Found Another Roadside Squirrel; No External Injuries, but Worms

[NAveryW]

I found another squirrel today lying on the side of the road. This one appears to be in better shape than the previous one. She wasn't bleeding, but can't walk or move around much and tiny white worms are wriggling out of her anus. They look like maggots, but smaller. She won't eat or drink anything, and because of the absence of injuries, I feel the worms may be the whole reason she collapsed. What should I do? Would a de-worming medication for a dog help, and if so, how can I administer it to her if she won't eat?

[CritterMom]

If you can get Revolution, it will help. It is a prescription, though, but if you know dog people...it is one of the "spot on" meds - a drop between the shoulder blades.

But I would prepare myself. They likely are maggots, and they don't usually infest like that unless the squirrel is in bad shape. There is likely some underlying cause that left her open to this.

[Cejemere]

How old is this one? Adult or baby? Can you post a pic of both her and the worms?

[prncsbabs1]

It sounds like they are maggots. try to remove them with a small flea comb or soft toothbrush. Also check her ears, eyes, mouth for more. Can you get her to a Vet?? She needs to be treated with either Capstar or ivermectin. I believe you can get Capstar at any pet supply store.

[NAveryW]

The worms are only coming from its anus or possibly an area near it. Her ears are clean, she has no fleas, her eyes are a little teary, but no bugs. The worms are crawling onto her tail and hind legs. A picture of the worms submerged in alcohol (much bigger than their actual size):

http://projectenthalpy.com/secondsquirrelworms.jpg

And the squirrel:

http://projectenthalpy.com/secondsquirrel.jpg

The squirrel is smaller and lighter than the previous one. Probably not fully grown.

[prncsbabs1]

Is there any way to get her to a rehabber or a Vet; if not for medication then to help end her suffering. She looks very sick

[SkweeksMom]

Oh, poor baby. How wonderful you were able to find her. I don't know enough to offer any assistance but I can and will send lots of prayers your way. I hope she is better soon. :grouphug

[mugzeezma]

Looks like maggots to me.She's looks very shocky. Does she feel cool to the touch? I would tend to believe she has internal injuries if you found her by the roadside. The best thing you can do for her is keep her in a dark quite place and warm on a heating pad. You may try to give her some drops of pedialyte with a syringe.
There is recipe for the homeade version on this site

[Cejemere]

I agree she does look very sick. Give her a nice warm rice buddie. Try to syringe some pedalyte or water...something. As long as she is warm. It may just be the pic but around her mouth looks blueish?

[prncsbabs1]

If the squirrel is warm, then start with this.

Jackie's Homemade oral hydration solution

1 quart warm water
1 teaspoon table salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
syringe feed slowly
mix and store in the fridge for up to 72 hours.

also try rubbing some log cabin, karo or molasses on her gums

[island rehabber]

Sorry to be the voice of Doom here but internal maggots are fatal unless caught VERY early on. Only Capstar or ivermectin can kill them when they are already in the system, and this squirrel has them throughout her system. The most humane thing to do here is euthanasia....I am sorry. :(

[4skwerlz]

The most humane thing to do here is euthanasia....I am sorry. :(

IR is right.

I'm so very sorry...:grouphug

[prncsbabs1]

Is there any way to get her to a rehabber or a Vet; if not for medication then to help end her suffering. She looks very sick

??

[mugzeezma]

Did she make it through the night I wonder??