Possible broken back from fall - in need of dexamethasone

[LASquirrel]

I have a squirrel that fell this morning from a balcony. I have called a rehaber in the area and she said that if I take him to a vet they may euthanise him as it's illegal to have squirrels here without a wildlife lisence(whatever!). He's about 4months old I've raised him since he was 6 weeks. I've posted on the board b4 about a leg injury which he completely healed from it was just a sprain, this is unrelated to that and just happened this morning. I read that dexamethasone may help. Does anyone know of any vets in the Los Angeles/Southern California area that can help. I'm willing to drive miles. Thanks!

He doesn't seem to be in pain just shock he's drinking water and eating, but crawling around on his front paws dragging his back legs.

[Pashen]

Confine him right now so that he's not moving around in his large cage. I'm sure someone with experience with spinal injuries will see this shortly. Make it dark, put a towel over him, maybe he will sleep for now.

[island rehabber]

I'm PMing Squirrels of Westwood -- maybe he knows a vet.....

[lilidukes]

He needs heat, dark, quiet and very confined. As little movement as possible. And yes dex is what you need. My first choice with spinal injuries. You can use Metacam if it's available. Never ever use dex and metacam at the same time. Keep him hydrated! Wish I was closer:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[jbtartell]

yes Dex is the bomb of meds.. look all sam has went through and now look at her after the dex.. I almost lost her.. please try to get it.. now I will read the whole thread.. lol I just wanted to get my thoughts out bout dex fast..

[jbtartell]

ohh everything lildukes /lisa said also.. it is a slow healing prosess but it works..

[jbtartell]

Awww poor baby.yes please keep him confined and warm. also handle him less as possible. if u cant get a hold of dex or medicam at this time go to the drug store and get some trameel. it is a homopathic med and it does work and will help till you can get the real stuff. I will pm u my number call me please.

[MiriamS]

Get in touch with Marcia from Coast & Canyon Wildlife. She's the absolute best and has a whole bunch of transporters.

The number is 310-480-1760 and email is marcia@coastandcanyonwildlife.org.

[SquirrelsOfWestwood]

Get in touch with Marcia from Coast & Canyon Wildlife. She's the absolute best and has a whole bunch of transporters.

The number is 310-480-1760 and email is marcia@coastandcanyonwildlife.org.

Probably your best option too as I'm not familiar with vets here who would look after wildlife.

[LASquirrel]

Thanks for all the replies. I found a vet through a rehabber in LA and I took him for x-rays today, there's nothing snapped but his spine is curved on the higher part of his back. He has some feeling in his feet. The vet just gave pain meds and says there's a possibility it may heal on its own. He has been trying to crawl around and climb but he's in a small box now asleep.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup :bowdown
I am sure you know to keep him/her in a small cage with alot of bottom padding, so to not reinjure. Keep him quiet and calm for best healing, cover the cage. Offering heat under the container will help expedite healing and comfort.
Also diet needs to be perfect for healing, and lots of hydration.
God Bless you for helping!:grouphug
Did the vet administer dex/steroids or give any meds?

[LASquirrel]

The vet has given me metacam, the dosage is only 0.2 - 0.3ml once a day. Is the metacam just a pain med and the dex a steroid? I'm going to call back the vet today and ask about the dex. Very hard to keep him from crawling around too much but I'm doing the best I can.

[Milo's Mom]

The metacam is a pain killer and also an anti-inflamatory.