Need help with Dill's leg!

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Hi! I have a 6mo. old squirrel named Dill. I have had him since he was very tiny. He has very limited use of his back legs, and mostly just drags them. At the end of Sept, I went out of town for a week, and had moved him to a larger room so he could get enough exercise while I was gone. When I returned, there was blood everywhere and his entire knee was open. I am attaching pictures so you can see what I mean. Our pet sitter did not contact us about this, which is another issue altogether! Since then, we have been consulting with our vet regularly. We had been bandaging the knee until last Monday, but the skin wasn't coming together at all, so Monday he had surgury to close the wound. It worked great for about 3 days, and then came open again. He had also managed to puncture the knee cavity, where there is now infection. He is now chewing at his knee a lot. He has been on Baytil and Buprinex, which he seems to have developed a tolerance to. We have tried an ecollar, but he somehow gets his knee up and around, so it does no good. The problem with this wound is that it's dragging on the ground constantly. We have kept him confined throughout this ordeal, but this has just resulted in several carriers being destroyed. My vet has consulted with some specialists who all say that amputation is not an option and he should be put down. I wanted to make one last attempt to get others' ideas before resigning to euthanasia. He is a very unique squirrel with the most loving demeanor, and I feel sick about this whole thing. Please help!!!

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

sorry about the picture size, I don't know why they're so huge!

[astra]

Oh Goodness!...:bump

[Runestonez]

What about Derma Gel by BioMed?
It's an isotonic hydrogel.
We have used it on our rabbits(and us)...it is amazing stuff!
It was developed for horses...but holy wow!
We were using it on a rabbit with an abscess and had to stop because it sealed up the opening so quick we couldn't keep up!:sanp3
I personally recommend it!
Non-toxic...and lickable...lol :D

It is only available through the vet here...dunno about the US.

http://www.derma-gel.com/

http://www.natural-animal-health.co.uk/derma_gel.htm

[mugzeezma]

Oh Goodness!...:bump

The wound if infected and draining probably can't be closed.
If the E collar wasn't working it wasn't deep enough.
Did you keep him in DARK QUIET room? Also a smaller cage. Only bring the lights up to feed and check on him
Did your vet offer any pain killers like tramadol? That would not only help the pain but make him sleepy.

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Yes, he's been kept in a dark, quiet room, first in a smaller cage, then after his surgery in a carrier. He has been on buprinex for the pain. It worked at first, and knocked him out, but not as much anymore. How do you do a deeper ecollar that still allows them to eat?

[mugzeezma]

Yes, he's been kept in a dark, quiet room, first in a smaller cage, then after his surgery in a carrier. He has been on buprinex for the pain. It worked at first, and knocked him out, but not as much anymore. How do you do a deeper ecollar that still allows them to eat?
you take it off under supervision or put a smaller one on UNDER SUPERVISION while he eats.
If you want him to live you will have to keep a close eye on him. I don't know what else to offer other than carrying him in a pouch all day or sticking his lower half in a sock which he won't tolerate either.
I'm hoping some else has some ideas to offer here
Are you flushing this injury with anything??

[Kristal]

My god, that is awful. What about sedating him? I had to ask the vet to do that with my dog, Fenrir, when his front leg was broken in 3 places. He was still wanting to be active and every day the swelling would get worse as he tried to say hello to everyone. They could not get a cast on because his leg was too swollen. After a week I begged them to just knock him out for 36 hours because I know my dog. In that way they were able to finally put a cast on once the swelling went down enough.

Sedation, a proper ecollar, a small, quiet cage, ABs, wrap the wound and clean it four times a day is what I would do (I am not a licensed rehabber, mind). Aloe vera and topical vitamin e from natural sources are both excellent for accellerating healing. I would put on a light coating of both after cleaning and before I redressed the wound. I would do that for a week. Do you have some anti anxiety meds? What do people think of giving him a mild dose of such a sedative? Animals so often make their own injuries worse with their self cleaning and anxious behaviours when they are hurt... I know how frustrating that can be :(

Also, this should really be in the life threatening section! What a horrible wound :/

[PDXErik]

That's not a leg wound. That's his (her) peritineal cavity (guts trying to spill out)

OMG, vet rght now.

It is totally sad that it takes my drunk ass to say this,

HIS GUTS ARE POURING OUT GET A VET RIGHT NOW

[Kristal]

That's not a leg wound. That's his (her) peritineal cavity (guts trying to spill out)

OMG, vet rght now.

It is totally sad that it takes my drunk ass to say this,

HIS GUTS ARE POURING OUT GET A VET RIGHT NOW

It's, umm, hard to tell, but if you view image and fit it to your monitor:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121542&stc=1&d=1288666231

it seems that it is actually a horribly inflamed and infected knee. Awful.

[Milo's Mom]

I am in no way a professional and I am only saying this as natural instinct...my gut feeling as a human and from some experience with my animals (dogs, cats, and a squirrel).
2 years ago my neighbors dog attacked my dog and torn her up pretty bad. We rushed her to the vet and after 4 hours of surgery she was put back together. After we got her home, she was on antibiotics and pain killers for weeks. When I saw that she was feeling better, I backed off on the pain killers. BIG mistake, she started licking and licking and licking and all but chewed off her ecollar. I put her back on the pain meds but at 1/2 strength (my thought was to semi-sedate her) so she would be too loopy to chew and lick. I did call the vet to confirm what I had done. He agreed with my actions.
So, what my thoughts are, and please consult a professional before doing it, is to start the pain meds again just to keep him loopy enough so that he does not try to "clean" the wound and makes him a little to sleepy to move too much. As for not eating while on pain meds...how about FV formula? No chewing just lots of yumminess that is liquid and just needs to be swallowed. I know he is 6 months old, but if he is semi sedated, eating and chewing can be too much to do. You know how you feel when you are sick, eating makes you feel worse and its just better to not do it. But then mom makes some good ole'chicken soup and you s...l...o...w...l...y sip on it. This is just my gut instinct, but as they say, sometimes your gut instinct is the best and you should go with it.
Something has GOT to be done or I fear that he will not make it due to infection or by him trying to chew off his own leg. I am sorry I have nothing else to offer, but I will keep you and your little guy in my thoughts and prayers.
Why is amputation not an option? Not that this would be my first choice, but I would keep it in the back of my thoughts as a worst case scenario. Many animals, as we all know, can live long healthy good lives as an amputee.

Where is IR? Should this be posted as life threatening to get more attention?

[CritterMom]

Erix, it is the angle of the pic - that IS the leg. It is just awful.

You need to get tough about this RIGHT NOW. Oral abx, plus topical abx on wound. It needs to be wrapped and re-dressed multple times per day. Try to use an ointment - you want the wound to remain soft and close from the outside in or it will develop proud flesh and never heal properly, and can actually close infection inside.

Make a BIG e-collar that he cannot get around. Put Dill back on his baby formula by syringe and YOU handle all of his feedings so he isn't being affected nutritionally by the e-collar. You MUST prevent him from touching this again and he's gonna have to stay in it until it is totally healed.

Get a microfiber fleece for his carrier bottom. Go someplace like TJ Maxx or Marshalls or walmart and look at the lap throws - you want the longest fiber microfleece you can find. It is soft and very slick and reduces friction.

Go to a health food store and buy a bottle of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Get the regular human RR, not the type for animals. Put a drop in his mouth/on his lips/gums and rub some on his ears, paw pads, or under his arms where there is bare skin. It will calm him and you can use as often as required with no fear of OD.

Put his carrier half on and half off a heating pad on low.

You need to be extremely agressive with supportive care. The RR plus the heat plus keeping him dark will encourage him to sleep which is what he needs. If you cannot do this, or find someone who can do it for you, then you should think of euthanasia. Really agressive supportive care plus meds can work wonders but it is a huge committment of time and doing it halfway won't work... I hate to be brutal but I have had to do this before - and it worked, but it was nearly a full time job.

[Kristal]

Painkillers, at least, are a good idea for a few days.... That kit needs to be sleeping and/or immobile most of the time, and that will be a problem with the pain. Cellurar regeneration is greatly speeded up during sleep. The fleece is a good idea as it is completely inorganic and so will stay clean easier and not contribute to infection. Maybe even the tiniest drop of an over the counter codeine cough syrup could be an idea. And I do mean tiny, like a fraction of a drop diluted in water. I wonder if this was brought on by anxiety? I have read stories of solo greys self injuring in this way. They can get depressed, lonely and anxious. Losing you for a week might have been like losing his emotional lifeline :/

[mugzeezma]

Erix, it is the angle of the pic - that IS the leg. It is just awful.

You need to get tough about this RIGHT NOW. Oral abx, plus topical abx on wound. It needs to be wrapped and re-dressed multple times per day. Try to use an ointment - you want the wound to remain soft and close from the outside in or it will develop proud flesh and never heal properly, and can actually close infection inside.

Make a BIG e-collar that he cannot get around. Put Dill back on his baby formula by syringe and YOU handle all of his feedings so he isn't being affected nutritionally by the e-collar. You MUST prevent him from touching this again and he's gonna have to stay in it until it is totally healed.

Get a microfiber fleece for his carrier bottom. Go someplace like TJ Maxx or Marshalls or walmart and look at the lap throws - you want the longest fiber microfleece you can find. It is soft and very slick and reduces friction.

Go to a health food store and buy a bottle of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Get the regular human RR, not the type for animals. Put a drop in his mouth/on his lips/gums and rub some on his ears, paw pads, or under his arms where there is bare skin. It will calm him and you can use as often as required with no fear of OD.

Put his carrier half on and half off a heating pad on low.

You need to be extremely agressive with supportive care. The RR plus the heat plus keeping him dark will encourage him to sleep which is what he needs. If you cannot do this, or find someone who can do it for you, then you should think of euthanasia. Really agressive supportive care plus meds can work wonders but it is a huge committment of time and doing it halfway won't work... I hate to be brutal but I have had to do this before - and it worked, but it was nearly a full time job.

As I said before It's all or nothing now.
Is he still on the baytril? buprinex? If not he needs to so back on
AND
He needs to be appropriately sedated. THe wound needs to be flushed and eventually closed.
I'm very sad to say this but unless you handle this appropriately NOW he will need to have his suffering ended and he IS suffering!
You cannot continue to let this animal live in this condition without an absolutely aggressive course of action.

[island rehabber]

CS/Opossum Lady I just PM'd you with two fantastic vets in the NY area who will see squirrels -- no questions asked!! I urge you to call them ASAP. If you are closer to Northern Westchester than to the Long Island Sound side, let me know there is another vet in Cortlandt Manor! :thumbsup

[pappy1264]

Oh dear lord.....I don't think I have ever seen anything that bad. I am praying very hard for this little one.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Oh Lord
Good luck, I can feel your pain...knowing he is in such horrific pain.
Please use IRs suggested vets..please!
Isolation is not the best choice, keep him in a quiet yet friendly environment, but where he knows he is not alone.
If the baby will allow you to lay him on your chest/heart...that too will help stimulate his will to thrive.:Love_Icon
Bless you for helping this little guy...he is in serious dire need of extreme care. Thank you:grouphug



Baby Sq, I am sending all my best and most special vibes and saying big prayers...get well little one.

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Thank you everyone for your quick responses and support! I suppose I didn't make it clear, he is still on the Baytril and Buprinex. The buprinex is just no longer helping him the way it was in the beginning. And I actually have been treating this quite aggressively. You're not kidding about it being almost a full time job! His leg is no longer wrapped because my vet told me to stop, as the moisture trapped inside was causing skin problems. Whenever he peed it was being absorbed into the bandage. We are definately using fleeces to line his carrier. Thank you for the suggestion about syringe feeding with the ecollar on. That has ben causing me huge amounts of stress watching him try to eat with it on! And I will try the Bach's RR. So do you guys think we should try the surgery to close the wound again? And do you think that we can hold off on euthanasia?

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Oh Lord
Good luck, I can feel your pain...knowing he is in such horrific pain.
Please use IRs suggested vets..please!
Isolation is not the best choice, keep him in a quiet yet friendly environment, but where he knows he is not alone.
If the baby will allow you to lay him on your chest/heart...that too will help stimulate his will to thrive.:Love_Icon
Bless you for helping this little guy...he is in serious dire need of extreme care. Thank you:grouphug



Baby Sq, I am sending all my best and most special vibes and saying big prayers...get well little one.


Don't worry Jackie, I take him out and snuggle with him a lot! He's a great lap squirrel, and loves to be comforted. The quietness is only when he's in his carrier, so he will sleep instead of chewing his way out of yet another one!

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

Oh dear..
do take better care of him

=|
Get well Dill!

[Kristal]

I would try everything I could before going for the mercy kill, yes. If you have the time, by all means, do it. Can you give him anything to calm his nerves and ease his pain? I really would sedate him for a few days, just light sedation so that you can still feed him, of course. This kit needs sleep, badly, and stress has a very counterproductive effect on healing. He must be very stressed out to be destroying carriers. Do whatever you can to make sure he does not gnaw that poor knee anymore :/ I feel awful for that poor, little sweety :(

But they are so amazingly resilient and such tough, little animals, nothing at all like domestics that way. If given a good chance, I would not be at all surprised to see him bounce back. He would probably be NR with all the damage to his knee that has already happened, though :(

Correct me if I am wrong, anyone, but I think blood poisoning might be an issue with so much infection. Aggressive treatment is really needed, and do whatever you can to make him feel calm and safe so that he has a chance to heal. Sedation may really be necessary with the collar, but you need a collar, absolutely.

[Pierre]

Get to one of the vets IR suggested ASAP. Do not euthanize until, or unless, there is no other choice. I am not sure when this injury occurred but you still have more options---all the aggressive care the above rehabbers have suggested and especially IR's vets that will see sqs.

Don't give up on him. He's still feisty which is a good sign. Try EVERYTHING to get that wound healed--he wants to live.

[Pierre]

Question to experts/rehabbers:

Can squirrels take benedril?? It is quite a benign medicine and has the wonderful side effect of drowiness [poor mans' sleeping pill!].

Is it safe in squirrels?

[CritterMom]

Yes. If I can get a weight I can provide amounts to administer and frequency. It needs to be infant formula.

Infant motrin is not a bad pain reliever and can also be used. Just having the pain relieved may calm him.

[Tomo]

Thank you everyone for your quick responses and support! I suppose I didn't make it clear, he is still on the Baytril and Buprinex. The buprinex is just no longer helping him the way it was in the beginning. And I actually have been treating this quite aggressively. You're not kidding about it being almost a full time job! His leg is no longer wrapped because my vet told me to stop, as the moisture trapped inside was causing skin problems. Whenever he peed it was being absorbed into the bandage. We are definately using fleeces to line his carrier. Thank you for the suggestion about syringe feeding with the ecollar on. That has ben causing me huge amounts of stress watching him try to eat with it on! And I will try the Bach's RR. So do you guys think we should try the surgery to close the wound again? And do you think that we can hold off on euthanasia?

What would make you think of euthanizing him? From looking at the photo, it doesn't look as though there was enough skin to cover the knee and I cannot imagine why any vet would say that amputation is out of the question? I think a second opinion from an experienced vet who has dealt with this type of injury is in order. Also, I would think the leg could be amputated if the wound cannot be closed successfully. The problem with knees is that because of the way they bend,and in the case of paralyzed squirrels, it is difficult to keep the skin closed. Knees are also very sensitive because squirrels will pick at their injured knees more than other parts of their body.

I think that because the skin cannot be pulled over the wound, keeping it unwrapped is good. However, you need to keep him in a very sterile environment. I have a friend who is a rehabber, and she has a paralyzed squirrel whom she keeps in a 120 gallon fish tank with a mesh top when she's not carrying her around. There is nothing in the tank to re-injure her knee; everything in the tank is soft and made of fleece or quilted cotton. This may be a good idea for Dill. You can keep his environment more sterile, which is important at this stage and ongoing.

Having paralyzed squirrels in my sanctuary, I understand the difficulty of keeping them clean. But it's not impossible, so if you would like any further information, please feel free to PM me.

I'd take Island Rehabber's advice on good vets that will see squirrels. Second and third opinions sometimes shed more light on issues such as this. But there is no reason to euthanize Little Dill when he can have a great life with you. I'm not certain where in CT you are located, but you can always come into Manhattan and see Dr. Pilny,who has dealt regularly with this type of combination situation. If you are interested in his contact information, and Island Rehabber hasn't already given it to you, please PM me and I'll send it to you.

Dill deserves every chance at life he can get. Euthanasia is final where as there are many members here with good advice that can be tried. Squirrels have tremendous wills to live and miraculous abilities to heal with the right treatment. So now, I guess it's really up to you.

Hugs and Kisses to Dill! :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Tomo]

Question to experts/rehabbers:

Can squirrels take benedril?? It is quite a benign medicine and has the wonderful side effect of drowiness [poor mans' sleeping pill!].

Is it safe in squirrels?

Yes, Benedryl can be administered to squirrels, but only for the antihistamine qualities when needed and in the right dose for the individual squirrel. It should not be used as a sleeping aid.

[Jackie in Tampa]

may I suggest tramadol for pain...I have some but it will take days to get to you...can you ask for it...
I will also call my dyno vet and ask her if we can couple


and if there comes a time when he is truly truly past our possible healing hands...and you will know:grouphug
death can be a gift and is not punishment to any involved...
I am sending YOU,CSOL, big hugs and good vibes...
and Dill too:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Once again, thank you everyone for your suggestions and support. You've been very helpful and given me some things to try. I am going to try one of the vets recommended by IR first, and bring your suggestions to him. Just to clarify, euthanasia is not the option I wanted! We have been working on this issue for a month so far, and everything has failed, so my vet put a post out on a veterinary board and everyone who wrote back recommended euthanasia. They also highly advised against amputation for some reason. My vet gave me this news yesterday evening, which is why I came on here for additional advice. I have felt absolutely sick to my stomach about the possibility of euthanizing, which thanks to your suggestions, hopefully I won't have to consider any longer.

[CritterMom]

I got this recommendation for my little livebird, Gus, too. An enormous wound, wracked with infection, he "simply couldn't live." My vet prescribed meds more to shut me up than anything else; anyone could tell he wouldn't make it, that little Gus would die.

She was right, in a way, I suppose, Gussie did die, held in my hand up against the pulse point in my throat where he spent part of every night of the 13 years he lived after that diagnosis. My vet told me that he was her "transformative patient" - the one that made her change the way she practiced. And it was extremely aggressive supportive care that did it. I provided 100% of the food, water, and warmth he needed to survive and thrie, freeing him to use 100% of his strength to get better. It took a long time, and was like a full time job for quite a while, but it was the most rewarding thing I likely will ever do.

Let us hope that little Dill will be your vet's transformative patient. Get a big e-collar on him immediately...

[m&bs mom]

I am by far an expert but just wanted to tell you of another topical. There is a product called veteracyn (sp) that was once only by rx. You can check them out on the web...this is amazing stuff. Comes in spray, pour on or gel. I have seen this stuff work on many animals and humans too. Prayers to you and little Dill. I have a brochure on this med, I can mail you it if you would like...

[m&bs mom]

The correct spelling is vetericyn and their website is vetericyn.com. Check it out...it really is wonderful stuff and non-toxic.

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Ok, I know I've read that there's an ecollar pattern or something on one of these pages, but I can't find it. I want to make sure that I make it right!

[Milo's Mom]

I did a quick Google search and found this.

http://ratballs.com/RatTails/Tails084.html

has step by step directions and patterns

[Jackie in Tampa]

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17941&page=3&highlight=collar
Vas's little Mia wore many home made e collars...skim thru their thread and you can see many...and I think there are also instructions.....
you are getting lots of great advise..

Hang in there...TSB has seen many miracles. :Love_Icon

[Jackie in Tampa]

I did a quick Google search and found this.

http://ratballs.com/RatTails/Tails084.html

has step by step directions and patterns
this is a good example..:thumbsup
Home Depot sells a foamwindow sealer product that is narrow and has stickey peel off on back. It is very cheap. I would use it to prevent fur loss neck rub...

[virgo062]

Kristal PM me your address I will send you some Aqua Vet...The same water that healed the little Fawn's hoof when nothing else worked.

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Thanks for the ecollar advise! I can't seem to get Dill into one of the recommended vets today, but luckily the Bach's Rescue Remedy really works, and he has on the larger ecollar, so at least he is mellow and not chewing at his knee. I'll post an update after we can see a vet!

[mugzeezma]

Thanks for the ecollar advise! I can't seem to get Dill into one of the recommended vets today, but luckily the Bach's Rescue Remedy really works, and he has on the larger ecollar, so at least he is mellow and not chewing at his knee. I'll post an update after we can see a vet!

I am crossing fingers legs and toes (but not my eyes:D ) for this all to work out for both of you!
Squirrels have an amazing will to live. Thank you for doing all you can. :grouphug

[spykitten01]

Best of luck and keep us in the loop! You know we're all pulling for both you and the little guy!

:grouphug

[Pierre]

Prayers and love for you and Dill! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[JLM27]

Perhaps if the wound can't be closed, will the leg need to be amputated? I mean to save Dill's life.

[LittleFootsMama]

Ok, maybe I misunderstand - but if it's just a matter of not letting the wound close until the infection is gone, my vet has numerous times inserted a little piece of either tube or something into two holes, so that I could move it back and forth and keep the wound open from the outside while it healed from the inside out...

Did that make any sense? It was a very simple process, he punctured the tissue in that area and threaded through a little piece of something and tied it off, which kept the wound open while it healed.. :/

[spykitten01]

Yeah - not the most common thing you see done, but when it needs doing, its pretty standard procedure to insert a drainage tube to help clear out a bad infection like this. Its definitely a thought.

[Kristal]

Please keep us apprised about how it is going and of any news you get from the vet :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Countess O]

Ok, maybe I misunderstand - but if it's just a matter of not letting the wound close until the infection is gone, my vet has numerous times inserted a little piece of either tube or something into two holes, so that I could move it back and forth and keep the wound open from the outside while it healed from the inside out...

Did that make any sense? It was a very simple process, he punctured the tissue in that area and threaded through a little piece of something and tied it off, which kept the wound open while it healed.. :/

There has to be enough tissue to be able to close without straining. You'll have tissue breakdown and it will open again. Since that has been a problem, keeping it the way it is would be the best solution.

I've had to do loads of wound care. My own failed surgical incision that opened large enough you could first your fist in (hysterectomy) to the many animals that I have had to care for at the vets offices I worked for. One, a parvo puppy who had her skin practically sloth off and hang like curtains. She healed nicely, btw.

Vet-wrap or Coban will help hold the e-collar in place on the neck. Wonderful stuff. Much better than gauze

No spreading of swelling. No chewing. No smell. Clear or slightly bloody drainage is normal.

Keep it clean. Clean it a couple of times a day. Limit mobility or activity until it has closed more. This means you control food. No mess means no germs.

Keep the pain meds, antibiotics and rescue remedy on schedule. Comfort = faster healing. Getting the infection under control will require diligence on your part. Lots of hand washing, lots of laundry. Think clean thoughts for Pete's sake!

Expect this to take longer than you would hope to close. It's going to go slow. I've seen miracles! Don't give up.

[spykitten01]

Is he just swallowing the buprinex right away? It would be difficult to control with a squirrel, especially with how small their mouths are, but its most effective when absorbed through the mucous membranes inside the mouth (cheeks/under the tongue) - It doesnt do as much when its simply swallowed. Maybe ask about increasing his dosage or combining with another medication?

[JLM27]

How are you keeping him off the leg? Does he have a cart or something?

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Ok, maybe I misunderstand - but if it's just a matter of not letting the wound close until the infection is gone, my vet has numerous times inserted a little piece of either tube or something into two holes, so that I could move it back and forth and keep the wound open from the outside while it healed from the inside out...

Did that make any sense? It was a very simple process, he punctured the tissue in that area and threaded through a little piece of something and tied it off, which kept the wound open while it healed.. :/


The infection is in the joint cavity of the knee, so I think a drain is out of the question :( When this all happened while we were out of town, he managed to puncture the joint with his teeth in a small place, hence the difficult-to-treat infection

[Kristal]

Poor sweetie, he must have missed you so awfully to do that :(

[Anne]

I have had horrible wounds heal. Just keep it clean, treat it daily, and do all you can to keep him from reversing all progress. (Not an easy task!) Hope you can get him to Dr.P in NY(Or another squirrel loving experienced vet). Some help, even in boosting confidence will be a great comfort!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Hang in there, these little guys are incredible.

[spykitten01]

Were you able to get him to one of the vets yesterday? Hows he holding up?

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

I can't get Dill into the vet for a few more days. Dr. P was booked up yesterday, and it is very difficult for me to get into Manhatten (I can't drive there myself). However, I have sent him pictures and a description of what is going on, and he can call in recommendations to my local vet to tide Dill over until he sees him in person. On the plus side, the larger ecollar, as well as a few other changes, have been making a world of difference in a very short time. The knee no longer looks like the original picture. But as a few of you mentioned, this will take a long time to heal, so I can't get too impatient. I've been telling Dill that everyone is sending their thoughts!

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Tonight was the first time I've seen Dill happy in awhile now. First of all, he was actually sleeping comfortably. And then I took him out and put him on a towel and took off his ecollar for a few minutes of (supervised!) eating on his own. He was so excited and happy! He was actually playing, and rubbing his head all over the towel (enjoying having the collar off!). Then he discovered the pocket of my sweatshirt and had been sleeping in there ever since. It's just good to see him happy again after weeks of being so miserable. Thank you guys for all your suggestions that have made him feel better. :wahoo

[Kristal]

OMG, I have a tear in my eye! That little guy looks so content in there, hooray! And his knee really looks better already. It's scabbing and starting to heal. This is such an improvement in such a short time :D :wahoo

What have you been doing to get such a good change? Yay for you and for your squeetie, too!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

thank you for going the 'extra':bowdown
gotta agree, he looks content in your hoody...
:Love_Icon

[Fireweed]

I've been following along (biting my nails and trying to stay out of the thread because I didn't have any 'help' to offer) but I just had to jump in to say that Dill is looking so much better! I'm so excited for him! And so happy you are doing all you can for this beautiful little guy. :bowdown

What a sweetie in your hoodie. :Love_Icon

[Pierre]

Woohoooo Dill! He looks so comfy all snuggled up with you. Such great news. :)

[astra]

OMG, I have a tear in my eye! That little guy looks so content in there, hooray! And his knee really looks better already. It's scabbing and starting to heal. This is such an improvement in such a short time :D :wahoo

What have you been doing to get such a good change? Yay for you and for your squeetie, too!!
:multi :multi :multi

[Mrs Skul]

:wave123 Crazy Squirrel
If PROUD FLESH starts to grow just give me a call!!! I can walk you through the steps. :thumbsup
It will take a long time to heal. :thinking Bone infection is a very bad infection! :shakehead Your little guy looks very happy snuggling with you. :Love_Icon
I have not read your thread yet. No time, to many babies! :D You can get Dill through this, it is just going to take a lot of time. :grouphug
I can call you if you need me to. :thumbsup Good Luck Christal
Your in my prayers. CM918
PS I had several horses and a dog, that winded up with a wound that would not heal. Proud Flesh kept growing, and was stopping the healing process.
One horse cut her leg to the bone from her hoof all the way up to the belly and around the leg. Vet could not put her down, because the Insurance on the Foal she was caring. Very long story. Any way, 1 year later all Proud flesh was gone and the wound had healed. Shinkles (The horse) Gave birth to a very heal Large Buckskin stud colt.

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

Great!
Looks like lit Dill is on way to recovery?
hpm reckons he haves less exercising jumping around that will further aggravate the wound during this times....
Dill needs supervision

Well it seems you are doing good! :crazy
we'll look forward to happy Dill's photographs
=)
prayers...:grouphug :grouphug

[Scooterzmom]

Tonight was the first time I've seen Dill happy in awhile now. First of all, he was actually sleeping comfortably. And then I took him out and put him on a towel and took off his ecollar for a few minutes of (supervised!) eating on his own. He was so excited and happy! He was actually playing, and rubbing his head all over the towel (enjoying having the collar off!). Then he discovered the pocket of my sweatshirt and had been sleeping in there ever since. It's just good to see him happy again after weeks of being so miserable. Thank you guys for all your suggestions that have made him feel better. :wahoo


Yahoo!!!! I'm so thrilled that Dill seems to be on his way! Reading a success story when you've suffered a loss is so great: it reminds you that for being chosen to help them heal we have to be thankful and cherish every moment we have with them. I'm going to keep on rooting for little Dill! He's just so sweet and he looks quite content there inyour hoodie :) :) Keep up the good work! :flash3

[island rehabber]

Dr P has diagnosed and 'treated' many a squirrel for me successfully without ever seeing them -- including Shanti, my pox boy. The miracle of the internet, right? BUT....if you really need to get Dill to Dr P, I will meet you in Greenwich or Port Chester and drive him the rest of the way.

[spykitten01]

Im so happy to hear hes feeling a little better! I think as long as you can keep him comfy and continue aggressive treatment, lil Dill will pull through just fine. Hes such a handsome little boy!

[Kristal]

Please keep us apprised of how he is progressing. We are all here rooting for him!! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Best Life]

Tonight was the first time I've seen Dill happy in awhile now. First of all, he was actually sleeping comfortably. And then I took him out and put him on a towel and took off his ecollar for a few minutes of (supervised!) eating on his own. He was so excited and happy! He was actually playing, and rubbing his head all over the towel (enjoying having the collar off!). Then he discovered the pocket of my sweatshirt and had been sleeping in there ever since. It's just good to see him happy again after weeks of being so miserable. Thank you guys for all your suggestions that have made him feel better. :wahoo

I was so, so happy to see that Dill is finally feeling some relief. Thank you for sharing the pictures with everyone and updating when you can. I've been following his story and praying for his recovery. He is a very fortunate little guy to be in your care! :Love_Icon

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Quick update...just spoke with the vet this morning and good news! She says that with this joint infection you typically see the animal getting worse, so since he's getting better, we must be managing it well. She really didn't expect that we would be able to get the infection under control. So yay!!! He's currently sleeping in the crook of my arm and I don't have the heart to move him :D

[Tomo]

Great news for Sweet Little Dill! Let's hope he keeps getting better with each day! :grouphug

[Kristal]

Quick update...just spoke with the vet this morning and good news! She says that with this joint infection you typically see the animal getting worse, so since he's getting better, we must be managing it well. She really didn't expect that we would be able to get the infection under control. So yay!!! He's currently sleeping in the crook of my arm and I don't have the heart to move him :D
Aaaawww :D:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Kristal]

She says that with this joint infection you typically see the animal getting worse, so since he's getting better, we must be managing it well. She really didn't expect that we would be able to get the infection under control. So yay!!!

Also, what have you been doing? It's just good to know what is working for future reference...

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Ok, what we've been doing...he is in a rubbermaid tote (so there's nothing to catch his knee on), with fleece blankets, which I change twice/day. Heat under half of it. He has the larger ecollar, so we are handfeeding him baby food and water. I am applying the Bach's RR to his ears and gums every few hours to calm him down, as well as bringing him with me to work and cuddling with him every 2 hours so keep him calm. He has been getting Baytril orally once/day and buprinex for the pain every 8hrs. We have left the knee unwrapped ever since the failed surgery, and it seems to be doing better that way. I think the lesson I've learned is persistance, and just being a hard-ass, because he has to be miserable for a a little while if he's ever going to get better. :thumbsup

[Kristal]

I am very proud for you, and you should be proud of yourself :) I was just heartbroken by those pictures, and I am so happy to hear that he has a good chance, now. They are really special needs pets, aren't they? The thought of an animal getting so lonely as to hurt him/herself makes me want to cry. And he is so very lucky to have someone like you that can bring him back from the brink.

Thank you for caring as much as you do. There are so many people that mistreat these animals out of selfishness or ignorance, and you are not one of them. Thank you for being there for your little man.

It's a cautionary tale for the rest of us, too. I would love to keep one or, better (for them), two of my squeeties, and they give every indication of being great long term companions. But sometimes we do have to go away for a bit, and you never know with these guys if they will even be ok at all :shakehead ... as they just need SO much more than what can be found in a human household... that they come to depend on us for their everything.

It's a pretty sobering reality... :(

[Jackie in Tampa]

THank you for the update...
It's great hearing good news...
I hope he continues to heal.
Thank you for being persistant too!:bowdown
:poke any new pics to share?

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Ok, I knew things were too good to last. Dill has figured out how to slide his ecollar off (and then chew his knee). He has done it 3 times today. The last time I put it back on, I put it on so tight I was a little worried about choking him, and he even got that off. He's very crafty. I don't know what to do!!!

[CritterMom]

Ok, I knew things were too good to last. Dill has figured out how to slide his ecollar off (and then chew his knee). He has done it 3 times today. The last time I put it back on, I put it on so tight I was a little worried about choking him, and he even got that off. He's very crafty. I don't know what to do!!!

Since I haven't seen the collar, I can't really make suggestions other than to say that you MUST keep him away from that knee 100% of the time. If it has to be bigger, make it bigger; if you need to incorporate a little ferret harness into the design to keep it on him, do so. It will really start to itch as it heals and he is going to try everything to get to that itch.

See this: http://www.ferret.com/item/premier-pet-5in1-ferret-harness/651097/

What about SEWING his collar to the harness? If you adjust this one correctly, he will NOT get out...

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Since I haven't seen the collar, I can't really make suggestions other than to say that you MUST keep him away from that knee 100% of the time. If it has to be bigger, make it bigger; if you need to incorporate a little ferret harness into the design to keep it on him, do so. It will really start to itch as it heals and he is going to try everything to get to that itch.

See this: http://www.ferret.com/item/premier-pet-5in1-ferret-harness/651097/

What about SEWING his collar to the harness? If you adjust this one correctly, he will NOT get out...


I like the harness idea, thanks! I'm going to try it right now. :bowdown

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

New pics from tonight...a before and after of his ecollar. The knee doesn't look great, but remember, we had that setback yesterday with him slipping out of the old ecollar. We found a great material to use. Either plastic report covers or plastic folders seem to work really well, and we bought them for about $.99 each!

[Best Life]

New pics from tonight...a before and after of his ecollar. The knee doesn't look great, but remember, we had that setback yesterday with him slipping out of the old ecollar. We found a great material to use. Either plastic report covers or plastic folders seem to work really well, and we bought them for about $.99 each!
:alright.gif Fabulous result...this ecollar looks like a real winner! I've been following the course of events and alterations to Dill's collar dilemma (and his poor little knee). Your persistance and creativity will save precious time for others who need to keep a collar on their little guys to save them from themselves. Even with the setback, Dill's knee looks so much better!! Linda

[Pierre]

His knee looks much better! Congrats.

And that last picture is SOOOO cute. What a darling face. :)

[CritterMom]

This is just what I envisioned - good job!:thumbsup I don't think that even Cris Angel will be able to get out of that! Poor baby. Do take it off of him and let him have cuddle time and play and eat time without it as often as you can completely supervise him. He looks pretty disgusted. I wish you could just REASON with them!

[Jackie in Tampa]

adorable ears!
what a face!:Love_Icon
:bowdown nice

[Fireweed]

Seriously, the last picture is too cute for words. :Love_Icon Poor little munchy. :tilt

You are doing such an incredible job. I'm so impressed. Thank you for putting in the time and energy to give Dill the best chance at a full recovery! :bowdown

Noozles to Dill! :grouphug

[Kristal]

Aaawww, little sweetie :)

Vitamin e is actually soothing for itchy, healing wounds, and it accellerates healing while minimising scarring. I have used it on my dogs for all kinds of things including when Fen got a fungal infection on his nose and when he gnawed the hell out of his butt after he got fleas. It really speeds up healing and has a soothing affect, too, as he would stop with the self biting after I put it on. It has also helped fur grow back quickly on persistent bald spots (left over from injury) on my dogs. If you can get the 100 or 200 iu gel caps (natural source), try it out. It's non-toxic, and there is no overdose level for it. It does thin blood, however, so at some point it becomes a less than good thing. So the lower potency (100 - 200 iu) is preferable since it is used every day.

Just pierce the gel cap with a needle and smear a thin layer over the wound once or twice a day. I will bet real money that you will see an improvement within a few days :thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

Aaawww, little sweetie :)

Vitamin e is actually soothing for itchy, healing wounds, and it accellerates healing while minimising scarring. I have used it on my dogs for all kinds of things including when Fen got a fungal infection on his nose and when he gnawed the hell out of his butt after he got fleas. It really speeds up healing and has a soothing affect, too, as he would stop with the self biting after I put it on. It has also helped fur grow back quickly on persistent bald spots (left over from injury) on my dogs. If you can get the 100 or 200 iu gel caps (natural source), try it out. It's non-toxic, and there is no overdose level for it. It does thin blood, however, so at some point it becomes a less than good thing. So the lower potency (100 - 200 iu) is preferable since it is used every day.

Just pierce the gel cap with a needle and smear a thin layer over the wound once or twice a day. I will bet real money that you will see an improvement within a few days :thumbsup
use the food grade right?
NOT the cosmetic grade...:thinking

Dills leg is loking really good compared to previous pics/days...
worlds better!:bowdown

[Kristal]

use the food grade right?
NOT the cosmetic grade...:thinking

Dills leg is loking really good compared to previous pics/days...
worlds better!:bowdown
Yea, the one that you get as a vitamin supplement to be taken orally. It's added to a lot of beauty products, but you don't want that.

And yes, he is really looking a lot better :thumbsup

[Best Life]

New pics from tonight...a before and after of his ecollar. The knee doesn't look great, but remember, we had that setback yesterday with him slipping out of the old ecollar. We found a great material to use. Either plastic report covers or plastic folders seem to work really well, and we bought them for about $.99 each!
How's little Dill today? Been thinkin about you guys...

[Kristal]

How's little Dill today? Been thinkin about you guys...
We got pictures late last night :D

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showpost.php?p=581578&postcount=76

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Thanks for the vitamin E suggestion...can't wait to try it! And thank you for the compliments on Dill's last picture. Through all this, it's been difficult to get a good picture to show you just how cute he is! And the knee looks good too!

[mugzeezma]

Thanks for the vitamin E suggestion...can't wait to try it! And thank you for the compliments on Dill's last picture. Through all this, it's been difficult to get a good picture to show you just how cute he is! And the knee looks good too!

I actually use vit E on sunburn...works like a charm!!!
His leg looks fabulous!!!
You're doing good! :thumbsup

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

This has nothing to do with Dill, I just didn't know where else to write it. My (neurological but otherwise healthy) squirrel Tigger has just passed away very unexpectedly. We recieved him as an adult, so I don't know how old he was, but whatever was affecting his brain wasn't degenerative and caused him to be really happy, so he's lived a very happy existance in my house for the past several years and is the friendliest little guy I've ever met. When I woke up this morning, he was just laying in his bed cold and limp, but still alive, and though I tried very hard, passed on about an hour later. Absolutely no warning signs. My husband and I were so attached to him. I know you guys have gone through this before and understand, so I just wanted to share on here.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Thank you for giving him a good and safe life..
I know he made yours awesome:grouphug
That's the beauty of fuzzy butts,
They know just how to love us!:Love_Icon
In honor of Tigger...:Love_Icon
What a handsome Feller.

[Kristal]

I didn't know you had other squirrels. How many are there now? Tiger sounds like a wonderful guy. How lucky is he to get a neurological disorder that makes him happy? :) Well, not so lucky if he was living as a wild, but very lucky to have been able to enjoy a pampered life as a pet ;)

[mugzeezma]

This has nothing to do with Dill, I just didn't know where else to write it. My (neurological but otherwise healthy) squirrel Tigger has just passed away very unexpectedly. We recieved him as an adult, so I don't know how old he was, but whatever was affecting his brain wasn't degenerative and caused him to be really happy, so he's lived a very happy existance in my house for the past several years and is the friendliest little guy I've ever met. When I woke up this morning, he was just laying in his bed cold and limp, but still alive, and though I tried very hard, passed on about an hour later. Absolutely no warning signs. My husband and I were so attached to him. I know you guys have gone through this before and understand, so I just wanted to share on here.
Please open a new thread under 'Rainbow Bridge' and tell us all about your Tigger. We know how much this loss hurts...these little creatures steal our hearts so completely :grouphug :grouphug

[astra]

Thank you for giving him a good and safe life..
I know he made yours awesome:grouphug
That's the beauty of fuzzy butts,
They know just how to love us!:Love_Icon
In honor of Tigger...:Love_Icon
What a handsome Feller.
:grouphug :grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug :grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug :grouphug

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

I didn't know you had other squirrels. How many are there now? Tiger sounds like a wonderful guy. How lucky is he to get a neurological disorder that makes him happy? :) Well, not so lucky if he was living as a wild, but very lucky to have been able to enjoy a pampered life as a pet ;)

Yes, I have (had) 3 squirrels. Besides Tigger and Dill, I have one other named Billie. She has the same issue as Dill, with not being able to use her back legs. She was raised by another rehabber and I adopted her a few months ago when the other woman moved. It's very sad, in just the past month, Billie and Tigger had become sort of boyfriend and girlfriend. They were inseperable. I will post a thread on the Rainbow Bridge page as soon as I can write about it again without feeling so sick.

[CrazySquirrel/OpossumLady]

Great news! We went to the vet this morning and the vet said that his knee is forming the precursor to new skin and she's taking him off antibiotics! It seems we've turned a corner! Also, he's been much more playful lately. I've been taking his collar off at night while he's on my lap and he's been wrestling and playing with toys. It's good to see him returning to his old self. :rotfl