4 month red squirrel with broken hind leg I think

[Jen and Buddy]

Hi, I really could use some help with this baby squirrel, he seems to have injured himself and is crying, whimpering and can only crawl around but it's seems to cause him a lot of pain and it's in the hind end of body. I found him all alone in the yard and I believe the father killed the rest of the bunch. Please advise me of what I can do or who can help. I have grown to love Buddy very much and want to keep him in my home.
Thank you,
Jen

[Milo's Mom]

Emergency Care for Baby Squirrels
Originally posted by Island Rehabber, NY State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Don’ts
Don’t try to feed the squirrel.
Don’t handle him more than you have to.
No loud voices, TV, music, or bright lights.
No children or pets in the same room!

1. Warm the Baby (never feed a cold squirrel!)

Quick Methods:


Cup the baby in your hands or under your shirt next to your skin.
Fill a plastic bottle with very warm water. Wrap in a cloth, place next to baby, and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.
“Rice Buddy”: Fill a sock with 1 cup of rice or dried beans and microwave for 30 seconds. Place next to baby and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.

2. Find a Box or Container

A shoebox will do for small babies. A baby that can walk will need a larger box with a lid (with holes). Put a clean baby blanket, flannel shirt, or piece of fleece in the bottom of the box. No towels or terrycloth. Squirrels can get tangled in the loops. Place baby on the material and cover him with one flap. If you have a heating pad, turn it on low and place it under half of the box (not IN the box!) so baby can move away if he gets too warm. You can use the plastic bottle or rice buddy described above, but these are only temporary methods until you get a heating pad, since they must be reheated every 2 hours and won't keep baby warm all night.


NOTE: Monitor his temperature so he doesn’t chill or overheat. His feet should feel warm to the touch.
NOTE: If the baby is injured, is having trouble breathing, has fly eggs on his fur, or is very skinny or dehydrated, he needs emergency care by an experienced rehabber or vet.

Heat/warmth may help him feel better. I am trying to find out if we have members in your area that would be able to offer you assistance. Try to keep the baby as calm and quite as possible.

[Ghostie]

I would say that you need to bring him to a Squirrel Friendly vet immediately... however, I'm not sure about the laws and such from where you're from... I know the rehabbers on here appreciate pictures and could try and help you from there... Some may live near you and give you the help you need.

He's/She's in my thoughts. I'm hoping for the best.:Love_Icon

[Jen and Buddy]

Thank you so much, I look forward to hearing back from you. I hate seeing him in pain he's such a sweet little guy.

[Milo's Mom]

Being a new member you may not be able to post pics. Try to get some pics of the little one and e-mail them to me. I will post them for you. My e-mail is milosmom041610@gmail.com

[Ghostie]

Being a new member you may not be able to post pics. Try to get some pics of the little one and e-mail them to me. I will post them for you. My e-mail is milosmom041610@gmail.com


:goodpost

Oops, didn't consider her being a junior member.

[Milo's Mom]

Is the baby still outside? If so, try to get him in the house so he is not out in the open. He's hurt and will be an easy target for cats, dogs, large birds...anything that would like to eat a squirrel.

[Jen and Buddy]

He's been in my home for 3 months now

[Ghostie]

He's been in my home for 3 months now


How did he get hurt? Are you sure he doesn't have MBD? EDIT: (MBD is a stretch, from what you've told us, but worth adding, incase it's a possibility, or you don't know much about it, and maybe just knowing about it could help prevent something in the future)

[stepnstone]

Little confused here:thinking Has he been in your home injuried this whole time or is this a recent injury? If recent, any idea on how it happened?
Any idea of age? Could what your seeing be due to improper nutrition?

[Milo's Mom]

Okay.

We need info, so I am sorry for all of the questions but the rehabbers need this info.

What does his diet consist of (be specific)?

Is he eating and drinking normally?

How much does he weigh?

[Milo's Mom]

Do you have any Infant Motrin? Can you get any?

If the leg is broken and this is NOT MBD, the Infant Motrin will bring him some comfort.

Before you administer any meds, we need to know the answers to the questions I posted previously and we also need to know how much he weighs.


PS. Keep refreshing your screen so you can see our new posts and reply to them

[stepnstone]

How did he get hurt? Are you sure he doesn't have MBD? EDIT: (MBD is a stretch, from what you've told us, but worth adding, incase it's a possibility, or you don't know much about it, and maybe just knowing about it could help prevent something in the future)

Not really! If there was no apparent reason for injury, depending on it's nutrition the timing is about right for MBD to surfice.

[Jen and Buddy]

He has been having problems with his claws getting caught on branches in his house, I think maybe he pulled a leg trying to get un-stuck. He has ate some soft fruit and I gave him drops of water, right now he's resting

[Milo's Mom]

Whether the leg is broken or if it is MBD putting the baby on a source of warmth will help comfort him. Heating pad on LOW, which is UNDER 1/2 of the cage. make sure the heating pad does NOT have an auto shut off.

[Jen and Buddy]

I have the heating pad on now, thanks everyone for the help

[Milo's Mom]

Jen - what does his daily diet consist of? What does he eat every day? We NEED to know this...the sooner the better.

[Jen and Buddy]

Fruit, veggies, pine and spruce cones, I also put grass, leafs and twigs in for him. What are the symptoms of MBD? And NO he has not been injured this whole time this started yesterday morning. I take good care of him but this is something I need help with. And please be patient with me I'm new on this blog stuff and may be slow replying.

[Jackie in Tampa]

hi...every question tsb members are asking are important...
and I have to ask one too...
what formula did you raise him on? is he weaned or still taking it...
is one leg affected or both?

[Milo's Mom]

Does he eat any sort of rodent block daily? Mazuri, Kaytee, etc.

[Milo's Mom]

I hope I am not being premature on this, but if I am, this will not hurt him. It will give us a better idea of whether it's MBD or a broken leg due to being a squirrel and doing squirrely things.

Emergency Treatment for MBD

Get calcium into the squirrel IMMEDIATELY, not later, not tomorrow, NOW. Delaying treatment can cause death or permanent paralysis.

You will need:

--Tums or calcium pills (any kind)
--a syringe, eyedropper, or spoon

Crush one Tums or calcium pill and add a little water or fruit juice. Use the syringe, eyedropper, or spoon to force-feed the mixture, a little at a time, until it is all gone. Feed a total of 600-800 mg of calcium, and spread it out through the day and night to keep his blood calcium levels as steady as possible.

If the squirrel is having seizures, weakness, or paralysis, the symptoms will usually improve within a few hours, but this does not mean the squirrel is cured. It will take many months to rebuild the calcium in the bones.

Long-Term Treatment for MBD

The next step to curing MBD is to fix the diet.

1. Remove ALL seeds, nuts, corn, and treats.

2. Follow the Healthy Diet For Pet Squirrels, which can be found at the top of the “Squirrel Nutrition” forum. (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=16093) Your squirrel MUST eat rodent block or squirrel blocks every day. If your squirrel doesn't like rodent blocks, you can try crushing them up with peanut butter or avocado temporarily. You can also make a tastier version of squirrel blocks using the recipe at the top of the Squirrel Nutrition forum.

3. In addition to the Healthy Diet, you will need to continue giving extra calcium every day for several weeks. Either use the syringe/eyedropper or you can try putting the calcium on a small piece of fruit.

Week 1: calcium = 500 mg per day
Week 2: calcium = 250 mg per day
Weeks 3-8: calcium = 100 mg per day

The cause of the acute symptoms—weakness, lethargy, seizures, paralysis—is a drop in blood calcium levels. If these symptoms return at any time, you will need to give another emergency dose of calcium.

More Tips
MBD causes brittle bones that break easily. Try to keep your squirrel away from high places, where he might jump and break a bone. Also, if he is in a tall cage, either place him in a smaller cage, or pad the bottom very well.

Heat is very soothing for a squirrel with MBD. A heating pad turned to low and placed so they cannot chew the pad or cord, or a rice buddy (a sock filled with dry rice/beans and microwaved for about 20 seconds) will work.

[Jen and Buddy]

I'm going to call a shelter and ask them to help, I'm so stressed out and worried and don't have time to answer all the ??'S everyone is asking. It's more like work trying to answer your ??'S . too many people asking the same thing and thinking I would have an injuries squirrel for 3 months and do nothing. Thanks

[Milo's Mom]

I am sorry you feel this way. We are only trying to help you help your buddy.
If you do call a shelter, PLEASE make sure that they will NOT euthanize him. Sadly, a lot of places do.

We were only trying to clarify the situation so we would be able to help/advise you accordingly.

[Milo's Mom]

Here is a list of places in Minnesota. I found it on a thread from 2009 and in that thread it said it was old, so I am not sure how old it really is, but hopefully you find it helpful.

Gail Nelsen
Shoreview, MN
651 484-2536

Elm Creek Animal Hospital

Champlin At Highway 169, Anoka, MN 55316
phone: (763) 427-5150
www.elmcreekanimalhospital.com
We care for Reptiles and other exotic creatures!!

Minnesota, Northeast

Minnesota, Northeast region, St. Louis County (Duluth)..... 218-348-8745
Emily Buchanan (director), Orion's Wildlife Rehabilitation
ebuchanan@hotmail.com
Wildlife Species: We accept all species including birds, raptors, large and small mammals

Minnesota, South Central

Minnesota, South Central region, Dakota County (Burnsville)..... 952-895-8714
Michael Ream (Director of Operations), Recovery Wildlife Rescue
recoverywildliferescue@msn.com
Wildlife Species: can find the appropriate care for any injured or orphaned wildlife in
Dakota County, MN
SPECIALTIES and KNOWLEDGE: extensive rescue abilities, limited rehab abilities

Minnesota, South Central region (Chisago City)..... 612-902-1548 (pager)
Kathy Thorp, U of M, Henn. Co. Humane Soc., Raptor Center
Wyldlyfr@aol.com
Specialty: emergency work

Minnesota, South Central region (Crystal)..... 763-537-1528
Carol Oyaas, Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release, Inc, The Minnesota Wildlife Haven
Wildlife Species: Specializing in small mammals and songbirds.
Knowledgable in the area of zoonotic disease

Minnesota, South Central region, Dakota County (Burnsville)..... 952-898-BATZ (2289) or
612-396-6595
Deana Kinamon (director), Bat World North Star
BatWorldNStar@aol.com
Wildlife Species: bats only

Minnesota, South Central region, Hennepin County (Minneapolis)..... 612-822-8400
Amy Cooper, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, Inc.
amycooper@worldnet.att.net
Wildlife Species: will accept any species for initial assessment and triage
Specialties/Knowledge: raccoon, woodchuck, waterfowl; Master level permit holder

Minnesota, South Central region, Hennepin County (Minneapolis)..... 612-939-0985
Kyle & Michelle Frazier, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release
The_Falconer@msn.com
Specialty: song birds, young birds needing specialized feeding

Minnesota, South Central region, Hennepin County (Minneapolis)..... 612-729-8937 or 612-673-4058
Elyn Kirchner, Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release, Inc.
kirchel@gw.startribune.com
Wildlife Species: squirrels
Comments: Leave urgent messages on both phones please. E-mail
opened only M-F, not on weekends.

Minnesota, South Central region, Ramsey County (Roseville)..... 651-486-9453
Philip Jenni (Executive Director), Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
Wildlife Species: all wild animals; raptors will be transferred to the UMN Raptor Center
Comments: In 2007 we admitted 8,454 animals making us one of the largest wildlife rehabilitators
in the country. Our 13,000 sq ft state-of-the-art wildlife hospital is located at
2530 Dale ST N in Central Park of Roseville.

[stepnstone]

I am sorry you feel this way. We are only trying to help you help your buddy.
If you do call a shelter, PLEASE make sure that they will NOT euthanize him. Sadly, a lot of places do.

We were only trying to clarify the situation so we would be able to help/advise you accordingly.

There was no "accusing" only "confusion" by your own post: (" I really could use some help with this baby squirrel, he seems to have injured himself and is crying, whimpering and can only crawl around but it's seems to cause him a lot of pain and it's in the hind end of body. I found him all alone in the yard and I believe the father killed the rest of the bunch.") I do apologize if you took my inquiry to be insulting, there was no intent on insulting you.

It sounds like your little one could very well have MBD, it can be fatal! It can also be treated very successfully if acted on immediately.
TSB can help you as they have helped many other's including myself.

[Jen and Buddy]

MBD could be it, he hates rodent blocks, puppie milk and cuddle bones too. He took the tums down well and I have him secure and comfortable. I do appreciate all the help, it's just a little fast and I need to be taking care of him and not typing all the time. I was hoping he was getting enough calcium in the veggies I feed him. I will come back and give you an update soon. Thanks again, Jen

[Jackie in Tampa]

can someone PM ratman and ask if he can help?
where are you in Minn?

[pappy1264]

Nails catching alot can actually be a sign of MBD. I would immediately start the treatment for MBD that was posted. Did you raise him from young infant (eyes closed or open?) If so, can you tell what formula you used and how long you had him on it?

[Milo's Mom]

MBD could be it, he hates rodent blocks, puppie milk and cuddle bones too. He took the tums down well and I have him secure and comfortable. I do appreciate all the help, it's just a little fast and I need to be taking care of him and not typing all the time. I was hoping he was getting enough calcium in the veggies I feed him. I will come back and give you an update soon. Thanks again, Jen

Jen, you are welcome. Please read the Emergency MBD Treatment and follow it. MBD cannot be fixed overnight. (if that is indeed what it is) Please DO keep us updated. We ALL only hope for the best for both of you.

I do not think you have the ability to send Private Messages (PM) yet, so I will send Ratman a PM and a link to this thread.

[Jen and Buddy]

I will get him stable and get him treated for MBD, I'm sorry for the mis-communication on my part. I have had him since he was about 4 or 5 weeks his eye were open and full fur. Cutest little boy I have ever seen, he means the world to me.

[Milo's Mom]

Just in case...here is a link to the Emergency MBD Treatment thread.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17680

I also sent Ratman a PM to see if he is able to offer assistance.

[stepnstone]

MBD could be it, he hates rodent blocks, puppie milk and cuddle bones too. He took the tums down well and I have him secure and comfortable. I do appreciate all the help, it's just a little fast and I need to be taking care of him and not typing all the time. I was hoping he was getting enough calcium in the veggies I feed him. I will come back and give you an update soon. Thanks again, Jen

Unfortunetly, for "captive" squirrels rodent block is the prime source of proper nourishment that they all need, there are alternatives for feeding rodent block that can be discussed later. What is of most importance now is treating for the MBD and getting him on the right road to recovery.

[Jen and Buddy]

I live in Isanti county, 40 miles north of Minneapolis. I'll check back as often as I can. I just want him to have a good life :)

[Jen and Buddy]

Unfortunetly, for "captive" squirrels rodent block is the prime source of proper nourishment that they all need, there are alternatives for feeding rodent block that can be discussed later. What is of most importance now is treating for the MBD and getting him on the right road to recovery.


:thankyou

[Jen and Buddy]

Being a new member you may not be able to post pics. Try to get some pics of the little one and e-mail them to me. I will post them for you. My e-mail is milosmom041610@gmail.com

I sent one to you and will add more when I have time:thumbsup

[Jen and Buddy]

I would say that you need to bring him to a Squirrel Friendly vet immediately... however, I'm not sure about the laws and such from where you're from... I know the rehabbers on here appreciate pictures and could try and help you from there... Some may live near you and give you the help you need.

He's/She's in my thoughts. I'm hoping for the best.:Love_Icon



:thankyou

[Jen and Buddy]

I hope I am not being premature on this, but if I am, this will not hurt him. It will give us a better idea of whether it's MBD or a broken leg due to being a squirrel and doing squirrely things.

Emergency Treatment for MBD

Get calcium into the squirrel IMMEDIATELY, not later, not tomorrow, NOW. Delaying treatment can cause death or permanent paralysis.

You will need:

--Tums or calcium pills (any kind)
--a syringe, eyedropper, or spoon

Crush one Tums or calcium pill and add a little water or fruit juice. Use the syringe, eyedropper, or spoon to force-feed the mixture, a little at a time, until it is all gone. Feed a total of 600-800 mg of calcium, and spread it out through the day and night to keep his blood calcium levels as steady as possible.

If the squirrel is having seizures, weakness, or paralysis, the symptoms will usually improve within a few hours, but this does not mean the squirrel is cured. It will take many months to rebuild the calcium in the bones.

Long-Term Treatment for MBD

The next step to curing MBD is to fix the diet.

1. Remove ALL seeds, nuts, corn, and treats.

2. Follow the Healthy Diet For Pet Squirrels, which can be found at the top of the “Squirrel Nutrition” forum. (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=16093) Your squirrel MUST eat rodent block or squirrel blocks every day. If your squirrel doesn't like rodent blocks, you can try crushing them up with peanut butter or avocado temporarily. You can also make a tastier version of squirrel blocks using the recipe at the top of the Squirrel Nutrition forum.

3. In addition to the Healthy Diet, you will need to continue giving extra calcium every day for several weeks. Either use the syringe/eyedropper or you can try putting the calcium on a small piece of fruit.

Week 1: calcium = 500 mg per day
Week 2: calcium = 250 mg per day
Weeks 3-8: calcium = 100 mg per day

The cause of the acute symptoms—weakness, lethargy, seizures, paralysis—is a drop in blood calcium levels. If these symptoms return at any time, you will need to give another emergency dose of calcium.

More Tips
MBD causes brittle bones that break easily. Try to keep your squirrel away from high places, where he might jump and break a bone. Also, if he is in a tall cage, either place him in a smaller cage, or pad the bottom very well.

Heat is very soothing for a squirrel with MBD. A heating pad turned to low and placed so they cannot chew the pad or cord, or a rice buddy (a sock filled with dry rice/beans and microwaved for about 20 seconds) will work.





Thank you so much this is very helpful but I was not able to get the link for the nutrition page. That would be great, Online there is too much info that is conflicting on what he should and shouldn't have. I want the best for him, he has been a joy to have so far :Love_Icon

[CritterMom]

It is possible that he has ALSO hurt himself. If he is in pain, he can have infant ibuprophen and it does a good job with the pain/inflammation. If you can weigh him I will tell you the dosage, INFANT Ibuprophen (Motrin) is what you want,

[CritterMom]

See if this works
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28009

[Jen and Buddy]

It is possible that he has ALSO hurt himself. If he is in pain, he can have infant ibuprophen and it does a good job with the pain/inflammation. If you can weigh him I will tell you the dosage, INFANT Ibuprophen (Motrin) is what you want,


I will weigh him when I get back from the store and get back to you.
Thank you CritterMom

[jo_schmoe]

Hey, Im here now.
Where in Minnesota do you live? I am close.

[Jen and Buddy]

I will weigh him when I get back from the store and get back to you.
Thank you CritterMom



Ok I have infants Ibuprofen concentrated drops 50 mg per 1.25 mL and he weighs 4.1 oz

[Jen and Buddy]

Hey, Im here now.
Where in Minnesota do you live? I am close.


Cambridge Mn

[CritterMom]

0.03cc every 4 hours as needed. This is a conservative dose and he likely will like it - it's sweet. Also, restrict his movement by putting him in a small cage that is really well padded on the bottom. You want to keep him as quiet as possible. The ibuprophen often makes them snoozy which is good.

[jo_schmoe]

I'm going to call a shelter and ask them to help, I'm so stressed out and worried and don't have time to answer all the ??'S everyone is asking. It's more like work trying to answer your ??'S . too many people asking the same thing and thinking I would have an injuries squirrel for 3 months and do nothing. Thanks
Jen...its ok. You have every right to be stressed....your baby is sick.
Please don't call a shelter as it could possibly lead him to being euthanized.
I have experience with squirrels....sick, injured and healthy and I also have experience with Red squirrels. Im located about 4 hrs from you. Im offering any help you need. If it would be easier to talk on the phone I can private message you my number.
I apologize if I asked the same questions....I was asked to come on quick and see what was up. I didn't read through the entire thread.

[Jen and Buddy]

Jen...its ok. You have every right to be stressed....your baby is sick.
Please don't call a shelter as it could possibly lead him to being euthanized.
I have experience with squirrels....sick, injured and healthy and I also have experience with Red squirrels. Im located about 4 hrs from you. Im offering any help you need. If it would be easier to talk on the phone I can private message you my number.
I apologize if I asked the same questions....I was asked to come on quick and see what was up. I didn't read through the entire thread.



Thank you all but Buddy died. I am to upset too talk yet now.

[Jen and Buddy]

Thank you all but Buddy died. I am to upset too talk yet now.

I picked him up to give him the meds and he just died.

[jo_schmoe]

Thank you all but Buddy died. I am to upset too talk yet now.
I am so very sorry. :sad

[Ghostie]

I'm so sorry Jen, we know you did all that you could, that's why you joined this board. I feel for you, and the pain you feel for your baby. I lost my cat two years ago... Well, when I was fourteen, my mother (whom I don't live with) gave away my two cats and my dog. A year later, while volunteering at my local humane society, I saw my cat at the shelter, I recognized him immediately. My boyfriend wasn't so sure, considering most of the cats looked exactly like him. The next day we matched spots on his feet from a picture I had of him, to him, it was my baby Squirt (his name was Squirt, he was tiny) My boyfriend adopted him, because where I was living, I couldn't have any more pets... A few months later, his trailer caught fire, I lost Squirt that day, along with four dogs.

It's extremely painful to lose someone you love, especially a pet. We're all here from you. You did everything you could, never forget that. Buddy loves you and always will, never forget that.

[stepnstone]

{{Jen}} So very sorry... :grouphug

[Milo's Mom]

Jen just sent me an e-mail asking me to post the following for her:

I want to thank you for your help yesterday, it meant the world to me to find the website and to find people who actually care about all our creatures ( I was concerned about who I could trust with this matter, I didn't want to lose him- ie euthanize or other). I was so tired,stressed and worried for my little Buddy and I feel bad I didn't have a better outcome with him. I'm going to have my little funeral for him today and later maybe not until Monday I will tell you and all the other kind people on squirrel board the story of Buddy (it's very special like fate)
I am diffidently feeling the worst heartache right now, I loved him so much! Thank you again and if you have time let everyone know my intentions. Sincerely, Jen

[jo_schmoe]

My heart just breaks for her.
:grouphug Jen

[Ratman]

So sorry to hear this. I've been busy and not keeping up with my emails. Sorry I got here so late.