diet of nutritious blocks. Wild squirrels have been doing it for millennia.

This is the recipe I use for M2B's Boo's Nummy Nutballs

1 part FV
1 Part rodent block (FortiDiet, HarlanTeklad, etc)
1 part finely ground nuts
fruit sauce (babyfood, applesauce, banana)
I add a touch of walnut or corn oil for fat and they aren't as sticky to roll.
mix in just enough saucy stuff to roll into small balls (chic pea to rumball size) to dry overnight.
I stick them in the oven on warm for about an hour

[lookmomchickens]

I'm still not convinced it's MBD.. he hasn't had any seizures, there is no paralysis or numbness in his limbs and he acts just fine - it's just a spot on his back that is very very sore. Almost like he has actually pulled a muscle or sprained something. He's actually a little bit better this morning, he can sit up now without crying and eat whatever he's holding. He's been on metacam now for 2 days, today is day 3.

He eats Kaytee Fori-diet blocks daily, gets very high calcium veggies and gets avocado daily. He gets outside time on the balcony when the weather is nice, lately it's been so dang hot I just roll him up next to the screen and turn a fan on him - he really likes the fan! He'll sit there pancaked out with his face into and just close his eyes and drift off to squirrel land relaxed as can be. :D

I'll continue with the calcium though, just to be safe.

[Pointy Tale]

http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac99/PointyTale/Smileys/getwell.gif Ike

[mugzeezma]

I'm still not convinced it's MBD.. he hasn't had any seizures, there is no paralysis or numbness in his limbs and he acts just fine - it's just a spot on his back that is very very sore. Almost like he has actually pulled a muscle or sprained something. He's actually a little bit better this morning, he can sit up now without crying and eat whatever he's holding. He's been on metacam now for 2 days, today is day 3.

He eats Kaytee Fori-diet blocks daily, gets very high calcium veggies and gets avocado daily. He gets outside time on the balcony when the weather is nice, lately it's been so dang hot I just roll him up next to the screen and turn a fan on him - he really likes the fan! He'll sit there pancaked out with his face into and just close his eyes and drift off to squirrel land relaxed as can be. :D

I'll continue with the calcium though, just to be safe.
Hi LMC,
I didn't read the whole thread so if you tried this just tell me to blow.
With what little I know I always try to find out where it hurts first.

When Ike is all stretched out and pancaked take your index fingers and gently follow his spine. I like to lay Mugzi along my leg and do this just because he loves it so much.

What you would be looking for is any dissimilarity from one side to the other. Do it as many times as he will allow watching for flinching and feeling for tightness, lumps, depressions or gaps along his vertebra. the Metacam is taking down the inflammation so depending on if he has an injury it will be lessened.

Hopefully he just injured himself being a silly squirrel:D

[lookmomchickens]

Hi LMC,
I didn't read the whole thread so if you tried this just tell me to blow.
With what little I know I always try to find out where it hurts first.

When Ike is all stretched out and pancaked take your index fingers and gently follow his spine. I like to lay Mugzi along my leg and do this just because he loves it so much.

What you would be looking for is any dissimilarity from one side to the other. Do it as many times as he will allow watching for flinching and feeling for tightness, lumps, depressions or gaps along his vertebra. the Metacam is taking down the inflammation so depending on if he has an injury it will be lessened.

Hopefully he just injured himself being a silly squirrel:D

That's exactly how I found out where it hurts... it's right smack dab in the center of his back on his spine. I'm thinking that he must have landed wrong in his cage doing the back flips that he does when he wants out or something along those lines.

[mugzeezma]

That's exactly how I found out where it hurts... it's right smack dab in the center of his back on his spine. I'm thinking that he must have landed wrong in his cage doing the back flips that he does when he wants out or something along those lines.
Did you notice any bumps or muscle tightness ?

[mugzeezma]

If this is in fact an injury you really don't want to be masking the pain LMC.
As long as the pain is not unbearable pain is a protective mechanism that keeps the us from re injury and further harm.

Check his back again and see what's going on. I would think there would be some sort of lump or bruising unless there is a break in which case he needs an Xray to determine this.
According to the rehabber I discussed this with you should only give an anti-inflammatory.

Some pain is good.

It's why racehorses shouldn't be doped.

[lookmomchickens]

I didn't notice any muscle tightness or lumps, but I will check again when I get home. He's getting a very small dose of metacam...

[Skul]

I've seen those back-flips he does.
Hurt my own back, just watching him do it.:D

Hope it doesn't take too long for him to improve.

[mugzeezma]

Nancy In NY reminded me that Ike was getting weak. She is thinking that maybe this could be a combination of the 2 things.
I would definitely make up the Nutballs if I were you.
You can add more fruitsauce/babyfood to make them mushier so he can lap it up if he is still having trouble stting.
I grind the FortiDiet up in a coffee grinder

My little rescue Chucky was on FortiDiet and fresh produce and he has really picked up weight since I put him on HHB's and Boo's Yummy Nutball recipe.
Even Mugzi is a chub now!
It really doesn't matter what you give them if they aren't eating enough of it.
The Nutballs are tasty and you can mix up a batch of the dry mix and try different types of baby food with it to see what he prefers. It seems that Pecans are the favorite nut to use.

[lookmomchickens]

I'll try the nutballs tonight when i get home. I'll check his progress over the next few days and hopefully this is just a slight injury.

The NRBF and I are actually working on building him a new cage (much larger) even though he's in a rather large one right now..

[mugzeezma]

I'll try the nutballs tonight when i get home. I'll check his progress over the next few days and hopefully this is just a slight injury.

The NRBF and I are actually working on building him a new cage (much larger) even though he's in a rather large one right now..
How is Ike doing LMC?
I'm hoping that you haven't updated because he is doing so much better! :D

[lookmomchickens]

He's doing much better, just been busy busy!

He won't touch HHB's anymore... so we're trying come up with the same "combo" of ingredients that he'll actually touch.

Gonna try the nut balls tomorrow.. :thumbsup

[mugzeezma]

He's doing much better, just been busy busy!

He won't touch HHB's anymore... so we're trying come up with the same "combo" of ingredients that he'll actually touch.

Gonna try the nut balls tomorrow.. :thumbsup

GREAT NEWS!!!
I'm so glad he's on the mend.
Try making the block . You can by just the Vitamins and bake your own.
Do you have the HHB recipe? I use the dietary Whey protein w/ vanilla from the drugstore. Look at the ingredients and make sure there are no extraneous fillers. I add almond extract and baby fruit sauce instead of water. Use pecans or hazelnuts. Hazelnuts are cheaper up here so I use yummy .
the batch I made yesterday taste like yummy bearclaws. The boys are snarfing them down!

[Fireweed]

Good to hear! :grouphug Big noozles to Ike. :Love_Icon

[Ronda]

Glad to hear Ike is feeling better!

[lilbitsquirrely]

:alright.gif What great news so glad he is doing so much better.:wahoo

[Gina]

:thumbsup Glad to hear Ike is feeling a little better and I hope he is back to his usual self in no time at all! The extra calcium sure can't hurt and may help his bones heal quicker if he did fracture something.

[Mrs Skul]

:thumbsup3 :grouphug I hope you feel better Ike.:Love_Icon We all are praying for a full recovery. CM918 :thumbsup5

[Jackie in Tampa]

:grouphug glad he's feeling better!
get tough momma...hhbs are the best insurance if he won't take formula in any form...get strict and remove everything...he'll eat!
i had to get serious with lucky too...he did not starve...and he eventually started to like his blocks,,,:)
:poke coat those blocks with almond butter, avacodo or smashed blueberries!
:Love_Icon ike...we love you and want you to live a healthy happy life...
:poke eat the blocks!!!!!:D

[lookmomchickens]

Ike's doing MUCH better, he's eating FV with yogurt! :thumbsup

Sorry I haven't posted, I've been busy with 5 newbaby kittens that were rescued from a high kill shelter. 3 1/2 weeks old. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon They were scheduled to be put down at 6pm Friday night.

[island rehabber]

I'm so happy Ike is feeling better! And for rescuing the kittens, you're my hero of the week....:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug