186 gram male grey squirrel in trouble

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Friends

I got a 186 gram male grey squirrel that is in trouble
I got him last night at 7:45 pm
He was on his side when picked up.
looked very dehydrated
I gave electrolytes 8pm 8.0cc , 9pm 2.0cc, 10:30 pm 1.5cc, 1:30am 2.0cc
Then today got 6.0cc down at 7 am ,and 3.0cc at 9am.
He is has nero troubles woubles and falls over
I found were his is in pain it is by base of tail .
I think the rectum is closed over.
I have not seen any poop yet.
I touch the area and he crawls away.
I been rubbing Petroleum jully into the area and applying warm towels soaked in water.
No poop
I try to open and it stays closed
I been massaging the area.
I gave ibuprofen and rescue remedy for pain
Should i give some mineral oil
Sheri is holding him in a bag while I type...he is sleeping now.
Not sure what do ..or try
Any suggestions ?

Here is some pictures of Billy Ray

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[ques96]

Steve, I am in no way an expert and hopefully they will advise soon. Does he seem emaciated? Skinny in any way? With neuro problems he may not have had much to eat recently. Could the pain be from an injury? Any abnormal feeling area on the back side, spinal area? Plus with bowels dehydration makes it tougher to go due to lack of water in the bowels. I would keep giving hydration and do a pinch test. When he seems rehydrated possibly poop will follow. If nothing else my posting bumped this back to the top for others to see.:)

[Nancy in New York]

Oh God Steve I have never heard of the rectum closing. Do you see any hole at all?
Yes you can give a few drops of mineral oil.
I am wondering since he is so emaciated, if there is nothing there? Is his tummy hard?
WOW this is a new one for me.
Hydration is absolute KEY here as stated above. Keep that up for as long as you can.
No pedialyte after 24 hours, just go with sugar water, or a little molasses in water.

[Squirrely Steve]

Steve, I am in no way an expert and hopefully they will advise soon. Does he seem emaciated? Skinny in any way? With neuro problems he may not have had much to eat recently. Could the pain be from an injury? Any abnormal feeling area on the back side, spinal area? Plus with bowels dehydration makes it tougher to go due to lack of water in the bowels. I would keep giving hydration and do a pinch test. When he seems rehydrated possibly poop will follow. If nothing else my posting bumped this back to the top for others to see.:)

Hi ques96

He seems pretty good with weight and size look
I do not see ant injury spot or any form of cuts or sight damage
The rectum area is most painful..makes him really move and pain in eyes
I will keep doing pinch test and pushing fluids
I will be gone for awhile...taking him with me to help him..
Thanks for helping

Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

Oh God Steve I have never heard of the rectum closing. Do you see any hole at all?
Yes you can give a few drops of mineral oil.
I am wondering since he is so emaciated, if there is nothing there? Is his tummy hard?
WOW this is a new one for me.
Hydration is absolute KEY here as stated above. Keep that up for as long as you can.
No pedialyte after 24 hours, just go with sugar water, or a little molasses in water.

Hi Nancy

No no hole at all just a tiny tinycrack
I keep pulling ..nothing ..looks flat ?
The area is hard ..this may be the back up.
I will keep pushing the fluids
I got to run
Back later

Many Thanks
Steve

[stosh2010]

Oh God Steve I have never heard of the rectum closing. Do you see any hole at all?
Hi Steve---
Is it possible that there was an injury close to te rectum and it bled and dried hard inside?? My little Seis had dried blood closing off her nose , when I got her...

Any way---soak his bottom in a bowl of very warm water--it will loosen him up and stimulate bowel movement.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Hi Steve I don't want to take up valuable time because this guy is in trouble....but I honestly used a suppository on my Baby when she was little and very constipated ....I couldn't find baby size so I bought adult and whittled it down .... It worked and she's still here 2 yrs later...worse case senario it's a lubricant and can't hurt..Good Luck:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

One more thing Steve,
Take some peroxide and put it on Q-tips and dab it right near the rectum on the sides around it. It may sting a little but try this a couple of times.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Hope baby is hanging in there :dono :thinking :grouphug

[SammysMom]

If he is not dehydrated, is it possible that a bit of canned pumpkin might help. How did he come to you? Did someone else have him or did you find him outdoors? A warm water soaked cotton ball on his bottom might help to unstick whatever is stuck. Poor baby... How uncomfortable and scary...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Steve---
Is it possible that there was an injury close to te rectum and it bled and dried hard inside?? My little Seis had dried blood closing off her nose , when I got her...

Any way---soak his bottom in a bowl of very warm water--it will loosen him up and stimulate bowel movement.

Hi Stosh

We made it back the little one is still hanging in there.
Quite a day yesterday did not get home till 9pm.
I had to take the kids on the road with me.
I did my feedings in the woods in my truck in between mushroom hunting's.
Billy Ray was got very clingy and spent must of the day in my pocket.
I worked and worked on his bottom massaging,putting mineral oil on and gave him some by mouth.
I got his rectum opening opened some by using a syringe and rubber tip..just a little bit..and a little mineral oil this way...lots more warm soaks and still nothing.
Today been giving him 1/2 strength formula.
He is in quite a bit of pain and is chewing on everything .
He turns his butt to me now to work on him
He lets me work on him..he knows I am trying to help.
I still do not see any pee either ..rub..wet ..lighty blow..nothing.
I can see the penis and rectum moving trying to go.
but nothing.
His eyes show pain.
I been getting him some sleep with the R&R
I think we are staying home today..did not find any shrooms..to early..
I am glad...I remember NO Morels for Chuck..:)
I hate seeing these little ones in pain.
I am worried his organs may have shut down....
He is getting the shakes so bad now.
I got him sleeping in my pocket now....so cute.

I do not see any injury on this one..or any sign

..just his rectum is very sensitive and not working

I will keep warm soaking him.

I also wonder if he has raccoon worm in the brain...

Little Seis is cute ..thanks for sharing :Love_Icon

Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

Hi Steve I don't want to take up valuable time because this guy is in trouble....but I honestly used a suppository on my Baby when she was little and very constipated ....I couldn't find baby size so I bought adult and whittled it down .... It worked and she's still here 2 yrs later...worse case senario it's a lubricant and can't hurt..Good Luck:Love_Icon

Hi Shewhosweptforest

Thanks a good idea.
I will have to look to see if we have some.
Glad it worked for your little one.

Thanks
Squirrely Steve


PS ..looks like I am running to hospital for Sheri..back later..never ends..dang

[Nancy in New York]

Oh my Steve, I always wonder how you do what you do.
Good luck to you with this little one and with Sherry. :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Squirrely Steve]

Oh my Steve, I always wonder how you do what you do.
Good luck to you with this little one and with Sherry. :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

Hi Nancy :wave123

I wonder too.:thinking

Thanks :grouphug

I got sheri out of the hospital last night...3 days and 2 nights..a night mare.
but she is home now ..healing :thumbsup

Billy Ray...I been working on him.
I been getting 4-5 feedings a day in him 6.0 - 7.0 FV Formula at a time
I worked and worked on his butt and opening.
I finally got a good opening with giving water and mineral oil with the syringes.
A very little bit of something came out.
2 real small pieces light brown that look like wheat kennels when growing in the fields.
Could this be worm eggs I took a picture but have not had any time yet to process and post.
Could he be blocked by worms ?

I been feeding him for some days now.

still no pee either....unless he is doing it somewhere else but I do not see or feel any wet spots or poop

He is getting shinny fur and looking better ..but has the shakes so bad can not stand or function.
He is biting most everything trying to eat or from pain ..the top teeth are worn a lot..will try to get picture ...
He is not breaking skin..
I remember something about vitamin B to crush and give..not sure for the shakes ?
He maybe a older squirrel that fell and somewhat healed but got skinny from the shakes..?..the teeth are white so he is a this spring baby ..

I am searching for ideas to help him ..with sheri being in the hospital..I am behind at work and on the farm with chores and I have took in more babies....up to 14 formula feeding youngsters now ..its getting crazy :crazy

Well got to get back to work...hope to be back soon and do some studying on the shakes and figure out how to help him out or comfort him.

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Jackie in Tampa]

how is everyone doing???
sending sherri and sqs and YOU good vibes...

[TubeDriver]

How awful. :( Keeping fingers crossed. As bad as this sounds, I think this squirrel found the right person to help!

[SammysMom]

Just checking in and offering some prayers...:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Squirrely Steve]

how is everyone doing???
sending sherri and sqs and YOU good vibes...

Hi Jackie :wave123

Hanging in there... but I am starting to crack :sanp3
The babies are coming in ..so many ...I am starting to lose some...
Sheri is improving and getting better :thumbsup
Billy Ray is still having a time with the shakes and seizures
I am running out of ideas.....
I think I got some of his lower bowels going and think some peeing...not sure
I tried maple syrup to bring his sugar up.
I think I will have to get some type of med's to give him from the vet.
Not sure what to do.....
Thanks for the good vibes :thankyou

Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

How awful. :( Keeping fingers crossed. As bad as this sounds, I think this squirrel found the right person to help!

Hi TubeDriver :wave123

Thanks I hope I can help him :thankyou

Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Squirrely Steve]

Just checking in and offering some prayers...:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Hi Sammys Mom :wave123

Thanks we could use some today :thankyou :grouphug

Squirrely Steve :wave123

[MJS]

:wave123 HEY STEVE...WISHING YOU THE BEST AS ALWAYS...GOOD LUCK WITH THE LITTLE ONE. HOPE SHERI CONTINUES TO DO WELL AND THAT ALL OF YOUR SQUIRREL BUDDIES (AND OTHERS) ARE HAPPY AND HEALTHY.

[Squirrely Steve]

:wave123 HEY STEVE...WISHING YOU THE BEST AS ALWAYS...GOOD LUCK WITH THE LITTLE ONE. HOPE SHERI CONTINUES TO DO WELL AND THAT ALL OF YOUR SQUIRREL BUDDIES (AND OTHERS) ARE HAPPY AND HEALTHY.

Hi MJS :wave123

Thanks MJS :thankyou
I am having lots of troubles ..I took on too many babies..I having troubles feeding and taking care of them..and me and Sheri and...work and home life...not good...I tried getting help but many rehabbers have quit here..everything seems hopeless..babies are drying and getting skinny...I am praying for new strength..I feel so tired and weak...not sure how to take care of Billy Ray now...I cant stop crying...sorry....

[Nancy in New York]

Steve..........You have to take a deep breath. You have way too much on your plate. You have medical issues going on with yourself and with Sherri.
You feel like you take one step forward and two back, because that is what you are doing.
You get new ones, and can't ever catch up.
Steve, you want to make everyone happy, and this is killing YOU.
You need to regroup, and stay strong, but you need to say NO.
It's one of the hardest lessons in ALL of this, but if you don't you will be
putting too much at jeopardy. You need help and there is nobody that is
helping YOU.
Please don't try to be a hero this one time.
You are ONLY ONE person.
Many of the rehabbers that have done this may have quit because they are getting overwhelmed.
That will or already has happened to you.
For your own health and sanity.........stop taking any more of these little ones.
I know this will be the hardest thing that you have ever done, but I worry about your sanity if you don't.
Nothing is worth your health, physically or mentally.........NOTHING.
You are one person, and you cannot do this alone, you are new to so much of this, you have a farm to run, and a full time job.
Go easy on yourself, before something bad happens to you, because stresss WILL catch up, and then you will not be useful to anyone.:shakehead
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[CritterMom]

Hi MJS :wave123

Thanks MJS :thankyou
I am having lots of troubles ..I took on too many babies..I having troubles feeding and taking care of them..and me and Sheri and...work and home life...not good...I tried getting help but many rehabbers have quit here..everything seems hopeless..babies are drying and getting skinny...I am praying for new strength..I feel so tired and weak...not sure how to take care of Billy Ray now...I cant stop crying...sorry....


Oh Steve...I am always on the lookout for people in Iowa who could maybe help you...

With what is going on now, you need to say NO until you can get things under control. There is a limit to what anyone can do and you want to do the best job you can with these little guys. I know how hard it is to say no when you look at these sweet little things but not only is it not fair to the babies who can't get the care they need, it isn't fair to YOU either - we know you well enough to know that you cannot take the losses lightly when they happen - especially if you know that maybe they wouldn't have happened if you had more time. That kind of stuff will just eat a soft hearted guy like you alive.

I wonder if some of the kids at the local 4H might have interest in learning about these guys to the point where they could be of some help to you???

[TubeDriver]

I think there is some good advice posted above.



You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.



Perhaps for the short term (week by week), it might be helpful to sit down quietly for 10 minutes and write up a list of things you will be doing NEXT week.

1) Put the top 3 things you NEED to do at the top of this list.

2) Next put the next 3 things that you need to do after you finish the first 3 above.

3) Finally, write down a list the rest of the things you would LIKE or PREFER to get completed but that are of a lower priority. Seriously consider scratching off half of the items on this from this 3rd section.


Start at the top and cross out items as you finish them, working your way down the list.

Finally, make some quality time for yourself and significant other. It could be as small as sitting down for a nice meal or listening to music together for an hour, going for a quiet walk or whatever it is that just the two of you like to do together.

Good luck and don't despair. You can do it but take it week by week.


Maybe someone on this board in your area will step up and lend a hand with the little ones?

[Squirrely Steve]

Steve..........You have to take a deep breath. You have way too much on your plate. You have medical issues going on with yourself and with Sherri.
You feel like you take one step forward and two back, because that is what you are doing.
You get new ones, and can't ever catch up.
Steve, you want to make everyone happy, and this is killing YOU.
You need to regroup, and stay strong, but you need to say NO.
It's one of the hardest lessons in ALL of this, but if you don't you will be
putting too much at jeopardy. You need help and there is nobody that is
helping YOU.
Please don't try to be a hero this one time.
You are ONLY ONE person.
Many of the rehabbers that have done this may have quit because they are getting overwhelmed.
That will or already has happened to you.
For your own health and sanity.........stop taking any more of these little ones.
I know this will be the hardest thing that you have ever done, but I worry about your sanity if you don't.
Nothing is worth your health, physically or mentally.........NOTHING.
You are one person, and you cannot do this alone, you are new to so much of this, you have a farm to run, and a full time job.
Go easy on yourself, before something bad happens to you, because stresss WILL catch up, and then you will not be useful to anyone.:shakehead
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Hi Nancy

Many Thanks for all you wrote :thankyou

You are so right...I understand and will try my best to say no and to lighten my load...I am just one person.
I wrote my teacher seeking help and advise.
She contacted the newspaper and there coming this monday for 3 hours to do interviews and pictures of what we do and maybe we can get someone interested in helping us...or we are worried may bring many more animals needing help...but we got to get help.

I work with animal control and they pick up animals from all around and then call us.
They do not keep animals over night what is not picked up at end of day ..gets ....put to sleep..this is a very hard thought for me...
There was 4-5 of us rehabbers working together ..but some have quit..
So there is animals that need help..I used to take just squirrels..I can handle 16 young formula feeding ones at a time...I was up to 14 young squirrels...then started getting rabbit calls ..the rabbit rehabber quit...took 4 calls in a couple days..took 17 eyes closed bunnies in..thought there like squirrels...Not...there much harder to feed and handle...and on Tuesday when I pulled in at work a mother Oppossum was car hit in front of shop....dead mom babies crawing on road..I stopped traffic and got them off road ..5 babies dead..5 alive 35 gram size...I got over well em big time..bunnies and possies dying...my baby squirrels started getting skinny...missing feedings..feed around the clock and never get caught up..

I got the rabbits eyes open and bigger now ..less feeding ..the possies..lost one this morning and one yesterday..I am Trying...I am not taking any thing more in ..I hope and pray no one calls...Hope the paper helps find help.

I wish I could write more but got to go..its crazy at work and got to be heading home soon.

Many Thanks Nancy for helping me sort of my Crazy life..its a total mess :grouphug :thankyou

Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

Oh Steve...I am always on the lookout for people in Iowa who could maybe help you...

With what is going on now, you need to say NO until you can get things under control. There is a limit to what anyone can do and you want to do the best job you can with these little guys. I know how hard it is to say no when you look at these sweet little things but not only is it not fair to the babies who can't get the care they need, it isn't fair to YOU either - we know you well enough to know that you cannot take the losses lightly when they happen - especially if you know that maybe they wouldn't have happened if you had more time. That kind of stuff will just eat a soft hearted guy like you alive.

I wonder if some of the kids at the local 4H might have interest in learning about these guys to the point where they could be of some help to you???

Hi Critter Mom

Many Thanks for all you wrote.:thankyou
You are so right ...you guys know me well...makes sence
Thanks for being on the look out for help for us here in Iowa.
I will copy the newspaper article and post it..hope it help find some help.
I like the 4H idea ..I will contact them.

Many Thanks
Squirrely Steve

[Squirrely Steve]

I think there is some good advice posted above.



You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.



Perhaps for the short term (week by week), it might be helpful to sit down quietly for 10 minutes and write up a list of things you will be doing NEXT week.

1) Put the top 3 things you NEED to do at the top of this list.

2) Next put the next 3 things that you need to do after you finish the first 3 above.

3) Finally, write down a list the rest of the things you would LIKE or PREFER to get completed but that are of a lower priority. Seriously consider scratching off half of the items on this from this 3rd section.


Start at the top and cross out items as you finish them, working your way down the list.

Finally, make some quality time for yourself and significant other. It could be as small as sitting down for a nice meal or listening to music together for an hour, going for a quiet walk or whatever it is that just the two of you like to do together.

Good luck and don't despair. You can do it but take it week by week.


Maybe someone on this board in your area will step up and lend a hand with the little ones?

Hi TubeDriver

Yes Awesome advise above and Awesome advise you wrote.:thumbsup
Many Thanks :thankyou
I will give the lists a good try ...very cool ..I am printing off ..Awesome :wott

Many Thanks
Squirrely Steve :wave123

[Monipenny]

This is awful, I wish you were close to some of us, you know we would take some for you. I hate to suggest this but have you thought about placing an ad on craigslist for experienced rehabbers in your area that can take some off your hands? Maybe even if you have to take a little bit of time with educating them or have several sheets of basic but important instructions to go with them.

[TubeDriver]

Hey Squirrelsteve,

Just saying "hi", hope things are a little less hectic? Anyway, just take week by week! :wave123

[stosh2010]

Steve,
I was a Boy Scout leader ( years ago) ---and you might contact the local Boy Scout troop for volunteers. The scouts work for Merit badges...and maybe animal rescue apprentices will be part of a Badge reqiuirement ???

[Unikorngrrl]

WOW...So sorry Steve, I know how it is to be overwhelmed like that. I so wish I were close enough to give you a hand...Good luck, your big heart will pull you through!! :grouphug

[stosh2010]

Steve,
I was a Boy Scout leader ( years ago) ---and you might contact the local Boy Scout troop for volunteers. The scouts work for Merit badges...and maybe animal rescue apprentices will be part of a Badge reqiuirement ???
Steve:
Here are two Merit badges and the Boy.Scout. requirements...Maybe it's an option to get some EVEN part time helpers...



NatureBSA Supply No. 35922.

There is a very close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including people. Understanding this connection, and the impact we have upon it, is important to preserving the wilderness, as well as to our own well-being as members of the web of nature.
Requirements
1. Name three ways in which plants are important to animals. Name a plant that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk.
2. Name three ways in which animals are important to plants. Name an animal that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk.
3. Explain the term "food chain." Give an example of a four-step land food chain and a four-step water food chain.
4. Do all of the requirements in FIVE of the following fields:
a. Birds
1. In the field, identify eight species of birds.
2. Make and set out a birdhouse OR a feeding station OR a birdbath.
List what birds used it during a period of one month.
b. Mammals
1. In the field, identify three species of wild animals.
2. Make plaster casts of the tracks of a wild mammal.
c. Reptiles and Amphibians
1. Show that you can recognize the venomous snakes in your area.
2. In the field, identify three species of reptiles or amphibians.
3. Recognize one species of toad or frog by voice; OR identify one reptile or amphibian by eggs, den, burrow, or other signs.
d. Insects and Spiders
1. Collect, mount, and label 10 species of insects or spiders.
2. Hatch an insect from the pupa or cocoon; OR hatch adults from nymphs; OR keep larvae until they form pupae or cocoons; OR keep a colony of ants or bees through one season.
e. Fish
1. Catch and identify two species of fish.
2. Collect four kinds of animal food eaten by fish in the wild.
f. Mollusks and Crustaceans
1. Identify five species of mollusks and crustaceans.
2. Collect, mount, and label six shells.
g. Plants
1. In the field, identify 15 species of wild plants.
2. Collect and label the seeds of six plants OR the leaves of 12 plants.
h. Soils and Rocks
1. Collect and identify soils found in different layers of a soil profile.
2. Collect and identify five different types of rocks from your area.
NOTE: In most cases all specimens should be returned to the wild at the location of original capture after the requirements have been met. Check with your merit badge counselor for those instances where the return of these specimens would not be appropriate.
Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, some plants and animals are or may be protected by federal law. The same ones and/or others may be protected by state law. Be sure that you do not collect protected species.
Your state may require that you purchase and carry a license to collect certain species. Check with the wildlife and fish and game officials in your state regarding species regulations before you begin to collect.Click here to print this page


Veterinary Medicine
BSA Supply No. 35962






Veterinary Medicine

The field of veterinary medicine in the 21st century is one of the most exciting medical professions in which to work. The skills of a veterinarian are practiced with cutting-edge technology and treatment options, and the profession offers a wide range of career choices.
Requirements
1. Discuss with your counselor the roles a veterinarian plays in the following:
a. Companion or small animal medicine, and equine medicine
b. Food animal or large animal medicine
c. Exotic animal medicine
d. Marine animal medicine (mammal and fish)
e. Poultry medicine
f. Wildlife medicine and aquaculture medicine
2. Discuss with your counselor the roles a veterinarian plays in the following:
a. Public health medicine and zoonotic disease surveillance and control
b. The military
c. Food safety and inspection
d. Laboratory animal medicine and research
e. Teaching and government
3. Describe the training required to become a veterinarian. Where is the veterinary medical college nearest you? Describe the prerequisites for applying to veterinary school.
4. Tell your counselor what a registered veterinary technician (R.V.T.) or animal health technician (A.H.T.) is. Describe the training required to become an R.V.T. or A.H.T. Where is the school or facility for R.V.T. or A.H.T. training nearest you? Describe the role an R.V.T. or A.H.T. would play in assisting a veterinarian working in three of the practice types listed in requirement 1.
5. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the role a veterinarian plays in the human-animal bond.
6. Do ONE of the following:
a. Visit a veterinary clinic, hospital, or veterinary referral teaching hospital that does work in one of the practices listed in requirement 1. Spend as much time as you can observing the veterinarians and their staff. Write a report on what you observed and learned at the facility. Share your report with your counselor.
b. Spend as much time as possible with a veterinarian who works in one of the fields listed in requirement 2. Learn what special training beyond veterinary medical school may have been required for that position. Learn about any special or unusual activities required of this position. Write a report on what you have learned about this field of veterinary medicine. Include in your report how this field serves the needs of the general public. Share your report with your counselor.
Resources


Veterinary medicine