Kazee has become worse!!

[sunkissedsassy]

He has always been a little off with balance. But today he is almost twisting his head completely around backwards, can't see anything and is scooting to move. Pulling more with his front and pushing with hind legs. He twists and rolls and seems very confused and disoriented. He finds comfort only when you hold him close and kiss his cheeks. For anyone who doesn't know, Kazee was found in the middle of the road. He had bitten through his tongue but no other visible injuries. He is eating great and drinking. But now can't manage to find his way out of his play box And falls. He does manage to climb but can't figure out where he's going. Help please. Vet wonders if he had a blood clot in his brain the came loose. Any suggestions?

[CritterMom]

Oh dear. I suppose that could have happened, or he could have some swelling in there that just started pressing on something. Why don't you see what he has to say about a steroid of some kind - dexamethazone usually for head trauma. It is usually given as a series of injections.

[sunkissedsassy]

I will definitely ask her about that. Has anyone else experienced this?

[SammysMom]

See if he will give Prednisone. I would think it might be worth a try. Many prayers for both of you...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[crazy4squirrels]

Seizure activity. That is what my neuro flyer does when is having a round of seizures...phenobarbitol helps

[CritterMom]

The dex is often given right away in head trauma cases. It is a really powerful anti-inflammatory, and the logic is that if there is swelling inside the skull, it WILL press on things it shouldn't because it has no place to go. The dex works fast so often the swelling can be brought down before it does a lot of permanent damage. But neuro symptoms can be all over the board - always the same, never changing or always changing with good days and not so good ones.

Do his eyes look steady and normal or do they "jump" around?

Make sure he cannot climb high and has lots of soft stuff to fall into. Lots of stuffed toys helps - they can use them to prop themselves up with. I hope you will begin to see improvement.

[SammysMom]

Forget the Prednisone if other anti inflammatory is being used.

[CritterMom]

Forget the Prednisone if other anti inflammatory is being used.

Prednisone and Dexamethazone are both steroids, and cannot be given at the same time as NSAIDS like ibuprophen or meloxicam.

[sunkissedsassy]

His eyes look fine. No jumping around at all. I will talk talk to our vet tmw and see if she thinks any of ties will work or at least help. I think Kazee has lost his sight and I feel so terrible for him. He's so scared and panics. Makes me teary. Tonight he found great comfort in being held close and being kissed. My poor little bean.

[sunkissedsassy]

Oh and we do have him set up in a smaller enclosure but I am removing the shelves and lowering his hammock. I don't like changing to much around on him since he can't seem to see. But the bottom is about 4" filled with bedding and lots of blankets and stuffed toys. Poor guy doesn't even feel like eating his treats. :-(

[SammysMom]

:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[CritterMom]

If he isn't eating, it may be dizziness from whatever is happening that is causing this, Please ALSO speak to your vet about meclizine. It is available OTC - it is what all the motion sickness meds are. Yes, squirrels can take it and it can help alleviate those symptoms.

[island rehabber]

Ditto on the meclizine...it can work wonders in cases like this and is safe for squirrels. :thumbsup

[sunkissedsassy]

We have an appt tmw at the vet. She is going to check for ear infection first and go from there. He is eating great, although he isnt real fond of HHB's food. I even got him the picky eater bag. He will nibble on it, but is more interested in the fruits and veggies. He is drinking good to. Just really off balance. Will post an update when we get home tmw. Fingers crossed and prayers for my little bean. :Love_Icon

[CritterMom]

When he's feeling a little better you will have to go a little tiger mom on him with the blocks but we will help - just remind us when his balance issues have resolved. Ears can definitely be a problem balance wise.

[sunkissedsassy]

UPDATE: Well on a good note Kazee is doing better today, not quite as disoriented. Went to the vet (his first trip) and he did good. NO ear infection. Diagnosis is most likely permanent brain damage. We are starting prednizone today for 5 days to see if that helps if there is any swelling. Her guess was probably a blood clot came loose and he may have had some bleeding going on. BUT, at least he is doing better today and hopefully the meds will help. When hes on the ground, its mostly circles and trying to get to mom. But as long as he is eating and drinking good which he is and hes happy, then I'm happy. I love my little bean!!! Now I gotta try to get him to eat his squirrel blocks better.