NEED HELP FERNANDINA BEACH FL! 4 or 5 week old w/back injury

[atvgirl0862]

As I said in the title I just found a baby squirrel in my back yard. It looks about 4 or 5 weeks but would love for someone to help me out and figure out how old this little guy is. I actually didn't find it but my dog did! He picked it up and started running around the back yard with it into the woods(my backyard is fenced in) and it kept squealing like a little pig. He finally dropped it after several attempts of trying to run after him to let it go.(He's a wolf hybrid and loves squeaky toys so I think he thought it was one of his toys) But when he dropped it I ran up to it and saw it was still breathing so I picked it up and dry cleaned it off with a little rag and made sure it didn't have any bleeding stratches or holes in it but I did notice that later once I tried to give him milk after I left him out for his mom to come get him, (She didn't and it is now dark out so I have him inside now) his back legs are not working and he just pulls himself around with his two front arms. This is my first time caring for a squirrel and need some help with trying to care for this little baby. I am also currently 4 and a half months pregnant but would love to take on this challenge in caring for this little guy. Thank you so much. :)

[Nancy in New York]

I moved your thread to get more attention. I will be back in 5 minutes to help you, in the meantime I'm sure some others will come on, we have an excellent group here and many members in Florida...

[atvgirl0862]

Thank you. Was not sure where to put this but thank you for moving it. :)

[Nancy in New York]

OK first off, NO milk, and we need to get him on heat. If you have a heating pad put it under half of the container that you have him in and put the setting on LOW. Also if you have any type of fleece put a lot in the container, nothing with loops like towels, that they can catch their little toes in.
Can you post pictures? If not since you are a new member, email one to me ****
Is this a little grey squirrel? Are his eyes opened. The fact that he has problems in his back end is not good, he could also have internal injuries and be in pain.
Do you have syringes or anything to feed him? First you need to rehydrate him with pedialyte. If you don't have any, you can make your own.
You have to feed very very slowly in an upright position. They are very easy to aspirate.
Try to send a picture so we can determine the age and size.

1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water

Keep refrigerated.

Give this to him slowly and warm it before feeding.
Also do not feed him if he is cool, you need to warm his little body before attempting to feed. Warm slowly with a heating pad set on LOW, or a rice buddy. Take 1 cup of uncooked rice. Put it in a sock and tie at the top, put it in the microwave for one minute, and squish it around, so there are no hot spots. Wrap it in fleece or an old flannel shirt or nightgown, cut to size...and place right next to the baby.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

:wave123
Put him in a small box or plastic container so he cant move around too much, he might hurt himself more,with a fleece blanket to snuggle in put a heating pad under half of it on low, make sure it is on the lowest setting,
Are his eyes open?
Try to give him some perdialyte, if you dont have any you can make it
1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 quart water
make sure he is warm before you give it to him and warm it up also
do you have any syringes?
you will need a 1cc. give to him very slowly.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

How far are you from 95?

[atvgirl0862]

About 4 miles from 95 I'm pretty sure. Just moved to the area so not too sure.

I will post pictures in a second. I made that solution and have been feeding it to him.

[Nancy in New York]

About 4 miles from 95 I'm pretty sure. Just moved to the area so not too sure.

I will post pictures in a second. I made that solution and have been feeding it to him.

Just make sure that he is warmed up himself before feeding anything. Go slowly too...:thumbsup
Are his eyes open?
I don't think you can post pictures yet, so email them to me and I will post if you want.

[atvgirl0862]

Sent the pictures to you Nancy. Please let me know if you got them. I made sure he was warm before I gave him the solution.

[atvgirl0862]

Just make sure that he is warmed up himself before feeding anything. Go slowly too...:thumbsup
Are his eyes open?
I don't think you can post pictures yet, so email them to me and I will post if you want.

Also yes his eyes are open.

[Nancy in New York]

Got them just resizing.
http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/TSB%20photos/IMG_20120315_1929481.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/TSB%20photos/IMG_20120315_1929311.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/TSB%20photos/IMG_20120315_1929251.jpg

[Nancy in New York]

In this last picture, is he crying or yawning?

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I hope that was a yawn and not a cry of pain
poor little guy, I am only 2 hours from you if you need anything let me know

[atvgirl0862]

In this last picture, is he crying or yawning?
He was making noises so I'm pretty sure crying.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Oh Nancy are we on the same page or what?? :thumbsup
You just can type faster than me.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I think Digi & Chip are in FBeach, Lori:)

[atvgirl0862]

I hope that was a yawn and not a cry of pain
poor little guy, I am only 2 hours from you if you need anything let me know
Thank you. And I don't think he's crying in pain just making noises to let his mom know where he is not sure though. I feel really bad though. :shakehead

[Nancy in New York]

Can you get infant ibuprofen? He needs something for the pain. If so, we can dose it for you. Do you have a 1 cc syringe?

[CritterMom]

His limp back legs worry me.

Um...at his age, he is going to be too young to release but old enough to be a quadruple handful (if this back end issue resolves itself) by the time you give birth. Might you consider giving him up to one of our experienced members (about half of which live in Florida)? If it is someone close you might even be able to visit him; if not that, most of us post a million pics as they grow up and you could still enjoy him. If you sit and read some of the threads here you will see how caring these folks are and how insanely far they will go for these babies. I know how hard it is to think of giving him up - they completely own you in the first 30 seconds! But the timing for the two of you is very tough...

[atvgirl0862]

Can you get infant ibuprofen? He needs something for the pain. If so, we can dose it for you. Do you have a 1 cc syringe?
Not at the moment dont have a car but i do have a syringe. :/ I can get it later tonight though when my husband gets home.

[atvgirl0862]

His limp back legs worry me.

Um...at his age, he is going to be too young to release but old enough to be a quadruple handful (if this back end issue resolves itself) by the time you give birth. Might you consider giving him up to one of our experienced members (about half of which live in Florida)? If it is someone close you might even be able to visit him; if not that, most of us post a million pics as they grow up and you could still enjoy him. If you sit and read some of the threads here you will see how caring these folks are and how insanely far they will go for these babies. I know how hard it is to think of giving him up - they completely own you in the first 30 seconds! But the timing for the two of you is very tough...
Oh yes I definately understand how much work he and a baby would be. Haha. But yes I would be able to give him up to another caring member for them to take care of him. Like I said this is my first time and I don't want to see this little guy suffer even though I'm trying to help him.

[CritterMom]

Oh yes I definately understand how much work he and a baby would be. Haha. But yes I would be able to give him up to another caring member for them to take care of him. Like I said this is my first time and I don't want to see this little guy suffer even though I'm trying to help him.


Good for you!:thumbsup

I am at the other end of the country so I cannot help directly, but I have great confidence in our Florida folks. Hold onto your hat. You are about to get a lot of help...!

[SammysMom]

ATV your willingness to give him to a more experienced rehabber is amazing! That is the best gift any of us can give...:grouphug

[island rehabber]

If the dog did not break his back, there is a slim chance that steroids and good rehabilitation may restore this baby's hind leg movement. It is a slim chance, however. Most of these rear-end injuries do not end well. atv, it's wonderful that you are willing to get him to a qualified person ASAP...time is of the essence here! I hope one of our terrific Florida members can come to the rescue....I am going to put your location in the title which may help....

[Nancy in New York]

OK I know that there are a couple of SOS's out to Florida members who may be able to help....so fingers crossed.
What an amazing person you are helping this little one, and also willing to turn him over to someone with more experience....:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Good for you!:thumbsup

I am at the other end of the country so I cannot help directly, but I have great confidence in our Florida folks. Hold onto your hat. You are about to get a lot of help...!

Hey CritterMom, other end of the country has never stopped TSB before....SQUIRREL TRAIN....:poke

[atvgirl0862]

Thank you everybody and I hope there is someone who is close to help me out. And thank you guys for all of the advice. And also I have another question how long do I feed him the hydration formula before I can start to give him milk?

[atvgirl0862]

If the dog did not break his back, there is a slim chance that steroids and good rehabilitation may restore this baby's hind leg movement. It is a slim chance, however. Most of these rear-end injuries do not end well. atv, it's wonderful that you are willing to get him to a qualified person ASAP...time is of the essence here! I hope one of our terrific Florida members can come to the rescue....I am going to put your location in the title which may help....


I think also he might of hurt his back or broken it after he fell out of the nest. My dog is huge a 90 pound wolf hybrid and he does play with his squeaky toys pretty hard and plays hard also but it is a possiblity that he could have broken it or he could have broken it from the fall.

[Nancy in New York]

Thank you everybody and I hope there is someone who is close to help me out. And thank you guys for all of the advice. And also I have another question how long do I feed him the hydration formula before I can start to give him milk?
You can't give him cows milk. You can give him this temporary recipe.

3 parts goat’s milk (for human consumption)
1 part heavy whipping cream*
1 part vanilla yogurt

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Is it possible for you to get this tonight as I am sure that he will be hungry.

[atvgirl0862]

You can't give him cows milk. You can give him this temporary recipe.

3 parts goat’s milk (for human consumption)
1 part heavy whipping cream*
1 part vanilla yogurt

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Is it possible for you to get this tonight as I am sure that he will be hungry.
Before my husband left for work he went and got puppy milk formula from the pet store so that is all I have right now but should I give him more hydration formula then the milk if so how much more of the hydration formula?

[CritterMom]

You can't give him cows milk. You can give him this temporary recipe.

3 parts goat’s milk (for human consumption)
1 part heavy whipping cream*
1 part vanilla yogurt

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Is it possible for you to get this tonight as I am sure that he will be hungry.


Hold the whipping cream for now - just goats milk and the yogurt. Don't want to give him something too rich at first (Nancy copied this from one of our threads - that asterisk after the cream is about not starting them off on the full strength formula). The goats milk is available at some grocery stores but places like Whole Foods will DEFINITELY have it.

[Nancy in New York]

Before my husband left for work he went and got puppy milk formula from the pet store so that is all I have right now but should I give him more hydration formula then the milk if so how much more of the hydration formula?

What kind of puppy formula? He actually looks pretty good, how long have you had him again? Do you have the 1 cc syringes. He probably is hungry....:tilt

[atvgirl0862]

What kind of puppy formula? He actually looks pretty good, how long have you had him again? Do you have the 1 cc syringes. He probably is hungry....:tilt
I think my syringe is a 2? how do I tell how big it is? I've only had him for about 4 many 5 hours now.

[atvgirl0862]

What kind of puppy formula? He actually looks pretty good, how long have you had him again? Do you have the 1 cc syringes. He probably is hungry....:tilt
Esbilac the one that has the white little puppy dog on the front.

[Nancy in New York]

I think my syringe is a 2? how do I tell how big it is? I've only had him for about 4 many 5 hours now.

At the very top of the syringe near the plunger, there should be a number that will tell you what size it is.
If you cannot get the goat's milk tonight, I would say to give him the Esbilac, is this in a can ready to feed?
Ideally, we encourage members to feed Fox Valley formula, as there have been major problems in the past with the Esbilac.

[island rehabber]

ATV, I just granted you full access to TSB so you can receive and send PM's....look in your private messages as I'm sending you a phone number to call!

[Anne]

Don't think you can get Private Messages--PM-- I am in Orange Park and have medicines on hand. also buddies about the same age as your little fellow. I have asked that the head of the board get my phone number to you. Do give me a call when you get my number.

[atvgirl0862]

At the very top of the syringe near the plunger, there should be a number that will tell you what size it is.
If you cannot get the goat's milk tonight, I would say to give him the Esbilac, is this in a can ready to feed?
Ideally, we encourage members to feed Fox Valley formula, as there have been major problems in the past with the Esbilac.
Yes it is in a ready to feed can. And the syringe is a 3mL... does that sound right. I'm new at this kind of stuff.

[Nancy in New York]

Don't think you can get Private Messages--PM-- I am in Orange Park and have medicines on hand. also buddies about the same age as your little fellow. I have asked that the head of the board get my phone number to you. Do give me a call when you get my number.

OMG Anne, if you have room for this little one, he will be in squirrel heaven at your place....:)
IR granted her full access so she can get pm's...:thumbsup

[skippy]

Hi ATVgirl:

Dog caught squirrels do run the risk of broken backs and nerve damage from the crushing in their mouths. It's just their instinct.

The best thing you can do for this little guy is to keep him warm in a dark and quiet room in your home and only handle him to feed or care for his wounds until you hear from a rehabber in your area. Whatever you have him in box or basket, make sure there are air holes and an ample supply of soft bedding so he can pull himself under the blankies for cover. Heat under 1/2 of the box so he can move off of it if he gets too hot. Reducing his stress and shock is the best thing you can do for him right now while you wait.

When you handle him try and scoop him up with a blankie under his belly, do not let him dangle unsupported and make sure you feed him on his stomach instead of sitting him upright since his back may be damaged. He should lay down, stretched out and eventually will make a massaging movement with his paws, like a kitten when it's nursing. Do feed him slow, holding back on the syringe plunger if he is sucking too hard so he doesn't aspirate.
I use a baby nasal syringe to gently suck out the fluid if it does go up their nose. Just squeeze it 1/2 way before sucking. Some turn them nose pointed down but again, the less you manipulate him the better.

I have had success in rehabbing a few that just had nerve damage and slight fractures but it takes an experienced rehabber with access to all the meds, vet care and equipment to get the job done. I'm grateful that you are willing to get him the care that he will need.

Lot's of very loving and qualified squirrel healers here on TSB.

Hang in there. Sending you lots of good thoughts.:)

[atvgirl0862]

Don't think you can get Private Messages--PM-- I am in Orange Park and have medicines on hand. also buddies about the same age as your little fellow. I have asked that the head of the board get my phone number to you. Do give me a call when you get my number.
Thank you so much to everyone who has given me advice. :) Anne will be coming tomorrow to get him and I will be taking care of him until then. :D I am very happy someone is going to take time out of their day to take care of another one of these babies. So thank you so much Anne this will help extremely and I know this little guy will have a very good home.:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

:wahoo:alright.gif Love you, Anne!
:thankyou Anne and ATV for helping this little one.

[Anne]

Just talked to the finder:) Will try an get the baby before lunch time. Poor little fellow. She is going to keep him warm and hydrated tonight.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[redwuff]

Hi ATV,

I had the good fortune to meet Anne just recently and I want you to know that your little baby is going into wonderful capable hands and a loving kind heart. good for you to do the best for this little guy. He really needs a lot of help, but now that you know how wonderful these babies are, maybe a healthier little one will cross your path. Please stay on this board. It is a great place filled with lotsa love.

Trysh

[atvgirl0862]

Hi ATV,

I had the good fortune to meet Anne just recently and I want you to know that your little baby is going into wonderful capable hands and a loving kind heart. good for you to do the best for this little guy. He really needs a lot of help, but now that you know how wonderful these babies are, maybe a healthier little one will cross your path. Please stay on this board. It is a great place filled with lotsa love.

Trysh
I will definately stay on this board. I want to try and help other people who have found squirrels just like I did. :D
:thankyou

[Nancy in New York]

I will definately stay on this board. I want to try and help other people who have found squirrels just like I did. :D
:thankyou

You are one amazing person....I'm glad that you are staying. And believe me, we need people like you!
Thanks for finding the help for your little one....:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
Oh, and Welcome to TSB....:)

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

:thumbsup :thumbsup :grouphug

[skippy]

Great news. So happy you found a rehabber!
Good for you and your squirrel baby.
Good luck with your human baby too. :)

[atvgirl0862]

Great news. So happy you found a rehabber!
Good for you and your squirrel baby.
Good luck with your human baby too. :)
Thank you so much skippy. :)

[skippy]

:)

[atvgirl0862]

Anybody else in the Jacksonville/ Fernandina Beach area? I have tried to get in contact with Anne but I'm assuming something came up that was urgent. I am leaving for Alabama on Monday and do not want to take this little guy to the pound as there are no wildlife rescues around here at all. The closet one is all the way in Ocala which is 3 hours away. Please someone help me in finding a home for this little guy.

[CritterMom]

Bump

[CritterMom]

And again...

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I have been trying to reach both Ann and atvgirl0862, no one answers

[Jackie in Tampa]

can anyone get the sq..I will take him if we can travel him..
could anne and atv be exchanging sq now???
do we have an update, sorry Laurie...:dono :dono

[djarenspace9]

I am worried about Anne...is there anyone that can check on her?
Hoping it's nothing bad, but this is not like her.

If ATV girl will respond to Laurie, we will figure out a way to get the squirrel,
so far no one is responding to her calls. :dono

[island rehabber]

Neither I nor anyone else is getting an answer on Anne's phone -- only voice mail. I am very worried.....:thinking

[djarenspace9]

I'm trying to think who else is in the area that knows Anne and could check on her.
What is the username of Joanne in Jax?

[SammysMom]

Does Anne live alone? Maybe a wellness check by the local authorities? :dono

[Jackie in Tampa]

i have her daughters number, will call now, just found it

[island rehabber]

I'm trying to think who else is in the area that knows Anne and could check on her.
What is the username of Joanne in Jax?

SquirrelLove -- Joanne Springberg

[Anne]

Sorry to have been AWOL- Using the large invisible black dog (Susie) as a launching device in my dark hall-I took a rather short flight and a crash landing . Yep, knocked myself and 2 teeth out :shakehead So I sustained a bit more wear and tear than usual. Actually--a lump-a bump- and 2 gaps! Just was allowed home in time to start babysitting Monday!
Have tried to call avtgirlo862 but have not had an answer. I am so concerned about this squirrel-

[island rehabber]

Whew! We're just glad you're ok!

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Oh MY>> I was ready to send the police to your house!!
I am so glad you are not on the floor, but sorry you got hurt.
I have been trying to hail her but no answer, didn't see her post this morning I have been in a low cost pet shot clinic line most of the day.

[SammysMom]

:grouphug Anne:grouphug

[Anne]

Only 2 doors in this house open out. The linen closet at the end of the hall is one! Just in the perfect place to cause a fat lip and to knock out 2 front toofies.:shakehead I have perfect aim :jump (I'd :rotfl but that hurts)!
Still not heard a peep from up state about the squirrel, can't get in touch with anyone. Seems such a terrible fate awaits a baby that has come this far!
atvgirl0862-----please call!!!!!!

[Nancy in New York]

Only 2 doors in this house open out. The linen closet at the end of the hall is one! Just in the perfect place to cause a fat lip and to knock out 2 front toofies.:shakehead I have perfect aim :jump (I'd :rotfl but that hurts)!
Still not heard a peep from up state about the squirrel, can't get in touch with anyone. Seems such a terrible fate awaits a baby that has come this far!
atvgirl0862-----please call!!!!!!
Anne she was on this morning looking for you, post #51.