Squirrel with leg problems

[pacoparrot]

Hi guys,
I am the animal person in my area. So today I got a call of a squirrel stuck in an old abandon fridge. He is blinking and moving around a little but it appears that his back legs don't work. I gave him some animal electrolytes and apple sauce via syringe. He looks more aware now. He is covered with small cuts and bruises so I'm guessing he got in a fight. What's the next step? I would rather keep him in my care since some rehabs feed squirrels to their raptors and the rehab I know of has bird of prey. I rehabbed/released a cottontail rabbit once and handfed abandon baby parrots. If he is permanently paralyzed I will keep him.

[pacoparrot]

Okay I think he has MBD. Luckily I have Full spectrum lights around the house from my bearded dragon. I'm currently reading about treatment.

ETA: I just gave him a tums. He is really beat up. I need some options for stopping infection and encouraging healing.

[CritterMom]

Okay I think he has MBD. Luckily I have Full spectrum lights around the house from my bearded dragon. I'm currently reading about treatment.

ETA: I just gave him a tums. He is really beat up. I need some options for stopping infection and encouraging healing.

Can you tell us where in PA you are? If you don't want to give the exact location, how about a town close by? Perhaps we have someone who can help.

[pacoparrot]

I'm near Dunmore PA.

[Nancy in New York]

Okay I think he has MBD. Luckily I have Full spectrum lights around the house from my bearded dragon. I'm currently reading about treatment.

ETA: I just gave him a tums. He is really beat up. I need some options for stopping infection and encouraging healing.

What makes you think he has MBD? I'm not sure I have ever heard of a wild squirrel with MBD....:thinking

[Milo's Mom]

If we are able to locate a rehabber that will NOT feed him to a raptor would you be open to accepting help for the little one? This may possibly mean turning him over to the rehabber, depending on the current load of said rehabber. The only reason i am suggesting this is the injury may require prescription meds and possibly x-rays, which only a vet will be able to provide. A "safe" rehabber will have vet access.

Thank yuo for caring for him enough to seek help and welcome to TSB!! :thumbsup:Welcome

[daniellenc]

MBD doesn't occur in the wild so I am gong with he is injured and needs his legs x-rayed- no more tums:D

He'll need proper formula though to avoid MBD and some good block what are you feeding him now??

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I'm here, currently in mountain top at work is it possible you can text me on my cell? 5704412827 I would love to see. A picture I'm from nescopeck and rehab mainly. Squirrels. I don't get out till 10 am.

[island rehabber]

:alright.gif rippie -- so glad you're out there! This squirrel will be in excellent hands with her, pacoparrot :thumbsup

[Nancy in New York]

I'm here, currently in mountain top at work is it possible you can text me on my cell? I would love to see. A picture I'm from nescopeck and rehab mainly. Squirrels. I don't get out till 10 am.


Rippie, I took your cell phone number off, but I pm'd and emailed the information to pacoparrot.
:grouphug :grouphug

[pacoparrot]

I will call you when I get a chance. I found maggots in the wound. It looks like a bite mark from a cat. I removed as many as I could, applied antibiotics, and gave him a bath. I gave him a puree of veggies and apple via syringe. He has certainly perked up. I think he has spinal damage from the bite and the maggots. Thus why his legs aren't working.

[Nancy in New York]

I will call you when I get a chance. I found maggots in the wound. It looks like a bite mark from a cat. I removed as many as I could, applied antibiotics, and gave him a bath. I gave him a puree of veggies and apple via syringe. He has certainly perked up. I think he has spinal damage from the bite and the maggots. Thus why his legs aren't working.

If in fact it is a cat bite....that is fatal to squirrels. Without antibiotics, he will die.
He needs expert care now.
Thank you for saving him, please get a hold of Rippie.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Ok thank you it's to difficult to read and write with my phone on here I'll check back later. Does anyone know the age of squirrel? Hope he is ok.

[Nancy in New York]

Ok thank you it's to difficult to read and write with my phone on here I'll check back later. Does anyone know the age of squirrel? Hope he is ok.

She never said the age of the squirrel, rippie.
I sure hope that she contacts you asap.
Thank you for your generous offer to help.
It's wonderful seeing you....:grouphug

[pacoparrot]

I contacted rippie and were meeting tomorrow to evaluate the little guy. It looks to me to be an adult male. He just licked up some veggie puree and a little electrolyte enhanced water and is sleeping again. I got almost all of the maggots and all of the eggs out and off of him. He must feel so much better now that their not eating him.

I've been a "lurker" of this board since I was 16. I'm 19 now. I've been waiting 5 years for my first squirrel encounter. I'm absolutely fascinated with these guys.

I hope the paralysis isn't permanent...from my limited judgement it appeared that the cat bite is on/close to his spine and that may have something to do with it. He has a sore/bruise on his leg also near his knee(if that makes sense) He also has a bald spot on his side but that looks like a healed wound.

I would really like to help in his recovery. I'm looking to go to be a wildlife rehab in the future.

http://http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/222084_4631829593088_1505607289_n.jpg
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[Nancy in New York]

Thank you for helping this poor baby, and for keeping us posted.
It's finders like you, that make our day! You are wonderful.
MM thank you for contacting rippie.
Rippie, thank you for always being there for the squirrels.
:Love_Icon

[pacoparrot]

Doing much better this morning. I got 2 more maggots. I think I'm near the last of them. He got veggie puree, apple sauce, and mashed walnuts for breakfast which he took to fairly well. I seen him make a head dip motion at the water bowl like he might have taken a drink. He came to me practically in a coma and now he's alert and moving around although the back legs are still not in function. The thighs have sores/bruises on them from him using them for support. I attached a picture of the main wound.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/Bronx%20Babies%202012/P1010063.jpg

[pacoparrot]

I'd also like to add that I'm naming him Jerry, since he was supposedly attacked by a cat. I love him even though he's damaged and I hope he makes a full recovery. I'd love to release him by my house. We have like 6 tall trees he could live in.

I just hope that the rehab will let me participate in his treatment. I don't want to just hand him over and never see him again.

[Milo's Mom]

Talk to Rippie about it.
The only thing to keep in mind is that there may be some legalities involved so her hands may be tied. Talk to her.

[pacoparrot]

I am. I'm just hoping he makes it. Cat bites kill. I hope it isn't too late for the antibiotics. He just drank a little. Still no maggots!! Woohoo!

[Nancy in New York]

I resized your picture of the wound.:)

[Jackie in Tampa]

capstar for the maggots asap,

ABs for cat bite..safe sq friendly meds advised would be
baytril, ciprofloxacin, metro/flagyl, SMZ-TMP {too slow jmo}
amoxycillan, keflex

prednisone for nerve issue

I would use a AB, a steroid and capstar.
good luck

[pacoparrot]

Okay. So Jackie do you think I can handled this one myself if I can get the medcine? I have experience with administering medicine to animals and hand feeding. I have syringes and heat lamps.

I've done the same exact thing with a practically newborn baby cottontail last year but he wasn't beat up as bad and it wasn't from a cat. He was successfully released. I still see him from time to time. Overnight feedings etc.

I have practically no schedule. I devote most of my time to my animals. I don't work or go to school so I definitely have the time for him.

[Jackie in Tampa]

PA is so hard on wildlife and vets..

Rippie will be best bet unless you have avenue to get meds yourself..
does rippie have a vet that will see the baby sq? or meds mentioned?
what has she suggested you do?..

the meds I mentioned are what I would do..however, note..I am not a licensed rehabber, purely a backyard sq geek.

Let us know what Rippie thinks please
good luck:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

Just my thoughts.
This little one needs an expert.
There are so many little squirrels in PA now that need help.
I'm sure if you are willing and able to help some of those out,
you will get some little ones that needs feeding, and loving until release. :D

[Milo's Mom]

PA is so hard on wildlife and vets..

~cut~


...and that is putting it mildly.

Please talk to Rippie related to your experience and desire (in addition to about the squirrel). I do not know her current load situation; however, I do know that many rehabbers are busting at the seams right now and finding help with even a tiny bit of experience is alone a full time job.

Also, if for whatever reason Rippie thinks it would be in the squirrels best interest to stay with her, she's NOT saying that to be mean, spiteful, or to be disrespectful to you. She is only thinking of the absolute best interest of the squirrel and the possible legalities/repercussions involved against the squirrel, you, and even herself. (the state you are in is also known as the "squirrel hating state")

I know it is incredibly hard to hand over a squirrel that you rescued, want to help, and immediately fell in love with to someone you do not know going only on the word of others you do not know. But the ultimate sign of love is knowing what is in their best interest and to do exactly that.

I know I keep saying this, but seriously, talk to Rippie about this. You will never know unless you ask, right?

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Hi, I explained that it will be impossible to help with this guys care since the finder is an hour away and does not drive, I am swamped with squirrels and one severely ill one. Its going to take all I have to come and get him. You are free to call vets in your area for help you never know one may see him but I am doubtful, since 90% wont see them for me and I am legal.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Just spoke with the finder and they want to do this on their own. Good luck!

[island rehabber]

Thanks anyway, rippie -- and we'll help this finder as best we can with what they've got. :peace

[Milo's Mom]

Thank you Rippie.

[pacoparrot]

I gave him the capstar and the prednisone. I'm currently waiting on the cipro--it's in the mail. He got some baby food (sweet potato, green pea), veggie puree, walnut puree, vanilla yogurt, and goats milk. All in tiny amounts. He also was taking interest in the whole walnuts and the apple slice. I seen a few bites out of the apple..so we're making progress. His legs are still not working nor his tail but he is getting much more active. He was even grabbing the syringe with both hands while feeding.

[kcassidy]

Why don't you start the process to get your rehab license?

To the others, what do you mean PA is hard on wildlife?

[pacoparrot]

PA is very hard on wildlife. Very strict laws on native/exotic animals. Most laws make no sense at all. You can own a gator but not a sugar glider or a hedgehog. I once brought a starling to a rehab and the lady told me she feeds them to her raptors...so I took it back home and fed it myself. I'm seriously considering becoming a wildlife rehabber. The only think holding me back was that I was unsure about dealing with blood and gore. Now that I got all the maggots out of Jerry I'm confident that it is what I want to do and I can handle the negatives.

[Milo's Mom]

I wish you the very best of luck on your goals of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator in your state. I have been trying to obtain info from the state for nearly 3 years. I've finally given up...got tired of continuously throwing myself up against a brick wall and picking myself up only to repeat the process again and again and again.

I also wish you the best of luck with the squirrel. Have you drained and cleaned the abscess yet?

[pacoparrot]

Can someone give me detailed instructions on how to drain an abscess? I've been putting peroxide on it and triple antibiotic until the antibiotic comes in the mail. It has been kept very clean and hasn't been oozing much.

[Milo's Mom]

I personally do not know how to drain an abscess, but with the type of injury you explained originally I expected there to be an abscess, which is precisely why I sent out the SOS for Rippie.

I do sincerely hope that any of our members that know how to do this come on soon.

[pacoparrot]

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/184151_4636224062947_1616410681_n.jpg

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[Nancy in New York]

I will pm you information in about 10 minutes. I just have to scan it first.:thumbsup

[pacoparrot]

Nothing drains when I apply pressure to it. It isn't puffed up and hasn't come to a head or anything.

[Nancy in New York]

Nothing drains when I apply pressure to it. It isn't puffed up and hasn't come to a head or anything.

Are you giving antibiotics?

[pacoparrot]

I'm giving triple antibiotic topical and clindamycin oral. I got rid of the maggots with capstar. I'm getting cipro in the mail hopefully soon.

[pacoparrot]

I just noticed he made some little droppings. They were dark solid pellets. I'm guessing this is progress?

[Nancy in New York]

I just noticed he made some little droppings. They were dark solid pellets. I'm guessing this is progress?

I was just going to ask if you had to stimulate him? Is he also urinating on his own?

[pacoparrot]

His penis and surrounding area is commonly wet and I find wet patches on his blankets. He dribbles sometimes when you pick him up. The urine is bloody but still mostly clear. I keep cleaning him in the bath to keep him from getting "urine burn"

On a separate note is there anything I can do either body language or verbally to make him feel safer in my care? I had rehabbed a baby cottontail rabbit that felt safer when I chattered for him.

I put a warm waterbottle and a rice buddy wrapped in think cloth so he doesn't burn.

I forget if I mentioned that he did show some interest in food today. He picked at some walnuts and ate a little apple. But got a full meal from the syringe.

[pacoparrot]

He was doing so well when I checked on him an hour ago but I checked him now and he's gone. I tried my best. R.I.P. Jerry.

[Scooterzmom]

I'm so sorry little Jerry lost his battle. :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
My heart really goes out to you. When you think they just might make it and their will is there but you realize that their little body gave out, it feels so very unfair :(

R.I.P. little Jerry. Go free and happy, no more pain... you will not be forgotten.