Kristina's paralyzed squirrel

[astra]

I hope it's ok - I am reposting Kristina's message that she posted in Baby Squirrel section. I just think, this will get a more immediate attention here.


Hi My name is kristina and i live in orlando fl. I have been caring for two baby squirrels for the past 2 or so months and the day before thanksgiving one of them fell out of the tree, at first he was screaming and seemed like he was in pain but as soon as we held him it was like he couldnt feel anything. Me and my dad have been watching him closely the past two days and he is going to the bathroom and drinking and eating like he would on any given day. He is also super friendly and seems like he is in no pain what so ever. I have noticed a few times that i have held him that his back legs (the ones that are not moving) have twitched a few times. I am wondering if he maybe just pinched a nerve possibly or is actually paralyzed and will never walk again?

[astra]

Kristina,

Below I copied and pasted Jackie's suggestions. She is in Tampa, FL. She has also PMed someone who might be able to help.
Please read carefully - see if you can do/have any of the below. If you can't/don't know how/don't have - please post right away so that people can help you.

Jackie in Tampa:

"If someone can admin dex tonight or in the morning, it is best...otherwise if anyone has metacam, that also reduces inflamation.
Never combine the two, they are opposites, NSAID and steroid.
I cannot leave, but have
1)metacam
or
2)prednisone and tramadol
am willing to share.
I also have avet that will be open tomorrow in south tampa.
Dr,Berber in eustice is legomoms vet, to the north a wee bit.

she may need to express bladder , making sure it is completely emptied so as to not get UTI.
Expressing the bladder can be dangerous if you squeeze wrong organ etc. she can gently massage with alot of concentrated pressure to help push urine out...very scarey.
If he is flow urinating, this is a good sign.
If he is dribbling, he is probably really paralysed and will need extensive care.
I have never seen a paralysed sq that could not poop on his own, nature just takes over. No muscles required.
Diet is very important, as is fluids, keeping him hydrated, his injures are weeping and he will expell alot of body fluid in the first several days after initial injury...so pushing hydration top priority.
if he feels cool, I would offer heat. I would not insist on heat though, sometimes an injury will create a mild fever in area...and heat will intensify pain."

[Tori]

Kristin can you bring this squirrel to Sanford tommorrow so I can evaluate it? I am there until noon. If it is truly paralyzed I can help you get appropriate treatment
Tori
coyoteakitas@yahoo.com
918-284-5808

[fire-eyez]

i have metacam, baytril, and tramadol if you still need it I am willing to share I live around ORLANDO fl

[Tori]

I pm'd her as well but haven't heard anything

[Jackie in Tampa]

Thank you Tori for being there...
hoping this little one is ok and got help:Love_Icon

[Tori]

she is going to bring him for xrays tommorrow or tuesday he is urinating and defecating and eating and drinking....theythink he can move his tail. At least radiographs will tell us if there is a fracture or not

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thankyou thanks for update...Kristina has a thread also.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25896
;) thank you Tori I hope this little one can regain his back legs..
keep us in the loop!

[Tori]

Sorry for late update this little guy came in yesterday and had radiographs and has a fractured pelvis but is NOT paralyzed he has paresis of both hind limbs but has deep pain and reflexes and is very healthy and in good weight. He is on dexamthasone and she is keeping in contact with me about him but his prognosis looks good! I suspect he will regain function in both hind limbs up to 90% and be releasable but this young lady is doing an excellent job in his care!
I will keep you posted as to his progress!
Tori

[kristina.gray]

Hey guys! Thank you for the birthday wishes! i had a great birthday :) Also i just wanted to update you on felix! Tori was EXTREMELY helpful and thanks to her felix is doing so much better!! We let him walk outside and he tried running to the tree so i think he will be able to be let go and be perfectly fine when we do :)!! I have attached a link of a short video of him so you guys can see!!!
He's super playful and loves the attention!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VIaA8DX4ig

[island rehabber]

:goodpost and :thankyou:thankyou:thankyou Tori.

[spykitten01]

Wow! Thats great to hear! :thankyou for teaming up to help this little guy! Great job and keep us posted! :Love_Icon the video, btw - what a CUTIE!

:wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

Thank you Tori

[kristina.gray]

Hey guys!
I just wanted to let you know that felix is doing awesome, he is gaining strenght back slowly!! However if there is anyone who has a femal, and is looking to give her up for adoption let me know!! Felix has a 10 ft tall cage in the back yard and i know he is happy, but could use a play mate!
thank you
email me at kristina.gray89@gmail.com

[Jackie in Tampa]

will felix be released?
and you are seeking a release/cage mate?
OR
is he NR and you are wanting companionship for him?

Be careful in that big cage, it takes two months for most bone fractures to ALMOST heal!
I know you know that, but I had to say it, I worry!:)
Thank you for the update, good news!:thumbsup