Baby squirrel, cat attack - Need Help

[Ind3]

I've been searching the internet all night for information and found this forum.
I found the baby squirrel on my porch last night from a cat attack. It had a puncture in the back of the neck. I have since brought him inside, given him a warm bath to clean the wound and put him in a box with a white tshirt and put a heating pad under the box to keep him warm. I went out and got some pedialyte and a syringe because the the first site i googled on my phone said thats what you should do.

I've fed him twice now over the course of 5-6 hours and just found another site that says not to use pedialyte but scalded milk.. so I'm going to use that for the next feeding.

I am in Brandon, FL and could use a hand. I own multiple cats and wouldn't want to endanger this little guy by trying to raise him myself.

He hasn't moved much but after feeding he opened his eyes, moved his legs a little bitch and began calling with little squeaks. He has not stood up on his own power at all and doesn't try to run when picked up for feeding.

I'll take a picture here after this post.

Please help.. don't want this little guy to die.

[Ind3]

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2s0idl4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/2s0idl4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

[Ind3]

http://i48.tinypic.com/2s0idl4.jpg

[Ind3]

Just read the sticky at the top of this forum that says not to feed it anything and definitely not scalded milk..

[Ind3]

My email is ind3nh@gmail.com
it goes directly to my phone as well if someone needs my contact info

[Mochi&Mocha]

Just read the sticky at the top of this forum that says not to feed it anything and definitely not scalded milk..

Once the baby is hydrated use the goats milk formula until you can order some foxvalley. There is a sticky with the recipe. Sorry to be so short, I'm on my phone right now. Other experts should comment soon!

[Mochi&Mocha]

We have lots of members in Fl so someone should be able to give you a hand! Thank for saving this baby!

[Mochi&Mocha]

Also he's going to need antibiotics so if you can weigh him that would be great! Other members can help with dosing.

[Ind3]

I don't have anything that I can weigh him with.. hes small but his belly isn't pink and his tail hasnt fluffed out yet. So from the research Ive done I think hes around 10 weeks.

Can I still feed him the pedialyte?

Hes sleeping atm but he was mouthing for the syringe earlier when i fed him and he looks a lot better than when i originally found him. I'm not sure is hes weak from fighting off his attacker or at his age he just doesnt move all that much.

[Mochi&Mocha]

I don't have anything that I can weigh him with.. hes small but his belly isn't pink and his tail hasnt fluffed out yet. So from the research Ive done I think hes around 10 weeks.

Can I still feed him the pedialyte?

Hes sleeping atm but he was mouthing for the syringe earlier when i fed him and he looks a lot better than when i originally found him. I'm not sure is hes weak from fighting off his attacker or at his age he just doesnt move all that much.

Yes pedialite is great for hydrating him. But once he is hydrated he is going to need food. Here is the recipe. In order to know how much to feed him your going to need to get his weight. Can you run to the store and buy a scale? He needs to be weighed in grams.

http://foxvalleynutrition.com/prod/d...p?CID=1&PLID=1
Nicholas P. Vlamis, President (Nick)
(800) 679-4666
If you call in your order and tell him you need it quickly he'll be happy to oblige. He can ship to you regular post 3-5 days and overnight. He's very nice and very easy to work with.
In the meantime you will need to feed your baby a home-made formula, but please for the sake of the baby, do not feed this for more than 4-7 days. It's a great temporary replacer milk but it lacks certain vitamins and minerals that the babies need to thrive. This recipe will ensure that your baby will be well nourished until your order from Fox Valley arrives. Jackie (Jackie in Tampa) has graciously offered her temporary replacement formula recipe.
Jackie's Goat Milk Recipe
1 cup goats milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup dannon all natural vanilla yogurt

Mix well and keep in a covered plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Replace after 48 hours.
Please note, this website has several links that still mention Esbilac and we need to keep these links active as they do contain excellent information so please keep in mind that Fox Valley is now the formula of choice for raising baby squirrels.

[Mochi&Mocha]

Do you have any type of antibiotics at home?

[Ind3]

Will rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide work to clean the wound up? Its not a massive gash, but a puncture hole on the back of his neck.. I bathed him earlier and it hasnt bled in about 4 hours.

Not sure if walmart carries goat milk, gonna check.

[Mochi&Mocha]

I would put a little bit of Neosporin on it. Hopefully others will comment soon! Cat Saliva can be deadly though so he will need antibiotics.

[Ind3]

I just tried to feed him a little bit and he dribbled most of it out. I'm not sure, but i dont think he has moved his front legs/arms at all, his hind legs kick though. he went right back to sleep after i put the antibiotic on.

Good news is, he pooped.

[stepnstone]

Posting this in case there was something you missed seeing...
He will need anti-biotics asap as cat bites/slava can be deadly to squirrels.
Not sure of your area but we have many members in Fla., sure hope someone can get to you and help you save this little one. :grouphug



EMERGENCY CARE FOR BABY SQUIRRELS


Emergency Care for Baby Squirrels


1. Warm the Baby (never feed a cold squirrel!)
Quick Methods:
-Cup the baby in your hands or under your shirt next to your skin.
-Fill a plastic bottle with very warm water. Wrap in a cloth, place next to baby, and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.
-“Rice Buddy”: Fill a sock with 1 cup of rice or dried beans and microwave for 30 seconds. Place next to baby and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.

2. [b] Find a Box or Container[b]
A shoebox will do for small babies. A baby that can walk will need a larger box with a lid (with holes). Put a clean baby blanket, flannel shirt, or piece of fleece in the bottom of the box. No towels or terrycloth. Squirrels can get tangled in the loops. Place baby on the material and cover him with one flap. If you have a heating pad, turn it on low and place it under half of the box (not IN the box!) so baby can move away if he gets too warm. You can use the plastic bottle or rice buddy described above, but these are only temporary methods until you get a heating pad, since they must be reheated every 2 hours and won't keep baby warm all night.
NOTE: Monitor his temperature so he doesn’t chill or overheat. His feet should feel warm to the touch.

Note: If the baby is injured, is having trouble breathing, has fly eggs on his fur, or is very skinny or dehydrated, he needs emergency care by an experienced rehabber or vet.

3. Rehydrate the Baby

Most babies are dehydrated when you find them and must be rehydrated before you can feed them. Never feed formula or food of any kind to a dehydrated baby!

How to Check for Dehydration
Pinch the skin on the back of his neck. If it doesn’t spring back immediately, the baby is dehydrated. If the pinched skin stays up like a tent for more than a second, the baby is badly dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration: pale grayish gums, dry mouth, sunken eyes, whites around eyes showing, rough spiky fur, dry scaly skin.
NOTE: If baby is badly dehydrated, he will need subcutaneous fluids, which can only be given by a rehabber or vet.

[b] Supplies You Will Need: [b]
--Pedialyte (any flavor)*
--Plastic syringes (1 cc size; no needles. Ask the pharmacist to get these for you) An eyedropper can also work.
These are available at most drugstores.

*If you can’t find Pedialyte at the store, here is a recipe for homemade Pedialyte:

1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water
Mix all ingredients in warm water. Store in refrigerator.

How to Prepare the Pedialyte
Use a plastic syringe (with or without a nipple). Never use pet nursers or doll bottles. They will choke the baby. Fill a coffee mug with hot water. Fill the syringe with Pedialyte and place it in the mug for a couple of minutes. Squirt a drop on the inside of your wrist to make sure the liquid isn’t too hot. It should feel barely warm on your skin.

Proper Position
A tiny baby should be held upright in your hand. A baby with fur can lie on a flat surface on his stomach. A baby that can walk can be held upright or he can drink sitting up. Hold the syringe so the tip points UP to the baby’s mouth and the handle is down. Don’t let the baby get cold. Keep him wrapped up while he eats.

How to Feed Fluids
Place the syringe tip on the baby’s lips (from the side) and squeeze out one drop for him to taste. Don’t squirt a steady stream. Let him swallow one drop before squeezing more. GO SLOW! It sometimes takes a feeding or two for them to catch on. Hairless babies are fed drop by drop. With older babies (once they catch on) you can squeeze slowly for one second, wait for him to swallow, then squeeze more.

If fluids dribble out his mouth or come out his nose, you are going too fast. Stop and tilt the baby’s head down so the fluid drains out (support his head and neck like you would a human baby). Then wipe his nose and mouth with a tissue. Start over, slower. NOTE: There is now a chance your baby will develop aspiration pneumonia from inhaling fluid in his lungs. This is fatal. Please contact a rehabber or vet, or the people at The Squirrel Board, for assistance.
__________________

[Jackie in Tampa]

My email is ind3nh@gmail.com
it goes directly to my phone as well if someone needs my contact infocontacting you now..
if he is still alive..I need to get him asap..
he looks severe..
I am ready now, will email that addy above...
I am close to Brandon

[Jackie in Tampa]

getting antsy....worried.
Cat salva is so yucky full of bacteria...
needs ABs before he goes septic...
I have all supplies here and a sq friendly vet three minutes from my home..
I have set up a container etc...have heating pad in my van..
hoping I hear back soon.
__________________

[Nancy in New York]

Oh Jackie, please let us know if you get this little one, he looks so pathetic....:shakehead :Love_Icon

[stepnstone]

Oh Jackie, please let us know if you get this little one, he looks so pathetic....:shakehead :Love_Icon

It really didn't look good... :(

[Nancy in New York]

It really didn't look good... :(

I know, that mouth breathing...:shakehead
She mentioned sucking, I suspect gapping, difficulty breathing.:(

[Ind3]

I'm up! Sent you an email jackie.. he is still alive.

[Jackie in Tampa]

TY..answered your email..
will do whatever us easiest:thumbsup
I do not have a phone right this minute..
so email is best..
I am in south tampa...will come to you, you can bring him to me, or we can meet in downtown...no no..maybe not downtown..the republican convention willmake it hectic down town..
I can meet you at Ikea on 60 or where ever

[Jackie in Tampa]

going to get him soon:)

[stepnstone]

going to get him soon:)

:multi Jackie rescue! :thumbsup
Hang in there little one, help is on the way... :grouphug

[Mochi&Mocha]

Thank you Ind3 for giving this baby a chance and doing the right thing! And thank you Jackie for the rescue! :grouphug

The little guy is in my prayers :grouphug.

[SammysMom]

You guys rock!!! Ind, M&M and Jackie!!!:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup
:grouphug Little One:grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Love_Icon he's here..weak..will update soon..thank you guys...keep him in your thoughts..
admin..can we merge the two threads..TY

[pappy1264]

prayers and more prayers....

[virginia_arce2280]

:thumbsup
I hope I get a chance to meet you one day Jackie! Too bad we live 3 1/2 hours apart. I'm so glad you got him. Hope he does well!:nurse
It would be great to work under you and learn what you know about these guys! (and all the other great rehabbers too!:D )

[Jackie in Tampa]

i am shaking...but haven't cried yet...:thumbsup
it took everything i had to roll enough skin and get some fluid in him...and i had no choice..i need his organs hydrated to handle the prednisone..
just as i was ready, fred opened the door and i jumped, so had to calm down and start all over..[belly ache]
i don't want to put him down, but have to feed babies and give mandalay butt her meds
i did some dilute molsses water...did smz only cause i need to make cipro sus
.i cannot find a wound...vet thought a nuerological issue..his back legs move well...he's so bone thin.....

[ZonaB]

Prayers for all involved!

[Nancy in New York]

Praying for the best for this little one....actually, that prayer came true, he's with you.:Love_Icon
If he is meant to be saved....it will be with you.
If he is meant to pass....at least he will be with you.:Love_Icon
I know that burden hurts your heart, but that would be my wish
for every little squirrel that must pass.;
to be loved and with someone KNOWING that their life matters.
Praying for both of you....:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Jackie in Tampa]

he's here on my chest...he is trying...so much for house work or sewing.
still open mouth breathing...mellowly, not violent..very calm breaths..
cutest little monkey..
it would be a miracle...thankfully i still believe:Love_Icon
thank you nancy

[pappy1264]

Miracles happen every day. We are all praying very hard for this little one.

[stepnstone]

He's trying, your trying, we are all praying...
He's warm, fed, and most important loved.
If he's meant to make it for whatever time he has,
he's in a good place. :grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

he's here on my chest...he is trying...so much for house work or sewing.
still open mouth breathing...mellowly, not violent..very calm breaths..
cutest little monkey..
it would be a miracle...thankfully i still believe:Love_Icon
thank you nancy
:Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

Miracles happen every day.

When we need a miracle just think, :Love_Icon SPICETTE :Love_Icon

You can do it little buddy, nice and slow, one breath at a time. You can do it!:Squirrel

[Jackie in Tampa]

When we need a miracle just think, :Love_Icon SPICETTE :Love_Icon

You can do it little buddy, nice and slow, one breath at a time. You can do it!:Squirrelpatti he is from your neighborhood i think..i was out near miller and lumsden
spicette was strong willed..it helped...onry vs onry...

[HRT4SQRLS]

patti he is from your neighborhood i think..i was out near miller and lumsden

I saw that (Brandon). Right down the road from me. I think I had just signed off when the first post came in. :shakehead Darn, I could have picked him up last night and hydrated him. I so hope he makes it. If he will fight YOU will turn him around.. no doubt.

[Nancy in New York]

How's the little one this morning.....fingers crossed. :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

he is basically the same...he is so scarey puny..
I updated him in my sq C thread...
he did move his upper arms...YAY & relief.
I am going to give him my all, but I have seen sqs in his condition so many times...and it usually isn't good.
But I am willing if he is...so weak and floppy..
but his eyes are bright and that gives me hope...
thank you Nancy for asking!

[Nancy in New York]

he is basically the same...he is so scarey puny..
I updated him in my sq C thread...
he did move his upper arms...YAY & relief.
I am going to give him my all, but I have seen sqs in his condition so many times...and it usually isn't good.
But I am willing if he is...so weak and floppy..
but his eyes are bright and that gives me hope...
thank you Nancy for asking!


I know that you are always willing....you fight for their lives
just as hard as they do, sometimes harder....:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[pappy1264]

Jackie, praying so very hard for this little one.

[shellyb1018]

:grouphug hang in there little guy:grouphug
You're in the best hands you can be in:Love_Icon

[Ind3]

I'm glad to hear he had some movement in his arms, Jackie. He is a fighter. Thank you for doing everything you can for him.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I'm glad to hear he had some movement in his arms, Jackie. He is a fighter. Thank you for doing everything you can for him.
:wave123
did the cat have him or did you just find him?
at night?..
I am still not finding a wound..:dono
thank you!!!:poke

[pappy1264]

Jackie, how is this little one doing?

[Ind3]

I found him. There are several feral cats in the woods behind me. My cats are all indoors animals.

[stepnstone]

I found him. There are several feral cats in the woods behind me. My cats are all indoors animals.
:thumbsup :bowdown

[Squirrelis]

:grouphug Hang in there little squirrely-Jackie to the rescue-prayers :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

thank you above all keith for keeping your pets indoors...
allowing wildlife to exist without un natural interference.:bowdown

and for saving this little guys life..
i have an awesome update...
we are not outta the woods...however the steroids are working their magic..our boy has lifted his tail over his head on his own powers!
amen.
all limbs are working...he has not overcome his weakness, but we have ability and agility now!:D
i am stoked...this guy was in grave condition, really..you have no idea.
he is still lethargic appearing..but he is gaining strength...i can see it!

all speculation , but...
i think his momma went missing, he is too thin and way too young to be outta that nest alone....
thinking he got hungry to the point of disobeying nest rules and went out looking for food..
he must have fallen..my vet was probably right all along with him being a nuero case...not cat attack. hence no wounds and steroids bring back his body movements.
hence his emaciated state also.
so now we slowly advance his formula intake...
i will say he got very excited at the smell of a grape, he loved the taste on his tongue.
he was too weak to eat it, but the desire was there..
i think ths guy will be a slow rehab, but my dream of him being in the trees again, may fruit!:thumbsup
he's my project pup....have wrapped myself up in his recovery.
:Love_Icon
i haven't decided on a name... and sadly keith is not going to happen...
it's my sons fathers name.:shakehead
something will come to us...maybe rico....had a val already...
tsb has a miller right now...and don't do trendy names like travis or brandon...:peace
:multi it's just so wonderful to see him doing so so so much better this am.:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Jackie in Tampa]

when i rub him, his skin responds and he shudders so cute...
he purrs...he purrs...i love a purring sq...
sweet vibrations...heaven sent.
he'll purr when i humm on his head..he kissed my face...
i am sq crazy for him..
he is now turning his head to look at me...
stoked is saying it mildly...
very excited in tampa:thumbsup

[pappy1264]

Doing the crazy happy dance here! This is so fantastic!!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

i had a conversation yesterday with a wildlife loving friend about sqs that come in in poor condition..
and how my vet will say that if there is no turn around within that first 24-48 hours there probably won't be...
and to not get my hopes up after that...
and how so many times she has been right...
even when i did not believe her..
even when i saw a wee little bit of progress and got excited..
so many times within the two weeks that followed,
no matter how hard i tried, the sq failed and i feel like i tortured them needlessly for a miserable extended time...
i hate myself for many days after, i painfully detest the cemetary.
not sure if vets all have this ability from schooling, to see the probability of decline..
as so many times my vet does no tests and predicts the outcome...
or maybe it is a gift...
but i have had many many vets that were just not like dr.d...
and for once i am not taking money/bill...
but gut instinct, care, intrest, heart appeal...
my vet is not even a exotics, she is just a neighborhood domestics vet..
she does not have 6 intials behind her name, nor a star on hollywood blvd...
but she has shared so much with our sqs...
she is my learning tool...
i cannot wait to give her the update.
and above all, i am happy our boy showed us the welcome change in his statis within that critical time frame that i have learned to be real.

i know..i am rambling...
but everyday is better than the last.:flash3
just had to share...
it's wonderful to see wiggling toes....:Love_Icon
they go with baby steps.:)

[Squirrel Girls Mom]

Another little life saved by Jackie!! :multi

I had to cry about him kissing your face, Jackie. I don't know why I even bother to put eye makeup on. As soon as I get on TSB I cry about something. Anyway girl, yer the best!!! :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

ANDRÉ ............. French meaning Mannly warior

Boris .................Russian for Fighter

EARL..................nobleman, prince, warrior

[Jackie in Tampa]

Another little life saved by Jackie!! :multi

I had to cry about him kissing your face, Jackie. I don't know why I even bother to put eye makeup on. As soon as I get on TSB I cry about something. Anyway girl, yer the best!!! :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown
i gotta tell ya...everything i am, say and do that is not my opinion...has come from tsb or the sqs themselves...
for the first 6 years of rehabbing, i was the only person i knew with a sq...
i was solo..everything i knew was first hand...
it was hard to learn alone, a challange too hard to do alone.
i had vets as florida is legal state...however the vets i had were not forth right with knowledge sharing..
i even had a tech tell me i knew too much about anti biotics and i asked too many questions...:eek:
and they knew i rehabbed and they gave me baby sqs too...
point being...stick with tsb..you will learn.:thumbsup

once i found tsb, i excelled...tsb has been my tool and teacher every day i log in...i suck in every bit of knowledge i can...
it does require research, but wow, i have been able to help so many more sqs succeed.
there will never be a better place for info and comraderie..
tinfoil tsb rocks...
as niny always says,,,
it takes a village to raise a sq!
and as jit says...one sq at a time!

[PennyCash]

OMG... I'm balling up a storm over here, my son is like what's wrong. I can't even verbalize the emotions that flood me when I read threads like this.
All I know how to do is to say THANK YOU to everyone of you for saving these precious creatures.
Ms. Jackie you amaze me... You really do...

[stepnstone]

What a wonderful update, very happy to hear the little dude is showing progress! :grouphug

[Mochi&Mocha]

So happy that he is improving!:multi :alright.gif :wott :wahoo

[Uno's Mom]

So glad the baby is doing better.
How wonderful he purrs.

Sweet Vibrations (Some Folks Call It Love)
Lyrics by
David Allan Coe

Ain't no sense in crying, Lord I'd rather see you smile
Come down from the city life and stay with me a while
There's so much that nature wants to share with you and me
Put your hand in mine and let this old world set us free

Up on the mountain, down in the valley
Living' on sweet vibrations, some folks call it love
Up on the mountain, down in the valley
Living on sweet vibrations, some folks call it love

Come out to the country, find your peace of mind
Leave that dirty city somewhere way behind
We found something out here, you'll find something out here
Looked for so long, never been so happy, never sang a happy song

Bo came by to see us, he's a friend from days gone by
Danny played some guitar licks that made me want to cry
Old friends from California called us on the telephone
I got no time for misery, Lord, no time to be alone

Maybe there is a name in there?:wave123

[Jackie in Tampa]

So glad the baby is doing better.
How wonderful he purrs.

Sweet Vibrations (Some Folks Call It Love)
Lyrics by
David Allan Coe

Ain't no sense in crying, Lord I'd rather see you smile
Come down from the city life and stay with me a while
There's so much that nature wants to share with you and me
Put your hand in mine and let this old world set us free

Up on the mountain, down in the valley
Living' on sweet vibrations, some folks call it love
Up on the mountain, down in the valley
Living on sweet vibrations, some folks call it love

Come out to the country, find your peace of mind
Leave that dirty city somewhere way behind
We found something out here, you'll find something out here
Looked for so long, never been so happy, never sang a happy song

Bo came by to see us, he's a friend from days gone by
Danny played some guitar licks that made me want to cry
Old friends from California called us on the telephone
I got no time for misery, Lord, no time to be alone

Maybe there is a name in there?:wave123
I am crazy about him already, he has to make it...:Love_Icon


downloading some pics of the pinky Tony Montana with the nasty wound on his face.

[Squirrel Girls Mom]

I missed something. What happened to Tony Montana?! Poor little baby!!

BTW - the name ROCKS!! :wott

[Jackie in Tampa]

I missed something. What happened to Tony Montana?! Poor little baby!!

BTW - the name ROCKS!! :wott
TM is a new baby, speculating a bird.
ouch ouch ouch..his little face is mangled.
and so little.