Release day questions

[fluffylvr]

I have released Rocky 2 hours ago. After sitting for an hour waiting, he was still too afraid to come out. I went up to the cage to talk to him and his mouth and chin were soaking wet. He did not go out to the water so I know it wasn't water. Does anyone know why he was drooling so much? It is pretty hot out right now. I put a sheet over the basket on the outside of the cage. I ended up waiting 20 mins more and decided to take him out myself. He cuddled for a bit then wanted onto the top of his cage. waited 20 mins more as he laid and scooted on his belly (scared) I didn't want him to dehydrate so I again picked him up and showed him his water source which he drank a lot. and his food source he grabbed out a piece of watermelon and couldn't find a way to sit to eat it (normally a pro) so I put him by the hole into his nest box where he seemed happy to hop into the first partition and munch his watermelon. I sat a while longer and came in to ask about the drool and if anyone else had problems with a single leaving the cage?

[Tara]

HI! I'm not familiar with you and Rocky, but have you been acclimating him to the weather? Out an hour or so a day to get him used to the temps? It's really hot here, I'm not sure about where you're at.
I'll msg someone to help you. :)

[Tara]

Okay, I posted in the non emergency thread and sent messages, so someone should be here soon to help. I'm hoping he's just afraid, but it sounds like it may be signs of heatstroke...so stay close and wait for help.
BTW-I've only raised 5 squirrels myself, so I'm no pro. We'll wait on their professional help. :)

Here's some info while you wait:

Warning! Squirrels Can Overheat in Summer


1. Never place a caged squirrel in direct sunlight.
2. Always provide water and shade.
3. On hot and/or humid days, indoor squirrels should be kept inside.
4. To-be-released squirrels need to be slowly acclimated to summer temps.
5. Never leave indoor squirrels (or unacclimated to-be-released squirrels) unattended outdoors.
6. Take extra care when traveling. Never leave your squirrel in the car without the air-conditioning turned on, even with all the windows open.

Symptoms of Heatstroke
Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

If you see any of these symptoms, bring the squirrel indoors immediately and begin Emergency Cool-Down Procedures:


Emergency Treatment for Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency--Do not delay treatment!

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

Emergency Cool-Down Procedures

You must get the squirrel cooled down quickly. Seconds count!

1. Bring the squirrel inside.
2. Dip the squirrel in cool water up to his neck.
3. Lay the squirrel down on a damp cloth with his head slightly elevated and turn on a fan.
4. Bathe the squirrel with a cold wet cloth, especially the head and tail areas. Ice packs can be placed around the squirrel (not on him or under him).
5. Offer a small amount of cool water to drink.
Note: Keep the squirrel as quiet and still as possible; exercise will cause him to become more overheated.

For mild cases, the above treatment may be enough. For moderate/severe cases, vet care is required to save the squirrel's life. If you don't have a vet, have someone else call around while you continue the cool-down process.

6. Don't stop the cool-down process, even for a minute.
7. If it's a warm day, run the AC in your car before you transport.
8. Transport the squirrel quickly to the vet, continuing to bathe the squirrel with a cool washcloth while en route (bring some cold water with you).
9. When you get to the vet, tell them it's severe heatstroke. They should rush the squirrel to the back for emergency care immediately.
10. No matter what happens, keep bathing the squirrel in cool water until the squirrel in the vet's hands.

If heatstroke occurs away from home or while traveling. Use the same procedures as above. Use anything you can find to cool the squirrel down. In a pinch, a cold soda or even water from a nearby stream can be used until you can find help.

If you have no access to a vet, try to find a rehabber. If you're on your own, you will need to monitor the squirrel constantly, including his body temperature. Take the squirrel's temperature using a rectal thermometer or a digital ear thermometer. When his temp reaches 103 degrees F, you must stop the cool-down procedures to avoid overcooling. Continue to offer cool water drop by drop.

Most squirrels will not survive moderate/severe heatstroke without IV fluids, which only a vet can provide.

Note: Signs of permanent organ damage may not show up for several hours or even days. The squirrel may seem to recover initially, then get worse later.

A squirrel can develop heatstroke in as little as 10 minutes, even in the shade!
__________________
Island Rehabber
NY State Licensed
Wildlife Rehabilitator

[lilidukes]

Good call Tara. :thumbsup :thumbsup

You need to get that squirrel cooled down ASAP!

[Tara]

It seems as if everyone is away from their computers right now. I would personally bring him in and follow the information I last posted to cool him off. If he's drooling, it could be moderate heatstroke. What's the temp there?
Did you acclimate him to the weather?

I think I would rather be safe than sorry, for Rocky's sake. I tend to be a worry wart. :)
How's he acting now? I am NO professional, but that sticky is for emergency use, and I think this could be considered an emergency.

edit: LILIDUKES! Glad you saw my msg!!! Thanks!