HELP Squirrel paralyzed?

[aimeekay]

A friend called me last night as she watched a squirrel get hit by a car. She put it in a box and left it an apple and posted some pictures on facebook. I went and retrieved the squirrel in a cat carrier about 2 hours later. Last night it was able to use it's upper body to move around a power pole, but it's 2 back legs and tail had no movement. She had said it looked like it had eaten some of the apple, however I am not confident it did or if birds scooped it up or whatnot. As it was panicked it moved quite quickly around the power pole, and as I didn't have gloves I tried to scoot it into the carrier. It made a effort to climb the pole with only it's upper body and it broke my heart. I was able to gently put it in the carrier.

When I returned home she had rolled on her back, and I don't think she was able to roll herself over. I managed to do this. I left her some wet dog food and chopped apples and water. However it looks as though she did not eat any of this today. She was moved around in her cage facing the other direction. I checked on her this am, and she was breathing but both legs were splayed out to the side. (Back legs). I tried to calmy pet her and tell her it was okay between my tears. She seemed very calm, and I was worried her health was deteriorating.

I then an hour later tried to move the food dish infront of her, and she hissed and scurried to one side. She looked up at me and her body was trembling and shaking, it actually scared me so bad. I phoned my vet who said I could surrender it, but they would likely euthanize it.

I would really like to try nurse her back to health, but I don't want her to suffer or be in pain. Like even though it breaks my heart, I want to do the right thing for her.

What should I be doing? How can I help her, and when do I know I have done all that I can? Please HELP!

[aimeekay]

A friend called me last night as she watched a squirrel get hit by a car. She put it in a box and left it an apple and posted some pictures on facebook. I went and retrieved the squirrel in a cat carrier about 2 hours later. Last night it was able to use it's upper body to move around a power pole, but it's 2 back legs and tail had no movement. She had said it looked like it had eaten some of the apple, however I am not confident it did or if birds scooped it up or whatnot. As it was panicked it moved quite quickly around the power pole, and as I didn't have gloves I tried to scoot it into the carrier. It made a effort to climb the pole with only it's upper body and it broke my heart. I was able to gently put it in the carrier.

When I returned home she had rolled on her back, and I don't think she was able to roll herself over. I managed to do this. I left her some wet dog food and chopped apples and water. However it looks as though she did not eat any of this today. She was moved around in her cage facing the other direction. I checked on her this am, and she was breathing but both legs were splayed out to the side. (Back legs). I tried to calmy pet her and tell her it was okay between my tears. She seemed very calm, and I was worried her health was deteriorating.

I then an hour later tried to move the food dish infront of her, and she hissed and scurried to one side. She looked up at me and her body was trembling and shaking, it actually scared me so bad. I phoned my vet who said I could surrender it, but they would likely euthanize it.

I would really like to try nurse her back to health, but I don't want her to suffer or be in pain. Like even though it breaks my heart, I want to do the right thing for her.

What should I be doing? How can I help her, and when do I know I have done all that I can? Please HELP!

[Scooterzmom]

Aimee I would suggest you bump this up to Life threatening so you can get the immediate attention you need for this little guy.

I really don't know what to advise but am sending my prayers for you and this little fella. :grouphug

[Adventurista]

A rehabber will be on very soon to answer your questions---try to keep refreshing your screen to see what they say. Don't leave---someone will get to you very soon.

Do you have her indoors now? I don't think you're supposed to try to feed her at all because of shock (and dog food wouln't be a good option). Take the food out. I think the rehabbers will tell you that you need to keep her WARM and DRY and QUIET, first. They'll likely ask you to feed her some Pedialyte with a 1cc syringe you can get at the pharmacy (no needle). Just to get you prepared---I'm not a rehabber, but just so you have some ideas of what you'll likely need to do next.

Also, I'm assuming she'll need vetrinary care. Do you know if it's legal to have possession of a squirrel in your state? That could affect a vet and their ability to help you. Did you check your state to see if there are any rehabbers nearby who can help you?:grouphug

Edited to add that I just realized you're in Canada. Check to see if there are any wildlife rehabilitators near you while waiting for someone to get some help here.

[SammysMom]

Well I am not an expert, but for starters the don't eat dog food so you can remove that and be sure to offer her water. You can put the water in a low dish and if you have marbles or maybe small clean stones add those to the dish to prevent her from putting her whole face the water. She should be in a dark quiet place so put a towel or blanket over the carrier. If you have a heating pad, set in on low and put it under half of the carrier (so she can get off of it if it is too warm). She needs something in the carrier that she can get under like a piece of fleece or something like tee shirts. No towels as their claws get too easily caught in the loops. Do you have any rehabbers anywhere near you? She needs medical care and assessment. Thank u for taking the time to help her and to come here for good information!:thankyou

[aimeekay]

I phoned the pet store and wild life sanctuary who both said to put dog food and oatmeal with apples in a dish. We haven't heard back from the animal conservatory yet, and I'm not sure who to contact.

As advised, I will remove the foods. She is currently in a pet carrier and I will use a heating pad and place a tshirt in the cage. Thank you so much for your help so far.

She is an adult black squirrel so I am not sure if her being an adult make differences on the injury or her recovery.

The vet said they can assess but they said it would be a wildlife surrender and in most cases they euthanize. :(

[Adventurista]

I phoned the pet store and wild life sanctuary who both said to put dog food and oatmeal with apples in a dish. We haven't heard back from the animal conservatory yet, and I'm not sure who to contact.

As advised, I will remove the foods. She is currently in a pet carrier and I will use a heating pad and place a tshirt in the cage. Thank you so much for your help so far.

She is an adult black squirrel so I am not sure if her being an adult make differences on the injury or her recovery.

The vet said they can assess but they said it would be a wildlife surrender and in most cases they euthanize. :(

Make sure you put the heating pad underneath the half the carrier, so she can move off it if she needs to. I will tell you, the people on this board know their stuff--they will help you! Also, just from my experience, sometimes the local wildlife people don't necessarily know squirrels intimately. I was told to feed mine kitten milk. Trust what the rehabbers on this board tell you. They have extensive experience and are amazing.

[astra]

Thank you for taking him.

Here are a few possible outcomes/courses of action:

1. Depending on how severe his external and internal injuries are, he might die within the next few days, or survive.

2. Most likely, if taken to a wildlife centre/rehabber/vet, he will be seized and put down. Most of the time squirrels with such injuries get put down because such injuries are deemed as having low rate of full recovery; full - meaning the squirrel will be as before and can be released back to the wild. And if they cannot release a squirrel back to the wild, the squirrel is usually put down.

3. You can try and take care of him with the help of some ppl here.
There are a few ppl who have experience caring for paralyzed squirrels. It does take a lot of commitment, time, energey - physical and emotional, financial expenses etc etc etc. but can be very rewarding in the end.
Some of these paralyzed squirrels do recover to a certain extent; others - do not. But a lot of them, perhaps, understanding their limitations and that they are being helped, sort of accept their new captive lifestyle and do live as happy and content lives as the circumstances allow.

Good nutrition, physical therapy, massage, as well as certain meds (including homeopathic and other natural remedies) do work and improve their condition.
:grouphug

As for now, give him some water, maybe, a few grapes, almonds, apple slices. Keep him in a dark quiet place. Cover half of the career so that he can hide if he wants to, and yet, be able to see if he chooses to. Give him some old t-shirts, fleece to hide in and snuggle (just not towels or anything loopy - that can damage his nails)

More ppl will be on with their suggestions

[Busysqrl]

Hi Aiamee, thank you for rescuing this little creature. Yes most wildlife centers will euthanize any paralyzed squirrel. Your best option is to wait for a rehabber to come on and advise you. Maybe there will be a rehabber near you who can take her and provide the care she needs. Paralyzed squirrels require a LOT of work, usually much more than most people are willing to do. They can make wonderful pets though. Most can adapt to life in captivity if handled correctly with love and care. I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way for this precious little girl :grouphug :grouphug

[Busysqrl]

Thank you for taking him.

Here are a few possible outcomes/courses of action:

1. Depending on how severe his external and internal injuries are, he might die within the next few days, or survive.

2. Most likely, if taken to a wildlife centre/rehabber/vet, he will be seized and put down. Most of the time squirrels with such injuries get put down because such injuries are deemed as having low rate of full recovery; full - meaning the squirrel will be as before and can be released back to the wild. And if they cannot release a squirrel back to the wild, the squirrel is usually put down.

3. You can try and take care of him with the help of some ppl here.
There are a few ppl who have experience caring for paralyzed squirrels. It does take a lot of commitment, time, energey - physical and emotional, financial expenses etc etc etc. but can be very rewarding in the end.
Some of these paralyzed squirrels do recover to a certain extent; others - do not. But a lot of them, perhaps, understanding their limitations and that they are being helped, sort of accept their new captive lifestyle and do live as happy and content lives as the circumstances allow.

Good nutrition, physical therapy, massage, as well as certain meds (including homeopathic and other natural remedies) do work and improve their condition.
:grouphug

As for now, give him some water, maybe, a few grapes, almonds, apple slices. Keep him in a dark quiet place. Cover half of the career so that he can hide if he wants to, and yet, be able to see if he chooses to. Give him some old t-shirts, fleece to hide in and snuggle (just not towels or anything loopy - that can damage his nails)

More ppl will be on with their suggestions
:goodpost

[NutMegsPJ]

Call around more to other exotic vets and see if you can find one willing to help you access with out euthanizing or surrendering. You can go to a natural food store and by Arnica ( liquid or pellets) This will help with some pain and inflammation. I fyou get it come back here for dosage.

[aimeekay]

I have put her cage on half on a heating pad set on low. It doesn't look like she has moved at all. She seems calm until I tried to take the food out and put in the tshirt. She scurries with her head a bit but doenst actually move her body. Her breathing seems relatively normal. Is there any signs for paralysis vs broken legs? I just dont want her to be in pain. I'm going to look tomorrow for the suggest health food medication that was suggested...

The cat carrier is fairly small, and it smells like urine...so I left the top open to air out. I have shut the door and turned the light off so its pitch black, and I just noticed 4 loud pitched little squeaks since I turned off the light...my heart is just breaking.

I have to go to work for four hours. Is there anything else that I should do before I leave?

[lilidukes]

Aimeekay first let me say thank you for caring for this beautiful creature:Love_Icon .

Now for reality....I have some experience with paralyzed squirrels and the truth is you lose more than you save. I have had them fully recover, stay paralyzed and live and I have gotten them back on all fours but will never be releasable.

With that said you need help. This squirrel is in much pain and requires meds. If in a short time you can not find someone or a vet to assist you somethimes euthanisia is the greatest gift we can offer.

If you can find a vet or wildlife rehabber to help with getting you meds I will be more than happy to try to help you too.

My very best to the both of you:grouphug :grouphug

[CritterMom]

It can have infant ibuprophen, This is an adult squirrel? Let;s assume a pound - it can have 0.15cc of INFANT IBUPROPHEN (infant motrin) every 4 hours - pain and inflammation relief.

[aimeekay]

I believe it is an adult, it did manage to bite my boyfriend fairly good when were transported it into our stand-up shower area. He will go in for a tetnus shot tomorrow morning.

It looked as thought it may have munched on some apples which I am assuming is a good sign of her health. She seems okay on her front but hasn't been able to get much traction to move around.

I am wondering a time lime of what I should be looking for, and if I should be trying to feed ensure (?) with syringe or just leaving apples and oatmeal out with water. And what should I be looking for as "good signs" for health, in the next few days. She seems alert, like I used to own rodents many years ago, so I am not sure how much attention I should give her by trying to feed her or if I should be leaving her alone to heal or pain killers, how to administer.

I will research more with the vets in town, however the two I contacted suggested a surrender then ethinization. I of course want the best for her, but I want her to have a "chance" at life if it is feasible. I already told the vet I would take responsibility for all charges but they just said I would need to surrender the wild animal.

Where can I search for a rehabber(?) in my area?

[Adventurista]

Here's a link to the rehabber list:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23

You might also just search via Google. I noticed that in my state, the info was out of date. Also, rehabbers where I live only do larger animals. If you can't find anyone near you, you might call neighboring provinces, although check to see beforehand if transporting it is legal.

I wish I could answer some of the other questions for you. You're a good person. I think trying to rescue a scared adult would be a very difficult thing. :grouphug

[lilidukes]

As for food dice small pieces of avacado, apple, broccoli, etc. One handed eaters do best with smaller bites of food. Romaine lettuce in small pieces. You can try offering ensure by syringe vanlla or pecan. Nuts in shell.

Is she pooping and peeing???? If she is getting urine on herself and is wet you are going to have to start bathing her or else she will develop urine scald.

[Twi_prime]

Hi Aimee, I found this archived list when I googled for 'British Columbia wildlife rehabbers.' It's actually archived from somewhere here on the Squirrel Board and the person who posted it noted that they didn't know which specific areas these are in, but that if there's not one near you, maybe you could call them anyway and ask if they know of someone nearby. I'm sure area codes may provide some clues for you too. Hope she's comfortable and that you guys are coping with this tough situation.

Ontario Rehabber07-01-2009, 08:06 AM
Here is a B.C. rehabbers list. Don't know if anyone is near Kelowna, but I would suggest trying them anyway as they may know of someone in Kelowna.

Canada, British Columbia..... 250-337-2021

Mary Jane Birch (director), Wildlife Rehabilitators' Network of British Columbia
wrnbc@minfox.com
Wildlife Species: birds, raptors, mammals
Comments: education, library, bursary, directory, networking, resources
for BC wildlife professionals, workshops
Canada, British Columbia..... 604-794-7383 or cell 604-701-2706

Pam Briar, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
jimbriar@telsu.net
Wildlife Species: opossums, raccoons, squirrels
Canada, British Columbia (Burnaby)..... 604-526-7275

The Wildlife Rescue Association of British Columbia
wildlife@vcn.bc.ca
Wildlife Species: native and migratory birds, but treat all smaller urban wildlife, both birds and mammals
Canada, British Columbia (Courtenay)..... 250-337-2021

Mary Jane (maj) Birch (Rehabilitator), Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society
mars@minfox.com
Wildlife Species: rescue of all wild birds, some mammals and marine mammals
Comments: also do transport and networking
Canada, British Columbia (Delta)..... 604-946-3171

Bev Dav, (director) OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society
Bevday@dccnet.com
Wildlife Species: Only, but ALL birds of prey. Eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls
Specialties: 27 years Raptor experience
Comments: We will accept referrals particularly for pre-release flight training for large birds
Canada, British Columbia (Fort Nelson)..... 250-774-7669

Kelly McMillan, Northern C.A.R.E.S. Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
Wildlife Species: raptors
Canada, British Columbia (Gibsons)..... 604-886-4989

Clint and Irene Davy (operators), Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
gwrc@sunshine.net
Wildlife Species: small mammals only, all kinds of birds
Comments: experience in cleaning and rehabbing oilspill birds
Canada, British Columbia (Halfmoon Bay)..... 604-885-5997

Joanne Dickeson, Sunshine Coast Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Canada, British Columbia (Langley)..... 604-530-2064

Gail Martin (Founder/Executive Director), Critter Care Wildlife Society
Wildlife Species: specialize in raccoons, but take all of urban native mammal (only) species
SPECIALTIES and KNOWLEDGE: Raccoons, squirrels etc.
Canada, British Columbia (New Westminster)..... 604-540-2272

Roberta Sushnyk, management, HomeFinders Turtle Rescue Canada
support@homefinders.zzn.com
Wildlife Species: turtles and small mammals
Canada, British Columbia, North Central region (Prince George)..... 250-963-3373

Rachel Morey (founder, owner, operator), Northern Wildlife Rescue
northernraptor@hotmail.com
Wildlife Species: mammals and raptors only
Canada, British Columbia, Northwest region (Prince Rupert)..... 250-624-4143

Gunther and Nancy Golinia (owner/manager), Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehab Shelter
wildlife@citytel.net
Wildlife Species: all
Specialties/Knowledge: deer, eagles, songbirds, wildlife rescue
Canada, British Columbia (Prince George)..... 250-962-0015

Rachel Morey (treasurer, public relations, volunteer), Northern Raptor Preservation Society
nor-rap@home.com
Wildlife Species: small mammals and raptors
Canada, British Columbia (Prince Rupert)..... 250-624-4143

Nancy and Gunther Golinia Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehab Shelter
wildlife@citytel.net
Wildlife Species: all species (Eagles, owls, deer, heron, ducks, songbirds, etc.)
Specialty: raising deer fawns
Canada, British Columbia, Southwest region, British Columbia County (Abbotsford).....
604-852-9173

Elizabeth Melick (Executive director/Founder), Elizabeth's Wildlife Center Society
Wildlife Species: all wild birds and small mammals e.g. cottontails, snowshoe hares,
squirrels, opossums
Canada, British Columbia, Southwest region, Sunshine Coast (Gibsons)..... 604-886-4989

Clint and Irene Davy (owner/operators), Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
gwrc@sunshine.net
Wildlife Species: small mammals, all species of birds
Limitations: no large mammals
Specialty: oil spills
Comments: have operated a wildlife rehabilitation centre for over 20 years
Canada, British Columbia, Southwest region (Surrey)..... 604-882-0908

Val Donovan (volunteer coordinator), Monika's Wildlife Shelter
monika_frank@telus.net
Wildlife Species: all species of native wildlife
Specialties/Knowledge: raptors, swans, and deer
Comments: over 4,000 admissions anually
Canada, British Columbia, Southwest region, Vancouver..... 604-258-7325

Marine Mammal Rescue, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
Wildlife Species: marine mammals
Canada, British Columbia, Southwest region, Victoria..... 250-478-9453

BC SPCA Wild ARC - Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre
info@wildarc.com
Wildlife Species: All small and medium sized birds and mammals
Canada, British Columbia, Tofino..... 250-725-3783

Rory Paterson, Rory's Refuge Wild Bird Rehabilitation Centre
Wildlife Species: seabirds

[Twi_prime]

Hi Aimee. I hope your squirrel is still hanging in there. I sent a message to the person who started the thread containing that list. She (he?) is FloridaPossum and was actually looking for a rehabber in that area too. She posted back then that she was going to make a point of finding someone in the area, so I've sent her a pm in the hopes that she's still around the board and has helpful info. Any updates on your little one? :grouphug

[Twi_prime]

Aimee, FloridaPossum got back to me and said she was never able to find rehabbers in the area, but found this group: http://www.bczoo.org/wildliferehabilitation.htm I asked if she knew what their views were on paralysis and/or euthanasia, but she really didn't know. Have you talked with Jackie In Tampa? She's gotten to know some paralyzed squirrels in her time. Maybe she could give you some guidance. Whatever happens, I'm interested to know how you and your squirrel are making out. :grouphug