Adult Paralyzed Squirrel Wild

[Candice]

I found a male adult squirrel at work. I think he is the squirrel that lives in the tree near our building that is missing his tail. Well, yesterday, he was on the ground and unable to move his hind quarter. I have brought him home, cleaned him up a bit (he had urinated on himself and had a few sores on his back legs from dragging them on the asphalt). I don't know if he was attacked by a predator or not.....I can't get close enough to tell. I have offered him water, food, and a warm bed. He is eatting. I saw that maybe he could need calcium. I need suggestions......just for today I put some yogurt in with him and placed a few of his feed in the yogurt to maybe get him to eat a bit. Any help would be appreciated. (I am in Central Florida).

[SammysMom]

I'm sure an expert will be along soon but for now a heating pad under half of the container you have him in would be a good start. Make sure he has water and some other food like maybe watermelon or peeled grapes that will help hydrate. Good luck help will be along soon. :grouphug

[astra]

yes, heating pad and water...
PMed JIT, will try some other FL ppl - experts will be here soon

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wave123 Where are you located? TSB has many members in central florida.
Have you seen him drink?
Can you post a pic?
Is he an adult?
Please cover the container, it will make him feel less vunerable, TY.
Tshirts or fleece is recommended for bedding.
Is he active?
Can he chew out of the container he is in?
You can try offering him some shelled pecans or almonds...maybe a small piece of apple or avacodo.
I doubt he will eat yogurt as he is a wild squirrel.
How could you have cleaned him if you can't get near him?:thinking
Thank you for helping him:Love_Icon

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Thank you for helping this baby. You are doing the right things so far. Keep him in a quiet place, away from domestic animals and away from as much household noises as possible. Keep offering him veggies, greens and water. You can also offer him a piece of fruit (blueberries, strawberries, melon, etc), but only one piece per meal or he'll probably eat that first.

Only put the heat half way under his box so he can drag himself off of it if he gets hot. He may make a recovery, may not; time will tell. I have one that was paralyzed, and after a week, she began moving her legs and trying to stand up. Now she is able to run, and walk, but runs sideways. She cannot be released because she cannot hit a target when she jumps. Right now, he needs some R&R to try to recover. If you are not able to tend to him, there are lots of members in Florida.

[Candice]

Today is day 3 for the squirrel. I plan on purhasing some grapes and wateremelon like you suggested. I had some apples already so I peeled and cut up a few bites of apple. Again, I am hopeful that someone can give me input about his paralysis.

[Jackie in Tampa]

where are you?
If close, I have a vet that will see wildlife, I will pay.
Today is saturday, she closes early...
I keep meds here and have some experience with paralysed sqs, not alot but can show you how to express bladder etc...
safety is key and so is hydration...
make sure he has option of heating pad as others have said...
sending good vibes to you and squirrely:Love_Icon

[Candice]

I am in Sebring (just above Okeechobee). I don't have a heating pad but I do have a warm waterbed. I have him on the waterbed to get the heat. Everyone once in a while I can hear him moving around but when I check on him he doesn't move around - probably because he sees me as a predator.

[Candice]

Well, I checked on him a bit ago and he has passed. Unfortunately.

I have rescued squirrels in the past but most of them were young. I had an extra parrot cage that I placed outside (the top would open). I would feed them but allow roam of the huge oaktree in the back yard. During the day, they would go out on the tree but at night time they would come back to their nest in the cage. Eventually, I had less evidence of them returning to the cage at night.

I appreciate all the help of the posts that I received. I also appreciate everyone who helps a squirrel.

[Candice]

Well, I checked on him a bit ago and he has passed. Unfortunately.

I have rescued squirrels in the past but most of them were young. I had an extra parrot cage that I placed outside (the top would open). I would feed them but allow roam of the huge oaktree in the back yard. During the day, they would go out on the tree but at night time they would come back to their nest in the cage. Eventually, I had less evidence of them returning to the cage at night.

I appreciate all the help of the posts that I received. I also appreciate everyone who helps a squirrel.

[lilidukes]

Candice, this squirrel needs a vet or an experienced rehabber with meds to help you. Please don't think he will awake one morning and be fine. Most likely a spinal injury so he needs someone experienced to determine the severity. Will need meds for swelling and pain. He is very substitutable to a UTI. Is he pooping and peeing on his own? He will require multiple wipe downs or baths a day to prevent urine scald. Which even with precautions I have had happen and is very painful to the animal. Then Silver Sulfadiazine is used. Pecan Ensure with vanilla yogurt and extra calcium carbonate powder added is what I feed my kids with injuries(syringe fed). All fruits and veggies need to be diced very small so they can be held with one hand.

Caring for a squirrel with paralysis is a round the clock full time job. It is a long hard road that can lead in either direction. Are you ready for this? Please ask for help our Florida area rescue teams (FARTS)is the best in the country for getting help to those in need. I'm not saying you can't care for him what I'm saying is you and this squirrel have to have help in order for him to survive. I always start with the expectation that they will be paralyzed for life and start making plans for their life time inclosure and needs. The few who do get their feet back under them some can be released back to the trees and some have their tree in my house now. You need to think in the long time needs of this animal.

I wish you and this guy:Love_Icon the very best and if I can help in any way please let me know.:grouphug :grouphug

[UDoWhat]

Candice, I am sorry you lost this sweet squirrel. :thankyou for trying to help him. Rest peacefully sweet squirrel and go to the Bridge where their is love and no pain.:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug