Mystery Balance / Wobbly Syndrome ??

[LiLTreeRat]

I have read a thread or two about a mystery syndrome found in grey squirrels. I think I have one with the syndrome and am wondering if there has been any more information found on this. Trooper, my 3 and 1/2 month old grey, will slowly lean to the left when he is sitting still, almost as if he is falling to sleep with his eyes open, then he will correct himself. As long as he sits still, he will continue this behavior. I did notice this evening that it didn't start until after he had been running around out of the cage for awhile. He was fine when I first let him out, then after about 30 minutes of activity, he climbed on top of his cage layed on his belly and started this leaning to the left thing. Once, he fell all the way over on his side, then jumped back up to his feet.

He eats well, is active and is not lethargic at all. He gets at least an hour of free run every day. It's only after high activity or stress levels that this happens.

His diet consists of: Yogurt/ Oat balls (vanilla yogurt, Oats, Powdered Rodent Block, Crushed Broccli, plain whole wheat bread crumbs), Cauliflower, cherry Tomatoes, whole Rodent Block, One Walnut half or almond a day, Celery, baby carrots, apples, and other occasional various fruits.

I read in one of the threads about raccoon roundworms possibly causing this? Does anyone know the dosage of Ivermectin to treat the roundworms?
If the worms are causing neurological symptoms, does this mean they have migrated to the brain? Is this fatal?

Any info would be MUCH appreciated!! :thankyou

[djarenspace9]

Have you ruled out an ear infection?
That can also cause imbalance or head tilting.

[squirrelfriend]

You can add dark leafy greens to his diet such as Kale, spinach and dandilion green though that is not what is causing the wobbliness. I have a few of these guys. I am still trying to figure out what causes it too but I don't think it comes from just one thing. I can be caused by head trauma, toxins, ear infection, raccoon round worm(fatal)or possible even a birth deffect?

The ones I have had have lived for years in my care so the round worm has been ruled out in mine.

Grumbles did have a large scab to the back of the head when I got him so he is probably a head trauma case.

Weebles, I don't know. She was fine for years at the park I visit and then one day she showed up with a very drunken gait. She swerved alot when she walked and missed trees altogether when she jumped for them. I decided to take her in when she fell about 15 feet from a tree and bounced about two feet up from the impact. I am guessing toxins in her case. The river that runs through that park is very polluted.

Mr. Tilty was in bad shape all around when I got him. He had mange real bad and a currently broken ankle along with a LOT of previous breaks. I am guessing head trauma on that one.

Squeetie has it too but very mildly. She is getting old now and it seems to have gotten a litle worse with age but not too bad.

[LiLTreeRat]

Have you ruled out an ear infection?
That can also cause imbalance or head tilting.
Not completely, though I feel that it would be more of a constant head "tilt" rather than this occasional "pull" if it were an ear infection. I may be wrong, it certainly could be.

[LiLTreeRat]

I was looking at the Ivermectin bottle at work today....how in the wide world could you dose it for a squirrel!!!!??? It's like 1ml per 75 Pounds! Has anyone had a vet calculate this out before?

[mugzeezma]

I have read a thread or two about a mystery syndrome found in grey squirrels. I think I have one with the syndrome and am wondering if there has been any more information found on this. Trooper, my 3 and 1/2 month old grey, will slowly lean to the left when he is sitting still, almost as if he is falling to sleep with his eyes open, then he will correct himself. As long as he sits still, he will continue this behavior. I did notice this evening that it didn't start until after he had been running around out of the cage for awhile. He was fine when I first let him out, then after about 30 minutes of activity, he climbed on top of his cage layed on his belly and started this leaning to the left thing. Once, he fell all the way over on his side, then jumped back up to his feet.

He eats well, is active and is not lethargic at all. He gets at least an hour of free run every day. It's only after high activity or stress levels that this happens.

His diet consists of: Yogurt/ Oat balls (vanilla yogurt, Oats, Powdered Rodent Block, Crushed Broccli, plain whole wheat bread crumbs), Cauliflower, cherry Tomatoes, whole Rodent Block, One Walnut half or almond a day, Celery, baby carrots, apples, and other occasional various fruits.

I read in one of the threads about raccoon roundworms possibly causing this? Does anyone know the dosage of Ivermectin to treat the roundworms?
If the worms are causing neurological symptoms, does this mean they have migrated to the brain? Is this fatal?

Any info would be MUCH appreciated!! :thankyou

If the brain tissues have already been damaged by Baylisascaris procyonis there is no treatment...hopefully this is not the case.

[mugzeezma]

I was looking at the Ivermectin bottle at work today....how in the wide world could you dose it for a squirrel!!!!??? It's like 1ml per 75 Pounds! Has anyone had a vet calculate this out before?
it has to be diluted with propylene glycol 9:1 I believe ... depends on what you have.
You would be better of treating with a long course of ABs for ear infection
Do you have a vet?

[astra]

if this is a neuro condition that causes wobbliness, do not use ivermectin.
Oral ivermectin should not be used with neuro squirrels.

Any mites/etc treatment - topical only.

And since there is a chance that this might be neuro - i'd rather not use ivermectin.

[LiLTreeRat]

it has to be diluted with propylene glycol 9:1 I believe ... depends on what you have.
You would be better of treating with a long course of ABs for ear infection
Do you have a vet?

I manage a vet hospital, but we aren't licensed for wildlife...the docs give me advise, but limited. There is a licensed hospital in my area, but because I am not a licensed rehabber, I get "frowned" upon there.
I was stuck on the ivermectin thing because of the raccoon roundworm thing, but if it's already causing neuro issues, I guess it's a mute point anyway. Im hoping it is just an ear infection, and will be beginning some antibiotics. :) :thankyou

[LiLTreeRat]

if this is a neuro condition that causes wobbliness, do not use ivermectin.
Oral ivermectin should not be used with neuro squirrels.

Any mites/etc treatment - topical only.

And since there is a chance that this might be neuro - i'd rather not use ivermectin.


Good to know! :thankyou

[mugzeezma]

I manage a vet hospital, but we aren't licensed for wildlife...the docs give me advise, but limited. There is a licensed hospital in my area, but because I am not a licensed rehabber, I get "frowned" upon there.
I was stuck on the ivermectin thing because of the raccoon roundworm thing, but if it's already causing neuro issues, I guess it's a mute point anyway. Im hoping it is just an ear infection, and will be beginning some antibiotics. :) :thankyou

Once adult worms have migrated out of the GI tract treatment is difficult.The immune response from the host can be deadlier than the infestation.
It's one of the reasons Heartworm infestations are so difficult to treat.

I am all to familiar with the veterinary response to wildlife issue...it's a whole 'nother ball game.