Help needed ASAP

[armybrate1]

I have been posting in the non life threatening section. As of this afternoon, I truly beleive that it is a matter of life or death. My little guy was attacked by something. Almost all of the scratches/wounds are pretty much healed over, but where his abcess is/was, you can see that his tendons or ligaments are in two. I was hoping to find someone anywhere near close to hopefully help me decide what to do. Please peruse the other thread for background/pictures. I don't want to put him down, but I definitely do not want him to suffer any more without the chance to live a happy squirrel life. P.M. if you need my info

[NovaAlison23]

I can not answer your question, but I can give you some things they will need to know.
Do you have a weight on the baby?
Do you have ANY antibiotics around your house? For yourself or your neighbor may have some? List what you have.
Do you have any infant pain killer drops?
What has the baby been eating?
Do you know how old it is?

They should be with you soon.

[astra]

just posting a link to army's other thread that has a photo of the abscess:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?p=687122#post687122
:grouphug :grouphug

[armybrate1]

Weight: unknown
a/b:
pain killers: none
food: pedialyte/ yogurts/ nuts
he came to us very unexpectedly, was not prepared. I hate to admit that, but, it is what it is, for the moment.
age: rough guess would be about 2 months.

[astra]

Weight: unknown
a/b:
pain killers: none
food: pedialyte/ yogurts/ nuts
he came to us very unexpectedly, was not prepared. I hate to admit that, but, it is what it is, for the moment.
age: rough guess would be about 2 months.
can you get infant ibuprofen?... people will help you dose it.
Could you approximate his weight?...

[Twi_prime]

Army, an accurate weight would help experienced users to figure out a dosage of meds for your squirrel. If there's a Wal-mart nearby, you can probably find a little kitchen scale with a grams reading for under 5$. Just a suggestion. Best of luck.

[astra]

don't know if you saw this, but another member from SC posted in your other thread:
Poor little guy.I am in north eastern South Carolina right outside of Myrtle Beach.I am not sure how far you are willing to drive to see a vet but I go to one in Surfside Beach which specializes in wildlife.They are open on Saturdays but I am not sure that the vet that sees squirrels will be there tomorrow or not.The name of the vet is ark animal hospital and the vet you would need to see is Dr.jandenski.She is really good and has been caring for wildlife for a long time.They also go off of donations for wildlife from a program called N.O.A.H. and my last visit with meds and all were free.I hope this can help. I pray he gets better soon

Do you think you could drive there?...
YOu can contact this member by private message - her screen name is anh2100

[armybrate1]

wallyworld is closed where I am, we do have some baby asprin, and some a/b called ciprofloxacin. Any ideas on dosage, even if it was a little on the light side? the a/b's are 500 mg

[4skwerlz]

wallyworld is closed where I am, we do have some baby asprin, and some a/b called ciprofloxacin. Any ideas on dosage, even if it was a little on the light side? the a/b's are 500 mg

Is he in pain?

I've seen the pictures from your other thread. Yes, it's a fairly nasty wound but we've seen good recoveries from far, far worse.

What specifically is the issue tonight?

[armybrate1]

@astra we are going to check out the myrtle beach thing in the morning.
@4skwerlz he does not seem to be in pain. climbing around our temp cage, trying to sit up when eating pecans/etc. loves to curl up and sleep in lap under blanket. No obvious signs of pain, and we are fully prepared to take care of him, assuming we can get him healed up. just want to make sure he gets the best care possible, even if it means giving him over.

[astra]

i've sent out a few PMs to various ppl, some of them are in NC.
Most likely, they are asleep and won't see the messages till tomorrow.
Def. contact anh2100 regarding her vet.

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[armybrate1]

Files are too big from wife's phone, will resize for weight reference. Is the ciprofloxacin good for anything?

[4skwerlz]

@astra we are going to check out the myrtle beach thing in the morning.
@4skwerlz he does not seem to be in pain. climbing around our temp cage, trying to sit up when eating pecans/etc. loves to curl up and sleep in lap under blanket. No obvious signs of pain, and we are fully prepared to take care of him, assuming we can get him healed up. just want to make sure he gets the best care possible, even if it means giving him over.
If you can get vet care, that's great. He probably needs antibiotics...and time to heal. A vet can prescribe ABs. Dosage is the same as for rats, and this info is available on the internet. Be careful about "giving him over." In some states, licensed rehabbers are required to euthanize any wild animal that might not be 100% perfect and releasable. Same with vets, so ask questions first. You might be the best person to give him the time to heal.

He sounds really sweet. That makes treatment easier and his prognosis better.

[armybrate1]

here is a pic for size, hopefully

[armybrate1]

I definitely do not want to give him over to someone like that, hope to find someone to help me out with the meds, and make him a nice home here.

[Twi_prime]

Here's a resize on the pic. I suggested that Army might want to post a pic with an object nearby, in case someone could get a guess on the squirrel's weight, and maybe suggest a dosage from that, if someone feels comfortable doing that. I'll have a look around for that rat dosage too.

149865

[astra]

I definitely do not want to give him over to someone like that, hope to find someone to help me out with the meds, and make him a nice home here.
yes, before you bring him anywhere, ask if you have to surrender him.
Do not give them your name and/or contact info and do not tell them you already have him. Just make something up.
Most of them will euthanize him.
BUt as 4skwerlz said, he may recover enough to leave a good life as a non-releasable (NR) squirrel with you.

As for meds, I won't know how to dose, sorry. But a lot of ppl are directed to your thread, who know how to dose, it's just that they might not read their messages till morning.

But please keep checking.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[armybrate1]

just found out the cipro is safe, and for bone, tissue, skin infections, just have to nail down approximate dose. even if on the light side, until we can get the right stuff

[astra]

just found out the cipro is safe, and for bone, tissue, skin infections, just have to nail down approximate dose. even if on the light side, until we can get the right stuff
yes, cipro is safe. would be good if you could weigh him for a more accurate dose

[armybrate1]

I definitely know the game the "BAD" vets play. I work in pest control and termite control, and I do a LOT of trapping in St James. Needless to say, we have a lot of outside critters at our house. and spend a good deal of money on their food

[4skwerlz]

I definitely do not want to give him over to someone like that, hope to find someone to help me out with the meds, and make him a nice home here.

He looks like a young squirrel. He could have had a brush with a predator, or a car. IDEALLY, tomorrow you can find a sympathetic vet who can determine whether there's a break, and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.

Meanwhile, keep him warm, hydrated, calm and quiet. A little fruit like watermelon, apple, or grape is good. If you have to keep him longer than a day you can work out some better nutrition. If no vet is possible, you can probably treat him yourself with some online help. The Cipro might well come in handy.

Get some sleep and keep us posted.

[armybrate1]

As soon as possible, I will get him weighed. Will get a postage scale or something.

[Twi_prime]

just found out the cipro is safe, and for bone, tissue, skin infections, just have to nail down approximate dose. even if on the light side, until we can get the right stuff

Whoa, here's what the med chart on the Rat and Mouse Club of America site says and it includes dosage info (although I don't really know what the info means in terms of how much of each pill should Army give his baby):


ENROFLOXACIN

BRAND: BAYTRIL 2.27%
CIPROFLOXACIN
(human equivalent) 5mg/lb BID, PO

.20cc/lb for 14 to 30 days
(INCREASED 4 TIMES)

2.5 to 5mg/lb BID, PO Bactericidal, broad-spectrum antibiotic once touted as being the miracle drug for mycoplasma, but we've found that using the recommended dose, symptoms return very soon after ending treatment (although some rat owners report having excellent results). Better results have been achieved using much higher doses (as shown). Use in combination with Doxycycline for best results. Injectable form tastes horrible and must be mixed with something to make it palatable. Can also be nebulized. Relatively expensive. Prescription needed.
NOTE: Baytril shouldn't be used in rats under 3 months of age.

So, it sounds like Cipro and Baytril are the same thing. If I'm not mistaken, Baytril is what's often recommended on TSB. Anyone know if it's ideal for baby's abcess?

[Twi_prime]

To be more clear because I think pasting the table made it a little wonky, here's the exact entry under 'dosage' on that chart:

5mg/lb BID, PO
.20cc/lb for 14 to 30 days
(INCREASED 4 TIMES)

2.5 to 5mg/lb BID, PO

Hope it helps somehow.

[armybrate1]

Going to try to shave pill into 10 equal parts, and mix up about 3/4 of one part with some yogurt. Temp until professional can be seen. Thank you all, this board is truly a blessing, along with its members. Will update as soon as more/new info comes up.

[Twi_prime]

Going to try to shave pill into 10 equal parts, and mix up about 3/4 of one part with some yogurt. Temp until professional can be seen. Thank you all, this board is truly a blessing, along with its members. Will update as soon as more/new info comes up.

So you feel pretty confident that's the way to do it? I would hate to steer you wrong. I really know nothing; just found that amount on the chart. I wish you the best on this. :grouphug

[armybrate1]

I just realized it needs to be 100 equal portions for 5 mg. Will do my best to do this, i will err on the side of caution if possible. Would rather have too little than not enough

[Twi_prime]

I just realized it needs to be 100 equal portions for 5 mg. Will do my best to do this, i will err on the side of caution if possible. Would rather have too little than not enough

How can you get 100 equal portions? I don't mean to discourage, but I don't know if too much would be a good thing (if that's what you meant to say there). Sometimes these things can be hard on the tummy, although I don't know if Baytril can be. Also, could be that 4Skwerlz is right and it's not an emergency to get meds into him before morning?

[4skwerlz]

How can you get 100 equal portions? I don't mean to discourage, but I don't know if too much would be a good thing (if that's what you meant to say there). Sometimes these things can be hard on the tummy, although I don't know if Baytril can be. Also, could be that 4Skwerlz is right and it's not an emergency to get meds into him before morning?

No one here can diagnose, prescribe, or dose drugs. The info TWI_prime gave is easily available on the internet, i.e., the dosage of a certain drug per body weight for a rodent (rat). (Thank you Twi, for that info.)

The decision of what to do is yours. We can just provide information and possible contacts for help.

Unless he has taken a turn for the worse suddenly, hopefully he'll be okay until a vet has seen him tomorrow.

[Twi_prime]

No one here can diagnose, prescribe, or dose drugs. The info TWI_prime gave is easily available on the internet, i.e., the dosage of a certain drug per body weight for a rodent (rat). (Thank you Twi, for that info.)

The decision of what to do is yours. We can just provide information and possible contacts for help.

Unless he has taken a turn for the worse suddenly, hopefully he'll be okay until a vet has seen him tomorrow.

Thanks 4Skwerlz. :)

[Jackie in Tampa]

I will Pm the cipro info...

[anh2100]

If there is anything I can do to help let me know.My vet will give you the squirrel back as it is legal here to keep them.Also just to forewarn you,you do have to sign a waiver about euthinazation when seeing this vet but they ONLY use that as a last resort when they know the animal can not be saved.I didn't sign the waiver at first but the lady at the front desk explained to me that it was only for like insurance purposes and such.Also I know you said earlier that you want to keep the squirrel.If you decide not to this vet has a program set up through N.O.A.H. that finds a rehibilitator for anyone who brings in squirrels that can not keep and raise them.I just wanted you to know all this info before you make that drive.If you have anymore questions you can email me @ anh2100 @ sccoast . net.Also if you call them(which I would do first to see if the vet is there) tell them it is an emergency with the squirrel and ask is there anyway you can get him seen today.I will be off and on the computer all day so I will keep checking on here for any questions.

[Jackie in Tampa]

THere is no way I would ever sign any waiver that stated the vet can euthanize at his discretion...no way in hell!
Vets can be wonderful lifesavers...but
they are not in sync with rehabbbing NON RELEASables....
Who is NOAH?????
I have never heard of this Organization...are they in the lowlands?

[anh2100]

THere is no way I would ever sign any waiver that stated the vet can euthanize at his discretion...no way in hell!
Vets can be wonderful lifesavers...but
they are not in sync with rehabbbing NON RELEASables....
Who is NOAH?????
I have never heard of this Organization...are they in the lowlands?

Well I had to sign the waiver to get shady the help he needed.I am new to rehabbing squirrels so I was doing what I could so my little guy could be saved and get the antibiotics he needed.When I had done all I could myself and couldn't get a hold of any antibiotics for him I had to take him there to be seen.N.O.A.H. is an organization through the vet that takes donations to help people in our area who find wildlife and can't afford medicines and such.It also helps find a rehabber for the wildlife if the person decides he/she doesn't want to try and raise them their self.I am not saying that I wanted to sign and again as I stated I didn't sign it at first but I was told I had to to have him seen.I was just trying to do what I thought was best for him.:dono

[Nancy in New York]

Did you get the information I sent you yesterday in a pm about a member in Central NC, Rowan County?
How about the avian/exotic vet in Raleigh?
Are either of these two close to you?

[vickyjhnsn]

Just put computer on. Where in North Carolina are you? What have you done for the baby so far? Be careful of the vets here in NC, they will take them. What they do with them is beyond me. I know of a vet here who will help, it a vet that works with one of the rehabbers here. I just don't know where you are. Also, its Saturday, not sure if they are open and the urgent care here does not take squirrels. Lets start with where you are. PM me and I'll see if we here can help you. I think I might be close to you.

[armybrate1]

First off let me start by saying that I am truly thankful to be a part of a community that cares as much as you all do. I reaaly appreciate all of the advice, info, and warmth you have given us in our horrible situation. After a lot of thought, input, and advice, we had to make the decision to do what was best for our little man. He is no longer suffering, and no longer in pain. After learning about bone infections, and how long he had been injured even before we got him, I could not let him suffer any more. I hope that you all can understand, I had to do what I felt was right for him, and I stand by my decision. We are now going to go get the appropiate supplies stocked up just in case anything like this comes our way again, so as to not be caught unprepared, and unable to give the best chance possible. Once again, I thank the heavens that I found this place, and will stay on the boards so as to learn more about injuries and such. Thank you thank you thank you. I cannot say it enough. Sincerely, Lewis

[Jackie in Tampa]

:shakehead sad choice!

[vickyjhnsn]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Poor little thing. Rest in Peace little one!!

[rygel1hardt]

I know the choice you made for your squirrel wasnt an easy one. It was you that had to make the call and nobody has the right to second guess it. Healing hugs! Stacey

[vickyjhnsn]

I just have to say, I hate the politics around treating and caring for squirrels, especially when you need help. All you all are trying to do is such a giving and caring thing and you all are so wonderful for all you do for those in need, especially these babies. I understand laws but it gets in the way of showing human kindness and compassion and LOVE. Wildlife actually has on their site that if a squirrel is unreleasable it has to be put down. WHY? They are natures wonderful gifts. How sad to take life and just throw it away.

armybrate1 you tried so hard with this one. If he was suffering you did the best thing. It must have been so hard. I had to do that with a kitten not too long ago and it was really hard. I just had my first baby squirrel die on me and I'll never forget her because she is the reason I take in babies and fight so hard to give these sweet animals a chance. It sounds like this little boy opened your heart up to this as well and the next one that comes your way will have a better chance because of how much you learned here and because of that little boy.

Thank God for you people on this site that have HUGE hearts and unselfish intentions. The world needs more people like you.

[4skwerlz]

There are no easy decisions when helping wildlife. The folks who insist on euthanizing NR wildlife truly believe it's the right thing to do. Some of us believe in giving them a chance. You did what you thought was best. I'm sure it wasn't easy.
:grouphug

[armybrate1]

Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. No, having him put down was not fun, bad start to the weekend. We went through some of our old pictures of previous babies, and talked about the first time a baby bites you and hurts your feelings. Not from the bite, but from knowing they are ready to be in the wild. We have taken care of about ten or so before this guy., including one that was attacked and killed by a hawk as we were in our lounge chairs, waiting for him to come down from his first adventure outside. Why do they always choose the TALLEST tree for the first climb, and scare you half to death?I had not had any prior experience with a wounded baby before, but I do feel that we will be better prepared in the future. Once again, I cannot thank you guys and girls for all of your help.

[Twi_prime]

Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. No, having him put down was not fun, bad start to the weekend. We went through some of our old pictures of previous babies, and talked about the first time a baby bites you and hurts your feelings. Not from the bite, but from knowing they are ready to be in the wild. We have taken care of about ten or so before this guy., including one that was attacked and killed by a hawk as we were in our lounge chairs, waiting for him to come down from his first adventure outside. Why do they always choose the TALLEST tree for the first climb, and scare you half to death?I had not had any prior experience with a wounded baby before, but I do feel that we will be better prepared in the future. Once again, I cannot thank you guys and girls for all of your help.

Sorry to hear about your loss, Army. Good plan to get stocked up for next time. I hope next time is a flying-colors success story. :Love_Icon