squirrel with no balance?

[fuzzyhixson]

Hi,
I wanted to post a link to a video of one of my daily visitors and see what you think about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCrJDPcxvRU
It has no balance and has been this way for a few weeks atleast. That was when I first noticed it. Is there something I can do for it if I trap it? Could it be inner ear problems?
Thanks! Laurie

[Wonkawillie]

Hmmmmm, He is wobbly for sure. But looks to be doing OK for himself. This squirrel either was hit by a car and has some healing spinal nerves or I wonder if he could even have an inner ear infection? Can you zoom in on him and see if his ears look clean? If this is a wild squirrel you will stress him terribly to attempt to do something for him. I would just keep a look out for him and monitor him each day for now.

[fuzzyhixson]

Thank you for your feeedback. It is so hard to watch and do nothing but it does seem to be survivng without my help. If I can get closer pictures of the ear I will. Should they be totally clean on the inside like a cat? Or is some dark stuff normal if I see any? I believe it is a female and that's another worry about trapping her is if she has young. Would they be weaned by now? Thanks again, laurie

[Rescue04]

The left eye (may be from the video) looks to bulged out a bit. He seems to be able to focus on objects, but can not stand up on his hinds for long periods for support. He does not appear to have head tilt, maybe a little MBD if weaned too young? it is hard to tell. I would observe it or get with a local rehabber to see in person.

[mpetys]

Just curious, how does he move when on the ground. I would be concerned with how well could he evade a predator.

[fuzzyhixson]

The squirrel (she I believe) walks fine just a little shaky but seems fine. She cannot seem to balance well though when walking on my deck rail she almost falls off. Also when another squirrel comes to her feeder she will protect the feeder and go to attack the other squirrel but she doesn't get far at that as she falls over on her side and it takes her a few seconds to get back up and start eating again . The other squirrels seem to stay away from her for the most part but eery now and then one comes to invade her feeder. That is my main concern also is a predator. She can't protect herself, her space. Also I worry that she may fall out of a tree from the lack of balance. She has survived a few weeks though so far like this. That is when I first noticed the problem. I feel so bad for her when she falls over on her side and continues eating like that until she gets her balance back enough to get back up. It's very sad. I'd love to capture her and give her a good, easy life. Maybe I can keep her from always having to protect herself. But I realize it wouldn't be a fun life for her to be caged up and scared of me. So I just don't know what to do. THanks!! Laurie

[Wonkawillie]

She would be totally freaked out if you captured her. beyond scared.
Her ears should be clean like a cat. I would not capture her if it is a girl. She sure could have babies at home.

[Rescue04]

She may need attention after the last update. Before you even think of capturing her - look for nipples under her belly - if none, that is a good sign. If she gets worse and feel you need to act, make sure to have rescue remedy on hand to spritz her with - this will her calm her down. Then she will need heat - dark and quit. You need to have a cage ready when you do - if you get to this point it would do you justice if possible to have a local rehabber with you when you do.

More experienced rehabbers to say the least have faster reactions in these delicate moments! Keep us posted! Scared squirrels usually means first aid for you after you intervine!

:owned