Help! Injured Squirrel in Ottawa, Ontario

[laura brazil nut]

We just found a young squirrel who can't seem to move his back legs. We're not sure, but he may have fallen out of a tree. His mother was calling desperately for him, but she left when it got dark. He was on the road clinging to the side of the curb, and he looked terrified. There are many cats in the neighbourhood, so we picked him up, put him in a box, and we now have him in a dark quiet spot in our apartment.

Our main concern is trying to find someone who can take the little guy in. Can someone help us to find a rehabber or wildlife rescue near Ottawa who can take in an injured squirrel? We live downtown and don't have a car.

Does anyone know if there is hope for him recovering, or is it likely that he will be put down?

Also, what should we do for him while we are trying to figure out where we can take him? Can we feed him, or give him water? He's young but not a small baby squirrel.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Tickle's Mom]

Hang on and someone with experience will be on shortly. Thanks for rescuing him. :thumbsup :grouphug

Sorry-yes, you can offer him water for sure. If you have a heating pad, place his container half on/half off and make sure he is kept warm. Sending messages out for you now.

[island rehabber]

First, thank you for rescuing him. He would surely have met an awful death with those cats around.
Canada in general is very tough regarding squirrels and treatment for them...there are few rehabbers or vets who will take in squirrels. That said, I will contact everyone I can think of in your entire country to see if we can get some help for you! :)
In the meantime, you should keep him dark, warm and quiet and away from kids or pets. If his eyes are open and he's fully furred he may not need supplemental heat, but a younger baby should have its container half on a heating pad, half off. Don't think he can't escape just because his back legs don't work; they can climb trees like that! Secure his container well. Start with feeding him Pedialyte using a 1cc or 3cc syringe...SLOWLY. You can also make homemade Pedialyte:
2 cups warm water
3 tbs sugar
1.5 tsp salt
a little apple juice or apple sauce for taste.

AFter he's had fluids you can offer small chunks of apple, sweet potato, broccoli, or buds and branches from local trees.

Let me see who we have who might help you....BRB

[momma2boo]

We just found a young squirrel who can't seem to move his back legs. We're not sure, but he may have fallen out of a tree. His mother was calling desperately for him, but she left when it got dark. He was on the road clinging to the side of the curb, and he looked terrified. There are many cats in the neighbourhood, so we picked him up, put him in a box, and we now have him in a dark quiet spot in our apartment.

Our main concern is trying to find someone who can take the little guy in. Can someone help us to find a rehabber or wildlife rescue near Ottawa who can take in an injured squirrel? We live downtown and don't have a car.

Does anyone know if there is hope for him recovering, or is it likely that he will be put down?

Also, what should we do for him while we are trying to figure out where we can take him? Can we feed him, or give him water? He's young but not a small baby squirrel.

Any help would be appreciated.

Always warm a baby first (one hour). Then you can offer him pedialyte.
Here is a link that will help you.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21626
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11782

[astra]

Thanks for rescuing him.

First of, don't bring him to any wildlife centre or any of that - with no movement in back legs, they will put him to sleep 100%. Although, squirrels with similar injuries do recover sometimes, they won't want to wait that long and provide the kind of individualized care he needs.
SO, PLEASE KEEP HIM - YOU WILL GET MUCH GUIDANCE HERE! (at least until we find someone trustworthy who could take him from you).

I am in Toronto. I wish I were closer.
You said you don't have a car, but do you know anyone who does?... who could meet us half the way if we came to pick him up?

In the meantime, I will look for other ways to get him here (because we have a member who has experience with injured squirrels here)...
I will have to talk to someone, but I won't see them till tomorrow;-(.

In the meantime, please see if there is anyone you know who could drive and meet us half the way.

Thanks!!!!!

I will be back as soon as I talk to a good acquaintance of mine here, how might be able to help.

Just want to say again:
Please, don't give himto anyone, don't surrender him to anyone! Let's try and get him here! THanks!

PS. Tickle's Mom - thanks for directing me to this thread!

[island rehabber]

astra rocks for the squirrels, AGAIN! :thumbsup :bowdown:bowdown

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup

[lilidukes]

:thankyou :thankyou for saving this baby! :thumbsup

Most important is to keep him/her contained limiting it's movement. We don't want it to injure it's self any more.

From experience with injured squirrels they usually will not take any food or drink for up to the first 24 hours. So don't sweat that. Offer water or rehydration fluids. Baby needs quiet and warmth.

Best wishes to all:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Tickle's Mom]

Thanks for rescuing him.

First of, don't bring him to any wildlife centre or any of that - with no movement in back legs, they will put him to sleep 100%. Although, squirrels with similar injuries do recover sometimes, they won't want to wait that long and provide the kind of individualized care he needs.
SO, PLEASE KEEP HIM - YOU WILL GET MUCH GUIDANCE HERE! (at least until we find someone trustworthy who could take him from you).

I am in Toronto. I wish I were closer.
You said you don't have a car, but do you know anyone who does?... who could meet us half the way if we came to pick him up?

In the meantime, I will look for other ways to get him here (because we have a member who has experience with injured squirrels here)...
I will have to talk to someone, but I won't see them till tomorrow;-(.

In the meantime, please see if there is anyone you know who could drive and meet us half the way.

Thanks!!!!!

I will be back as soon as I talk to a good acquaintance of mine here, how might be able to help.

Just want to say again:
Please, don't give himto anyone, don't surrender him to anyone! Let's try and get him here! THanks!


:goodpost :thankyou

[laura brazil nut]

Thanks everyone. It's nice to know so many people love squirrels!

It would be great if someone can take this squirrel in. He's a feisty little guy, so I think he's a good candidate to make it through this with the right care. I also know that the likely alternative is to have him put down, and we really don't want that to happen.

We'll ask around for a possible ride. Unfortunately most of our downtown-dwelling friends are not car owners. We'll ask around anyway - perhaps a friend of a friend - but it's unlikely. (We asked around on a previous occasion when we rescued an injured bird and we didn't have much luck. Most people are not willing to go out of their way for an injured bird or squirrel.)

We live in an apartment and have a cat, so we don't have the ideal setting for keeping a squirrel for very long. Right now, he's in our storage room which is quiet, warm, well-ventilated, dark - and safe from our cat.

We brought him in last night around 8:30. I had one peek at him and he was very upset - making little snarling noises etc. How soon should we try to feed him something? Any suggestions on feeding him without hurting him or getting bitten? Is the pedialite mixture just for little baby squirrels? Because he's not a tiny baby, but has all his fur grown in. I don't have a syringe but assume that I can get one at a drug store. He's big enough that we were going to give him some nut meat, but someone suggested vegetables. Is that better than nuts?

Thanks again for your concern.

[laura brazil nut]

Also, I just found the links to information posted by Momma2Boo. Very helpful info - thanks.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Can you post a pic?
Yes to the syringe and the pedialyte...
making it slighty warm will encourage him..rather than cold..
be patient, go slow...you'll do great once he understands what's going on...
if he is able to stand and sit up, also offer him/her a flat non tipable bowl of plain water.

have you seen poops or pee?

[laura brazil nut]

The little guy is looking a bit better this morning than he did last night. He must have been exhausted when we found him - his back legs were sprawled out sideways - he looked very sad. But now he's on his tummy with his legs tucked under him. He's also dried out after having been in the rain yesterday. He's bright eyed and alert. Apart from his legs, he looks quite healthy.

I don't have a picture of him - he's a black squirrel so not easy to photograph under the best of circumstances. And he's still pretty frightened.

We may try to get a photo later when we feed him. I've never fed a baby squirrel, so I am a bit nervous about it. I don't want to hurt him, but I don't want him to make a run for it - even with his bad legs. I also don't want to get fluid in his lungs which I understand is really bad for them.

[Jackie in Tampa]

holding him upright and not tilted back is advised and SLOW is key..
I recommend a 1cc syringe and a 3cc at the max if possible.
You may want to wrap him in fleece or tshirt cut into pieces...no towels, the little nails can snag causing injury..
do you have his container half on a heating pad set on low?

what are you feeding him? pedialyte?{please make sure everything is warm, but not hot.]
is he hydrated, did you do the pinch test?
did his skin tent?

I will post a link to a thread where there are three purple sub titles...
these are written by 3 dynamo rehabbers and are loaded with baby sq info and are people friendly...
from feeding to aging

oops...here's the link...

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21626

SORRY TO ASK SO MANY QUESTIONS...
hoping your sq and astra can hook up...:Love_Icon

[laura brazil nut]

We haven't fed him anything yet - I'm just on my way out now to buy some squirrel supplies.

I definitely hope this little squirrel can hook up with Astra or someone else who can look after him.

I've sent out e-mails to friends. Also, my husband is playing in an outdoor music festival today, and if possible, he's going to make an announcement asking if anyone with a car would be able to help out an injured baby squirrel. It's a long shot, but who knows. We're crossing our fingers.

Thanks for all the support.

[astra]

just to let you know: I've spoken to two people, waiting to hear back... will post as soon as I hear smth

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thankyou
hoping for the best, easiest solution...
you all are great!!!

[laura brazil nut]

Astra, I really appreciate you asking around. We're doing the same here.

I just finished giving the little guy some pedialyte. He was thirsty and really went after the dropper.

How often do we give him the pedialyte? Should we let him drink as much as he wants, or should we stop at some point, even if he still seems to be thirsty?

We put some bits of apple, broccoli, and pecans in the box with him but he didn't seem too interested in eating anything.

There were some blood stains on his bedding and his legs aren't any better. He seems able to move his feet a bit, but his legs have no strength. I hope he's not in pain.


Thanks again everyone

[Jackie in Tampa]

pedi is recommended for no more than 24 hours.
be careful with the dropper, some say they are easy, some say dangerous...
If no one is found soon, you will need to get goats milk {fresh is prefered, but canned will work. fresh is found in the dairy dept of grocery} and a full fat yogurt, i use vanilla, but plain is fine.
Do not let him gorge himself, less more often is best for absorbtion with the pedi.
Can you post a pic..were you able to age him?
Is he on heat pad? half under the container, set on low, allowing him access to non heated area? :thumbsup
I hope you can find a ride.

[laura brazil nut]

Hi Jackie.

I didn't remember to take a picture. But I think this squirrel is just about at the nest-leaving age. Mom was still around, but he's a pretty big youngster.

I believe we'll be able to get goat's milk. How do we feed him goat's milk and yogurt? Do I mix that together and feed it to him with the dropper or syringe?

He's not on a heating pad. Our storage space is the only reasonably safe, dark, quiet place we have to keep the squirrel, and there are no outlets in or near there. A covered hot water bottle is the best we've been able to do.

We really need a proper home for this little guy.

[astra]

just heard from one person: there is a possibility of someone going to Ottawa in a couple of weeks. They could get the baby and bring it back with them to Toronto. If we don't find anything sooner, will you be able to keep him for a couple of weeks?

Still waiting to hear from another person.

Will keep you posted.

[laura brazil nut]

I was just checking out Cristina Clark's website on squirrel care.

She recommends something called Esbilac. If I'm able to find it, is it better to use this formula instead of goat's milk?

From the photos on her website for determining the age of a squirrel, I would guess that our squirrel is about 8 weeks old.

Thanks

[laura brazil nut]

Hi Astra. That's good news - at least as a worst case scenario. I'm still looking into a couple of options for getting him part way to T.O., or perhaps to find someone who can look after him properly until help arrives. I'll keep you posted as well. Thanks so much.

[astra]

about Esbilac - is the outdated info.
Esbilac changed their formula and it's been very bad for squirrels.

Right now Fox Valley is recommended and used. It can be ordered from two websites:

www.henryspets.com
www.foxvalleynutrition.com

He will probably be much better off on goat's milk rather than on Esbilac. But here I will let the experts speak.

As for giving him to someone...

Just don't give him to any rehabbers, any wildlife centres and any vets. Unfortunately, even a lot of rehabbers choose to euthanize babies with such injuries, let alone wildlife centres and vets.
And don't listen to them - they will tell you what you want to hear and still will euthanize him. And they won't tell you that openly (speaking from experience). At best they will say something very generic like " we'll do what's best for the animal" or smth along those lines.

But they won't tell you that what they think is best for an animal with such injuries is being euthanized, without acknowledging that a lot of animals with such injuries can lead happy lives as non-releasable 'pets' with proper care.
So, don't give him to any of the above.

IF nothing comes up sooner, that person will definitely be going to Ottawa in a couple of weeks or so, just they are not sure when exactly. But time flies, and those two weeks will pass by in no time, believe me.


If you don't find anyone, I am quite sure it will be much better for the little one to stay with you till then. You will do fine with all the info and help here.

I wish I could come, but I can't do such a long-distance drive because of my work schedule.
You mentioned you were looking for someone, too?... tell them that if needed, we could probably help cover gas expenses...

[Tickle's Mom]

We haven't fed him anything yet - I'm just on my way out now to buy some squirrel supplies.

I definitely hope this little squirrel can hook up with Astra or someone else who can look after him.

I've sent out e-mails to friends. Also, my husband is playing in an outdoor music festival today, and if possible, he's going to make an announcement asking if anyone with a car would be able to help out an injured baby squirrel. It's a long shot, but who knows. We're crossing our fingers.

Thanks for all the support.

Any band mates from the outdoor festival have a vehicle? Thinking they have to have a way to transport musical equipment :dono

[laura brazil nut]

Any band mates from the outdoor festival have a vehicle? Thinking they have to have a way to transport musical equipment :dono


We asked but no luck.

[Heartbroken]

I'm here! In Ottawa

I will take the little guy!

And yes - don't take him to ant rehabbers they will take him and kill him, their training requires them to help only animals that have a reasonable expectation of release

I would love to look after this little guy. I don't know why the rehabbers have such a strong bent to wild or die, but the Ontario law governing wildlife is clear. I person may keep a single specimen of certain, non species at risk, indigenous mammal for personal education as long as they follow good practices.

Let me know! Pm me

:)

[Tickle's Mom]

I'm here! In Ottawa

I will take the little guy!

And yes - don't take him to ant rehabbers they will take him and kill him, their training requires them to help only animals that have a reasonable expectation of release

I would love to look after this little guy. I don't know why the rehabbers have such a strong bent to wild or die, but the Ontario law governing wildlife is clear. I person may keep a single specimen of certain, non species at risk, indigenous mammal for personal education as long as they follow good practices.

Let me know! Pm me

:)

:jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump

[astra]

I'm here! In Ottawa

I will take the little guy!

And yes - don't take him to ant rehabbers they will take him and kill him, their training requires them to help only animals that have a reasonable expectation of release

I would love to look after this little guy. I don't know why the rehabbers have such a strong bent to wild or die, but the Ontario law governing wildlife is clear. I person may keep a single specimen of certain, non species at risk, indigenous mammal for personal education as long as they follow good practices.

Let me know! Pm me

:)
Oh, Heartbroken!!!! THANKS SO MUCH!
I didn't even know you were in Ottawa! How great is that, at least now we know there is a member in Ottawa.
Because we've already started planning a possible trip for this coming Saturday, couldn't do it earlier because I work 9-5 during the week.
But this is perfect! oh, I am so relieved!

Please keep us posted!
Oh Gosh! I just can't help it - I am so, so excited!

[Tickle's Mom]

I'm here! In Ottawa

I will take the little guy!

And yes - don't take him to ant rehabbers they will take him and kill him, their training requires them to help only animals that have a reasonable expectation of release

I would love to look after this little guy. I don't know why the rehabbers have such a strong bent to wild or die, but the Ontario law governing wildlife is clear. I person may keep a single specimen of certain, non species at risk, indigenous mammal for personal education as long as they follow good practices.

Let me know! Pm me

:)

:bowdown :bowdown :grouphug :grouphug :bowdown :bowdown :grouphug :grouphug :bowdown :bowdown :grouphug :grouphug :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

[laura brazil nut]

As for giving him to someone...

IF nothing comes up sooner, that person will definitely be going to Ottawa in a couple of weeks or so, just they are not sure when exactly. But time flies, and those two weeks will pass by in no time, believe me.


If you don't find anyone, I am quite sure it will be much better for the little one to stay with you till then. You will do fine with all the info and help here.

I wish I could come, but I can't do such a long-distance drive because of my work schedule.
You mentioned you were looking for someone, too?... tell them that if needed, we could probably help cover gas expenses...

We definitely won't give him to anyone who might put him down, as long as there is any other possible alternative. Last night we had resigned ourselves to accept that this little squirrel would probably not make it. So we're just thrilled if there is any chance for him at all.

He's the most adorable little guy. It's hard not to get emotionally attached. Frankly, if it weren't for our cat, we'd love to keep him.

But I am concerned about having him for longer than necessary because he's not in a great location. He's pretty much in the dark all the time, and I can't get a heating pad under him because there are no outlets nearby. I also wish someone could see to his medical needs as soon as possible.

So we're definitely glad that there's a possible solution in a couple of weeks, but if there's any way we could get him to you sooner, that would be ideal. I have a few more people to ask tomorrow. Just so I know, if we could get him as far as Kingston, would that work for you? And what days would work in your schedule?

Thanks again

[laura brazil nut]

I'm here! In Ottawa

I will take the little guy!

And yes - don't take him to ant rehabbers they will take him and kill him, their training requires them to help only animals that have a reasonable expectation of release

I would love to look after this little guy. I don't know why the rehabbers have such a strong bent to wild or die, but the Ontario law governing wildlife is clear. I person may keep a single specimen of certain, non species at risk, indigenous mammal for personal education as long as they follow good practices.

Let me know! Pm me

:)


Heartbroken!! That's wonderful!! You can definitely have him!! How can we arrange this?

[astra]

We definitely won't give him to anyone who might put him down, as long as there is any other possible alternative. Last night we had resigned ourselves to accept that this little squirrel would probably not make it. So we're just thrilled if there is any chance for him at all.

He's the most adorable little guy. It's hard not to get emotionally attached. Frankly, if it weren't for our cat, we'd love to keep him.

But I am concerned about having him for longer than necessary because he's not in a great location. He's pretty much in the dark all the time, and I can't get a heating pad under him because there are no outlets nearby. I also wish someone could see to his medical needs as soon as possible.

So we're definitely glad that there's a possible solution in a couple of weeks, but if there's any way we could get him to you sooner, that would be ideal. I have a few more people to ask tomorrow. Just so I know, if we could get him as far as Kingston, would that work for you? And what days would work in your schedule?

Thanks again

Kingston would definitely be better than Ottawa, and we were planning on coming this Saturday (can't during the week - 9-5 work).

BUT, I am sure you've already seen it - Heartbroken is in Ottawa and is willing to take him. How awesome is that?
I don't know if you can use private message option yet (it doesn't get activated for new members right away), but if you can't, just post it and, maybe, leave your e-mail (only if you feel ok with that), or, maybe, Heartbroken could leave her e-mail to you?...
just hope you can connect asap.

So, so excited !

[Heartbroken]

i could pick him up tomorrow at lunch or in evening if that works for you. I work out near the airport.

I still have all my stuff that I got for my little Mad-Eye including a 25 foot run tube and and a wall carpet. Don't worry about squirrely not having 5 star accommodations.

Any idea if it is a grey or a red?

My number is 6138392932 home or work 6139989590x273
:crazy

[laura brazil nut]

Heartbroken!! That's wonderful!! You can definitely have him!! How can we arrange this?

Hi again Heartbroken.

I tried to send you a private message, but I don't seem to have the authorization to do that. I just joined the site last night so I think I can only access this emergency help page. If you're able to, perhaps you can send me a private message. If not I can give you my e-mail address.

I live downtown in the Golden Triangle where the canal meets the Queensway. Tomorrow night after 7:00 or anytime on Tuesday or Wednesday would work for me.

Thanks so much. You don't know how you've made our day! And I think this squirrel must be meant for you!!

And thanks so much to everyone else. We felt so discouraged and heartbroken when we brought this little squirrel home last night. We thought he'd be put down for sure. This is my first time joining a forum like this, and it was an act of desperation and a stroke of luck. Great information, encouragement and support. Astra, you gave us hope. You're all amazing!!

[laura brazil nut]

i could pick him up tomorrow at lunch or in evening if that works for you. I work out near the airport.

I still have all my stuff that I got for my little Mad-Eye including a 25 foot run tube and and a wall carpet. Don't worry about squirrely not having 5 star accommodations.

Any idea if it is a grey or a red?

My number is 6138392932 home or work 6139989590x273
:crazy

Hi again. I spend so long writing my postings that I'm always a step behind. It sounds like our little squirrel just won the lottery!

It's a black squirrel (technically grey I think). We assumed he was a he, but we're not sure. She could be a she.

Tomorrow evening would be fine. I don't get home until about 6:30-6:45 tomorrow. If that doesn't work for you, I'm home all day Tuesday, so anytime Tuesday would be great too. Whatever is best for you. Let me know when and I'll give you a call tomorrow to let you know where.

:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou

[Heartbroken]

Hello Laura,

Give me a call at work tomorrow before 2 if you get a chance and we will work out the details.

I am so excited about this. :thankyou

And...I can offer generous visitation if he worms his way into your heart:rotfl

[laura brazil nut]

Hello Laura,

Give me a call at work tomorrow before 2 if you get a chance and we will work out the details.

I am so excited about this. :thankyou

And...I can offer generous visitation if he worms his way into your heart:rotfl



That's perfect. I'll call you tomorrow. If you need to get in touch with me, my work number is 613.691.1224.

This little squirrel has stolen our hearts. We've been trying not to get too attached to him because we knew we couldn't keep him, but you know how it is. We'd love to know how he makes out - pictures or a visit would be amazing!


:wott

[Twi_prime]

Any band mates from the outdoor festival have a vehicle? Thinking they have to have a way to transport musical equipment :dono

Oh! Disregard what I wrote below. I just got to Heartbroken's post. :)

---How about any big fans of the band? I've seen bands get right onstage and request a place to crash for the night. Some people will just do anything for 'that dreamy bass player,' y'know! (this is the fangirl who brings the band brownies talking, mind you) Just a thought.---

[Pierre]

What great news!! :grouphug Laura BN and Heartbroken!!

The fact that he has moved his legs is an awesome sign. With care and time, who knows how far he'll come. :Love_Icon

:thankyou for rescuing him!

[laura brazil nut]

Just an update for all you wonderful people who have taken an interest in our squirrel.

Before Heartbroken had come along, I was wondering how much trouble I could get into if I took a wild squirrel with me on a train ride to meet up with Astra somewhere.

But now, Heartbroken will be coming by tomorrow to pick the little guy up and take him to live on her 100 acres of land where he'll have lots of TLC and a great life!

We resisted the urge to name the squirrel, knowing we couldn't keep him. But with the way things have turned out, if I had to suggest a name, I'd call him LUCKY!

Thanks again everyone.

[Heartbroken]

I am so excited to meet my new friend tomorrow :)

I will post pics and details tomorrow.:)

[Tickle's Mom]

:wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo

[Fireweed]

Yay for Lucky!! Laura, Astra, Heartbroken...you all rock! :brock (:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown)

Whatever Lucky's issues, I'm hoping for the best for the little guy. :grouphug

[UDoWhat]

What a great job this Canadian team has done. Another little squirrel saved by people who worked in his behalf and cared. I am impressed and
thankful.:thankyou

[junksterr]

Sorry to revive an old thread but this is the only one I have found most useful in my google escapades.

I have a young squirrel, has been weaned off of milk for a while now, and has been eating a variety of nuts, berries etc etc....

She was fine this morning and up until noon when I last saw her,all i can figure is she fell and hurt her back. She was in her box curled in the corner i thought she was napping but 4hrs later she hadnt moved. I picked her up and she bit me so i knew something was wrong.

She cant move her back legs at all and she is making noise like a wheezing/whining and she is terroistically knawing her chew stick. I just got her back to her corner and she has quited back down now and sitting still...

Please help I am not taking her to a vet nor a rehabber if she makes it she makes it. She is and will eat and drink water, she can poop so I guess she can pee...

[Jackie in Tampa]

I se eyou have been reading...excellent!
Do you think it's a calcium issue?
or an injury?
Can you please post in the emergency forum to get better access to help?
we will need a better history..
her age, how and why you have her, what formula, her weigjht if possible etc..
if she does have a spinal injury she needs dex/steroids asap...
where are you in Georgia/ we have members that are rehabbers that may be near you..
some have vet access
a county is good enough if you fear sharing your info.:Welcome