Teeth Question

[scratsdad]

I've read the other posts on teeth issues but didn't find my answer.
Scrat hasn't been eating very well the last week, active when I take her out, and I think she's loosing her winter fat and that's probally the lack of eating unlike she did during the winter. ]"]"]However, not knowing the proper length of their teeth, it looks to be like her lower front teeth might be too long[/B].[/U][/SIZE] I also don't hear her clicking her teeth when she sleeps on the couch next to me, a daily routine. She gets up in the morning and is up for 15 to 30 mins and lays under a blanket on couch for another 3 to 5 hrs.
If so their too long, what do I need to do to resolve the issue?
Scrats dad

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

Hi scratsdad,

if you could post a picture of Scrat's teeth, that would be really helpful for rehabbers to tell if her teeth are too long. Then, rehabbers can go from there on how best to advise you. Also, if squirrels are legal where you live, and her teeth are too long, some members feel most confortable taking their squirrels to vets to get their teeth trimmed. Other members can do it themselves. All a matter of your comfort and preference.

Otherwise, here's a picture of a good length:

http://www.mary.cc/squirrels/images/normalteethlength.jpg

[scratsdad]

Thanks for the reply and link. I think her bottom teeth are too long from the picture, not knowing the age of the one in the picture. I will have had scrat 5 years in Sept. She was about 2 months old when I found her laying in the backyard. She had a neuro injury creating a balance issue. Any issue I've had with her I've gotten my answers here on The squirrel board. She also goes twice a year to a Vet for a physical, unless an issue comes up inbetween.
It looks like I will need to take her to my Vet.
Scratsdad

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

No problem! :)

Since it seems your vet is pretty familiar with Scrat, I'm sure s/he'll be able to determine if the teeth are too long. (The squirrel in the picture is an adult, I believe, but how old, I couldn't tell you.)

Lulu-Bean has had some teeth issues too, so I definately know your concern!

[NaturesGift]

im pming you :grouphug

[scratsdad]

He rbottom teeth weren't touching the roof of her mouth yet, but she agreed with me that it was close. She put Scrat out, first time ever, and took a millimeter off. Scrat won't eat or drink right now, but she'll get over it I'm sure. she better or I'll be upset.

[CritterMom]

If you PM me your address, I will be happy to send you some hickory nuts - I got them from Nature's Gift late last year (scrubbed and frozen since then BTW). Hickory nuts are almost all shell - there is hardly any meat in them, and the shells are just insanely hard. It takes Mister P more than half an hour to get into one. Squirrels love, love, love them - he wouldn't give up on opening one for anything, and I believe they keep his teeth worn down almost perfectly. If Scrat likes and wants to chew them (FYI, don't give her one before bed or prepare to listen to "skritch skritch skritch forEVER) this might be the only time she needs to have them trimmed.

If she needs regular trimming, I would strongly suggest not continuing to anesthetize her. You may even be able to fashion a finger "cot" out of the black sandpaper and just give them a quick couple swipes ever couple days to keep them worn instead of letting them grow long and then cutting...