Head Injury?

[Daughter of a rehabber]

This is a squirrel in the park that I have adopted. What are your thoughts? Head injury, poisoned, ataxia?

http://youtu.be/B9XviQPMqy8

I don't want to leave him to be attacked by someone's dog, but if this is treatable, then I want to do what needs to be done.

Thanks in advance!

Elizabeth

[farrelli]

Could be any of those things, including ear infection. Can he climb quickly and well to get home and to avoid predators? Does he get around well? Is he friendly in case you have to capture? I've got to go but I'm sure plenty of others will weigh in.

[Daughter of a rehabber]

He is very skittish but will come to get food when I see him. He can climb just fine, but can't really move on the ground well. I don't think I could just grab him if I needed to, I would likely have to use a trap.

[Fireweed]

Poor little guy. :( I'm just going to bump this in case someone more experienced can recommend something... It would be nice if you could treat him in the field before having to trap, if possible.

:bump

[MJS]

:wave123 IF IT WAS ME, I WOULD TRY TO GET HIM. HE IS DEFINITELY COMPROMISED...ESPECIALLY ON THE GROUND WHERE ONE MISTAKE MAY BE HIS LAST. MRSMJS AND I HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE LAST YEAR IN OUR PARK WITH A LAME SQUIRREL THAT WE CONSIDERED TAKING IN...WE DIDN'T. WHEN WE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING, HE WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. DON'T BE HESITANT TO DO WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT...JUST MY OPINION. IF HIS CONDITION IS TREATABLE THEN YOU CAN TREAT IT. IF NOT, HE CAN FIND A HOME WITH YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE.

[farrelli]

So do you have a trap? THey're like $40 at Home Depot and you can often rent them from animal rescues. If you take him in, you will have to have a cage and supplies ready.

[Daughter of a rehabber]

If I take him in, should I take him somewhere to get checked out? I don't want him to be put down if it's only an ear infection, but I don't want him to be in pain.

[farrelli]

You might PM SquirrelFriend who lives in Mississauga and is the squirrel queen of the GTA. See what she says. Can you keep him until he heals? I don't know if she has the room, but I'm pretty sure she'd check him out for you.

[Fireweed]

Good idea, farrelli. I PMd Squirrelfriend to ask if she could check this thread out and maybe help/offer advice. :thumbsup

Please have a plan before you trap the little one, DoaR. They can really hurt themselves in traps - so if you do trap him, he needs to be transferred from the trap to a cage as soon as possible.

[farrelli]

Actually, I just remembered that she's in LA until the 31st. :( Is there anyone else in the GTA?

If not, DR, do you have a cage, extra room, or something to keep him in until then? If you can house him, I'm sure we can tell you how to dose ABs.

[cnmnnaturalist]

How long has the squirrel been exhibiting these symptoms? Does it come or go at all? I have actually seen this very behavior in 'drunk' squirrels that have gotten into fermented fruits. Sometimes people purposefully feed squirrels fermented stuff just to 'mess around'.

It definitely looks to be something either inner ear or other things relating to balance.

[Fireweed]

I contacted astra and kikiboo in case they know of someone who can help. :dono

[Toddy]

Hello everyone! I just saw this thread...I am about 2.5 hours from the GTA. I am willing to help if needed....

[Fireweed]

Good to know! :thumbsup

[Daughter of a rehabber]

I have 3 cats in an 800 sq ft condo, so I don't think my home is an option.

Other than the tipping over, he seems okay. He has been like this for about 2 weeks now, and it seems to be getting worse. It doesn't seem to go away at all, but is consistent. He used to be okay once he was in a tree, but now he is having issues with that too.

I can certainly try to trap him, and bring him to someone to look after. I'm willing to pay for treatment/food or whatever is necessary. I don't want to burden anyone.

I am right in Downtown Toronto, but can drive to meet half way or bring him right to the person.

[farrelli]

I have to go but do you have any antibiotics or could you get some? We could try treating in the field until SF is back.

[Daughter of a rehabber]

I don't have any AB, but could maybe try to find some. The regular human kind?

[farrelli]

Or animal. Cipro (common with women for UTIs), Baytril (for animals), and SMZ are very common and the most used. Baytril is often given without a script in pet stores for fish, birds, and reptiles. Often sold as Fish Flox. We can tell you how to dose.

[Fireweed]

Kikiboo might have some contacts who can help. DoaR, I've PMd you some info, check your messages (under "Notifications", top right corner). :thumbsup

[Kikiboo]

Hun, PM me your phone #... I have contacts in Toronto.
:)

[squirrelfriend]

If he can be captured I can take him in. I have taken care of many neuro squirrels. Unfortunately I am presently on vacation in Los Angeles. I will be here until sept 3rd. If you can capture and care for him until I get beck I can take him in.

[Daughter of a rehabber]

Thanks SF, but I think I have someone who can take him. I will let you know if it doesn't work out.

[squirrelfriend]

Ok. Just let me know if I'm needed. Glad he has you to help him.