waddling squirrel babe?

[valli]

Three days ago I noticed a young squirrel in the alley.
Something seemed amiss so when I approached, she waddled away slowly.
She seems about 10 weeks old and when I picked her up I can feel her backbone and ribs protruding so I brought her home, warmed her up and with difficulty syringed some pedialyte into her.
I did have some experience fostering tiny squirrels last year, so I have some Fox V powdered milk which I have gradually introduced and she is finally enthusiastic. Only other thing she'll eat is pecans.

Urinates, defecates normally, front legs work, back legs seem weak but are
not paralysed and she can waddle fairly fast now. She can't climb, but can cling to wire wall.

I did read Jackie/Tampa's post reply "Recovering from back injury, a bit bloated" so I'll re read and apply what I can.

She has a very fat belly even after night without food.
I'm hoping waddling is due to malnutrition,but worried that it is a back injury
and want to ask experienced people if I can help rehabilitate her.

I do have access to Wildlife rescue centre but know that they euthanize them if they have any permanent injury and hesitate to approach them.

She is quite perky and I'd hate to see her killed if she could recover.

My questions are.
Can I improve her recovery if it is a back injury?
What can I do next if she is bloated?

Valli.

[island rehabber]

Is she peeing and pooping on her own? How about if you stimulate her?
Does she seem to be moving her back legs from the hip/thigh, or is she able to move the lower part of her hind legs & feet normally? We have some wonderful members in Canada -- can you tell us what large city you are close to?

[valli]

Yes, she is peeing and pooping on her own, plenty of poop normally formed.

Not sure about control of pee. She is often wet. but she doesn't move around much. Also notice she has cloudy patch on one eye and one ear on that side is still stuck down. They both should be up by now.

I have gone back to straight pedialyte to see if her fat belly deflates.

I'll have to observe her back legs more closely, but she can cling to vertical cage wire with four feet. (She didn't try to climb, I just tested her.)

I'm in Vancouver. Mikitoo has moved away. Are you aware of any others?

Thanks for the reply. Valli.

[valli]

Took little squirrel to vet who was shocked at her emaciation.
I noticed abscess in her ear and on her tail and vet found four other puncture wounds. She gave her a shot of Baytril until she can research whether she can give another more effective AB that will last 14 days. No experience with squirrels.

Does anyone know of a better antibiotic for cat bites?

She has fractured tail and vet said "You'd better name her as she will probably be with you for her lifetime!" Also puncture in Cornea.

I'll probably ask advice from others who have a squirrel that can't jump or climb. Meanwhile she drank her formula, ate a pecan and groomed herself.

Valli.

[CritterMom]

Baytril is the way to go for cat bites - have your vet give you a prescription for oral baytril. Poor baby - I am so glad you found her!