Help Grayson is Sick--Having a Hard Time Breathing!!

[Pierre]

Hi all.
Many of you know my release, Grayson. He was last year's [2010] fall baby and was released this past spring when he was about 10 - 11 months old. He's been free about 7+ months and doing ok.

Two days ago he came up to me and I didn't recognize him. His nose was all swollen and had some little scratches on it.
The next day he looked worse and had black looking stuff under his nostrils and was sneezing off and on.
Today he came for breakfast and he looked even worse. His nose is very swollen and red. Looks raw and huge. Pictures don't look as bad as it is. Sticks out way farther than a normal nose would.

I brought him inside and set his cage up again. He is eating and drinking some and seems perfectly comfortable being inside. He's slept almost the whole day. :Love_Icon

I gave him some baytril and am going to keep doing it. He was not happy about it. :shakehead I couldn't get any infant motrin in him earlier but will try tonight again.

Please look at the pictures. Is this something specific any of you recognize??? He is having trouble breathing, a bit. He whistles and sneezes and I'm worried.

Other than the baytril and anti-inflammatory, is there anything else I should do? I do have dex but I am not sure if that's the way to go over the infant motrin. ??? Don't know if I'd be able to taper it off...

Please help. :Love_Icon He's my little buddy and such a sweet sweet boy.:Love_Icon And he really is cute [!] but in these pictures he looks scary. :shakehead

Yesterday:


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Today:

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[stosh2010]

Hang in there GRAYSON...Your HOME and SAFE and getting the help you NEED>>>

[Pierre]

.
:grouphug Thank you, Stosh. :grouphug

BTW, I am assuming he got in a fight [mating season?] and it got infected?? :dono I only see scratches, no big cuts.

[astra]

OMG, I wish I knew how to help... poor little Grayson Tate-Tot.... sending prayers...
I hope, it is something fixable by baytril and whatever else experienced rehabbers can suggest:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[UDoWhat]

Hi Pierre, I can't really tell if it is a sting, bite, infection of some kind or what. I see he is inside. I would keep him in at least for a course of Baytril. About the Dex, my Vet tells me to mix .5 cc of Dex with 24 cc's of NaCl and mix well then apply 1 drop in each nostril 2x per day to relieve nasal swelling. You could try that if you are still thinking of the Dex route. No back down involved.

Marty

[Pierre]

OMG, I wish I knew how to help... poor little Grayson Tate-Tot.... sending prayers...
I hope, it is something fixable by baytril and whatever else experienced rehabbers can suggest:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Thanks Astra! :grouphug

[Pierre]

OMG, I wish I knew how to help... poor little Grayson Tate-Tot.... sending prayers...
I hope, it is something fixable by baytril and whatever else experienced rehabbers can suggest:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Thanks Astra! :grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Pierre]

Hi Pierre, I can't really tell if it is a sting, bite, infection of some kind or what. I see he is inside. I would keep him in at least for a course of Baytril. About the Dex, my Vet tells me to mix .5 cc of Dex with 24 cc's of NaCl and mix well then apply 1 drop in each nostril 2x per day to relieve nasal swelling. You could try that if you are still thinking of the Dex route. No back down involved.

Marty

Marty,
Thanks! I can't tell what it is either. :(

He does have discharge and he is having some trouble breathing. Wheezy sounding at time. He is also feeling poorly as when he eats, he sits barely with his elbows off the ground. Not full upright. Doesn't have the energy.

Thanks for the idea about the dex! I'm not sure I could get him to allow that, even burrito-ed up! But that's a great idea and I might try it.

:thankyou

When I first saw this a few days ago, it looked like the bridge of his nose was swollen, not the tip. The next day [first pictures] his tip looked swollen, and his cheeks were, and he had the black discharge.

Now today, it is even bigger and red. :shakehead

I'm keeping him in as long as possible. So far all he's done is sleep in his nest. :Love_Icon

[Chickenlegs]

Poor little man! How bout a humidifier to help him breathe?

[UDoWhat]

Marty,
Thanks! I can't tell what it is either. :(

He does have discharge and he is having some trouble breathing. Wheezy sounding at time. He is also feeling poorly as when he eats, he sits barely with his elbows off the ground. Not full upright. Doesn't have the energy.

Thanks for the idea about the dex! I'm not sure I could get him to allow that, even burrito-ed up! But that's a great idea and I might try it.

:thankyou

When I first saw this a few days ago, it looked like the bridge of his nose was swollen, not the tip. The next day [first pictures] his tip looked swollen, and his cheeks were, and he had the black discharge.

Now today, it is even bigger and red. :shakehead

I'm keeping him in as long as possible. So far all he's done is sleep in his nest. :Love_Icon

Could this be tooth related ... or can you tell. I think the first option would be to treat with Baytril. As you know, even in people, if you have a stuffy nose it can make eating difficult and exhausting to eat and breath through your mouth. It is hard to get a wild to take a drop in his nostrils. I was hoping you might be able to handle him still . So lets think about plan B??? I really would like to see his nostrils cleaned out of all the yuck. Wilds are hard to treat. The Baytril is a good start. :thumbsup

Marty

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Can't think of what could have bitten him. Maybe cat scratch??
If it is an infection, what do you have??
I can send you some Baytril.
He may have to have that lanced if it is full of puss.

[Pierre]

Poor little man! How bout a humidifier to help him breathe?

thanks Chickenlegs!
I just turned one on! :thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

yep, that is what I was going to say...ck his teeth too...

I would use the baytril too...:thumbsup
I would dose heavy first 3 days and offer yogurt.{10mg/kg}
Then I would do 5mg/kg for 7 days..BID of course.
poor nose.
Is his breathing labored or just noisey?

[SammysMom]

:grouphug Grayson:grouphug

[Pierre]

Could this be tooth related ... or can you tell. I think the first option would be to treat with Baytril. As you know, even in people, if you have a stuffy nose it can make eating difficult and exhausting to eat and breath through your mouth. It is hard to get a wild to take a drop in his nostrils. I was hoping you might be able to handle him still . So lets think about plan B??? I really would like to see his nostrils cleaned out of all the yuck. Wilds are hard to treat. The Baytril is a good start. :thumbsup

Marty

Marty,

I doubt it is tooth related--unless he had a bad fall and did damage that way. I did see in his mouth when I gave him his baytril earlier and the 4 front looked aligned. Good thought though, thanks!

Yes, I know what you mean about eating when you're sick and stuffed up. Poor baby.

I'm really not sure if I could get the drops in his nose. He never really wilded-up even after release and still lets me snuffle my face in his fur and such. I just haven't tried everything like I used to out of respect for his wildness! Yes, and his teeth, haha, even though he has never bitten me.

He's feeling so poorly tho, he might not give me too much resistance.
I'd like to clean his nose too.

If I don't see some improvement tomorrow after 2-3 doses of baytril and hopefully the motrin, I might try the dex. I know 1 day is too soon for the AB but I hope the motrin will help the swelling some. I just don't want it to get worse.

It's going to be in the 30's tonight and rainy tomorrow with 31* tomorrow night. I am glad he's in where he's warm and dry so his body doesn't have to expend energy staying warm. :grouphug

He's peeping and squeaking while breathing right now. :shakehead Cross fingers I can dose him later fine....

:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou

[Pierre]

Can't think of what could have bitten him. Maybe cat scratch??
If it is an infection, what do you have??
I can send you some Baytril.
He may have to have that lanced if it is full of puss.

Hi Sweet Simon's Mommy,

Thanks so much for your offer. Luckily I have some baytril in a peanut butter flavor. He still doesn't like it much, lol.

:grouphug :thankyou

[Pierre]

yep, that is what I was going to say...ck his teeth too...

I would use the baytril too...:thumbsup
I would dose heavy first 3 days and offer yogurt.{10mg/kg}
Then I would do 5mg/kg for 7 days..BID of course.
poor nose.
Is his breathing labored or just noisey?

Hi Jackie!

Thanks! I'll look at his mouth again, but I think he teeth are ok. The front 4 looked fine when I got a peek earlier.

Thanks for the reco on dosing the baytril. I'm giving him a loading dose too.

His breathing---it's noisy right now, but not labored. Little squeaks and peeps and occasional small sneezes. :shakehead
I'm worried it will get labored though...

:thankyou

I just have NO idea what could have happened to him. It's so strange. :dono :( Thank god so far he's happy being inside. Sleeping mostly.
In his old hanging nest that I almost threw out last month.....:nono

[Pierre]

:grouphug Grayson:grouphug


Thanks SammysMom. :grouphug :grouphug

[Fireweed]

Oh no, Grayson!!
Maybe he fell and bumped the bridge of his nose on a tree limb, rock, ground? Banged into something while chasing/being chased? I've seen that happen... :dono Mating season, they don't pay too much attention to anything else but the competition and the prize. :shakehead
Whatever it is, get well very soon, Peepy-Squeaky! Take your meds like a good boy, Grayson! :grouphug

:grouphug Pierre :grouphug

[cuteascnb]

Awww...poor baby! I have a feeling its a spider bite...or other insect bite...A good way to tell if it is, often times there will be hair missing where the bite was and you can see a small hole! My dog is ALLERGIC TO LITERALLY EVERYTHING..LOL!!! She gets swollen like that from bug bites...

can you give a squirrel benydril??? if its an allergy that will help within about 24 hours and you will notice a difference!!! (at least for the dogs....we use childrens benydril)

Im not sure what else it could be...unless he did break his nose...you said his teeth look ok...

[Pierre]

Oh no, Grayson!!
Maybe he fell and bumped the bridge of his nose on a tree limb, rock, ground? Banged into something while chasing/being chased? I've seen that happen... :dono Mating season, they don't pay too much attention to anything else but the competition and the prize. :shakehead
Whatever it is, get well very soon, Peepy-Squeaky! Take your meds like a good boy, Grayson! :grouphug

:grouphug Pierre :grouphug

Fireweed! Hi!

Thanks for stopping by. He might well have done something like that because that is where I noticed the swelling the first day. I just don't know why it got so big on the tip and why he sounds like he has a respiratory infection.

And he doesn't like taking his meds... :shakehead He squeak/growls at me and curls in a ball. Angel boy though doesn't try to bite! [so far!!] Wish he liked the taste. It's peanut butter after all!! :thinking

Pray I get it in later tonight!
:grouphug

[Pierre]

Awww...poor baby! I have a feeling its a spider bite...or other insect bite...A good way to tell if it is, often times there will be hair missing where the bite was and you can see a small hole! My dog is ALLERGIC TO LITERALLY EVERYTHING..LOL!!! She gets swollen like that from bug bites...

can you give a squirrel benydril??? if its an allergy that will help within about 24 hours and you will notice a difference!!! (at least for the dogs....we use childrens benydril)

Im not sure what else it could be...unless he did break his nose...you said his teeth look ok...

Hi Cuteascnb,

I believe you can give benedril and that's a good suggestion. I'll look for a hole or two like a bite, but I haven't seen that yet. I did see scratches though. Maybe be got scratched on something and it is causing a reaction??? :dono

[CritterMom]

Hit nasal passages are likely swollen and is causing the breathing issues. I would also try to get the ibuprophen on board - it may help bring the swelling down. Poor little muffin. Make sure he stays hydrated - might offer him some home made pedialyte, too. Oh, Grayson!

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I was going to add some pedialyte and the benidril, even if there isnt any allergy issues, it is calming. A cat scratch can cause an allergic reaction though.
I know you don't want to OD him all these meds but that is one nasty owwwwiieee. The infant ibuprophen will help with discomfort plus swelling plus is a muscle relaxer which may help with the breathing if his little nasal passages are swollen.

[yoyo]

this gray looks like my yoyo , she was so beautiful. Anyone know where do i have to go to post? i am trying so hard and don't find how. Ia m new here

[astra]

this gray looks like my yoyo , she was so beautiful. Anyone know where do i have to go to post? i am trying so hard and don't find how. Ia m new here
hi yoyo,
are you looking for your thread about Yoyo?
It is in Welcome to the Squirrel Board ---> Introduce Yourself http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32724

if you are looking for a thread where you asked your question about becoming a rehabber, it's here: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?p=723645#post723645

If you would like to start a new thread - choose a forum (Help, Nutrition, Gray Squirrel forum and so on) and in the top left corner you will see a button that says "New Thread"

[Pierre]

Hit nasal passages are likely swollen and is causing the breathing issues. I would also try to get the ibuprophen on board - it may help bring the swelling down. Poor little muffin. Make sure he stays hydrated - might offer him some home made pedialyte, too. Oh, Grayson!

CritterMom!

Yep. I got some of the ibu in earlier, just not a lot. He was not too happy with me. He's sleeping up in his old basket nest that hangs from the top of the cage. The cage door is too small and it's hard to reach in there and get him to dose, short of pulling him out by his tail. :shakehead

Poor peanut head. :Love_Icon

He is drinking a lot. Not sure he'll go for pedialyte, but I'll try. Third to baytril and motrin.

See how lucky Mr P is??!! :grouphug

BTW, how fast does rescue remedy work and for how long does it last? I just wet his ears with it to hopefully make the next dosings go easier. :thankyou

[Pierre]

I was going to add some pedialyte and the benidril, even if there isnt any allergy issues, it is calming. A cat scratch can cause an allergic reaction though.
I know you don't want to OD him all these meds but that is one nasty owwwwiieee. The infant ibuprophen will help with discomfort plus swelling plus is a muscle relaxer which may help with the breathing if his little nasal passages are swollen.

Sweet Simons Mommy,

That is a good idea and I'll try to do it, if he's willing. My first worry is getting the AB and ibu into him tonight. You're right, I do hope it helps him breathe better. And it is a nasty owwwwiiieeeee! :shakehead

He looks like a koala bear!

:grouphug

[cuteascnb]

I hope he feels better soon!

[astra]

CritterMom!


BTW, how fast does rescue remedy work and for how long does it last? I just wet his ears with it to hopefully make the next dosings go easier. :thankyou
since it is direct contact, it is supposed to start working almost immediately.
As for how long it lasts... hmmm... don't remember, but I don't think it will be that long: maybe, an hour tops...then, it will wear off gradually
If you can apply it directly onto his skin (like feet soles and palms) - that will be even faster.

[Pierre]

this gray looks like my yoyo , she was so beautiful. Anyone know where do i have to go to post? i am trying so hard and don't find how. Ia m new here

Hi Yoyo,

My gray is so cute, but you'd never know it from this thread! Your Yoyo must be adorable. :grouphug

[Pierre]

I hope he feels better soon!


:grouphug :thankyou :grouphug

Me too! Thanks for stopping by.

[Pierre]

since it is direct contact, it is supposed to start working almost immediately.
As for how long it lasts... hmmm... don't remember, but I don't think it will be that long: maybe, an hour tops...then, it will wear off gradually
If you can apply it directly onto his skin (like feet soles and palms) - that will be even faster.



OK, yes? Right away? OK, I'll give it a try very soon. I'm trying to not stress him too much of course.

He's been an angel so far and has let me massage him and give him cheeky-cheekums and everything. Even gave me armage! So I don't want to "betray" him too much with all this med stuff and have him hate me. I want him nice and toasted when the syringe comes by! :rotfl

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Do his feet feel hot Like he may have a temperature?

[mpetys]

OK, yes? Right away? OK, I'll give it a try very soon. I'm trying to not stress him too much of course.

He's been an angel so far and has let me massage him and give him cheeky-cheekums and everything. Even gave me armage! So I don't want to "betray" him too much with all this med stuff and have him hate me. I want him nice and toasted when the syringe comes by! :rotfl

Hi Pierre. So sorry to hear about Grayson. I'm glad you were able to bring him in the house. When I used Rescue Remedy on Tina before her vet appointments, I tried not to let her see the bottle as she would get anxious and fight me putting it on. What I figured out was to put the rescue remedy on my arm or knee, if I had shorts on. This way, as I was holding her, massaging her, I could easily dab my finger into the rescue remedy on my arm or leg and just massage it onto her ears and the soles of her back feet. I would put a bit on her 3 hours before her appointment and then again an hour before her appointment. Anyhow, this worked for us. Praying for Grayson to have a quick recovery.

[Pierre]

Do his feet feel hot Like he may have a temperature?

No, not at the moment. Thanks for the thought. I'll watch that.
:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Almost died when I logged in and saw this Pierre.
Give that little one lots of hugs and kisses, I'm so glad he is inside with mama....:Love_Icon
I love little Grayson...as so many do, he is in the best possible hands, and I'm thrilled that he is resting up....tons of prayers coming your way....:grouphug :grouphug

[Pierre]

Hi Pierre. So sorry to hear about Grayson. I'm glad you were able to bring him in the house. When I used Rescue Remedy on Tina before her vet appointments, I tried not to let her see the bottle as she would get anxious and fight me putting it on. What I figured out was to put the rescue remedy on my arm or knee, if I had shorts on. This way, as I was holding her, massaging her, I could easily dab my finger into the rescue remedy on my arm or leg and just massage it onto her ears and the soles of her back feet. I would put a bit on her 3 hours before her appointment and then again an hour before her appointment. Anyhow, this worked for us. Praying for Grayson to have a quick recovery.

Thanks mpetys,

So it last awhile, eh? That's good to know. I gave him a massage and rubbed it into his ears. He didn't seem to notice. [Tina's was a smart girl!] I just dosed him and I think it helped. I think some missed but I had a larger amt than I had to, so I think I'm ok.

I hope he makes it through the night without problem. I'm so worried for him, poor sweet baby. At least he's safe, warm, and dry. :grouphug And getting good sleep and room service.

He is weak though. Quite weak really. I don't know how long he would have made if safely out there.... I kind of can't believe no one "caught" him as is. I am very thankful he came in with me, straight away, this morning. So lucky.

[Pierre]

Almost died when I logged in and saw this Pierre.
Give that little one lots of hugs and kisses, I'm so glad he is inside with mama....:Love_Icon
I love little Grayson...as so many do, he is in the best possible hands, and I'm thrilled that he is resting up....tons of prayers coming your way....:grouphug :grouphug


Thank you so much, Nancy. :grouphug

Doesn't he look terrible? :( My little angel boy. At least he seems so happy and relaxed inside. I am so grateful. I just hope he makes it through the night ok. He keeps peeping and squeaking. :( No matter what happens, I am so glad he's in here getting loved and is safe. :Love_Icon

Thanks for checking on us, and please pray he sleeps well! He's such a sweet boy.

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[JLM27]

Can you take him to a vet, or are you in a state that won't allow that?

[Pierre]

Can you take him to a vet, or are you in a state that won't allow that?

I wish. I'm in a state that won't allow that. :( I'd drive him to NY if I have to though....

:thankyou

[skippy]

Not sure if I have permission to post a remedy here but felt inclined to share some information.

I've used the dye-free liquid Children's Benedryl for allergic symptoms from insect bites. Ants, bees, spiders etc.

0.1 ml (cc) orally every 4 hours for 1-2 days.

[Pierre]

Well I got most of tonight's meds in. He wiggled but I hope I got enough in.

He's hanging in there. I hope he makes it through the night ok. :grouphug

Thanks all for your help. I'm off to bed. Please keep him in your prayers. :)

[Pierre]

Not sure if I have permission to post a remedy here but felt inclined to share some information.

I've used the dye-free liquid Children's Benedryl for allergic symptoms from insect bites. Ants, bees, spiders etc.

0.1 ml (cc) orally every 4 hours for 1-2 days.


:thankyou Skippy.

I'll look into that.... :) I need to see if it looks like a bite mark. Thanks for the info.

[skippy]

[QUOTE=Pierre]OK, yes? Right away? OK, I'll give it a try very soon. I'm trying to not stress him too much of course.

You can put a few drops of rescue remedy in his bedding or if you have the spray just spray it in there. It will help him relax pretty quickly.

[jbtartell]

yess childrens benadril. I have used is a dew of my babies.. works great on swelling from bites to lergies to something.. and safe.

[skippy]

Hope all goes well with Grayson.


I've seen injuries to the nose with broken cartiledge, head injuries from falls. Always blood, a lot of snuffles and difficulty eating obviously but you mentioned he was wheezing. Was that coming from his facial area? If you can listen to his back/lungs and hear wheezing there he will require a different treatment for that than benedryl for an allergic reaction of course.

Putting him in my prayers for a quick recovery. Sounds like he is in good hands.

Good Night.

[mjl121]

I am just reading this and it really seems like he needed to come home to you for help. Soo sweet that he knows you still. Who knows what the poor guy went through and is probably in need of a good nights sleep.
Here's a tip- my bunny used to get nasal abcesses quite frequently, and I would take him into the bathroom with me when I took hot showers, so the steam would circulate the room. This used to loosen up a lot of that hardened nasal discharge, so it was easier to wipe with a tissue. Even in the bunny-burrito I had a hard time giving him his Penicillin injections, let alone cleaning his raw little red nose.:(

Sounds like he is in great hands. Sending positive healing thoughts your way!!

[Fireweed]

Just popping in before I go to bed to wish Grayson (and Pierre :) ) a good night's sleep. I hope he wakes tomorrow with a lot less hurt.

Que sueños con los angelitos, Grayson. :Love_Icon

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Just got up....
How is he this morning?
Poor baby
Poor Pierre
Hope you both got some rest and are feeling better

[Pierre]

Skippy,

Thanks for the RR tips. It's funny because I've read various thoughts on how fast it works and how long it lasts. It is important to know! :D

And his wheezing peeping sounds are not coming from his lungs, but from his nose. This could be an injury like Fireweed and others have said, the the black discharge might be blood tinged mucus and that along with the swelling has made it hard to breathe. It seems to make more sense than just a cut, but if the cut got infected, I guess it could look the same [tho the swelling seems excessive. ???]

Thanks for your good wishes!

:grouphug

[Pierre]

yess childrens benadril. I have used is a dew of my babies.. works great on swelling from bites to lergies to something.. and safe.

:thankyou I'll get some in case. :thumbsup

[Pierre]

I am just reading this and it really seems like he needed to come home to you for help. Soo sweet that he knows you still. Who knows what the poor guy went through and is probably in need of a good nights sleep.
Here's a tip- my bunny used to get nasal abcesses quite frequently, and I would take him into the bathroom with me when I took hot showers, so the steam would circulate the room. This used to loosen up a lot of that hardened nasal discharge, so it was easier to wipe with a tissue. Even in the bunny-burrito I had a hard time giving him his Penicillin injections, let alone cleaning his raw little red nose.:(

Sounds like he is in great hands. Sending positive healing thoughts your way!!

I have taken some of my poor foster rats into the shower with me too! It sure does help loosen secretions so they can be sneezed out better. He is sleeping now but I might try that later. I have a steam humidifier going next to his cage to help a bit for now.

Yea, the burrito. Easy to do stuff to them ONCE they're in it!! Getting from sleeping squirrel high up in a nest in a cage with a door only one arm and shoulder can fit in at a time, to said squirrel all wrapped up in your lap is an act of magic!! Miles between the two places!!! :rotfl

I am so amazed that he came to me yesterday. It is a miracle. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon And boy, has he wanted to sleeeep......

[Gina]

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way. Hoping Grayson is feeling much better today.:grouphug

[Pierre]

Fireweed and SweetSammy'sMom

Thanks for thinking of us and checking in.

So... I am very happy to report when I came down, Grayson was peeking out at me from his nest!

And I am cautious to say, his breathing sounds a little quieter. It might just be because he hasn't been stirring too much and his oxygen requirement is low, but I like the sound much better. :grouphug

He does occasionally still sneeze and now "honks" a bit. But it does so far seem quieter.

I put his AB in some avocado pecan balls this morning. I just couldn't bare to freak him out again. He is being such a love. This morning when I said hello, I reached in to pet him and he sat taller and grabbed my fingers and pulled them to him and closed his eyes. Just melted my heart. :Love_Icon

He let me massage him all over and rub every bit of him last night, just like when he was a baby.

It's really amazing how much they remember, isn't it? When he first came into my living room yesterday he was quite perplexed that his cage wasn't there anymore. Kept jumping to its old spot on my chest of drawers all confused. Once I set it up, he went happily in like nothing had changed. :Love_Icon

I'm also amazed at how quickly he has let me touch him everywhere immediately again. I of course think it is because he totally remembers me and trusts me. Of course I see him all the time outside, but I never try to touch him too much out there, just in case.

Mostly, I am in awe of all that that led him home yesterday. Truly. I know he came for some food but I really don't think he could have made it well [if at all] out there much longer. He is just so slow and without energy. Weak. I really am amazed he wasn't caught by some predator before I brought him in. :shakehead Thank god.

The timing was perfect.

So thank you ALL for all your concerns, help, and well wishes. His nose is still swollen and dry/rough feeling. I'm going to try to out some neosporin [no zinc] or vaseline on it later.
He's still sneezing and peeping some.
And he still hates the meds.
But he is sleeping happily and doesn't have to expend any energy finding food or water, or to stay warm, so I am hoping those help tremendously as well. It's very rainy here today and the nights are ~30* so I think being inside is good for him. :Love_Icon

I'll keep you posted on my sweet sweet boy. I cannot explain how much I love him and he makes my heart swell. Just touching him and rubbing his soft fur makes me smile inside. I am blessed. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

:thankyou :grouphug

[Pierre]

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way. Hoping Grayson is feeling much better today.:grouphug


Gina,

Thank you so much. He just coughed/sneezed a bit. :( I sure wish I lived in your state and could take him to a vet! You're so lucky.

Thanks for the prayers! We still need them. :grouphug

[astra]

This morning when I said hello, I reached in to pet him and he sat taller and grabbed my fingers and pulled them to him and closed his eyes. Just melted my heart. :Love_Icon

He let me massage him all over and rub every bit of him last night, just like when he was a baby.

It's really amazing how much they remember, isn't it? When he first came into my living room yesterday he was quite perplexed that his cage wasn't there anymore. Kept jumping to its old spot on my chest of drawers all confused. Once I set it up, he went happily in like nothing had changed. :Love_Icon

I'm also amazed at how quickly he has let me touch him everywhere immediately again. I of course think it is because he totally remembers me and trusts me. Of course I see him all the time outside, but I never try to touch him too much out there, just in case.

Mostly, I am in awe of all that that led him home yesterday. Truly. I know he came for some food but I really don't think he could have made it well [if at all] out there much longer. He is just so slow and without energy. Weak. I really am amazed he wasn't caught by some predator before I brought him in. :shakehead Thank god.


I'll keep you posted on my sweet sweet boy. I cannot explain how much I love him and he makes my heart swell. Just touching him and rubbing his soft fur makes me smile inside. I am blessed. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

:thankyou :grouphug:grouphug :Love_Icon

[pappy1264]

Awwwww, his pics are so heartbreaking! Sending tons of prayers the baytril will kick in and get that swelling down. I wonder if trying a cool compress would help, if he would let you do it?

[Pierre]

:grouphug :Love_Icon

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Pierre]

Awwwww, his pics are so heartbreaking! Sending tons of prayers the baytril will kick in and get that swelling down. I wonder if trying a cool compress would help, if he would let you do it?

Pappy,

He actually looks more pathetic now, snuggled in fleece with his eyes half closed. :( He is not a very happy camper, though ever sweet and lovey. I need to try to get another picture but I have his cage partly covered so he can sleep and it's kind of dark in there. :)

I did get some neosporin on his big nose earlier. I doubt he'd let me hold something cool on it for a long enough time. I wish he would though. That would surely help. I'll see though. You never know. :grouphug

:thankyou

[Pierre]

Afternoon update.

Well my little man has been holding in there. Still sneezing off and on, but what is really worrying me is that it's hard to tell because he is not keen on me taking long looks or poking around, but the one side of the tip of his nose is blackish and I am so worried that it might be getting necrotic. ??? :(

Not enough of a good visual to be sure though. I'm so worried for him. I've been able to get neosporin on it though, and on some of the scratches on his nose.

Keep fingers crossed. :grouphug

[astra]

I hope that's just a bad bruise...
.... is there any way at all, even if in nearby states, to find a safe vet, just in case?....or, maybe, people could ask their vets?... i know docs and vets try to avoid "diagnosing" or suggesting without seeing an animal, but... if nothing else is available...

I think, Dr. P has been very accommodating that way on several occasions here... is it possible to ask him again?... maybe, you could make videos, photos etc etc. Also, would a Skype "Session" be possible, too?...

again, these are just thoughts...:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[JLM27]

If it is gangrene, act FAST! Can we get a new pic of the nose?

[Scooterzmom]

I know how very worried you must be and how difficult it must be to watch him struggle. My heart and prayers are with you. He's loved, and warm, and resting comfortably... this is much much more than if he was outside and I'm certain it can do nothing but help him.

You're a kind, loving soul and he knows it. That's why he is still so sweet with you.

Praying for his recovery. :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Gina]

Was just checking in on Grayson...my prayers continue for his recovery. :grouphug

[Pierre]

:grouphug Astra :grouphug JLM :grouphug ScooterzMom :grouphug Gina :grouphug

Thank you for stopping by.

Astra,
If things get worse, I will see about getting to or in touch with Dr. P. I just don't think I trust any of the vets I take my animals to around here.... My state is just too crazy and they'd probably put him down. Thanks for reminding me about Dr P.

JLM,
As a newer update, I don't think it's necrotic. The black was a scabby part of the tip---which has now broken open and pus is draining. His nose has broken in two spots actually and is draining and relieving pressure. Tried to clean it but he's not having it. :Love_Icon I have been able to put neosporin on his nose. For some reason, he doesn't mind this.

Thank you, ScooterzMom for those sweet sweet words. :grouphug I do hope he feels safe and loved at least. Poor angel boy. He has gotten quite irritated with me, but has only squeaked in protest. Hasn't even swatted at me. I am so amazed. I sure hope it's from mutual caring and trust.

Gina,
Thank you so much for your prayers. He still needs them. :Love_Icon

************************************************** *******************************

As a quick update to the rest of our afternoon, Poor Tater Tot had a rough day. Hardly ate anything. I got him some pecan ensure. He hated it.

Got AB on his cheeks. Dried there. He was really listless. And smelly. I finally got a good look at the tip of his nose and it looked kind of necrotic early afternoon. Totally freaked out.

Later I got a big dose of AB in and saw his nose again. It popped open and there was white pus in two spots oozing out. No way he was letting me wash it out but I got some neosporin on all of it. His whole nose. :grouphug

I sat with him on my lap giving him massages a lot. He kept asking for armage. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon God I love this little squirrel. Held the water bottle for him.

Finally an hour ago he ate 2-3 nuts. At least something is in his tummy. Poor sweet boy.... :shakehead

Thank you for all the prayers. :Love_Icon He so needs them. :Love_Icon Your support is helping me too.:bowdown :Love_Icon

[Fireweed]

Oh, I'm glad to hear the stuff is breaking and relieving some pressure. Phew. That must make him feel a leetle better, poor thing.

How is he breathing now that things seem to be moving/oozing etc.?

Give that boy some noozles from me. :grouphug

[Pierre]

Oh, I'm glad to hear the stuff is breaking and relieving some pressure. Phew. That must make him feel a leetle better, poor thing.

How is he breathing now that things seem to be moving/oozing etc.?

Give that boy some noozles from me. :grouphug

Hi Fireweed,

I am too hoping that the oozing is making him feel better, plus getting rid of some of that gunk. Poor noodle. :grouphug

His breathing is better the last few hours, but wasn't great around noon-ish. Hoping he stays quite and peaceful tonight.

I'll noozle him for sure! He's still being a love. :Love_Icon


Oh, and hey, I know I owe you two pictures of him....if I'm a leeetle late you cannot use one of the ones in this thread!!! :rotfl He looks like a gargoyle. :rofl4

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Hang in there Grayson
Hang in there Pierre
It is just so amazing to me how these little guys just know where and who to go to.
He obviously just knew he was in trouble and just had to go HOME.

[astra]

[B]Astra,
If things get worse, I will see about getting to or in touch with Dr. P. I just don't think I trust any of the vets I take my animals to around here.... My state is just too crazy and they'd probably put him down. Thanks for reminding me about Dr P.


totally agree about the vets
But Dr.P so far has always been helpful with long-distance problems, so he is the way to go if needed:grouphug

[UDoWhat]

Hi Pierre, I have been gone all day and just checking in. I am glad to hear you were able to get a big dose of ABs in Grayson. It really is good to have it oozing. As odd as that sounds, at least the infection is draining. Is he any better tonight??

Marty

[Pierre]

Hang in there Grayson
Hang in there Pierre
It is just so amazing to me how these little guys just know where and who to go to.
He obviously just knew he was in trouble and just had to go HOME.


Oh, I so hope that's true. Because then if he's ever hurt again, he'll come back to me then too. :grouphug

Thanks for checking on us. He's sleeping quietly right now. :Love_Icon
I'll tell him you told him to hang on! :)

[Pierre]

totally agree about the vets
But Dr.P so far has always been helpful with long-distance problems, so he is the way to go if needed:grouphug

Yep! Dr. P sounds like an angel. :grouphug Thanks!

[Pierre]

Hi Pierre, I have been gone all day and just checking in. I am glad to hear you were able to get a big dose of ABs in Grayson. It really is good to have it oozing. As odd as that sounds, at least the infection is draining. Is he any better tonight??

Marty

Yes, he got a big dose. Much to his chagrin, LOL. It was the loading dose he didn't really get yesterday. ;)

I am glad, thank you for confirming, that his nose split a little and it draining. I so wish he'd let me wash it or put a warm compress on it, but he's not keen on that. For some reason he lets me put neosporin on it and I'm hoping with the AB it will help.

Thanks for checking in and please give any advice you have! He does sound quieter now, much quieter. :Love_Icon I think the oozing might have relieved some of the sinus pressure too. Poor Silly Stuffing.... :grouphug

Thanks, Marty!

[stosh2010]

Now that the scab has opened, the neosporin can get directly on the raw, infected areas--probably do a lot of good ...
PRAYERS & more PRAYERS...........

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Stosh is right,
my poor daughter has boils every now and then
They must be lanced to drain.
The fact that this bad owie has opened and is oozing it a good thing :thumbsup
and probably a lot more comfortable for little Grayson
If there is anyway you can massage the outer ares to encourage more drainage it would help.
you also can never but too much neosporin on a boo boo.
An old remedy to draw out infection is a warm tea bag, good luck with that, but worth a try.

[Pierre]

Now that the scab has opened, the neosporin can get directly on the raw, infected areas--probably do a lot of good ...
PRAYERS & more PRAYERS...........


Hi Stosh,

Yes, I am hoping the draining and neosporin help my little buddy!! And his poor infected nosie. :)

THANK YOU for your prayers, Stosh!! Give kisses to Rama from us. :grouphug Perhaps from afar. ;)

[Pierre]

Stosh is right,
my poor daughter has boils every now and then
They must be lanced to drain.
The fact that this bad owie has opened and is oozing it a good thing :thumbsup
and probably a lot more comfortable for little Grayson
If there is anyway you can massage the outer ares to encourage more drainage it would help.
you also can never but too much neosporin on a boo boo.
An old remedy to draw out infection is a warm tea bag, good luck with that, but worth a try.

SweetSimonsMommy,

I'm sorry about your sweet daughter! Poor baby. :(
I think Grayson is more comfortable now. You're right. He's been very quiet sleeping.
I love neosporin too! I put it on all my cuts.
I like the warm tea bag idea....he just might let me do that. I'll try it while massaging him later. Thanks!! :bowdown

[island rehabber]

Pierre I've been lurking here all along, because you've got some of TSB's best helping you so I'm standing by. I am so relieved to hear that Grayson's a bit better. Poor sweetie pie.

[Margie]

I hope you are using Neosporin cream instead of ointment. The ointment will block the openings that are trying to drain, and the cream won't. You can also get the cream with lidocaine in it which will help with the pain. With the swelling, infection, and necrotic looking tissue, a spider bite would be a good guess as to the cause.

[Pierre]

Pierre I've been lurking here all along, because you've got some of TSB's best helping you so I'm standing by. I am so relieved to hear that Grayson's a bit better. Poor sweetie pie.

IR,

Thank you so much for stopping by and saying hello. He really does sound quieter and I am more hopeful now than I was yesterday.

He's been such a dearie through it all. I am amazed by their kindness.

I just massaged him a bit and the areas where it was draining seemed to be closing up. :( His nose is still huge. He really kind of looks like a koala bear with that big nose. :(

I'm going to try to massage around it a little and TRY to put something warm on it to help it drain, but what if it kind of heals over? Uggh.
He needs that stuff to come out. Pus and abscesses are so hard for antibiotics to penetrate.
Do you or does anyone have any success stories with these?? :shakehead

[Pierre]

I hope you are using Neosporin cream instead of ointment. The ointment will block the openings that are trying to drain, and the cream won't. You can also get the cream with lidocaine in it which will help with the pain. With the swelling, infection, and necrotic looking tissue, a spider bite would be a good guess as to the cause.


Hi Margie,

Hhmmm... I have been using the ointment as I wanted to keep the nose soft. It was getting hard and crusty. I do have the cream, even with the lidocaine, but I wasn't sure
if it was ok in case he licks it off. ???

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

A&D ointment will keep it from scabbing
I have to put it on Simons little butt or it dries up and gets owie looking
too many cooks Pierre.
One more point, if you do put anything like warm water or tea bag, use distilled water or boiled water , never know what is lurking in our water these days that can be bad for open wounds,
there is a wound solution you can get at the drug store.
Does not sting, its a sterile solution for open wounds after surgery.

[Pierre]

A&D ointment will keep it from scabbing
I have to put it on Simons little butt or it dries up and gets owie looking


Hmm. Maybe I'll have to get some of that tomorrow. :thankyou :D

[Pierre]

A&D ointment will keep it from scabbing
I have to put it on Simons little butt or it dries up and gets owie looking
too many cooks Pierre.
One more point, if you do put anything like warm water or tea bag, use distilled water or boiled water , never know what is lurking in our water these days that can be bad for open wounds,
there is a wound solution you can get at the drug store.
Does not sting, its a sterile solution for open wounds after surgery.

Thanks for the reminder about distilled or boiled water. Good point!

I'm curious about the wound solution you mention. Do you remember it's name or what it is made from? Perhaps it can help keep it open and sterile?

:thankyou

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CVS-STERILE-SALINE-WOUND-WASH-FIRST-AID-CLEANSER-7-1-OZ-NEW-/220868323093?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA% 252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D250784 089073%26ps%3D54
you can get this at any drug store.

[Nancy in New York]

:Love_Icon Grayson :Love_Icon Pierre :Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

The fact that the wound has opened and is draining is a good thing. He might have had an abscess - quite possible since you said you saw scratches on his nose. Thing is, any wound that is inflicted and with a small opening - like a scratch, or tiny hole - can close fast, too fast, and if bacteria gets trapped inside that leads to infection and abscesses. That's why it's important to wash any and every wound, even small ones btw. So, if it was an abscess in progress and it has begun to drain, you'll want to make sure it drains completely... keeping the wound clean and not letting it dry closed would be a good thing. I think the neosporin would help and of course, since it does appear to be an infection of some kind, the antibiotic (the baytril) certainly is something he needs.

Keeping you and sweet Grayson in my prayers. They do feel what we feel... so stay calm and confident, keep lots of love going and keep talking to him. He trusts you and he loves you, that's a big part of the cure.

[Pierre]

SweetSimonsMommy,
Thanks for the link. I have something similar made by JnJ. Problem is, the original wounds healed but with an infection. I could try to put this on his drainage sites, but they have closed up now. I did get neosporin on tho. :dono I admit to be at kind of a loss...


Nancy,
:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon Thank you. :Love_Icon


Scooterzmom,
Yes, even the tiniest of cuts can get infected. This one sure did. :( I hope he feels my love, even through his displeasure at me syringing the AB into his mouth. He hates that and I don't want him to start hating me. :shakehead

************************************************** ***********

Well, I'm sad this morning. Grayson looked terrible this a.m. He is mostly mouth-breathing and looks haggard. Saliva was dried on the corners of his mouth. He hardly opened his eyes. I admit to crying. I was/am scared he might not make it.

At first he didn't want anything after I so meanly forced him to take the baytril... No water, tho I could see how dry his mouth was. No food, nothing. Luckily after some petting, he drank some water. Then he ate a slice of avocado and 3 blueberries. I wish he ate more of those since there's water in them, but I'll take the 3 for now. He did drink a little more water then. He didn't want the pecan. I have to hold everything and hand feed him. Even the water bottle. :Love_Icon

He did have a moment where he looked a little brighter and I took a couple of pictures. They're not great but perhaps you can see some. His nose is black-scab-crusty and reddish. It does seem smaller than before, but the drainage spots have closed over. you can see the one on the side of his nose--it's whitish.

He's sleeping now. Please send prayers. He's so not out of the woods at all yet... :shakehead And I love him. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon And really, of all the places to get bitten and an infection, did it have to be his nose??! :(

[SammysMom]

Oh my goodness Pierre, I am sending up many prayers for you and your sweet friend.:grouphug
I am not a squirrel expert, but I have plenty of cat abscess experience. I would get those drainage spots open if at all possible. Gotta get that poison out of him if you can. I am sure more experienced peeps will be along soon. Hang in there.
Any chance of getting him somewhere to a squirrel friendly vet? Maybe through one of the members here? Even if it takes a squirrel train!

[Pierre]

Oh my goodness Pierre, I am sending up many prayers for you and your sweet friend.:grouphug
I am not a squirrel expert, but I have plenty of cat abscess experience. I would get those drainage spots open if at all possible. Gotta get that poison out of him if you can. I am sure more experienced peeps will be along soon. Hang in there.
Any chance of getting him somewhere to a squirrel friendly vet? Maybe through one of the members here? Even if it takes a squirrel train!

Thanks, Sammy'sMom,

I'm thinking of ways to re-open it.... I'd really like it to drain more too. I wish I had something stronger than Rescue Remedy.
I'm also talking to a couple of people about a sq-friendly vet as my backup. Sigh.

:grouphug Thanks for your kind words! :Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

Gentle pressure around the spots that drained recently might actually do more than you think. Try to soften the spots with damp cloth or Neosporin and then apply gentle pressure on both sides. Sometimes there is already pressure inside the wound that sort of helps it along.

[Nancy in New York]

:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Pierre]

Yes, I'm going to try to put some warm compresses on it for a bit and then try "massaging" him to get the spots to open again.... Really want it to drain more.

:thankyou


I'll keep you posted. :grouphug

He came out and ate and drank more on his own, so that's better. He looks brighter than this am. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

You know, so often things really do look their worst right before they turn the corner to improvement. We will pray that is the case with sweet Grayson! :grouphug

[CritterMom]

I would also start giving him home made pedialyte rather than the water - the sweet/salty flavor will make him want to drink more. If he is dehydrating it will make him not eat.

Soak his poor nose with some damp, warm compresses. Do it for a while - not just a minute or two and then see if any more guck comes out. Poor baby.

[Milo's Mom]

Pierre - Just last week I spoke to my vet about a readily available "drug" that I could use on Ellie to "take the edge off/make her slightly loopy" instead of Rescue Remedy, because she HATES it and I really need to use something when I trim her teeth. She is also a head trauma baby, so some drugs have the reverse affect on her...she gets hyper instead of calmer.

The first thing out of his mouth was Children's Benedryl...the antihistamine would/should make her calmer/loopy.

I have seen Benedryl recommended several times on TSB (cannot place exactly where right now).

Possibly this would work for Grayson too...not only to calm him so you are able to apply the warm compress, but also if he is having some sort of allergic reaction.

Please allow the experts to comment on this...I just wanted to share my thought, as it might be a possibility.

Many Hugs and Prayers for you & Grayson.

EDIT: I have not yet tried the Benedryl on Ellie, so I cannot comment as to whether it worked or not...

EDIT 2: I just saw that others have also talked about using some Benedryl...was it for some reason decided against?

[CritterMom]

Benadryl will definitely make him sleepy.

The pressure inside the wound likely hurts - it will feel a lot better once it is drained. Using something warm and damp - not wet, but damp will help bring the pus up and will also soften the crust that is forming over the wound. That may be enough to start it draining - if so, apply very gentle pressure at the base of the swelling to encourage it to empty. A diluted betadine mixture is a real good cleanup when done.

[astra]

Thanks, Sammy'sMom,


I'm also talking to a couple of people about a sq-friendly vet as my backup. Sigh.

:grouphug Thanks for your kind words! :Love_Icon
I would not even wait till all methods fail, you know...
If there is a way to have this vet (dr p?) look at the pics, videos etc make professional suggestions, that might be better. If this is nothing serious, then that's wonderful; but if it is something serious or something that is potentially risky, it will be best to take care of that right now as much as possible before it gets worse...
I was also wondering if a Skype session/talk/video could be an option?
So, that the vet could see not only pics and videos, but a "live" situation...

[Jackie in Tampa]

Pierre - Just last week I spoke to my vet about a readily available "drug" that I could use on Ellie to "take the edge off/make her slightly loopy" instead of Rescue Remedy, because she HATES it and I really need to use something when I trim her teeth. She is also a head trauma baby, so some drugs have the reverse affect on her...she gets hyper instead of calmer.

The first thing out of his mouth was Children's Benedryl...the antihistamine would/should make her calmer/loopy.

I have seen Benedryl recommended several times on TSB (cannot place exactly where right now).

Possibly this would work for Grayson too...not only to calm him so you are able to apply the warm compress, but also if he is having some sort of allergic reaction.

Please allow the experts to comment on this...I just wanted to share my thought, as it might be a possibility.

Many Hugs and Prayers for you & Grayson.

EDIT: I have not yet tried the Benedryl on Ellie, so I cannot comment as to whether it worked or not...

EDIT 2: I just saw that others have also talked about using some Benedryl...was it for some reason decided against?
I agree..used in a clinical setting, it is a sedative.:thumbsup
Somewhere, about three years ago, there was a thread with benedryl as the topic..using as a sedative...
It works, I have used it this way also.

Pierre, I have seen in my back yard abscesses on the nose just as large.
If teeth are good, I think a good AB and rest with lots of love is good medicine.
and avacodo of course!:)
Hope he feels better soon.

[JLM27]

If that abscess were on his arm, say, he would lick it constantly and keep it open, but he can't really do that with his nose. So, you should try to do it for him with warm wet compresses and the neosporin cream that someone recommended. Wrap him in a burrito if necessary.

[Pierre]

You know, so often things really do look their worst right before they turn the corner to improvement. We will pray that is the case with sweet Grayson! :grouphug

:grouphug You're so sweet. I sure hope so!! :grouphug

[Pierre]

Benadryl will definitely make him sleepy.

The pressure inside the wound likely hurts - it will feel a lot better once it is drained. Using something warm and damp - not wet, but damp will help bring the pus up and will also soften the crust that is forming over the wound. That may be enough to start it draining - if so, apply very gentle pressure at the base of the swelling to encourage it to empty. A diluted betadine mixture is a real good cleanup when done.


CrMom,

I tried pedialyte and ensure. He hates me anywhere near him with a syringe right now so I am trying to keep that battle to just AB time. :shakehead

It's not ideal I know but he is drinking more now. Loves when I hold his water bottle for him. I'll just keep gauging it and am going to put some pedialyte in his water bottle to fool him later if necessary. You know, like what we do with our horses with AppleDex etc!

I will try the benedril too if I need to. I am hoping he'll let me hold the compress on him off and on all afternoon [since he rubs his nose on me and lets me put neosporin on it]. I am hoping before his bedtime I can get it to drain a bit.

Thanks for your help and suggestions! :grouphug It means a lot to us both. <3

[Pierre]

Pierre - Just last week I spoke to my vet about a readily available "drug" that I could use on Ellie to "take the edge off/make her slightly loopy" instead of Rescue Remedy, because she HATES it and I really need to use something when I trim her teeth. She is also a head trauma baby, so some drugs have the reverse affect on her...she gets hyper instead of calmer.

The first thing out of his mouth was Children's Benedryl...the antihistamine would/should make her calmer/loopy.

I have seen Benedryl recommended several times on TSB (cannot place exactly where right now).

Possibly this would work for Grayson too...not only to calm him so you are able to apply the warm compress, but also if he is having some sort of allergic reaction.

Please allow the experts to comment on this...I just wanted to share my thought, as it might be a possibility.

Many Hugs and Prayers for you & Grayson.

EDIT: I have not yet tried the Benedryl on Ellie, so I cannot comment as to whether it worked or not...

EDIT 2: I just saw that others have also talked about using some Benedryl...was it for some reason decided against?

Milos Mom,

Thank you, this is a great suggestion and one I've seen recommended here a few time! This is my next one to try if I need him more sleepy. He is pretty chilled out and sleeping a lot as it is. But I know a little extra chill would be good!!

xox to Princess Ellie! Thanks for your prayers. :Love_Icon

:grouphug

[Pierre]

I would not even wait till all methods fail, you know...
If there is a way to have this vet (dr p?) look at the pics, videos etc make professional suggestions, that might be better. If this is nothing serious, then that's wonderful; but if it is something serious or something that is potentially risky, it will be best to take care of that right now as much as possible before it gets worse...
I was also wondering if a Skype session/talk/video could be an option?
So, that the vet could see not only pics and videos, but a "live" situation...

Astra,

Yes, I will try his office this afternoon, or first thing Monday morning. It would be great to at least talk to him. :grouphug You're right.

The 2 other potential closer vets are a bust so he's up!

[Pierre]

I agree..used in a clinical setting, it is a sedative.:thumbsup
Somewhere, about three years ago, there was a thread with benedryl as the topic..using as a sedative...
It works, I have used it this way also.

Pierre, I have seen in my back yard abscesses on the nose just as large.
If teeth are good, I think a good AB and rest with lots of love is good medicine.
and avacodo of course!:)
Hope he feels better soon.


Oh, Jackie,

You have no idea how good this makes me feel. I've been so worried. I know this cannot be the worst boo boo out there, so it is comforting to hear you've seen this before. :)

I am saddened for him that it is on his nose and it's making breathing hard, but he doesn't seem THAT bad. Relatively speaking that is. :dono

Baytril and Cipro can penetrate abscesses, and as big as it is on a tiny squirrel, it is nothing compared to human abscesses and these meds can work there. No doubt, getting it to drain is the best route, but I am going to stay the course with the baytril, humidifiers, motrin, maybe benedril, etc., trying to soften it and drain it, and just keep helping him as best I can. :Love_Icon

Poor angel boy. He lets me do anything with him now just like when he was a baby. I wonder if it's partly due to him being inside again and he feels like he is a baby again... a bit helpless.

Thank heavens he loves his avocado! And blueberries! :rotfl

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Hi Pierre..........
try to watch his tempature, possible blood poisoning if puss goes inward not out ward. Thats where the AB come in. If it doesnt stay open you may have to cut him. Not pleasant talk I know, but I have been in your shoes. Hope you have a glass of wine handy.( for yourself, or a shot of whiskey)

[Pierre]

If that abscess were on his arm, say, he would lick it constantly and keep it open, but he can't really do that with his nose. So, you should try to do it for him with warm wet compresses and the neosporin cream that someone recommended. Wrap him in a burrito if necessary.

JLM,

You're so right. Poor baby. He rubs it on his fleece and on me. My afternoon will consist of warm compresses and neosporin. I am hopeful I can help him. At least soften it and bring it more to the surface. Perhaps then I can open it tomorrow if I can't today.

:grouphug

[Pierre]

Hi Pierre..........
try to watch his tempature, possible blood poisoning if puss goes inward not out ward. Thats where the AB come in. If it doesnt stay open you may have to cut him. Not pleasant talk I know, but I have been in your shoes. Hope you have a glass of wine handy.( for yourself, or a shot of whiskey)


:rofl4

That's all he'd need, his "surgeon" looped!! :D

Kidding, I know what you mean. I would need to be relaxed and not nervous.

I'm planning to rescue remedy myself if I need to pop it.... :shakehead Then whiskey. ;)

:grouphug

[Kelly Brady]

Oh geeze Peirre I am just seeing this.

I am so glad Grayson is in your loving care.

When I released my Peanut, he had a bad fall or injury to his nose. We think he lay passed out for a while because the blood had run from his nose in to his ears from the exterior. I had not seen him for two days when it happened. He crawled home for help.

My vet said noses take the brunt of many falls. Then become infected.

Anyway regardless of what caused the nose abscess, I used warm moist towels on his nose a few times a day. He didn't like it AT ALL but he seemed to be able to breath better after warm moist compress got on it even for a minute. Peanut was on metacam and heavy a/b's. he didn't want food at all for a couple of days but did accept FV later. He did take water out of water bottle some. I made a soft version of food out of HHB and baby food and added liquid FV to it and he lapped it up on about day three or four.

I didn't get to read the whole thread so you are probably doing this already.

I am so happy your baby came home for help. See? They never forget Mommie. I am saying prayers for Grayson.

[Fireweed]

Hoping you can get the wounds draining again! :grouphug
Hugs to the poor pumpkin. (Grayson, too :Love_Icon )

[Milo's Mom]

Thank heavens he loves his avocado! And blueberries! :rotfl

Sometimes, Mommy mixed with a little avocado with some blueberries on top can make all the difference in the world to a sick, hurt little dude.

Keeping you and Grayson in my thoughts and prayers.

[UDoWhat]

Hi Pierre, Checking in tonight. I also have used children's benedryl as a sedative for squirrels. As I remember it worked just fine. Is the wound draining?? You and Grayson are in my prayers. Do you need help to dose the benedryl??

Marty

[Nancy in New York]

Just checking in too. Wondering how the little patient is doing...:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Chickenlegs]

Thinking about your sweet boy--and his sweet mommy :Love_Icon

[Margie]

From the look of the swelling, I doubt that Grayson would be able to lick off any of the medicine that you put on his nose. Betadine or Povidone Iodine is a good medicine that is a liquid which will penetrate more deeply into an abscess opening and will kill most any germs present. I'm not surprised that he isn't interested in eating. Appetite is stimulated by smell, and with the nose swollen like that, smell is compromised. Taste is also aided by smell, and the ABs affect taste as well. Thus, appetite may not come back until the swelling and pain is reduced. I sure hope it is soon for both of your benefit.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I think they drank too much whiskey.
Hope all is well!

[UDoWhat]

From the look of the swelling, I doubt that Grayson would be able to lick off any of the medicine that you put on his nose. Betadine or Povidone Iodine is a good medicine that is a liquid which will penetrate more deeply into an abscess opening and will kill most any germs present. I'm not surprised that he isn't interested in eating. Appetite is stimulated by smell, and with the nose swollen like that, smell is compromised. Taste is also aided by smell, and the ABs affect taste as well. Thus, appetite may not come back until the swelling and pain is reduced. I sure hope it is soon for both of your benefit.

:goodpost Good information to have and remember with this kind of injury, especailly. Thanks Margie.

[mpetys]

Continue prayers for Grayson and Pierre. :grouphug :grouphug

[Scooterzmom]

Gentle pressure around the spots that drained recently might actually do more than you think. Try to soften the spots with damp cloth or Neosporin and then apply gentle pressure on both sides. Sometimes there is already pressure inside the wound that sort of helps it along.

Pierre:
If I may cut in here... please be VERY VERY VERY careful about putting pressure on the spots. The last thing you need is someone to worry you even ore, so I'm sorry but I feel I should place a word of warning just as a matter of caution. I know how extremely worried you must be already but abscesses can burst inside and the position of this abscess is already dangerous in that it could spread to the brain. I had one of my cats with an abscess on his nose and we barely saved him by having it drained and putting him on ABs... the vet said it was spreading towards the brain and we caught it just in time.

If you can find a way to make those drain by insuring that the hole is really open enough it would be the best way. I know.. easier said than done. :(

I'm so sorry that Grayson and you have to go through this. It's terrible and my heart and prayers are with you both.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Pierre:
If I may cut in here... please be VERY VERY VERY careful about putting pressure on the spots.
abscesses can burst inside and the position of this abscess is already dangerous in that it could spread to the brain. I had one of my cats with an abscess on his nose and we barely saved him by having it drained and putting him on ABs... the vet said it was spreading towards the brain and we caught it just in time.

If you can find a way to make those drain by insuring that the hole is really open enough it would be the best way. I know.. easier said than done. :(


i totally agree..no mashing..no heat.
Damaging tissue will cause it to possibly go necrotic also.
I would not even attempt to aspirate the abscess either...
allow the meds to work. Allow him to sleep/rest.
Aggressive AB treatment..
baytril 10 days @ 10mg/kg
saturday I was with my vet...she said 10mg/kg is aggressive and needs be only dose once a day at this dose, can be twice, but once was enough.
Topically- Neosporin is fine, but not really needed.
Although I am not trained or titled, I have seen/treated many many abscess and have never lost a sq due to sepsis.
Grayson, get well little buddy:Love_Icon
I would use an anti inflammatory also, my reco would be metacam dosed @
0.3 mg/kg for 3-5 days SID
good luck you two.:grouphug

betedine is scarey near the eyes...and unless a draining abscess, not going to do anything, not stepping on toes, jmo.

[Nancy in New York]

Just checking in on little Grayson and mama....:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Hi there
How's it going?

[Chickenlegs]

Grayson? :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

no up date today???

[keetz1205]

Pierre has been pretty busy taking care of Grayson and hasn't had the time to stop to update everyone. I'm sure she'll get back to you all as soon as she can. In the mean time, Grayson is holding his own. Some of the scabbing has come off from the upper part of his nose from warm compresses and she's hoping he'll be breathing better by morning. He's drinking and eating well and getting a lot rest in his warm fleece bed.

[SammysMom]

Thank-you Keetz...we have all been worrying! :grouphug Grayson & Pierre:grouphug

[Scooterzmom]

Just checking in... worried like everyone else. :grouphug :Love_Icon Grayson & Pierre

[Pierre]

All,

I am so sorry I haven't updated earlier. And apologies I cannot respond directly to everyone's posts. :grouphug

His pus and scabbing had covered his nostrils and he was having a lot of trouble breathing fomr a mechanical perspective. While giving warm compresses to hope to free the area around his nostrils the whole area over the abscess lifted off. It was loose from being lifted off by the pocket created by the abscess. I have been keeping the new skin moist with neosporin. He still has some pus coming out around his nostrils but the site of the original abscess is pretty will dried up.

He's still taking his ABs.

He has been resting but I am not sure what his prognosis is. I don't have enough squirrel miles to know. He is uncomfortable and his breathing is still somewhat difficult and he is mouth-breathing a lot.

I know wild animals survive things we cannot imagine. I hope he has it in him to hold on.

He is still eating and drinking and sometimes surprises me with a voracious appetite [relatively speaking of course] and likes to drink water. I fear for him though.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and thank you all so much for your love and caring. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon A millions hugs back to all of you. Apologies that I am so drained and cannot write more now. And my heart is breaking.

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[cuteascnb]

I have faith he will be just fine!!! Just keep us posted!!!

[astra]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[mpetys]

Pierre! You just take care of Grayson and don't worry about us. We'll just keep praying for Grayson until we hear he has recovered. I know how scary this is for you; even though Grayson is a released squirrel, he is still your baby. Thank goodness, he was able to come home for help. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[UDoWhat]

Pierre, I am praying for you and Grayson. You are doing great with him. He will thrive on your love and care. Please know we will wait as you can post about your precious boy. :grouphug

Marty

[Nancy in New York]

:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[shellyb1018]

Both of you are in my prayers :Love_Icon

[Fireweed]

:grouphug Grayson :grouphug Pierre :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

PIerre and Grayson:grouphug

[Squirlgirl]

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

[stosh2010]

Oh PLEASE....Oh PLEASE... let little Grayson come thru this issue quickly, completely and never have to revisit it again...
Many prayers from around the WORLD are sent to you and to Grayson...

[rocky63]

Grayson seems to be a real trooper and won't give up the fight.
Great job Pierre :thumbsup :grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Grayson seems to be a real trooper and won't give up the fight.
Great job Pierre :thumbsup :grouphug
:grouphug :goodpost :grouphug

[missPixy]

although a bit late in this, I want to offer another option for clearing up abscesses: manuka honey UMF+16. it is AMAZING in its ability to clear up bumblefoot, open wound abscesses, etc. just apply topically a small amount each day; this is a pharmaceutical-grade honey, and works as an antibiotic/ antiseptic. unlike Neosporin which can kill all bacteria on the skin ~~ good and bad~~ manuka honey treats only the infection.

I use this on open wounds... no scabbing at all, only growth of pink skin as the wounds heal.

[CritterMom]

although a bit late in this, I want to offer another option for clearing up abscesses: manuka honey UMF+16. it is AMAZING in its ability to clear up bumblefoot, open wound abscesses, etc. just apply topically a small amount each day; this is a pharmaceutical-grade honey, and works as an antibiotic/ antiseptic. unlike Neosporin which can kill all bacteria on the skin ~~ good and bad~~ manuka honey treats only the infection.

I use this on open wounds... no scabbing at all, only growth of pink skin as the wounds heal.

I have done some reading on honey and wounds - facinating stuff.

[Uno's Mom]

Scritches and smooches for sweet Grayson.

Hang in there squirrel momma. We're pulling for you both with all our might.

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Pierre]

Dearest KellyBrady, Fireweed, Milo'sMom, UDoWhat, Nancy in NY, Chickenlegs, Margie, SweetSammy'sMommy, Mpetys, Scooterzmom, Jackie, Keetz, Sammy'sMom, cuteascnb, Astra, Shellyb, Squirlgirl, Stosh, Rocky63, MissPixy, CritterMom, Uno'sMom, and everyone else who might have stopped by.


Thank you so much for your caring and prayers. I am so sorry I haven't been on with much detail the last 24hrs. They have been a tough 24 hours for my little man.

Saturday afternoon/evening Grayson climbed high up and I looked up from under his nose. I could see that the pus and perhaps scabby material had come down and covered his nostrils forcing him to continually breathe through his mouth. As the evening went by, he seemed to be doing it more and more labored and I didn't want him to become exhausted. :(

I called a fellow local TSB'er to ask if she could come help me try to remove some of this. While sweet Grayson [aka Tater Tot] is very loving he did not like anything touching his nose and put up a great fight over it. Said friend came on Sunday and helped hold him in a blanket while I put warm wet compresses on the tip of his nose.

This was not fun for him. He was overall a good boy but struggled a lot to be free. We moistened it for about 30 + mins or so and had lifted up a bit of the gunk.

By this time Tater had had it. He squirmed with all his might and got free and just plopped down on the couch and pancaked exhausted. It had been hard on him and we gave him a rest in his cage a bit. While wrestling to get free, he had rubbed his nose on the blankets and all of a sudden I saw that the whole scabby part of his nose/face was lifted clear off. It had been loosened by the abscess pocket.

It was quite gross and I knew it all had to come off since it was just dangling there. I pulled it forward and had to snip one side of it with scissors [was dead crusty stuff]. Underneath where the abscess was [center of the bridge of his nose] was just mostly bone/cartilage and a little dried pus. A crater. :shakehead

Above this area and below all the way down to his upper lip came off too :shakehead, and underneath was cherry red new skin. The area right around the nostrils though, was still mostly attached. :(

I was just mortified for the little guy. I got neosporin on it but I just let him be to rest at that point.

Poor poor baby. That whole crusty skin over his nose was sloughing off and now had come off entirely. The good thing was that the original abscess was opened and didn't look very active anymore.

Later that evening though he looked really awful. He was breathing hard through his mouth and looking like he was miserable.

My heart was breaking and I thought I was going to lose him. I did all I could to make him comfortable and he took his meds. I was so scared all night and would go down and peek in on him throughout. This morning around 6 he was sitting up looking unhappy.

But when I came back down later he was begging to come out.

He hasn't wanted to come out since he came inside days ago. He jumped on my shoulder and snuggled. Stayed out with me for hours and ran around the house [slowly].

Was this a good sign, or was he trying to leave to go somewhere to die??? :dono

I was hopeful except that he had thus far had a good appetite and this morning he wouldn't take any water or food. I was worried about this change but hours later he finally drank about 3ccs and then ate a lot of avocado. :wahoo

He hung out with me a lot, peed on me, pooped on me, smeared avocado and blueberries on me, and I couldn't have bee happier.

He's been trying to pull/scratch the crusty stuff off the bottom part of his nose, and at one point it looked like he had freed it pretty well. AND! A little later I saw him actually breathe out of his nose NOT his mouth!! :alright.gif

So happy. And then so short lived. He is now back in his cage not breathing so well again, and it's back out of his mouth again. :(

I suppose it's one step forward and another one back for a bit. Right now I don't think he's about to die like I did last night, but he's squeaking a lot breathing and not looking as happy as earlier.

Please keep sending the good vibes. He and I both thank you ALL so much for your help and caring. :Love_Icon I means soooo much.
Many hugs to all of you! :grouphug

The below pictures are from this morning. Pretty awful, aren't they? :( My poor little angel baby.:Love_Icon :shakehead :Love_Icon Actually, as ugly as it is, I think it is healing pretty well. I just wish it would get away from his nostrils so he could breathe. Poor boy. :Love_Icon Please send your good healing vibes--you can see he needs them!

Oh, and he asked me to tell you all, those girls out there aren't worth this!! ;)


160915

160916

[gs1]

:grouphug it looks horrible...:( sending prayers... i think/hope the worst is behind you.:grouphug

[mpetys]

oh Pierre. Keeping Grayson close to my heart. And you too. :grouphug :grouphug

[missPixy]

dear Pierre~~ at risk of sounding like a broken record, this is an IDEAL scenario for the the Manuka Honey. I buy mine at Whole Foods, it's sold at most natural food stores.

I used this on a dwarf hamster (who are also known for their giant sensitivities to all things antibiotic) who had a marble-size crater in the space between his ear and the corner of his eye. an abscess had burst and left this gaping wound.

because this dwarf was unable to take even baytril without getting explosive diarrhea, I went the Manuka Honey route. on day1, I dabbed one pinky finger's worth of the honey completely on the wound. it acts as both an occlusive dressing to keep out any external bacteria or debris, and as an antiseptic/ antibiotic treatment to keep reinfection from occurring.

after 24 hours, the wound looked less "angry" and there was already a tiny thin line of pink health around the very edges of the wound.

after 48 hours, there was clearly pink skin growing in at the edges.

after 1 week, the wound was completely healed. with no scabbing. just pink healthy skin. by two weeks, the fur had completely grown in.

I urge you to try this product on his wound, if you can find the honey. just remember, it must be "Manuka Honey" and be at least +16 "UMF" (the pharmaceutical rating). Grayson can lick this off without harm to his digestive tract, it's totally non-toxic. by preventing scabbing, which is a problem when the wound is near the mouth/nose and therefore often either wetted and/or stretched, Grayson's wound will heal much more quickly.

[SammysMom]

Oh that poor baby! His poor little schnozola looks like raw meat! Thank-you so much for the timeline of events. It does sound like he is on the recovery side of this event thogh. Prayers for both of you. He is is the best hands he could be in and he surely knows it. :grouphug :Love_Icon Pierre & Grayson:Love_Icon :grouphug

[missPixy]

I have done some reading on honey and wounds - facinating stuff.

isn't it amazing? what's really incredible is to watch this stuff work... I couldn't believe my eyes when I used it for the first time on a dwarf hamster. a wound you'd have guessed would take a month to completely heal (including fur regrowth) was healed in a week, and had new fur the second week.

[Scooterzmom]

Pierre, I'm so sorry your poor baby and you have to go through this. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Terrible as it looks, the abscess is now open - the puss mostly gone - and if he still takes his meds then there is hope. He needs his meds, plenty of water handy so he can have it at will, and keep up the avocado since it's calories and he needs those to help him fight. What he does need most is your love and that is the one thing I'm sure he's getting plenty of.

Hang in there, both... we keep praying for you and we're sending you all our love too.

[gs1]

I urge you to try this product on his wound, if you can find the honey. just remember, it must be "Manuka Honey" and be at least +16 "UMF" (the pharmaceutical rating). Grayson can lick this off without harm to his digestive tract, it's totally non-toxic. by preventing scabbing, which is a problem when the wound is near the mouth/nose and therefore often either wetted and/or stretched, Grayson's wound will heal much more quickly.

i do agree that it's amazing stuff.... misspixy could you please tell her the name of yours ... some brands are fake manuka or blended manuka and not strong enough to be antibacterial.

i use manuka at 100mgos ($30) for my face...it makes an amazing cleansing mask ... but if i use even a blended manuka from the same company it makes my face itch and scratch.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

CM916
A guardian angel is looking over you both

[Pierre]

:grouphug it looks horrible...:( sending prayers... i think/hope the worst is behind you.:grouphug


:thankyou :grouphug

[Pierre]

oh Pierre. Keeping Grayson close to my heart. And you too. :grouphug :grouphug


Thank you. :) :grouphug

[Pierre]

dear Pierre~~ at risk of sounding like a broken record, this is an IDEAL scenario for the the Manuka Honey. I buy mine at Whole Foods, it's sold at most natural food stores.

I used this on a dwarf hamster (who are also known for their giant sensitivities to all things antibiotic) who had a marble-size crater in the space between his ear and the corner of his eye. an abscess had burst and left this gaping wound.

because this dwarf was unable to take even baytril without getting explosive diarrhea, I went the Manuka Honey route. on day1, I dabbed one pinky finger's worth of the honey completely on the wound. it acts as both an occlusive dressing to keep out any external bacteria or debris, and as an antiseptic/ antibiotic treatment to keep reinfection from occurring.

after 24 hours, the wound looked less "angry" and there was already a tiny thin line of pink health around the very edges of the wound.

after 48 hours, there was clearly pink skin growing in at the edges.

after 1 week, the wound was completely healed. with no scabbing. just pink healthy skin. by two weeks, the fur had completely grown in.

I urge you to try this product on his wound, if you can find the honey. just remember, it must be "Manuka Honey" and be at least +16 "UMF" (the pharmaceutical rating). Grayson can lick this off without harm to his digestive tract, it's totally non-toxic. by preventing scabbing, which is a problem when the wound is near the mouth/nose and therefore often either wetted and/or stretched, Grayson's wound will heal much more quickly.

Thanks for all this information. I will look to see if my whole foods has it. Good to know and always good to learn new things. :grouphug

[Pierre]

Oh that poor baby! His poor little schnozola looks like raw meat! Thank-you so much for the timeline of events. It does sound like he is on the recovery side of this event thogh. Prayers for both of you. He is is the best hands he could be in and he surely knows it. :grouphug :Love_Icon Pierre & Grayson:Love_Icon :grouphug

Thank you Sammysmom.
His schnozola does look like raw meat. :shakehead

Thanks for the prayers for him. :grouphug

[shellyb1018]

awwww poor baby, he looks so uncomfty. prayers are still coming for you both.

[Pierre]

Pierre, I'm so sorry your poor baby and you have to go through this. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Terrible as it looks, the abscess is now open - the puss mostly gone - and if he still takes his meds then there is hope. He needs his meds, plenty of water handy so he can have it at will, and keep up the avocado since it's calories and he needs those to help him fight. What he does need most is your love and that is the one thing I'm sure he's getting plenty of.

Hang in there, both... we keep praying for you and we're sending you all our love too.

Yes, yes, he needs all these things! He's not the best patient but he is so incredibly sweet, it makes it even harder to see him suffer. He is peeping in his sleep right now and it sounds like a baby crying... :(

Thank god he loves full fat and calories avocado!! I think the soft foods are all he can handle. I'm bummed he didn't like the pecan ensure but I'm going to keep trying it in various ways.

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Pierre]

i do agree that it's amazing stuff.... misspixy could you please tell her the name of yours ... some brands are fake manuka or blended manuka and not strong enough to be antibacterial.

i use manuka at 100mgos ($30) for my face...it makes an amazing cleansing mask ... but if i use even a blended manuka from the same company it makes my face itch and scratch.

Interesting, thanks! :)

[Pierre]

CM916
A guardian angel is looking over you both


Oh thank you!! He so needs one. He is really such a sweet little boy, he so deserves to get better and be happy! Thanks for the angel. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Pierre]

awwww poor baby, he looks so uncomfty. prayers are still coming for you both.


:thankyou I can't wait for him to feel good enough to be a little naughty again. :)

[Milo's Mom]

I sure hope your little Tater Tot feels like himself soon again.
His nose does look worse, but may wounds do when they are healing.
Great to hear that the abcess did not look active.

Keeping BOTH of you in my thoughts and prayers. :grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug

Thank you for the updates.

[Chickenlegs]

Love you Grayson. Be well!

[Jackie in Tampa]

push hydration, he's spikey looking..
also, all wounds weep, all fluid lost needs to be replaced..
add grapes, watermelon to his diet
make clean water easy to accsess..
his ABs are very important right now, keep his immune system up too..
If he'll take FV..that's good stuff..Boost, ensure, etc...
let him lap it.
poor tater tot:grouphug
hang in there Pierre,he'll be better in two weeks...
you'll be kicken' him outside!:Love_Icon

[gs1]

push hydration, he's spikey looking..
also, all wounds weep, all fluid lost needs to be replaced..
:Love_Icon

jackie i saw that he was spikey looking and i just thought how cute .. and what a terrible injury to his poor nose.....

omg.... :hidechair.......

i'm so glad you picked that out so quickly ..... :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

with grapes and older squirrels do you need to still worry about the inside string and skin so they don't choke.... i need to know ...cause i'm still halving the ones for my outside squirrels but i don't take off the peel for them.... cause it takes so long to peel grapes and i figure i don't peel blueberries etc... ????

[Pierre]

push hydration, he's spikey looking..
also, all wounds weep, all fluid lost needs to be replaced..
add grapes, watermelon to his diet
make clean water easy to accsess..
his ABs are very important right now, keep his immune system up too..
If he'll take FV..that's good stuff..Boost, ensure, etc...
let him lap it.
poor tater tot:grouphug
hang in there Pierre,he'll be better in two weeks...
you'll be kicken' him outside!:Love_Icon

He's been eating some grapes, more blueberries, and quite a bit of avocado. He never - oddly enough - liked watermelon as a baby but I'll go get some tomorrow. He has access to water and has been drinking pretty well [as he had peed on me a few times and it is close to clear]. However yes, he looks spiky. :(

I got him pecan ensure and he wont touch it. Or Fox Valley. I think it's partly because I'm giving to him in a syringe with a nipple and he associates it with the AB.

I sure hope he's driving me crazy in a few weeks!!! I just keep feeling like he's going to die any second. I hate watching him mouth-breathe.

Worried if baytril is enough... I could add doxy or azithromycin. ??? :dono

[Scooterzmom]

He's been eating some grapes, more blueberries, and quite a bit of avocado. He never - oddly enough - liked watermelon as a baby but I'll go get some tomorrow. He has access to water and has been drinking pretty well [as he had peed on me a few times and it is close to clear]. However yes, he looks spiky. :(

I got him pecan ensure and he wont touch it. Or Fox Valley. I think it's partly because I'm giving to him in a syringe with a nipple and he associates it with the AB.

I sure hope he's driving me crazy in a few weeks!!! I just keep feeling like he's going to die any second. I hate watching him mouth-breathe.

Worried if baytril is enough... I could add doxy or azithromycin. ??? :dono

Pierre:
He's breathing through his mouth and that is most likely why he doesn't want anything from the syringe: from the syringe he has to suck to get the liquid and he has to close his mouth around the syringe to suck in, so he can't breathe. It's like us trying to suck on something when our nose is plugged... ever noticed how you quickly get out of breath that way? So, maybe try to offer some Ensure or FV in a shallow dish... you got nothing to lose by trying. If it does not work still, then just make sure he does get plenty of water and other hydration fruit. With ABs the body does need more hydration, so yes, the liquids are good. What's his baytril dosage? Maybe Jackie can tell you if the dosage is enough or advise you - certainly better than I can on that part.

Very importantly... Keep up your courage... I know how very hard this must be for you and you must be exhausted. If need be take a short break, have someone else supervise him meanwhile, and come back to him more rested. He takes strength from your own courage, so keep your head up and keep the faith, do not lose your faith. Remember that the Creator put him back in your hands for a reason... to be his angel and that's what you're doing. That's all that matters: you are doing your best and your baby knows it, remember that. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

you can soak some formula or ensure on a piece of wheat bread , it might be easier to eat it than drink it.:Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

you can soak some formula or ensure on a piece of wheat bread , it might be easier to eat it than drink it.:Love_Icon
Good idea! :thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

Pierre , I hate using Doxy..
it is such an atom bomb...'the drug of last choice'...
and we're not there yet..

if the baytril you are using is fresh and has been prepared correct{if tablet form}, let it work.
Are you dosing at 10mg/kg?
I think he's going to turn that corner soon,as Sammy's mom mentioned.
a probotic may make him feel better too..
I would imagine he has a serious belly ache.
sprinkle acidiopholis on his romaine, or syringe some yogurt...
get his guts back to feeling better, he'll eat more too.

If am animal is dehydrated, they will not heal, they have little to no appetite...
don't buy watermelon if he doesn't like it...
just push anything wet..romaine heart is a favorite here and full of water.
Do you have sub Q supplies?
If he doesn't perk up today, I would consider it.
Hydration is key to healing...

I have seen many stages of debilitated and there is a line, that once crossed, seldom anyone comes back..and it's always dehydration that is the turning point...
nothing works...without hydration.

not to be a downer..or pesimistic..
we want Grayson well..push the hydration!:thumbsup
it's THAT important.

[pappy1264]

I agree with Jackie. If it were me, at this point, I would add in the sub-q fluids. Do you have them or is anyone near you that could help you with that? My heart broke when I saw his latest pics.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I agree with Jackie. If it were me, at this point, I would add in the sub-q fluids. Do you have them or is anyone near you that could help you with that? My heart broke when I saw his latest pics.
IF not, I will over night everything needed.:Love_Icon
and anything else you may need.:grouphug

[island rehabber]

I have seen many stages of debilitated and there is a line, that once crossed, seldom anyone comes back..and it's always dehydration that is the turning point...
nothing works...without hydration.

This is the bottom line....hydration first. Sub-Q, absolutely, however you can do it.
My vet at one point recommended a mix of Chloramphenicol and Metronidazole for another rehabber dealing with an abcessed squirrel. It worked beautifully....it may be time to try another weapon against this thing.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeygoa25hoI

Make sure the needle is sterilized first with alcohol.

[Pierre]

Thx for all your ideas. Momentary crisis mode. He ran and jumped to the couch, missed, and knocked his nose open. Blood everywhere...

Be back later.... :(


:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

And he's drinking plenty today if it kills both of us.:shakehead

:thankyou :(

[SammysMom]

That is a great video clip for sub Q! How much fluid would you use for an adult squirrel?

[Pierre]

Quick question to rehabbers:

What approximately is the amt of water he should have per day? I know with his wounds and meds more is needed. I'm looking for a general ballpark. I give a lot of it via a syringe and nipple so I can see [other than that which he drinks from him bottle].

General general question. More is needed. Wondering if anyone has the biological physiology info. :grouphug

[CritterMom]

You are still just giving him water, aren't you? Why not switch to 24 hours of rehydration solution? It should do a better job and you might not have to sub-q.

For obvious reasons, I would keep him as restrained as you can so no more accidents. It also lets him conserve energy so it is used to get better vs. being used to investigate the living room! Poor Grayson...

[Pierre]

Yes, re the rehydration fluid. :thankyou

He's out because for the last 24 hrs he's wanted to be held and was agitated in is cage. He relaxes now and sleeps on me. Breathes better too. He's calmer. :dono Cries when I put him back.

The blood's fine now. Just superficial but sad. Gave some inf motrin. He's resting. Fluids are the goal today [and he's been good with drinking until last night].

Pees clear on me.

:grouphug

[stosh2010]

I am hoping the worst has passed...and will continue to pray and send good thoughts to you BOTH.

[Pierre]

I am hoping the worst has passed...and will continue to pray and send good thoughts to you BOTH.

Thank you Stosh. That's so sweet. It's making me cry. He's not well today. Please send your love.
:grouphug

[JLM27]

Does he need subQing or is he getting enough water?

[Pierre]

OK, he won't drink anything. Let's it run out his mouth.

I need to get supplies to sub Q in case I can't get him to drink during the day today, which is my first goal.

Please tell me HOW MUCH I'd need to give sub Q. Also, I doubt I can get lactated ringers locally today so I'll use sterile saline. Is this OK?

[gs1]

:grouphug if you don't get an answer soon maybe you'll need a new thread so people know this is another emergency .....

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[CritterMom]

Empty your mailbox, Pierre.

[Rianna]

Praying for Grayson!!!

[Scooterzmom]

I'm praying for you both. :Love_Icon :grouphug

Sweet Grayson don't give up, your mama loves you and wants to see you come and go happy again. Get the rest you need, try to drink some water, baby... we all love you and want to see you healthy again. :Love_Icon :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[CritterMom]

Pierre, until you can get the info you need, give him oral hydration drop by drop - it is not enough for him to let it dribble out and it WILL do good.

[missPixy]

i do agree that it's amazing stuff.... misspixy could you please tell her the name of yours ... some brands are fake manuka or blended manuka and not strong enough to be antibacterial.

i use manuka at 100mgos ($30) for my face...it makes an amazing cleansing mask ... but if i use even a blended manuka from the same company it makes my face itch and scratch.

here's a photo of the brand I use, bought at Whole Foods:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6797079371_4e1172b15f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/27896260@N02/6797079371/)

[Jackie in Tampa]

can I help?
what can I do...?
what do you need me to help look up?
oral is fastest way to hydrate unless unresponsive..
sub Q can make a big difference sometimes.:grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

for a one lb squirrel about 15cc is normal.
you could start with that
If there is anyone in your area who can help you with this take him.
There may be other issues starting here.

[island rehabber]

In case Pierre is too busy with Grayson to post an update:
I've gotten her in touch with a trusted rehabber not far from her. The rehabber is on her way to Pierre's to assess little Grayson and subQ him, too. If warranted she will take him to her vet ASAP. I have great respect for this person so -- fingers crossed, prayers going out -- good TSB healing energies needed!

[Nancy in New York]

In case Pierre is too busy with Grayson to post an update:
I've gotten her in touch with a trusted rehabber not far from her. The rehabber is on her way to Pierre's to assess little Grayson and subQ him, too. If warranted she will take him to her vet ASAP. I have great respect for this person so -- fingers crossed, prayers going out -- good TSB healing energies needed!


Perfect....many prayers going out to Grayson and Pierre.
So glad that she is willing to go to the house, so as not to upset Grayson anymore than necessary.
Wonderful news IR, thanks for sharing....this post.....and your contacts!:grouphug

[Kelly Brady]

Help is on the way dear !!!!!:grouphug

:grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

In case Pierre is too busy with Grayson to post an update:
I've gotten her in touch with a trusted rehabber not far from her. The rehabber is on her way to Pierre's to assess little Grayson and subQ him, too. If warranted she will take him to her vet ASAP. I have great respect for this person so -- fingers crossed, prayers going out -- good TSB healing energies needed!

Good news there is help, bad news he is feeling so poorly:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

I'm always in awe of the dedication on TSB. Thank you IR - and your friend - for helping Pierre & Grayson.

Prayers and much love for all. :Love_Icon :grouphug Grayson & Pierre :grouphug

[Pierre]

In case Pierre is too busy with Grayson to post an update:
I've gotten her in touch with a trusted rehabber not far from her. The rehabber is on her way to Pierre's to assess little Grayson and subQ him, too. If warranted she will take him to her vet ASAP. I have great respect for this person so -- fingers crossed, prayers going out -- good TSB healing energies needed!


:Love_Icon :grouphug :thankyou :grouphug :Love_Icon

IR has been so wonderful. Thank you SO much for talking and hooking me up with this person.

All of you have been so wonderful sending love, help, encouragement.

I hope things go well when the other rehabber gets here. I will post as soon as I can.

:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

we are here and waiting and praying for you

[stosh2010]

:Love_Icon :grouphug :thankyou :grouphug :Love_Icon

I.R. has been so wonderful. Thank you SO much for talking and hooking me up with this person.

All of you have been so wonderful sending love, help, encouragement.

I hope things go well when the other rehabber gets here. I will post as soon as I can.

:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
That's all she KNOWS HOW to DO !!!!!!!!!

[island rehabber]

:o that's our thing here. It's what we do best. :)

[SammysMom]

Well said as always Stosh! Prayers for Grayson and for Pierre. There is just nothing like that helpless feeling of not knowing what to do. God bless everyone who is helping to get this sweet boy what he needs. IR, you are amazing! Pierre, keep the faith. If there is anything that TSB does best it is send healing prayers and vibes. Sammy and I are sending up all we can for Grayson's well-being.:grouphug :Love_Icon Grayson & Pierre:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Baxied]

:grouphug :grouphug Grayson & Pierre:grouphug :grouphug

[stosh2010]

:o that's our thing here. It's what we do best. :)
Same AWARD...but for This Year...my head is 2 years behind....

[island rehabber]

Same AWARD...but for This Year...my head is 2 years behind....

I never noticed!:jump

Like I always say, I suck at picky little details.....:rotfl:rotfl

[astra]

:grouphug praying for little Tater Tot and Pierre:grouphug

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

any word yet??

[Nancy in New York]

Praying hard for little Grayson....poor baby.:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[stosh2010]

Grayson....get better soon... TSB knows you can do it.

[Pierre]

:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

The rehabber that came was phenomenal. She had everything you could ever need. And she is absolutely lovely and loves squirrels more than anything.

Here's what her best guess is of what happened to him, knowing that we'll never know for sure.

She thinks he was attacked either by another squirrel, or even the slight chance that it was a cat [though she didn't think this as likely].

She told me that that second day I saw him in the wild---when the tip of his nose started swelling and his cheeks were puffy, that he had multiple abscesses at that point. I then showed her the pictures from once he was inside and she felt he by then most likely had pneumonia starting [the secretions had no where to easily drain as his nose was so swollen] and was getting septic.

The baytril alone was not enough. As a matter of fact, she does not like or use the drug at all any more. Uses other big guns.

So, she first was able to remove the pus around his nose. Cleaned it all up. Sub Q'ed him. And then tubed him his antibiotics and hydration.

He was hypoxic of course, and she felt his organs were shutting down.

After the above treatments he was resting for awhile, but then, my:Love_Icon dear beloved angel boy, :Love_Icon Grayson, Tater Tot Tiny Sized-Silly Stuffing Little Acorn Eikletje, :Love_Icon couldn't take it anymore, his body was just too weak, and he left me for heaven.:Love_Icon

She felt he had been too injured in the attack, and was very sick when he came in. She was very kind and thought I did everything right and that I could have, short of knowing her.

It's all of course surreal right now. He's on my lap. His fur smells so good. His hands are curled around my hand. And his little ears are pointing sideways, like they always did.:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

Since I will not be able to respond to you all, please take this big thank you for all the kind things you might say. I don't think I'll be on for awhile and doubt I could respond anyway. Apologies.

And IR, I too can't stand to see the All Squirrels Go To Heaven category either, please. Please.

Thank you all for caring about him [and me] so much.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Oh Pierre...................:Love_Icon

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I love you that is all I can say. Im so sorry............:Love_Icon My heart is broken

[krawls]

I am so sorry. I was hoping he would rally and do well with the treatments.
RIP sweet Grayson.

Damn.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Gracie & Grayson are together again.:sad

[SammysMom]

Oh Pierre I am so sorry...remember he is not in pain anymore and he was with his mommy where he wanted to be in the end. :grouphug Grayson & Pierre:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Pierre....my heart is just broken for you and for Grayson.
There are no words that I can say....and the tears are rolling down my face.
I am so very sorry.
I loved your boy too.
He was such a delight and just pure love.
This is the saddest day...and one I hoped would
never come....sweet Grayson, I loved you too! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[stosh2010]

Oh Pierre I am so sorry...remember he is not in pain anymore and he was with his mommy where he wanted to be in the end. :grouphug Grayson & Pierre:grouphug
Pierre.............remember WE Love You............

[Squirlgirl]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[mpetys]

Oh Pierre, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My heart is breaking for you. Your beautiful boy was so loved by all and it was very obvious he loved you so much. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[astra]

oh no!......

[mainemargaret]

So very sorry...but glad you were together. Will be thinking of you both. :(

[Milo's Mom]

I am so sorry Pierre. :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Margie]

On No! That is not what I expected to read. Not after all this time. I am crying with you. At least you know what happened to him and could be with him at the end, rather than him dying alone out in the wild.

[Uno's Mom]

Oh Pierre, I am so sorry you've lost your beloved Grayson. Know in your heart that you did everything you could to save him and that he came home to YOU for his final days. The two of you shared a magical bond and hopefully that will bring you comfort in the difficult days ahead. Be at rest now beautiful Grayson.
:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[UDoWhat]

Pierre, I am so sorry that Grayson had to go. I also know that all the kind, understanding, heartfelt words can not begin to really touch the pain you feel in your heart. Time will slowly help heal this raw pain. Pierre, your boy, Grayson came home to you. He knew you would help him. He knew he needed you. What amazing trust he had in you. I am sorry for your loss. :grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug

Marty

[Fireweed]

I am so heartbroken for you, Pierre. :grouphug
I'm so sorry Grayson had to leave you and the trees. :grouphug
He knew the best place to be in the end: with the being he loved most. :grouphug

Grayson, Tater-Tot, you will never be forgotten. You were much loved by many, and you were one of my favorite TSB squirrels. :Love_Icon I will miss you, little guy. :(

Pierre, this is such a sad day. And I hope you feel all the love enveloping you and Grayson today and in the difficult days ahead. :grouphug :grouphug

[JLM27]

Pierre, you gave him a squirrel's life, you gave him his birthright, his freedom in the trees. He loved you and knew to come home to you. You gave him a loving, safe end to this mortal life. Grayson and you share a love that will never, ever die. You did all that could be done. He is safe now in the hands of his Maker until his next adventure. I'm so sorry. I am crying too.

[Chickenlegs]

I guess sometimes we have to accept that the best we can do for our loved ones is be with them when it's time to go. It's not enough. It's not fair. It's just the way it is. Your darling knew where to go and who to trust. He was in his place with the one he loved best. He knew the sweet life and life in the trees. The circle of life for him was full--just too short. Sweet sleep little boy. Take all the love with you and leave the grief. No sadness at rainbows end. :Love_Icon

[gs1]

:( i'm so sorry pierre ... i really didn't expect this either.....:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[island rehabber]

dammit dammit DAMMIT. I so wanted to see good news tonight....

Pierre I am so, so sorry. Grayson fought long and hard....it was too much for his precious little body. I'm so sorry.......

[Scooterzmom]

Pierre:
I'm so, so sorry. No words can make it better, I know. But please, just remember that what your little Grayson Tater-Tot left you is the best present, the only present a little squirrel could leave you: his complete love and trust. Cherish that, Pierre. Cherish the love he so willingly offered and hang on to that through the hard days ahead. In time this love you shared will let you see all the wonderful memories he also left with you, again.

No more pain, little Grayson, just be in peace... Rest in total peace and relief, sweetheart. You will be forever loved.

[MiriamS]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[stosh2010]

A recollection...Sweet, Sweet Grayson !

[sdreamcatcher]

My heart goes out to you, really it does. There's nothing I can say that would make this any easier for you, just know we all care and you are in our thoughts and prayers.


Rest in Peace, Sweet Boy, Grayson.....

[gs1]

:grouphug still doesn't seem real.... i think we were all expecting him to pull through .... it looked like he was doing so very well.....

thanks stosh for the photos it shows him as he really was ... happy, healthy, mischevious, wonderfully carefree and knowing all the way down to his toes how very much he was loved.... :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

sweetest Grayson...
dearest Pierre...
:grouphug

[stepnstone]

So very sorry... :grouphug

[sleeping koala]

Sorry to hear the sad news :( :grouphug

[lilidukes]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[shellyb1018]

RIP Grayson. :Love_Icon
Pierre, you did everything you could do. Know that you gave him everything you had! HAng in there, time will heal the sadness, and he will live on in your heart. My heart is with you both.

[SquirrelNut]

Thank-you for caring so much for Grayson!

I am so very sorry for your loss!

RIP, Grayson!:grouphug

Dana and Nos

[pappy1264]

no.......omg.......I am so very sorry, Pierre. This is so heartbreaking! RIP sweet baby....you left surrounded by love.

[Mrs Skul]

:sad
RIP
:Love_Icon Sweet Little Angel Grayson :Love_Icon
Pierre & Family
I am so Sorry! :grouphug
In Big and Small Ways Grayson Changed Your & Our Life.
He Has Touched So Many Hearts to Ever be Forgotten.
With each Memory, Let Your Heart Be Reminded That Nothing Can Ever Take That Away
The Beauty You and Your Family Have Known By Having Grayson In Your Life.
In Quiet Moments, Listen To The Memories You Have and All The Smile, Laughter, and Love You Shared Be Your Shelter and Comforter.
Grayson Fought a Tough Fight. I Know You are Hurting Right Now. Words can't even Begin to fill The Deep Void in Your Hart. :Love_Icon
I know how you are feeling! :Cry Just Remember We are Hear for You when ever You Need Us. :grouphug
CM918

[rocky63]

So sorry pierre :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[stosh2010]

This was first posted on the Gracie & Grayson thread on JULY 7, 2012 in response to this photo.


Pierre wrote: Stosh's picture is awesome!
Boy, they sure do have a way of leaving heart-shaped footprints on us, don't they??

That quote has stayed with me --Every day....It's TRUTH penetrates every soul on TSB....It is our MANTRA..

[Kelly Brady]

Pierre,

Tears:grouphug Tears:grouphug

As JLM put it, he had a chance to experience what squirrels are suppose to experience. I am not sure you feel that way now, but it is all that they live for, at least one day in the trees.

God bless you and my heart hurts for you. Losing a release is so painful. The only thing I can hold on to was at least he had a chance to be a squirrel.

[yoyo]

RIP Grayson, I was looking everyday for your news, and I am so sorry for your lost, I am still in pain for mine, now my Yoyi and Grayson are in heaven together happy and not in pain anymore

[Kristin Ward]

So sorry to here about Grayson. My thoughts are with you. I know your heartbroken.

[missPixy]

oh no! *weeps* :Cry thank god he came home to you though, and as others have said, he didn't die alone in the wild. love :Love_Icon :Love_Icon called him home.

[wheezer]

Words just aren't there that can take away the pain. Though I think these words by Muffin Squirrel seem to come close at times like this:
"Some little ones come into this world under bad circumstances. Although, for whatever reason, they have no future in this world, it is not yet their time to leave it. So God places them with someone with an abundance of love, compassion, and gentleness - someone that can hold His creatures in their hands until it is time for them to pass into His. So always remember that you were chosen for this task for a reason - God knew that you were the one person that could fill this particular squirrel's needs in this world until it was time for him to go Home. You have done your job well. Mourn the briefness of his life, but rejoice in the time you had with God's wonderful creature, and the faith that God had in you when He entrusted it's short life to you."

Please feel comfort in all the love here on the Board:grouphug :grouphug and know Grayson felt such love from you, Bless you:bowdown :Love_Icon :grouphug