Adult Flyer--Help Please!

[Jimani96]

I am a state registered rehabber in SC. I work almost exclusively with squirrels. I usually only work with orphans, but last week I took in an adult flyer who was chased and briefly captured by a dog in a horse barn. I have a ton of experience with orphan care, but not a lot when it comes to injured adults. When I received the squirrel it was in shock. He had no visible injuries and I did not feel any dislocations or broken bones. He seemed to be using all his limbs, etc. We got through that bump only to learn it's eyes were swollen shut. They were not infected, but we used drops as a preventative. I am guessing the eye issue was because the lady who found him shut him in a box with horse hay over night. It was straight out of the stall and not very clean. I noticed he wasn't moving right, but I attributed it to not being able to see. Two days later when his eyes were open again he was still moving in an odd way. It is difficult to describe, but his front legs don't seem to work with the back legs or with each other, though all the limbs are usable. He keeps his head tilted to the right, even when trying to walk/climb. He does straighten his head for very brief periods. He will easily loose balance and tip onto his side, but he can correct himself and get belly down again.
He is eating great. He is eager when it is meal time. When he is done feeding he cuddles up with me and is content. All his bodily functions are fine. He obviously has a strong will to live.
Has anyone else ever experienced this issue. I can't quite decide if it could be neurological (brain damage or nerve injury) or muscle injury...or both. I am keeping him in a small carrier to restrict his movements to avoid further injury.
My wildlife/exotic vet recently moved and a replacement has not yet been found so I would have to rely on a regular vet if we have to see someone. I am tempted to take him, though, just to get an xray and rule some things out.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Margaret

[mugzeezma]

To me this sounds like a combination of both head trauma AND injury. balance and head tilt are indicative of head trauma as is incoordination. Injury can cause him to favor his sore limbs for the stronger ones making him appear awkward.
While I have little experience with flyers it's all kind of academic.
There is some thing called Vetri DMG that may help him
The good thing is he's eating, drinking and excreting okay
Hopefully others will have some more ideas

Only time will really tell you what junction he will continue to have.

[Jimani96]

I also wanted to mention that he is very alert. Which confuses me even more. I've had critters with head trauma, but non were ever this alert.

[mugzeezma]

I also wanted to mention that he is very alert. Which confuses me even more. I've had critters with head trauma, but non were ever this alert.

I would do infant ibuprofin or Metacam? They can be alert and wonky at the same time...they just clunk over a lot so you need to keep him safe from falls and in a smaller pen.
It may take a few weeks ... maybe less :dono

[Skul]

I doubt you have a head trauma issue.
It appears to be more likely a spinal issue.
From what you describe, the cervical spine may have been damaged.
Treatment would be much the same as with head trauma.
Reducing the little ones activity level will be mportant.

[Jimani96]

The vet did a video consult and he thinks the flyer's behavior is similar to the behavior animals have when they've had a stroke. The flyer is still doing great. No major improvements, but he is gaining weight and still alert.