Found paralyzed baby squirrel. What to do?

[poozybear]

Hi everyone. I just stumbled across this board. Hope someone can help.

I have a large property in Tucson, AZ, and currently have quite a few litters of round-tailed ground squirrels that emerged from their dens about three weeks ago. Yesterday I found one paralyzed in the back end. He appears to have some bruises, so I suspect that he may have been attacked by another adult, as they are very territorial and will attack and sometimes kill babies that are not their own.

Being out in the desert, it would have been a matter of hours before a roadrunner, or even a larger species of squirrel took him. I finally brought him in the garage and set him up in a box, but now what? My first thought was humane euthanasia, but the little guy is really hyper, doesn't even seem to be aware that he is handicapped. Is this something that a licensed rehabber could take on? I'm not sure if rehab will take an animal that cannot be rehabilitated. But it seems wrong to euthanize when I think he can probably lead a normal life. That life just can't be in the wild. Heck, I'm willing to care for him, but just don't know how.

I'm not sure of the age of this squirrel, but the litter has been out of the den for three weeks. They are now running all over my property, climbing cactus, digging holes, and gathering their own food. They may still be nursing at night, but during the day, all solid food.

Thanks,
Kathy

[rozdow]

Perhaps re-post this as an emergency.

Make sure that he is in a warm, dark, quiet, secure place. Being injured, he may need supplemental heat (heating pad on low, under 1/2 of the container). They can recover for "back injuries", depends on the injury.

[CritterMom]

If anyone wonders what they are dealing with, go here:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20569&page=13

scroll down to post #247 and about halfway through the pics are several of these little cuties.

Why don't you contact the Desert Museum and see if they can refer you to any local rehabbers who can help you. Make sure you ask if they automatically euthanize and how they deal with non releasable animals BEFORE you take him/her anywhere.

How is he with you? Terrified? Friendly? Make sure he has water and I would bring in some grasses and anything else you see the wilds eating.

[rozdow]

You might want to try & find rehabber help ASAP, back injuries may require meds to be administered quickly to avoid permanent loss of function. Can he pee/poop on this own??

[poozybear]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I've created a mini habitat for him out back, so he's safe and secure with native foods (leaves, cactus flowers) and places to hide. He seems to be doing very well. He's friendly and okay with me touching/handling him. Really doesn't appear terrified, just lost, as he's in a strange place.

I've just run a search on local rehabbers and will try calling someone for advice. My vet is closed until Monday, but she has a girl who comes by and picks up little ones that are dropped off at her office.

It's over 100 degrees out, so he's warm. These little guys are desert squirrels, and don't drink water. They get all of their moisture from their diet, so I've given him some carrot bits and a grape, which has high water content. He's been munching on that.

I can't tell if he has normal bowel control or not. He is leaving normal looking droppings in his enclosure.

Thanks again for all of your help. This year was especially rainy, so litters have been incredibly large. This one came from a litter of nine. First day out, one of the smaller ones got attacked by another squirrel, had a broken back, went into the hole and never came out. When they emerge from the den they are SO small, the size of mice, and very fragile. It's inevitable that some won't make it, but I couldn't leave him out there to suffer. Hoping for the best.

[island rehabber]

Here's a fairly updated comprehensive list of Arizona rehabbers -- I would give the ones close to you a try!

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_rehab_relo.shtml#rehab

[poozybear]

Thanks so much. I've already called a few, but had to leave messages and am awaiting a reply. He seems to be getting more comfortable with his surroundings, and is eating well. Poor little dude. He's just so precious.

[astra]

Thanks so much. I've already called a few, but had to leave messages and am awaiting a reply. He seems to be getting more comfortable with his surroundings, and is eating well. Poor little dude. He's just so precious.

Just as CritterMom wrote, DO ASK FIRST WHAT THEY DO WITH ANIMALS THAT CANNOT BE RELEASED OR REQUIRE EXTRA CARE! Quite a few of them just put the little ones to sleep. Of if you do bring them to a rehabber/vet, make sure you can get your little one back once diagnosed and treatment prescribed. There are so many people here with much knowledge and experience that can help you to take care of the squirrel. Moreover, there are quite a few people here who take care of squirrels with sorts of disabilities - they can share their experience as well.

[poozybear]

I just wanted to try posting a photo of what these little guys look like. They are only found in the desert southwest. Many people consider them pests, but I adore them. They are quite social and can be real characters. The babies in this photo are only a few days out of the nest.

http://kathyvalentino.com/babysqtrio.jpg

[lilbitsquirrely]

:Welcome Hello those babies are real cute.I don't know anything about them,but I sure hope the little one you found will be alright.There are many people on this board that will more than likely be able to help you.
You have found the perfect place for help, and friendly caring, individuals,that's main purpose is to inform others about these wonderful creatures,and to help them to help the animals that come into their lives.God bless you for caring.:wave123

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Welcome :wave123 Welcome to TSB!
Even though they get their moisture/ intake thru food...I would offer water in a shallow bowl, making him more comfortable...:grouphug
They are precious...:Love_Icon
When they are nursing they are getting fluids...maybe offer him some Puppy replacer mlk while he's in your care...
someone can chime in about that as I have NO, none, nada, info on these guys...but I think your lucky!
Thanks for helping out with wildlife!:bowdown
Good Luck with the rehabber, like everyone already said, be careful!

[MeccaBeesSquirrels]

how cute! good luck!

[Fireweed]

GUH!!! GAH!!! ACK!!! I think I've just discovered the cutest little beings on this planet. :Love_Icon I hope your little dude does ok.

I like the idea of the safe, mini habitat... it will reduce stress for him to be among plants/air/earth that he knows best. :grouphug Maybe give him some sort of tunnel back there so he can feel like he's going into a burrow... :dono

Best wishes for the both of you. Thanks for caring for him. :bowdown

[mugzeezma]

Did you see any evidence of Snakebite?
What about ticks?
Do you have ticks there?
According to a rehabber friend of mine certain ticks can have a neurotoxin in their saliva. Remove the ticks if you see any. Be careful to grab them down tight by the skin and put tension on the head for 20 seconds until the tick releases it's hold.
DO NOT leave the head in.

[CritterMom]

These little ones are SO cute - they are all over the Tucson area. Happily, the development my mom lives in have made it illegal to poison or otherwise displace them...and their little burrows are EVERYWHERE! They can do a mean pancake when they find shade...

[poozybear]

Well, it looks like I may end up with a pet paralyzed squirrel.

I called over 10 rehabbers yesterday and got nowhere. All said they didn't take squirrels or were too overloaded to take him, a few never returned my call. I went to my vet this morning and talked to one of the techs who used to do rehab. He told that there are no rehabbers that he knows of who will take non-releasables, and that injured squirrels are automatically used to feed the raptors. As CritterMom said, these little guys are all over Tucson, so the rehabbers get overwhelmed and will do what they have to do. Survival of the fittest. If a squirrel is going to die anyway, better to feed it to another animal that can be saved and released. I realize that it's nature's way, but I just can't do that.

The entire time I was at the vet, the other tech kept whispering "just keep him, just keep him." ;)

So . . . I have him here with me for now and will continue to care for him and observe him. He has no parasites or puncture wounds. I did get him some puppy formula, which he just loved. The vet tech told me that at this time of year they are almost done nursing, so he won't need it for long. I've been giving him native leaves, flowers, carrots, grapes, a few seeds. He's eating well. If he hangs in there I'll try to set him up with more room. He really wants to run around. He has no idea that he's paralyzed. I do think there's a very slight chance that he could recover. I've seen a few hints of leg movement and tail movement. I may just be imagining it, but I'm willing to hang in there with him and give him a chance.

So for now, he's still with me. I don't have the heart to end his life, especially since he isn't suffering.

[CritterMom]

I am VERY pleased to hear this.

What kind of puppy formula did you get? I would desperately love for you to order some FoX Valley formula from www.foxvalleynutrition.com. It is not commercially available other than over the internet, but is the best out there, and is quite inexpensive. I suspect the formula you have purchased is probably made by Esbilac, and there are numerous problems with it. There is no compelling reason NOT to feed him formula as long as he is willing to take it - it provides complete nutrients, helps with the bonding process, and the dry powder can be used to make further squirrel goodies when he HAS weaned. Enough good nutrition may help him recover from this.

Can you make a trip to a fabric store? Buy some of the microfiber fleece - the long stuff that looks almost like fur. It is super soft and very slick and if you use it as the covering for the bottom of the cage, he is less likely to develop drag sores. I would also make sure the little bugger has some "tunnels" - maybe paper towel tubes?

So what is his name and where are his pictures??

[Fireweed]

:grouphug I understand the logic behind feeding the nr's to the raptors but THANK YOU for not leaving him with people who don't see him as an individual worthy of the life he seems to want to live! :bowdown :grouphug

He may get some movement back in his legs...who knows. I'm no where near an expert, so I can't say. But I do know there are people here who care(d) for paralyzed squirrels and there's much one can do to make their lives as healthy and happy as possible, even though they may not be able to move their back legs.
I cared for a ground squirrel who couldn't use her back legs very well and even though her time with us was short, it seemed to be sweet enough. :dono

Keep hoping for the best, prepare for the worst. :grouphug And please give that little shmunky a little hug for me. :poke

(Uh, do you have pictures? ):tilt

[mugzeezma]

Well, it looks like I may end up with a pet paralyzed squirrel.

I called over 10 rehabbers yesterday and got nowhere. All said they didn't take squirrels or were too overloaded to take him, a few never returned my call. I went to my vet this morning and talked to one of the techs who used to do rehab. He told that there are no rehabbers that he knows of who will take non-releasables, and that injured squirrels are automatically used to feed the raptors...
'
"...the rehabbers get overwhelmed and will do what they have to do. Survival of the fittest. If a squirrel is going to die anyway, better to feed it to another animal that can be saved and released. I realize that it's nature's way, but I just can't do that.

The entire time I was at the vet, the other tech kept whispering "just keep him, just keep him." ;)
So for now, he's still with me. I don't have the heart to end his life, especially since he isn't suffering.

This sounds so much like what I went through with Mugzi.
These beautiful innocent beings fall into our hands, we fall in love and cannot bear to see them as dinner for hawk or coyote.worse to be euthanize for the misfortune of falling out of their nest.
The laws protect they predators because they are fewer in numbers than the prey.
Is it possible to get hold of some dexamethasone? The steroid might help heal or at least decrease any swelling that may be causing the paralysis if it's an injury.
Just a thought.

[CritterMom]

May I ask where you are keeping him? For now, until his ability to recover can be assessed, I would keep him is a smallish container in order to restrict his movements. If that vet can give him some Dex, as Mugzeesma suggested, that would be great. If not, preventing him from moving around a lot will help if what he has now is bad inflammation - give it a chance to heal. As I said earlier, I would get a bunch of that slithery microfleece for him as bedding. And I would come up with a way, maybe PVC, to give him a little tunnel into a little house or cover with more slithery fleece in it, so it is sort of like his nest.

While the wild foods are great, it would be a good idea to introduce him to a rodent block. I will send you a private message - if you will give me an address, I have three different kinds right now, and would be happy to mail you a little of each - he can test drive them before you buy. I love, love, love these little guys - gigantic, liquid black eyes with a tiny scrap of squirrel wrapped around them - and I am so pleased to finally see one here, and hope to get to "see" him thrive.

If, you bought the Esbilac powder puppy milk, please prepare as follows, despite what the label might say - use very hot water - 160 degrees - and once it is dissolved, it should sit for EIGHT HOURS in the refrigerator before being warmed again and fed. If you have a liquid formula, it does not last very long, even under refrigeration.

Good luck, and thank you for saving his little life.

[rozdow]

Thank you for saving this baby! :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

In a perfect world...dex would be given within hours after initial injury to spine...
with that said....
Try to find Metacam for small animals...it is an anti infammatory/pain aide...and easy to dose and get your hands on, much easier than Dex...
do not use metacam with dex:nono
I agree...good save! All life is precious...hugs to you!:bowdown
Hoping we are dealing with a temporary injury too...
but many sqs with similar permanant type injuries lead happy long lives...
Nutrition is key!
Good Luck, you will find lots of love and info here!:Love_Icon

[Ultra Peepi]

good luck and thank you for taking in and caring for this guy! :thumbsup

[poozybear]

I currently have him in a large Rubbermaid container. I gave him some tin cans to hide in.

The formula I got is Esbilac. I just wanted to get something into him quickly so he wouldn't dehydrate. He's almost weaned, so shouldn't need it for long.

I do have some microfleece fabric that I can use, so will get him more comfortable and off the dirt. I'll also call the vet about the dex. Even though they aren't supposed to treat wild animals, I know this vet well, and the techs will do it for me.

I can't seem to get a good photo that's actually in focus, but this one isn't bad.

http://kathyvalentino.com/scooter1.jpg

[CritterMom]

Oh, my, what a cutie. That baby needs a mountain of fleece to snuggle in. I've never seen a critter that loves luxury as much as a squirrelie!

Name??

[pappy1264]

I am in love!! I would love to have him! (I had a prairie dog for a short time, and omg......they are just wonderful!) Thank you for taking him in and caring for him.

[CritterMom]

Go back in the thread and click on the link to Mister P's site - I have pics of them as adults. They look like babies even when full grown! Their little faces appear in the openings of their burrows, and when you walk by they ZIP back inside. They are really tiny - I'm gonna say full pancake, tail included, 10". I look forward to seeing them every year when I go to Tucson to see my mom - there are tons in her development.

[poozybear]

I tore up a T-shirt yesterday and made a little bed for him. Oh my gosh, he was in squirrel heaven. They DO love luxury. When the moms were nesting in the spring, I gave them the groomed fur from my Samoyed. One took the equivalent of an entire zip-lock bag under ground. They must have one heck of a nice nest down there. :)

[poozybear]

Hi everyone!

I wanted to come back to this thread to let everyone know that I still have my little guy (though he's not so little anymore). I'm doing the very best I can to take of him, but not a day goes by that I don't question myself, thinking I've done the wrong thing. Maybe I should have respected nature and accepted that not all baby squirrels are destined to make it. Some days I think he would have been better off not surviving, than being kept prisoner. I've tried really hard to bond with him and care for him, but he just looks at me like the scary lady who captured him and put him in a box. In his squirrel mind, his life wasn't saved. He became prey.

The last few days I've really been struggling with this, as he seems to be getting more agitated with age. He wants to be free, and to be a squirrel running around outside, which he can't be. Yesterday I noticed some blood on his bedding. It looks like he is gnawing on his feet and legs, maybe out of frustration because they won't work. He can't feel them, so has no way of knowing that he is injuring himself.

I've tried using the rescue remedy on him, but it doesn't seem to work. Since he's growing, I got him a much larger enclosure this week, which seems to have made things worse. With more space to move, he seems increasingly agitated. I had thought that more space would have helped him, but he just wants to hide now, and seems to have become more fearful.

This is just so tough for me. I want to do what is best for him. If humane euthanization is best for him, then I may have to consider that, though the older he gets, the harder it will be for me to find a vet willing to help. One thing is certain - I will NOT hand him over to a rehabber to use as raptor food.

I wonder if he would be less stressed if I put him back in the smaller enclosure for now. I feel just terrible over all of this, and am SO torn on what to do. I'm one of those softies who wants to save every bird with a broken wing, and think I'm helping, when maybe I'm not. I just want what is best for him, whatever that may be.

Kathy

[mugzeezma]

Hi everyone!

I wanted to come back to this thread to let everyone know that I still have my little guy (though he's not so little anymore). I'm doing the very best I can to take of him, but not a day goes by that I don't question myself, thinking I've done the wrong thing. Maybe I should have respected nature and accepted that not all baby squirrels are destined to make it. Some days I think he would have been better off not surviving, than being kept prisoner. I've tried really hard to bond with him and care for him, but he just looks at me like the scary lady who captured him and put him in a box. In his squirrel mind, his life wasn't saved. He became prey.

The last few days I've really been struggling with this, as he seems to be getting more agitated with age. He wants to be free, and to be a squirrel running around outside, which he can't be. Yesterday I noticed some blood on his bedding. It looks like he is gnawing on his feet and legs, maybe out of frustration because they won't work. He can't feel them, so has no way of knowing that he is injuring himself.

I've tried using the rescue remedy on him, but it doesn't seem to work. Since he's growing, I got him a much larger enclosure this week, which seems to have made things worse. With more space to move, he seems increasingly agitated. I had thought that more space would have helped him, but he just wants to hide now, and seems to have become more fearful.

This is just so tough for me. I want to do what is best for him. If humane euthanization is best for him, then I may have to consider that, though the older he gets, the harder it will be for me to find a vet willing to help. One thing is certain - I will NOT hand him over to a rehabber to use as raptor food.

I wonder if he would be less stressed if I put him back in the smaller enclosure for now. I feel just terrible over all of this, and am SO torn on what to do. I'm one of those softies who wants to save every bird with a broken wing, and think I'm helping, when maybe I'm not. I just want what is best for him, whatever that may be.

Kathy
Neurotic behavior occurs in captive animals because they are deprived of the rich environment from which they came. Zoos go to great lengths to stimulate animals to prevent self destructive behavior. since this little guy is a ground squirrel try placing dirt he can dig in and tunnels he can crawl through. Pieces of PVC pipe, dryer vent tubing, old shirt sleeves, whatever you can find, might be fun for him to investigate. Make sure you give him plenty of time outside of his box too. Can you set up a pen outside for him?

[Fireweed]

I can relate, PB... I kept a ground squirrel last year for a few months who had limited use of her back legs. I helped her to live for a short while, that I have no doubt, but I struggled daily with my decision for the same reasons you are struggling... I don't think there are any easy, black and white answers... People like us will struggle with our decision whether we take them in and help them or not...

What I did was kept her in her very own room so she had all the room to move as possible. I also took her outside every day for several hours into a screened in tent to get sun, fresh air (and I stayed with her in there). In both places I had lots of tunnels, toys, hiding spots, natural foods, chew stuff, digging dirt and sand, etc. She did seem to calm down and take to her new life eventually and in the end, I'd say she lived a relatively sweet/comfortable life even though it probably wasn't what she would've wanted...

Maybe it's just a matter of giving your little guy as much to do and in as many places as possible so that he is stimulated while awake (to keep his mind off chewing and/or escaping) and tired enough to sleep without resorting to chewing out of boredom. Also, it's extremely important with squirrels that you spend as much time as possible with them so they don't feel alone and get depressed.

Just some thoughts... Good luck and feel free to pm me... It's neat to hear from another ground squirrel caregiver! :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

some anxiety issues are nutritional also...
please make sure his diet has plenty of calcium...
he may require an e collar if he is chewing....
thank you so much for taking him in and caring for him:Love_Icon

[Fireweed]

Good thinking, Jackie! And PB, from what I've been learning over the last year, Ground Squirrels have different dietary requirements than tree squirrels... a little more protein, LOTS of grasses as the main part of their diet, less veggies/fruits and only nuts etc. as a rare treat. Also, there are supplementary squirrel blocks out there designed specifically for ground squirrels...you might want to look into those. I'll pm you with the name of the company I've ordered from (I don't remember it right now).

:grouphug

[poozybear]

Thanks so much, everyone. Right now I am fortunate enough to have a very large house, so he has his own room that is safe from the dogs and cats. I have been checking on him hourly, taking him fresh food, petting him, talking to him. I let him out daily to run around. I have to place him on a large fleece blanket, as he can't drag himself on the hardwood floor. I do have some enclosed areas in the yard where I could give him some outdoor time. Even with only two legs, he can move like lightning, so I do have to be careful. Even letting him run around the room, catching him back up is insanely difficult.

I originally had him on dirt but moved him to a smoother surface after a few people here commented that he might get dragging sores. I bought some rabbit fur pelts to make a natural, non-skid padding in his living area, then have T-shirt material on top. Since he has no bladder/bowel control, regular washing of the bedding is pretty necessary. I've given him tubes and things to crawl into, but he ignores them in favor of crawling around under the T-shirts.

CritterMom was kind enough to send me some squirrel food, which I have been giving him, though he only nibbles at it. I give him other things like carrots, grapes, some nuts, as well as native foods from outside. He is a desert squirrel, so his diet is much different from a "regular" ground squirrel. I've been cutting small branches from the native Palo Verde trees, and he really loves gnawing on those. At night I take up all food except for the kibble. Interestingly, I find that it has been snacked on in the morning, or even taken "underground" with him, so he apparently eats at night.

His disposition comes and goes. Some days he seems miserable and depressed, while other days he eats ravenously and lights up when I come in the room with food (he quickly becomes my best friend if he sees sunflower seeds).

A major concern is that we will most likely be relocating back to L.A. later in the year, which will mean a much smaller house, so I'm trying to think ahead and worry that I may have to end his life after he finally does bond with me, if he ever does. I've been spending a LOT of time working with him, but I have two dogs, three cats, a parrot, and a rescued tortoise that also need my care. So it's been very hard. But I'll keep at it for now, and keep trying new things to keep his mind stimulated.

I really appreciated all the advice and words of support. You guys have been great. :)

[Fireweed]

You're doing good. :thumbsup That Crittermom...she's amazing, eh? :D

One day at a time... But maybe we could find him a forever home right away with someone on TSB since your move is concerning you... :dono

Also, something else I thought was that maybe he'd be interested in something like my husband built for our unbalanced, shaky, dragging Ground Squirrel ...This would give him a chance to get some digging in but not so he's constantly dragging on dirt---good for the nails, too. (We sifted the dirt so it was 'softer' and baked it a bit in case of any harmful pests etc...and there is a ramp on the inside as well so that the squirrel can't tip over too far onto the dirt when he walks into the other side... :) The lid is hinged so we can change the dirt/clean. And the in-sides are tile so our squirrel couldn't climb up and then fall hard onto the dirt. We also put sand in there instead of dirt from time to time and grasses, hidden treats, etc...)

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/whobyfireweed/dirtbox3.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/whobyfireweed/P1062084.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/whobyfireweed/P1062086.jpg

[lilbitsquirrely]

:grouphug What a sweety.I adore him.:thumbsup

[Bullwinkle's Dad]

What a wonderfully huge heart you have!!!!

If you do end up keeping him there will probably be a lot of work ahead, but my experience is that the pleasure they give back far outweighs the 'minor' giving that we afford them. I have two very good friends who have been squirrel foster parents to over 20 squirrels over the years. Nearly a year ago they lost a little gray squirrel whose back legs were crippled. Her name was Willie and she was over 11 years old when she died. My friend took her nearly every where he went and (being a car enthusiast) once said, "Willie has been to more car shows that most humans on the planet."

Good luck to you!!! There is an abundance of help here. Enjoy the feedback and really enjoy your fascinating little baby!!!

[poozybear]

Thanks everyone. :)

Fireweed, that digging box is brilliant! We can easily put something like that together for him. What a little cutie that squirrel is!

[LadyV]

I can't add anything as i am a newbie at this myself, but I wanted to say it's so good to hear of other animal lovers that will save the hurt and/or needy!:bowdown

[poozybear]

Well, it looks like I'm losing the little guy. I was just reading Shaky's story the other day, and it appears to be a similar situation. He's just slipping away.

Last night he seemed a bit out of it, but this morning I could tell something was wrong. He's been under a blanket all day, not wanting to come out. As of a few hours ago, his breathing is shallow, and he seems barely conscious. I picked him up and put him on a piece of soft fur so he he can be comfortable. My vet is closed, so I can't have him humanely euthanized, though it may be better for him if he passes quietly in a safe and familiar place.

I don't think he's going to make it through the night. I'll let everyone know what happens tomorrow. My heart is breaking, but I did the best I could for him. I took some video of him playing in his dirt pen just a few days ago, so I'll post that shortly. It will probably be in the Rainbow Bridge thread, though.

Poor little Scooter. I love you, buddy. Mom did her best.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
Although his life was short, he knew love and security.
Thank you for caring for him, I am so sorry.
:Love_Icon

[CritterMom]

I am so sorry. I so wanted this little one to make it. But this is so much better than what faced him originally. Thank you so much for trying so hard with him...

[poozybear]

Scooter crossed the rainbow bridge late last night. I was up all night crying. I'm just devastated.

He went very peacefully. He was trying to keep his eyes open, so I turned off all the lights, and he immediately went to sleep. I stayed with him for about an hour until he stopped breathing. I have NO idea what happened to him. From the time I noticed he wasn't well to the time he was gone was a matter of hours. Animals hide their illnesses so well, there may have been some internal damage that finally caught up with him over time.

I'm going to take him to my vet on Monday and have him cremated. Even though I only had him for a few short months, I loved him as much as any other pet, and will treat him the same way. I can't just put him in the ground and leave him here, since we'll likely be moving later in the year. I will keep him with me, and the cremains of my other furbabies.

I'll post a little tribute to him in the Rainbow Bridge area once I'm able to pull myself together.

He wanted so badly to be a squirrel, and have his legs, and run and play. I hope he has that now. Bless his heart. He was so special.

Kathy

[CritterMom]

OH. I checked this thread a dozen times today, hoping for a miracle. I'm so sorry, Poozy. I so wanted this little one to make it.

They can grab your heart and put it in a hammerlock and it only takes them a couple seconds to do it. I am just so glad you found him in the first place, and gave him several months of comfort and love that he never would have had, and a chance to pass peacefully with someone who lioves him instead of scared and alone as he might have. Scooter. That is what I call all of the little chipmunks in my yard, my Scooters. A perfect name for a perfect little being. Thanks for being such a good mommy.

[Nancy in New York]

I am so very sorry to hear that you lost your little one. You staying with him until he passed is just heart wrenching....and so heart warming.
I know you struggled with your decision to keep him alive...I think many people do when they find an animal that is in dire straights.
You have to believe that it is because of your love of nature and all of the critters that you did everything that you did for Scooter. Had it not been for you, this little one would have died alone, and in distress. You gave him dignity, compassion, love and respect. You turned off the light giving him permission to go, you stayed with him until he passed, you loved him, you cried for him, and you made his life matter.
God knows who to put these little ones with, I believe that with all of my heart. He chose wisely when he put little Scooter with you...bless you for loving him....:Love_Icon

[Ronda]

I am so sorry to hear of Scooter's passing... bless you for caring and loving him...for making his life good while he was here. :grouphug

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

I am so sorry to hear this. They wrap themselves around your heart in a hurry.

We had another recent death on the Squirrel Board, which was an intestinal problem because the squirrel was partially immobile. The baby had developed adhesions in the intestines because it could not pass waste very well. I am wondering if that is what happened to your baby. Are you willing to have a vet to take a look inside of this baby before the cremation? If this seems to be an issue with paralyzed babies, perhaps we need to start making recommendations on TSB to alter diet to include more fiber and stool softeners. It just might save some lives in the future.

[mugzeezma]

I am so sorry to hear this. They wrap themselves around your heart in a hurry.

We had another recent death on the Squirrel Board, which was an intestinal problem because the squirrel was partially immobile. The baby had developed adhesions in the intestines because it could not pass waste very well. I am wondering if that is what happened to your baby. Are you willing to have a vet to take a look inside of this baby before the cremation? If this seems to be an issue with paralyzed babies, perhaps we need to start making recommendations on TSB to alter diet to include more fiber and stool softeners. It just might save some lives in the future.
Poozy, you did a wonderful thing caring for this baby. :grouphug
If I recall correctly, organ failure tends to be common in paraplegics due to all the nerve damage. I think that any living thing so compromised would have a shortened life span.
You did the best things possible, one of which was to allow a peaceful passing.

[poozybear]

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I never knew that I could become so attached to a little squirrel.

Atlantasquirrelgirl, I have no problem with the vet doing a necropsy if she wants to. They may not be interested, since he's a wild animal, but I'll give them the okay if one of the techs perhaps wants to do that (I used to be a vet tech and have done that).

I do believe there was some kind of internal damage.The day before, there had been a noticeable change in the stool. Smaller, more dry, a bit twisted in shape. Right before he died, he passed a small amount of blood from his rectum. There may have been some internal bleeding. He was not in distress the day he died, but rather, just seemed run down, so he may have been bleeding internally. Organ failure is also a possibility, though kidney failure is often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, so just a guess, but I think the intestinal issues may be a more likely scenario.

He did have problems passing waste from the start. I often had to help him out by removing any stool that was stuck partially out. It would eventually pass on its own, but the process definitely was made easier on him with some assistance from me.

My vet treats a lot of ferrets, and I know she has some paralyzed ones, so she may be able to offer some insight. If I can learn anything that may help others to better care for their paralyzed babies, I will certainly pass that info on.

[island rehabber]

poozybear I am so very sorry that you lost little Scooter. It's a small thing but I learned something from this thread and from the other recent threads mentioned about paralyzed squirrels. Every little thing we learn will eventually save another little life, or at least make it sweeter. Bless you for caring so beautifully for him, and I completely agree with Nancy when she says "God knows who to give these little ones to." :bowdown

[Fireweed]

Oh, I don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry about Scooter. :( :grouphug
They fill your heart and break it, too. And they do it so fast and so deeply that words can not begin to describe...

I'm so glad he was with you, in your arms in the end, in the soothing dark, enveloped by your love and compassion.

I'm looking forward to your tribute...and the video of him playing. :)

Rest in perfect peace, Scooter. And send your mama some love in a dusty whirlwind so she knows you've been digging up a perfect storm of health and happiness wherever it is you are... :Love_Icon

PB: :grouphug (for the pain you are no doubt feeling) and :thankyou (for caring for this little guy) and :bowdown (for doing it so well)

[poozybear]

I had a chance to talk to my vet today, and asked her what she thought might have happened. She said there are really hundreds of things that can go wrong with that type of injury, but that it didn't sound like organ failure, based on the way he went. Organ failure can cause seizures or convulsions at the end, and he appeared pain free, and went peacefully.

Based on what I told her of the slow, peaceful passing, she had a few ideas.

1. An infection of some sort. This is a strong possibility. About a week earlier, I had found him licking excessively on one foot, and around his little pee pee. Since he had no bladder control, he may have been trying to groom off urine, and without any feeling, broke the skin and caused some bleeding. I was able to distract him, and it healed in a day, but there's a chance he may have gotten an infection in the urinary area (foot healed perfectly).

2. Internal bleeding of some kind. The way he died was consistent with bleeding out. No pain, just increasing weakness, and eventually drifting away.

3. A blood clot that broke free and traveled to the lungs. I had a dog die this way once. It happened a week following surgery. He appeared to have recovered just fine, but had a blood clot that went to the lungs. He just laid down, got weak and drowsy, and had to be put down at the emergency vet.

No way to know for sure, but I think all three of these are likely causes. None were preventable, except for infection. Even still, there were no visible signs. If he had an infection, it was internal, and I never would have known.