Shay is dragging right side...

[Unikorngrrl]

About to go to the Vet, but wanted to see if you guys had anything for me to take with me. He came very thin but has fattened up nicely. He's been very happy and playful and eats and poops and pees very well. He and Asher like peenie suckling so I've had to keep scabs off, apply AB cream and YUCK to their peenies. Shay couldn't pee Monday and I slightly noticed his back right slightly dragging. Now the front right elbow seems locked and both are dragging. I'm still expressing his bladder, I think he holds it b/c it burns. I've dosed Infant Ibuprofen 3 times. Basically, right side doesn't seem to be working right. Only change, peenies and not peeing and moved up to 20/50. Any ideas?!? Thanks.

[magna]

If the bladder has become backed up severely it can cause spinal issues. Also can cause uremic poisoning.

[Unikorngrrl]

That was my first though magna. I'm keeping his bladder expressed. Do you know what, if any treatment I would use? Prednisone maybe? I have 10mg and 20mg and can dose. I just don't want to use it unless it's necessary and indicated.

Dr Kocher won't be in until tomorrow so I have to wait. She wasn't in yesterday either. Tomorrow though...

[Unikorngrrl]

He acts perfectly normal otherwise...

[TubeDriver]

If the bladder has become backed up severely it can cause spinal issues. Also can cause uremic poisoning.

uremic poisoning/neuropathy would not be unilateral?

[Unikorngrrl]

30 mins after feeding and Motrin he's moving both legs just not as actively as his left side. Bladder is still empty.

[magna]

I wouldn't think so, but stranger things have happened. I would think it would be both sides even. Not sure what else would explain it, maybe septic poisoining. I would do a battery of Baytril, it may help if it is an infection. Not sure about stacking it with prednisone would have to look. If you think it could be a fall or from inflamation then the Prednisone would be best.

[Unikorngrrl]

I have Meloxicam also. I'll run Cipro and Meloxicam unless you guys know of any contraindications...

[TubeDriver]

I have Meloxicam also. I'll run Cipro and Meloxicam unless you guys know of any contraindications...

Meloxicam can increase the effects (and side effects) of Cipro. Watch carefully for tremors and/or seizures.

"Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Using meloxicam together with ciprofloxacin may increase the effects of ciprofloxacin. Contact your doctor if you experience tremors, involuntary muscle movements, hallucinations, or seizures. If you have a history of seizures you may be at a greater risk. You may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications."

[magna]

Yes they should be fine together. I have used them together without issues. DO NOT transition to prednisone immediately from Meloxicam. There is risk involved with those two.

[magna]

I haven't asked but how old is this squirrel? If you are talking about a very young one, then like TD says be careful mixing they cannot tolerate the meds like a three or four month one. We are just coming out of two with bladder issues one from diet and one from injuries. If he is not hunching up and straining that you can tell the pain med may not be required. If he is in pain he will try to urinate and you can see him pushing very hard and then he will give up as soon as it starts. Fuzzy had his scabbed over about a week ago due to the same thing. Had to remove the scab numerous times, held his bottom half under warm water for long peroids of time to soften it an help him get some relief. Used triple antibiotic slathered on it numerous times during the day to help keep it soft. Push fluids and you may give diluted cranberry juice, 100% not cocktail.

[lilidukes]

Anything urinary SMZ-TMP is best. Metacam/Meloxicam is
very hard on the kidneys. Hydration is a MUST!

I separate pee pee suckers until healed. I usually
keep their cages right next to each other.

[magna]

How is Shay Today??????

[CrazySquirrelLady]

checkin on Shay... get well buddy.

[Unikorngrrl]

Thanks guys! All of you!! I spoke with Jackie too and did end up putting him on both. I had to aspirate the urine from his bladder 3 times b/c nothing would come out and it was FULL. Today he started to urinate again with stimulation and I didn't have to express or drain at all. I'm keeping him well hydrated :thumbsup and he's still acting just as sweet and active as ever. He has stopped dragging the back leg, he's only hobbling on the front leg, but he is still using it for holding the syringe while feeding and for climbing a bit. Dr. Kocher was ill and hadn't gone back to work as of Saturday, so if he is any worse or not any better, I'll take him in tomorrow. :dono Guess that explains why she wasn't there Wednesday and Thursday also. Glad I do have some skills or I would have been up the creek without a paddle.

He wasn't just trying to pee, he would try and just scream. I had to drain it so he wouldn't die. Poor little guy. He certainly is a trooper! And so very loving and sweet. Him and Asher are both very sweet like that. And vocal, very vocal :grin

Again, Magna, TD and lilidukes, thank you for all of your help!! :thankyou And my CSL friend, thank you :thankyou for checking in!!!

[TubeDriver]

Thanks guys! All of you!! I spoke with Jackie too and did end up putting him on both. I had to aspirate the urine from his bladder 3 times b/c nothing would come out and it was FULL. Today he started to urinate again with stimulation and I didn't have to express or drain at all. I'm keeping him well hydrated :thumbsup and he's still acting just as sweet and active as ever. He has stopped dragging the back leg, he's only hobbling on the front leg, but he is still using it for holding the syringe while feeding and for climbing a bit. Dr. Kocher was ill and hadn't gone back to work as of Saturday, so if he is any worse or not any better, I'll take him in tomorrow. :dono Guess that explains why she wasn't there Wednesday and Thursday also. Glad I do have some skills or I would have been up the creek without a paddle.

He wasn't just trying to pee, he would try and just scream. I had to drain it so he wouldn't die. Poor little guy. He certainly is a trooper! And so very loving and sweet. Him and Asher are both very sweet like that. And vocal, very vocal :grin

Again, Magna, TD and lilidukes, thank you for all of your help!! :thankyou And my CSL friend, thank you :thankyou for checking in!!!

Poor little guy. :( It sounds very uncomfortable for him but I hope you can perform your usual miracle work and help him to continue to heal. :thumbsup

[Squirrel Girls Mom]

Poor little dude!! What's the difference between express and aspirate?

[CrazySquirrelLady]

express means you push on the bladder and pee comes out.

aspirate means going into the bladder with a NEEDLE and drawing out the urine.

poor Shay. rootin for ya!

Uni you are one brave gal! KUDOS to you.

[island rehabber]

Did you aspirate his bladder with a needle?

[CrazySquirrelLady]

maybe they make itty bitty catheters..........

[Unikorngrrl]

Did you aspirate his bladder with a needle?

Yes, with a diabetic needle and syringe. I couldn't express, and he couldn't urinate and there was no vet in to see him. It was do or die... I've done it tons of times at work, but I had to admit I was a little nervous to do it on something so small. I just had to tell myself, same thing, just smaller. No problems and he's peeing on his own again thank heavens. I love these guys. I got poked at all weekend because I love and kiss on each and every one while feeding. I couldn't bear for anything to happen to one I've had for a while. So I do what I do...use my experience in the Vet's office to the best of my abilities. I just won't do anything if I'm not sure how to. I "holler" for Jackie LOL! :thumbsup

Thank you all for checking in!!! :Love_Icon

[Unikorngrrl]

Shay is good! Better this afternoon even. Peed, ate very well, has full use of his leg again and more use of his arm. I suspect that within a day or 2 that arm will be doing well also (fingers crossed). He's my super duper trooper!! Through it all he's been a sweet little boy. <3

I missed the questions about age and size. He's 8-9 weeks old and weighs 136 grams. He's no skinny boy anymore!!! He is a talker too, as is Asher! :Love_Icon

[TubeDriver]

Great work Uni! This litte boy is blessed to have found you! :thumbsup

[Unikorngrrl]

Shay ended up with possible bone infection, definite abscesses in the right elbow and shoulder. UTI issues are and have been gone. I was a bit worried, b/c if IR stresses about abscesses...well she's got experience on me, so...you know... I took him to the Vet of course and spoke with Jackie. Jackie researched and sent a list of meds and the Dr. prescribed and checked and agreed with Jackie's info. Today he's doing great!! The abscess is less than 1/4 of the size that it was and he's walking on it again!! I'm so excited. He's such a sweet little boy :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon Whew...I think they just removed a house from my shoulders. :thumbsup

[Unikorngrrl]

Abscess even smaller, using it even more!! :wahoo :alright.gif :wott :banana :highfive :hyper :wiggle

[CrazySquirrelLady]

YAY!

[TubeDriver]

Glad Shay is at the Uni house of Healing!:grin

[Unikorngrrl]

still better...

[kastillo]

What meds did you go with?

[Unikorngrrl]

SMZ-TMP and added Clavamox a couple of days later.