Arm and or leg broken [Archive] - The Squirrel Board

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 12:19 PM

I left my baby out on his window shade while I was downstairs I do this a lot do heh can be free well the lamp was knocked over when I got back he's hilding his arm up and he won't use or move it it's broken help what to do will he live should I give him anything for pain I'm so upset what can I do?!?

SammysMom

11-26-2011, 12:27 PM

Just want you to know you are not alone! I have sent PMs to IR and Jackie. Hopefully they will see them soon. You are in the right place for help! Prayers for you and baby!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

island rehabber

11-26-2011, 12:30 PM

Thanks Sammy's Mom!!:grouphug
ok...first, take a few deeeep breaths so you are calm and can better help him. He will pick up on your panic. Wrap him up in a nice warm soft piece of fleece or blanket and hold him calmly for a few minutes. He may be in shock, so the magic words are Dark, Warm and Quiet. Get him away from kids, pets, loud TV/stereo, whatever.
Are you certain the leg is broken? Can you decribe what you see/feel to us? Squirrels can sprain their legs pretty badly and will hold them up for a few days but it's not necessarily a fracture. If it is, you NEED A VET.
We have some wonderful members in VA...let's see if we can get you some vet help![/quote]

SammysMom

11-26-2011, 12:34 PM

Thank-you IR!!! I knew we had experts that would help.:thumbsup :Love_Icon :thumbsup :Love_Icon :thumbsup

island rehabber

11-26-2011, 12:38 PM

I've alerted Chickenlegs, who is in VA, to this emergency post and I'm going to PM Marydavis with the email of another wildlife rehabber down there :thumbsup

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 12:55 PM

You can give him infant ibuprofen, do you have a weight on him? How old is he?
Yes, TY SM :thumbsup :Love_Icon

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 12:55 PM

I've alerted Chickenlegs, who is in VA, to this emergency post and I'm going to PM Marydavis with the email of another wildlife rehabber down there :thumbsup

Perfect...:grouphug

Chickenlegs

11-26-2011, 12:58 PM

Oh gosh I just got this. Hope you've got some help by now. I'm on my hubby's laptop (and laptop time is precious). My squirrels ate my keyboard (really). I do have a vet who will treat squirrels. She's in this next week (my Surya squirrel has an appointment on Monday). I'm Pming my phone number-- so we can set up some help for your baby--unless you've already got some help (sure hope so). This is everybody's worst fear--that something will happen to our darlings.

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 01:00 PM

This is everybody's worst fear--that something will happen to our darlings.

And on a holiday weekend....:shakehead

island rehabber

11-26-2011, 01:11 PM

:thankyou:thankyouchickenlegs!! :grouphug:grouphug

Jackie in Tampa

11-26-2011, 01:16 PM

I'm Pming my phone number-- so we can set up some help for your baby--unless you've already got some help (sure hope so). This is everybody's worst fear--that something will happen to our darlings. :poke we talked about this...holidays and weekends...:shakehead

patjones

11-26-2011, 02:13 PM

Just a thought but the lamp being knocked over makes me think of an electrical shock and that can exit a limb so it wold be hurt.

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 07:24 PM

I am going to attempt to uplaod a photo i have kept him warm and in his nest box which of course has lots of fleece and softness in it he is trying to be active and climb his shade my husband tried giving him some pedialyte and water ...hes seems to be eating fine What can I do? i forgot my password on here and was locked out for a while meanwhile I had a photoshoot to do while my husband watched our baby ...... i love him so I don't want him to be in pain what can I give him? I don't know his weight hes a fatty though what else can we feed or give him that may help?

SammysMom

11-26-2011, 07:26 PM

Infant ibuprofen is okay, but it must be infant. I think you really need a weight to dose any meds though. How is the arm?

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 07:37 PM

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 07:42 PM

chicken legs...I didn't see your number but mine is 804.212.4203 any help you can offer would be great i think it is broken if it is will he die? I am so worried about him he is the love of our lives & oh so sweet. Anything you recommend we do to help him for now? he keep winsing and making a funny chatter noise with his teeth but other than that he is still being avtive eating and drinking.... I don't care how much it cost i just want him to be okay! i don't know his weight if i had to guess 1.5lbs? i'll post a pic soon if i can can i weight him on a normal scale?

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 07:42 PM

You can get a kitchen scale or postal type scale at Target or WalMart or a kitchen type store. (Bed, Bath and Beyond). I think Giant grocery or Safeway has a kitchen scale in the gadget isle. Mine in MD does. Get a weight on him and I can dose the infant Ibuprofen for you.

Marty

EDIT: The chatter is pain. He will not die with a broken arm. He may need a Vet, however.

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 07:43 PM

hes around 10 months i think we found him when he was a little baby boy

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 07:45 PM

chilrens tylenol the liquid? can anyone be more specific i dont wanna kill him will a digiatl kitchen scale work?

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 07:57 PM

chilrens tylenol the liquid? can anyone be more specific i dont wanna kill him will a digiatl kitchen scale work?
No this has to be INFANT ibuprofen, NOT Tylenol...:thumbsup
It's a liquid since it's for infants and flavored too.

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 07:59 PM

When you get a weight on him convert it to grams and use the following dosing for Infant Ibuprofen. I get the generic infant Ibuprofen at WalMart . Also known as Infant Motrin, brand name .It is liquid infant drops 50mg/1.25ml.
(454 grams is a pound)( ml and cc are the exact same measure.)

400 grams= .1cc
500 grams= .12 cc
600 grams= .14 cc
700 grams= .17 cc

Let us know if you get a weight on him.

Marty

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 08:07 PM

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:12 PM

http://smu.gs/rvWALc

password is bop

i couldnt upload it said files to large
follow link to see my baby boy

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 08:12 PM

Also ask the pharmacy for a 1cc ( or 1ml )syringe. Tell them you are feeding a kitten and need 1 small syringe. Remember .1 cc is one tenth of 1 cc. What I am trying to say is the amount you will be giving him is a small drop or two, kind of, not the whole 1cc (ml) syringe. The dose I have given to you is on the low end of the dosing scale.

Marty

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:14 PM

http://smu.gs/rvWALc

password is bop

to see his baby arm :{

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 08:16 PM

http://smu.gs/rvWALc

password is bop

i couldnt upload it said files to large
follow link to see my baby boy

I would say about a pound. Others?? What do you think??

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 08:17 PM

I didn't see the arm. Are these pictures current? So you think he is about 10 months old here?

Edit...OK I see the arm/paw now, kind of just hanging there?

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 08:20 PM

I would say about a pound. Others?? What do you think??
Yes I would agree, if these pictures are current, I would guesstimate around a pound

CritterMom

11-26-2011, 08:23 PM

It looks like he is using his hand on that side to eat...that is a good sign. If you give him ibuprophen, please restrict his activity, because if he doesn't have the pain to limit him, he could injure it further. For example, if you have one of those double decker cages, restrict him to one level, pad the bottom well.

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:24 PM

i just took the pictures u see the arm? he trys to use it but it lays there so should i go get a scale or ???? just use 1 lb as weight

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:24 PM

im heading out to get a scale and infant ibprofen be back soon!

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 08:26 PM

i just took the pictures u see the arm? he trys to use it but it lays there so should i go get a scale or ???? just use 1 lb as weight

To me, you would be safe going with a pound. This is dosed anyway on the low side. So like Marty said just make sure you only do the .1 cc which is very very little....:thumbsup

SammysMom

11-26-2011, 08:27 PM

Certainly looks like 1 lb to me too. Does he move the arm at all or does it always just hang?

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 08:38 PM

I just saw the paw too. I was looking at the weight. It is good he was using it some. It looks more like his wrist. Not sure. The pad looks a little swollen(?). Also, does the paw have a sore on the pad on the bottom. A couple of the pics looked like it might have a wound. In that case, the electrocution idea mentioned by someone earlier could be. Will look again.

Marty

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:52 PM

i didnt see a sore on the paw ... i tried to feel both arms but i didnt want to hurt him more he is def acting different...wanting to sleep more and very cuddly...Could elec. kill him? his face did look swollen i am just maybe freaking out????

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:53 PM

So .1cc is the right dose?

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:54 PM

the doser that came with it has 0.625ml as the smallest dose

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 08:55 PM

So .1cc is the right dose?

Yes if he is one pound. Does the lamp have any teeth marks in the cord, feel very carefully for them, run your fingers down the cord.

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 08:56 PM

the doser that came with it has 0.625ml as the smallest dose

You didn't get a syringe? I will go look at mine and see what I can come up with.

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:56 PM

we found him in august at that point he was only 4 weeks old so he is not 10 months old now

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 08:57 PM

the pharmacy is closed at walmart but i think i have one from when he was i baby i can go find it

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 08:58 PM

The syringe that came with it is way too big. That dose is almost 6x what you need.

SammysMom

11-26-2011, 08:58 PM

Geez, he's only 4 - 5 months then? He may not be a pound at all.

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 09:00 PM

i dunno he is a big baby he eats good here but healthy stuff too.
i will check the lamp cord and i will use his feeding syringe from when he was a baby to dose him with .1cc it wont kill him right?

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 09:03 PM

No .1cc will not kill him. Remember .1cc is just a small drop or two. Not the whole syringe. I just want to over explain so we don't make any mistakes.

Marty

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 09:05 PM

Thanks i appreciate you all...anything else i can do to make him feel a little better? i'll just give him to tiny drops :"}

Nancy in New York

11-26-2011, 09:08 PM

OK I actually measured out the infant ibuprofen with a syringe to the .1 mark and dispensed in my hand. I tried doing it with the syringe that came with the medicine. The plunger was rough going down...so I can't tell you exactly where on the syringe the mark would be....BUT with the dosing syringe, it is 2 1/2 drops if that makes sense. In other words, two good drops came out and then a small drop. Hope this helps. Can you try it in your hand first to see for yourself where it would be on the syringe that came with the ibuprofen?

edit: I just saw you post that you have a syringe from when he was young....ok just a couple of drops is what it should come out to.

UDoWhat

11-26-2011, 09:11 PM

Thanks i appreciate you all...anything else i can do to make him feel a little better? i'll just give him to tiny drops :"}
Yes 2 drops. BUT get a 1cc syringe tomorrow. I would like to be more accurate. This is fine for tonight. I am just obsessed and like official doses when possible. The .1 cc dose is on the low dose side and can be prescribed at 3x that dose but I like to stick with the lower dosing to be safe.

EDIT: Again, Nancy great minds...

Margie

11-26-2011, 09:53 PM

I looked at the pictures and the elbow to shoulder area( humerus bone) looks swollen to me. It could be the way he is holding it though. Since I can't compare it to a similiar pose without an injury. Does he respond to pain by pulling back his leg if you pinch a toe? That is a test for radial nerve damage.

M.Bear

11-26-2011, 10:01 PM

you mean pinch the hurt hand?

Chickenlegs

11-26-2011, 11:52 PM

Hi Mary--pmed you my phone numbers but it's so hard for me to get online these days I didn't see your number till just now and it's bout midnight. I'll call you tomorrow (Sunday) and we'll see what we can arrange re getting him to a vet here--unless there's a closer vet with squirrel experience. He is in a relatively small cage right?--don't want to aggrevate the injury.

Chickenlegs

11-27-2011, 12:12 AM

Just looked at his poor arm. Looks swollen right up to the shoulder. I really don't think I'd let him do his normal active things--if he should fall--jump--or do squirrley stuff he could do more damage. I'd keep him as quiet as possible until you can get him evaluated by a vet--or, as will sometimes happen if it's a sprain, it will begin to noticeably resolve itself by Monday and that's the earliest you can get a vet appointment anyhow.

M.Bear

11-27-2011, 02:37 AM

Thanks everyone and chicken legs
You can call or text me whatever's easier. Do u think it's broken? After i gave him the medicine he was using that arm more. Still holds the hand part down though... I did see he bit through my iPhone charger cord that's beside the lamp too! now I feel like squirrel protective services need to be called lol I'm an unfit squirrel mother :(

Jackie in Tampa

11-27-2011, 08:07 AM

a phone charger is low voltage...so not that if you are think electrocuted...
:grouphug

M.Bear

11-27-2011, 09:50 AM

M.Bear

11-27-2011, 09:56 AM

I gave him some more infant ibuprofen this morning it makes him super hyper!

atlantasquirrelgirl

11-27-2011, 10:30 AM

I am incredibly close to you right now (I'm in your zip code today), but don't have any supplies with me, and am licensed in Georgia, not VA. Not sure if Chickenlegs is in the Richmond area, but if not, I can try to see if I can convince a local vet into doing an x-ray. If you have a relationship with a vet that sees your domestics, they may also do the xray for you.

I sent you a PM with my cell number as a backup if Chickenlegs cannot help with the arrangements. My experience with this has been that a vet will usually do an xray to see if there is a break. If it is severe, they may bandage it to keep it steady for healing, and recommend limited mobility. It is hard it is to keep a bandage on a squirrel, so sometimes, you just have to go with the latter recommendation. They may also prescribe calcium syrup to speed bone healing and Metacam for pain and inflammation.

Jackie in Tampa

11-27-2011, 10:40 AM

Pink Mamma is in midlothian, she may have a vet if one cannot be found...
just sharing info...ASG and CLegs are great rehabbers...you are in good hands...thank you all
Holly Williams
VA State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Area Rehabbers Klub, Richmond VA and surrounding counties

UDoWhat

11-27-2011, 09:30 PM

I def think the wrist part is broken today it's hanging lower and he hasn't tried to used it I did catch him nibbling it so instinctively
I feel it's broken animals do that when parts are broken. My little boy needs a vet. Chicken legs are u close to me I live off hull street rd.
14200 key deer dr
Midlothian va 23112
That's what I see too. When looking at the pics last night I thought his shoulder and arm seemed to be fairly normal. I thought this is more the wrist involved. I don't know if it is broken but a sprain would hurt and make him not want to use it. BTW, any word on this one??

Margie

11-27-2011, 10:21 PM

When a shoulder area is badly bruised or swollen, it can put pressure on the radial nerve that runs through that area. It will cause the hand to be limp because the nerve innervation to that area is cut off. A heavy blow to the upper arm or shoulder can sometimes cause temp or permanent damage to the radial nerve. If it is temporary the feeling and use of the hand will slowly return as the swelling goes down in the shoulder area. A phone charger cord can cause electrocution if bitten through and the circuit is completed. I had a friend whose kitten bit through a regular phone cord, that carries a very low charge, and the kitten died as a result of the electrocution. The only sign to begin with was some blood in the mouth, but later the lungs started swelling.
And yes, you lightly pinch a toe of the injured hand and see if the patient responds to the pain by pulling back the limb. If it doesn't, it means there has been nerve damage, and the limb is paralyzed.

Chickenlegs

11-27-2011, 11:45 PM

Calling the vet first thing in the morning. My Surya has an appointment tomorrow afternoon but Bop needs it more if there's no more appointments available. Talked to Mary. She's worried sick about her baby--as any of us would be. She said he was chewing on that limb. Worry worry!

UDoWhat

11-28-2011, 09:09 AM

Chickenlegs, So glad she will get help. Keep us posted

Margie, great explanation. Also sounds as though this IS the problem with the limb chewing.

Will keep watch out for any further word.

Marty

Jackie in Tampa

11-28-2011, 09:29 AM

i hope she gets pain meds soon ...chewing can indicate pain or numb...
it needs to be addressed asap.
hoping a vet can see her...if not, maybe Chickenlegs can share some tramadol with Mary:grouphug ...
I would def put an e collar on to stop the chewing...
If she has chewed a wound, flush with betedine if possible:grouphug
hoping for the best with this one:Love_Icon
:bowdown to everyone helping

M.Bear

11-28-2011, 09:45 PM

My baby is ok! He a very expensive x-ray but very worth it thank you Pat(chicken legs)!!!!
He's cuddling with us in the bed right now thanks to everyone for your support!

SammysMom

11-28-2011, 09:54 PM

Oh my goodness that is great news!!! :thumbsup :crazy :thumbsup

Nancy in New York

11-28-2011, 10:28 PM

:wahoo :wahoo What did the x ray show?

mpetys

11-28-2011, 11:01 PM

My baby is ok! He a very expensive x-ray but very worth it thank you Pat(chicken legs)!!!!
He's cuddling with us in the bed right now thanks to everyone for your support!

Oh that is great news. Thanks Pat!!!

Chickenlegs

11-29-2011, 12:05 AM

Bop is one absolutely PRECIOUS little guy. He was SO good! x-rays showed no breaks but likely he's had an old injury and maybe some nerve damage. Gotta be specially vigilant he doesn't chew. Mary said he was nibbling between his toes--like he'd got something on his paws and was cleaning them, rather than chewing on his foot. Dr Gonzalas has raised squirrels so she understands squirrel love.

Nancy in New York

11-29-2011, 12:09 AM

UDoWhat

11-29-2011, 05:25 PM

So happy . so relieved for you . Did I say SO HAPPY!!!!:multi :multi No breaks is really good news. :thankyou Chickenlegs for all the updates too.

Marty

gs1

11-29-2011, 09:51 PM

so glad to hear it wasn't a break.... if it was i would have questioned the diet.... and if this was a symptom of MBD.

:thumbsup

UDoWhat

11-29-2011, 10:21 PM

So how is Bop tonight? One tired little squirrel?? :Love_Icon

Marty

Jackie in Tampa

11-30-2011, 08:49 AM

Thank you C'legs!
and MDp!
sending healing vibes...
gentle massages...slow gentle leg stretches, a few to start...
occasional supplimental heat, some metacam, a pecan half and a kiss...
maybe some Beatle's on low volume;)
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug