Pet Chipmunk - Broken Back / Back Legs

[filip]

Hi

I have been a chipmunk owner for about 4 years now, and have a family of chipmunks.

My chipmunks had their first litter about 2 months ago, and I kept two of them - who really got on well, playing with each other and looking out for one another.

On Friday I came home to find the one youngster lying in the cage with his lower body not working. I have been feeding him the foods he likes, and he has been drinking too. Weeing / pooing also appears fine.

Please help!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

Do you think this is an injury?
Are you aware of MBD, metabolic bone disease.
I appears to be similar to what you are describing.
Can you give is a history of your sqs diets?
Calcium is key in sqs, how old are they? what formula did you use/
when were they weaned?
what are you feeding daily? please list a general days intake.

If it is MBD, you will need to start the emergency treatment.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31501

the link above will help you with this treatment..DO IT NOW, not later...
You may have seen seizures already, you must give calcium human suppliment or tums.
DO NOT BUY CALCIUM with D...:nono
Justs straight up calcium carbonate, calcium citrate or tums.

Can you posta pic?
this treatment will need to be done now and ammending all chippies diet will be key to their survival.

here is a link to Nutrition forum and stickys about the do and don't in sq diet.
The Healthy diet is also listed with the ratios of calcium to phosphorus.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=191

If this is truly an injury, you will need to see a vet.
TSB has many chippie friends in UK, we also have a chippie forum.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=181

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=72


Please keep us in the loop. :grouphug

:Welcome :wave123 Welcome to TSB

[filip]

Thank you so much for your reply.

I was a little sceptical about it being an injury as the little guy has fallen from great heights before and been fine. However His diet is also good (I think)

Usually during the day he will have a mixture of peppers, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, grapes, oranges and occasional nut treats from myself.

The chipmunks are about 8 weeks old. And were fed by their mother until able to eat solid foods.

The chipmunk n queston has always walked a little bit funny (legs didnt seem to bend properly)

have purchased soem indegestion tablets whch contain calcium carbonate 500mg, dextrose, maize, startch, microcrystallin cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin - plus colours n flavourings - are these ok?

I will post pictures to follow

[CritterMom]

Yes, those are fine - they are like our Tums.

[Jackie in Tampa]

no saccharin..
I think sqs have had issues with this...
not 100% sure..
every drug store carries human calcium...very cheap..
straight calcium...NO other vitamins...just cheap calcium tablets.

From the reserach I have read and done, sqs are requiring 330mg a day of calcium, this need must be meet and unfortunately veggies ain't enough...you must use a block..
a good quaility rat block..
I am not a chippie person, never even touched one...but sqs require more than you would ever be able to feed in human food..
I am saying still feed your good diet, but in addiotion to a block type food.
Rat Block...
Monkey biscuts are different...too high in sugar...
I try to buy the blocks without meat products...
hoping a UK member will jump in and help with sources and knowledge..

please see the nutrition forum and the chippie one also...

my advise, staright calcium until we are sure if that antiacid tablet can be use.

[filip]

Picture

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=171064&stc=1&d=1336309045

[filip]

Tums also contains sacchrin. But thank you for your concern.

Have been giving him the solution, but it has been 2 days in this condition. does he have much chance of recovery?

[jo_schmoe]

Tums also contains sacchrin. But thank you for your concern.

Have been giving him the solution, but it has been 2 days in this condition. does he have much chance of recovery?
Yes there is always a chance at recovery. And most times when you catch MBD early...you can turn it around pretty quickly.
Just listen to the advice given...and your on the right path.

FYI....Tums and Rolaids contain a chemical called Sodium Saccharin.....which is the salt form of Saccharin....300 times sweeter than sugar. Its in many things we dont even realize....and in my opinion...not fit for human OR animal consumption....( but Im a food freak).

[filip]

His leg and tail were just twitching which is a good sign!! I am so grateful for all of your advice!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

that is a good sign!
Bring him back, slow and steady, spacing the calcium throughout the day, a little at a time, every drop counts
keep him warm, body temp regulation burns calories and heat is soothing to sore achey bones!
keep it up!! YAY!
hugs and good luck to you both..
Jo, I love REAL sugar!:D lots of it!:D no sacchrine for JIT!:D

[Nancy in New York]

How's the little one this morning?:grouphug