Very new here

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Hello board

About 6 weeks ago I found a baby grey in my back yard, or the dogs did. They did not hurt him, just sniffed him out.
He was very small but his eyes were open and he could not use his back legs. He dragged them kind of side saddle. He had trouble propping himself up to hold anything to eat.
I use the past tense because He is now balancing himself on his hind legs , he is eating like a champ, brussel sprouts, broccoli, green beans and pecans, and he LOVES his puppy formula, He has it twice a day. We have a small cage that his bed , water bottle and chewy sticks and cutter bone are in, when he goes in his bed, we close it up for his saftey, when he is up it is placed on the floor with a cardboard encloser that is 6feet square and 1and1/2 feet tall, so he can drag himself around, not get out and get hurt or stuck some where, I have introduced boxes with blankets wrapped around them for climbing, not too tall, in case he falls.
He started out spitting ,swipping, growling and biting . We do not hold him or cuddle him but he will climb into my lap for his bottle, and does love to be scratched behind his ears
I started him out by only handling or going close to him with food and no other reason, had to use plyers with the food in it at first because he attacked everything.
He now knows I am food and Daddy is play. He has a stuffed bear he likes to wrestle.
He has grown and fattend up and is doing great, we feel it is time to be looked at by a DR to assess his legs and back, I really didnt think he was going to make it this long.
He paced back and forth trying to get out for about a week now he just plays and looks for us to come and be with him.
Today I found a vet who will look him over . AND a wonderful soul who at the office the same time I was said she has a cage, I went to look at it and it is axacutally what I have been looking for if we kept him. I felt like We won the lottery, she just gave it to me!!!

I have been told I am a horrible pearson for torturing the squirrel by not putting him down, wont say who said that, a local here.
I am sorry but if he is playing and eating peeing and pooping( I do bath him once a day to get the peepee off him so as not to get soar) and enjoying a massage everyday and water therapy ( I work his legs in the water, very gently). And now a cage has landed in my lap!!! I feel I should continue to let the little guy live.

Am I really wrong?? I have struggled with this for 6 weeks, we both have, myself and my husband, he loves him by the way and named him Simon.
We would love to release but I keep telling my husband it is unlikely. He isnt going to just stay in the back yard and play in the trees.

Of course when the new cage is cleaned and he is in it, he will climb more, which is when he uses his hind legs more which will make them even stronger!! Right!!??
Please , we would really love to hear your thoughts.

[astra]

:Welcome , Sweet Simon's Mommy,

So, you are a "horrible" person because you let the little guy live?...
hmmm...would not listen to whoever said that...

it's great that you found this site - there is a lot of very useful info from the correct most optimal nutrition (Squirrel Nutrition forum) to dealing with various illnesses and health problems, based on many years of rehabbing experience and collective wisdom, so please feel free to read all forums and check everything out.

The fact that your little guy's control of his legs improved is a very good sign.
Sometimes, squirrels with such injuries improve 100% and get released.
When they do not recover enough to be released, a lot of people keep them as non-releasable (NR), i.e., as a "pet" (although, it's not clear who is a pet here, a squirrel or his/her humans;-)).
IT's great that you got that free cage! If you could post photos of it, our experienced people could make suggestions (if needed) regarding better safety etc etc etc (sometimes, some cages need slight adjustments).
You can also check out Cages, Nesboxes etc forum for ideas if you decide to make an even larger cage yourself (or if you need to build a release cage if he end up being released).
The physical therapy in water and massage are great! Keep doing them!

Since he might end up being a NR, you need to handle him and love on him, so that you can establish a good loving relationship of trust.
Just be prepared that squirrels often tend to become a one-person animals (they pick one family member, and others are either only tolerated or openly disliked ;-)). Sometimes, that happens only in phases, episodes, other times, it might last longer, but very often, they end up mellowing down eventually and the previously "rejected" family members become ok again. And, sometimes, it never happens! So, don't worry, just letting you know in case it happens.



Please do check out Squirrel Nutrition forum as nutrition becomes one of the most important issues for pet squirrels.
Squirrels have such specific nutritional requirements, that if they are not met, squirrels can become very ill, esp. with MBD, that can either cripple them or prove fatal.

I assume he is eating Esbilac?... if he handles it well, then, I guess, you could continue. Although, some people do end up switching to a better formula - Fox Valley, available either from www.foxvalleynutrition.com or www.henryspets.com. By far, FV is the best formula for squirrels.
Just do not wean him - let him wean himself. Formula is very important for their health.
He must eat good rodent block(s) - that will be his insurance against MBD when he finally stops eating formula.

Sounds like you have been doing a great job with him.:thumbsup
Where are the pics??????????:poke :)

Please do not hesitate to ask questions!:grouphug

[stosh2010]

Welcome to TSB...I hope Simon regains full use of his legs...
If he can't run and leap like LIGHTNING..he can never be released.
Speed is the way they survive.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

cant seem to post picture, went to attachment, clicked browse clicked pic,waited,then nothing it just went away

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Yes Astra he is on Esbilac, the other gave him the runs, this doesnt and he likes it, I tried ensure he spit that out, very funny.

How do you post pictures, not working for me

[JakesLittlePrincess]

Hello & :Welcome

[astra]

Yes Astra he is on Esbilac, the other gave him the runs, this doesnt and he likes it, I tried ensure he spit that out, very funny.

How do you post pictures, not working for me
well, i guess, as long as it works for him - let him eat it, just again- do not wean him.

To post a pic try this:

Click on Post Reply (as you would normally post)
When a reply box opens (where you type text), scroll down the browser window and see Manage Attachments (or smth like that) - click on it.
It will open a box that will allow you to browse and attach 10 items.
Click on Browse: find the photo (e.g., on your desktop or in a folder, wherever you keep them), click on Open(or whatever that button is),
after that you should be able to see the file name/address in that Browse line.
Click on Attach. wait till it is attached - may take a minute or so, depending on how large the file is.
You will see them listed as attached (forget what that section on the screen is, but you will see it),
Then you can CLose that Manage Attachment box, which will bring you back to your Post box with attached photos now.
Put something in the text box because sometime it does not let you Post until there is something in the text box.
Post.
The photo should be posted.

It's not as complicated as it might sound.:)

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

it says

Your file of 2.94 MB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 1.00 MB for this filetype

what do I do to post pic

[mpetys]

it says

Your file of 2.94 MB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 1.00 MB for this filetype

what do I do to post pic

Do you know how to reduce the size of the picture so that it will be 1 MB or less? Maybe Stosh can explain how it can be done. :D I use Corel Photopaint but I am sure there must be a standard, easy way. If you wanted to email the photo to me, I could try uploading it. If so, my email is mpetys at gmail.com

By the way, what part of Florida are you in? I am in Tampa.

[lilidukes]

I had a baby(5-6 weeks) that was paralyzed. Wizard never regained the use of his back legs though we worked and worked. He was seen by a very good squirrel vet Dr Dan and his prognosis was what it is it is. Wizard never knew he was handicapped and if he wanted to go there he got there. His front end developed into massive muscles he was very strong. He added many grey hairs to my head and I suffered many a tiny stroke. Wizard was the sunshine of my life, he decided to sleep in a blanket next to my pillow always wanted to be close to me. I also felt like a mama opossum cause he loved to ride around the house on me for months. He gave me so many laughs, smiles and tears.

Wizard left me a short while ago his rear end didn't grow though all of his organs did. I knew and expected his life to be short but it was way to short for me. The day he died he was fine all day until very late afternoon and he suddenly became very lethargic and passed within a few hours.

Did I do wrong by him NO he was the happiest fearless monkey I have ever had. And my only regret is it just wasn't long enough. I allowed him to be as much a squirrel as he could be. He climbed an 8' silk banana tree daily, had free run of a large room with lots of fleece covered ramps, things to climb and was in the presence of other squirrels.

These kids do require a lot of time and money especially the vet bills. I learned a lot of tricks like cutting all of his food up smaller even his HHB's because he ate with only one hand and it was easier to hold things. He laid across a stuffed apple ( size of a softball) to prop himself up to eat. He learned how not to pee on himself. He covered up his uneaten food like a normal squirrel, had stashes of nuts in which he protected from the other free roamers in the room. Launched himself off of things and did belly flops onto the floor. His coat was slick and shiny he was as healthy looking as all my other kids. With Wizard there was never a dull moment. And he is so very sorely missed.

Ask questions many here have had experience with kids like this. Now if they become mean and miserable or in constant pain then yes pts sadly is the answer. But if they are happy and thriving give them the very best life you can. You will never regret it.

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Welcome :wave123
I too have had several paralyzed sqs...:grouphug
If he can be happy with you...do it!:Love_Icon
Sqs are awesome..their love is so unique and wonderful!
I urge you to handle him as much as possible..baths etc will be part of his 'forever'..
Would love to see the cage..
I also would love to sew him some things! Hammock and hanging boa..
:thumbsup Lilidukes will be a great source of info!
and also Charley Chuckles and Abby!:Love_Icon

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26617&highlight=charley+chuckles

I am in Tampa...if I can help in any way!
Florida is a legal state so having vet care is not an issue.
TSB has many many members in Florida...:alright.gif

Hope you can get the pic thing figured out...
would love to see your sweetie and THE NEW CAGE!!!!:wott

:get_em as for people that don't understand that handicapped sqs need love too...
phooey!
I have several NRs myself...we're best friends:Love_Icon
:Welcome :wave123
:worthless

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

:thumbsup WOW!!!!
I am so glad to hear all your encouregment.
Thank you Thank you Thank you:thankyou

I am working on changing the formmat with the picture thing, I have some from the time we got him till now:)
I will be cleaning his new cage today, cant wait to get started!!:jump
I put the hammocks and toys and shelves and blankets I got for him into his encloser last night so he can explore and sniff and chew it all and not be overwhelmbed when I finally put him in it. I will be taking pictures along the way so when I can post then when I finally get the right size,I will have plenty.

I am in Daytona Beach area. MYPEYZ I will email pics to you in the mean time Thank you

Jackie and Astra Thank you, hearing others that feel the way we do means soooo much.
I guess I can understand the resuces point that he would fill a cage that could be used for one that can be released, :dono but then again, no I dont see it that way.:shakehead

I also heard that some resues who recieve injuered squirrels feed them to their snakes because thats what nature does, NO sorry I dont agree:soapbox
so so so so glad I have your support on this

More later haveto start cleaning

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

:sanp3
Thank you lilidukes, didnt wan to leave you out

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

new cage

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

4 feet by 4 feet by 2 feet

I had to go through paint to make smaller I think I made it too small
still working on it

[lilidukes]

Nice cage. Pad the bottom really thick with fleece in case of a fall. And check all of the places where the sides come together for and gaps that could pinch or snag a foot. I lace strips of fleece on cage corners and joints when necessary

And as for using a cage for an NR........well we can always get more cages for the healthy. There is always room for another squirrel and if not we will make room!!!:thumbsup

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

so is it ok ?? I plan on fleecing everywhere and also having hammocks through out so he has something to fall into or grab onto on the way down

[lilidukes]

Oh jit has offered to sew for you. Take her up on it she makes the very best cage gear anywhere. You know she has 867 squirrels so she understands a little about them.:rotfl

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

there has to be an easier way than doing one at a time

here is where he lives now which is nice because we can go in with him, we dont have a room for him and we also have Gramma who thinks he is cute but is too ruff, she is 86 and two doggies Dino is 4 Noel is 8 small maltes but bigger than Simon

[Tickle's Mom]

so is it ok ?? I plan on fleecing everywhere and also having hammocks through out so he has something to fall into or grab onto on the way down

WalMart sells lambswool type carpeting in the dog section. $10.00 It can be cut, does not fray and withstands daily washings. I have a NR Tickle and she has no clue she is paralyzed. None whatsoever. :thumbsup

She did get tangled up in a cube she had torn apart and nearly died as she was hanging upside down from her paralyzed feet - the pictures are somewhere on the board. Just be very very cautious. And ENJOY squirrel love :grouphug

[astra]

you can upload up to 10 pics at a time.

if there are dogs, please keep them completely separated from your little guy!

1. if he ends up recovering to the point of being released, he needs to have his fear of dogs/cats (predators) intact. If he gets used to them and/or sees you interact with them safely, he will assume they are safe and that will be his death sentence if he does get released;

2. if he ends up being NR, it will still be safe for them to be separate. Dogs/cats and squirrels do not mix. You might hear of stories when a squirrel rides on the pet dog and they seem to be get along - that's a time bomb that is liable to explode any time. That's taking chances you do not want to.
There have been a lot of tragic "accidents".
Even if they "get along", dogs and cats might end up "playing" too rough and hurt the squirrel, often, permanently. They are predators and their instincts are strong.

3. you didn't mention cats, but I'll say anyway while at it :) - cat's saliva is deadly for squirrels (and can be pretty bad for humans, too).

So, yes, keep him and the dogs (and other house pets) separately.

:grouphug

[mpetys]

I got the pictures. Somehow, when you emailed them, they were much smaller than you were talking about before. I went ahead and added your captions to them.

[mpetys]

And one last, adorable picture.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Thanks for helping, I found a size in my camera and changed it see if that works, so how old is he when I found him can you tell?

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I am sorry I am wasting space here but just trying to get the picture thing down

[patjones]

Very nice I like the blue thing in the middle where did it come from

[lilredd028]

Looks like a great home for the baby.... Safe and fun. Great job. mjs

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I think I fixed the problem so all new pics should work fine:crazy

I took the long blue thing out, I like it too but am afraid his nails might get stuck. will try alittle at a time Just waiting for Daddy to come home before we let him out into his new house.

His little cage is in it now so he can smell and look around with still being safe in his little house, this is how I think to do this, slow and easy:D

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

lets try again for the fourth time

ok have aquestion about the natural wood perch, I thought he might like to lie on it or climb, but when I gave it to him last night to sniff and check it out he proceed to eat it, now I know apple sticks are good but i dont know what kind of wood this is, I would like to keep it in the cage but not if it is bad for him, any ideas on this, it seems much softer that his apple sticks

[lilidukes]

Thank you for taking the blue thing out.:thumbsup

When I give baths I fill two or three large bowls with water and both sinks. I never run water with them unless it's an emergency(they tend to freak) I get a baby wash cloth wet and soak it with baby shampoo/wash, then dip into a bowl wash and then we dip into the other bowls and sinks to rinse. I do therapy after all the soap is gone.

Looking at the pics it looks to me as if he might have a bump on his spine right at the hips. Could be a break there. I have a grown girl who with 2 spinal breaks has learned to walk again. Or it could be the pelvis.

Watch closely for any open sores. If you are going to the vet ask him/her to write you a prescription for Silver Sulfadiazine aka SSD it is on the walmart $4 list. SSD is a antibiotic cream for burns. Miracle drug if Simon gets urine scald and you can use it on any open wounds. Tell the vet you would like to have this on hand. You might also ask the vet for SMZ-TMP(paper script also $4 Walmart) an ab used for UTI's something these kids are prone to getting. A UTI has a funky different smell to the urine and you will know that's what it is by the smell.

And the other thing is if you don't have you need to get a gram scale in order for anyone to help you with dosing meds for him.

:grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

The blue thing was from Goodwill Pat, my fav place to shop

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Looks like a great home for the baby.... Safe and fun. Great job. mjs

Thanks:flash3

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Thank you for taking the blue thing out.:thumbsup

When I give baths I fill two or three large bowls with water and both sinks. I never run water with them unless it's an emergency(they tend to freak) I get a baby wash cloth wet and soak it with baby shampoo/wash, then dip into a bowl wash and then we dip into the other bowls and sinks to rinse. I do therapy after all the soap is gone.

Looking at the pics it looks to me as if he might have a bump on his spine right at the hips. Could be a break there. I have a grown girl who with 2 spinal breaks has learned to walk again. Or it could be the pelvis.

Watch closely for any open sores. If you are going to the vet ask him/her to write you a prescription for Silver Sulfadiazine aka SSD it is on the walmart $4 list. SSD is a antibiotic cream for burns. Miracle drug if Simon gets urine scald and you can use it on any open wounds. Tell the vet you would like to have this on hand. You might also ask the vet for SMZ-TMP(paper script also $4 Walmart) an ab used for UTI's something these kids are prone to getting. A UTI has a funky different smell to the urine and you will know that's what it is by the smell.

And the other thing is if you don't have you need to get a gram scale in order for anyone to help you with dosing meds for him.

:grouphug


OK Thank you :thankyou I have used a&d ointment and neosporine and also malox on his leg, his nails arent hitting it as much now but it gets washed often everyday and closely watched:D
will not be going to the vet until after next week, my son is having knee surgery, tore his ACL will be nursing him for a few days then Simon is next:jump

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Dont know if I should post here or go to another area??

Dr Emerson from Ravenwood Vet Clinic in Port Orange says Simons back Is broken, needs help peeing and pooping and no tail movement.

He is on baytril for uti

We have been working on his new big cage , he LOVES it!!!
don't know how to add captions to the pics

But the last one would say," hey get that camera outta my face"

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

well dont know what happened to pics :thinking :thinking :thinking :thinking :dono :dono
will try again

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

This is
Hey Stop Taking my picture

[Dougie]

I love the little wicker basket what a great idea!!!

[lilidukes]

Did your vet teach you how to express Simons bladder???

Water therapy and a very healthy diet is the first place to start!

Does Simon have any feeling or movement in his back legs???

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Hi LILD
He does now, didnt 6 weeks ago when we found him; he couldnt do much of anything.
Dailey bathes with massaging and stimulating he can now ballance on his hind legs, this new cage is helping alot . He loves to climb but cant go down so we ramped it every where with lots of soft landing pads in case he falls.

When he is on the floor he drags his legs. Since the new cage, he doesnt want to come out, probably because when he does it is for bathing , meds and then we try to play but he is so pissed by then he doesnt want to LOL; When I open the door , he doesnt want to come out so we wretsle and play in the cage with him for now.
We dont push him, we go slow.:)

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou
you so rock..thank you for doing so much for such a sweet little one...Thank you:thumbsup
you two made me smile
:Love_Icon

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Thank you Jackie :jump

my facebook page has really suffered, I am on here all the time now.
Reading:flash3 , reading:flash3 , reading:flash3 , learning:grouphug , reading:flash3 , learning:D