Jacksonville Fl. Paralyzed Sq Help needed

[kaitykatjane]

Hey there,

I have a 4 month old squirrel who I've raised since a few days old. I got her when the Humane Society I work for had two of them brought to us. Her brother died the next day but she has grown into a very spunky and happy-go-lucky squirrel. We were getting ready to release her next month into our backyard(lots of trees and such), but all of the sudden without any forewarning, her entire hind end went paralyzed. I figured it was MBD. While I have given her foods with calcium in them, she apparently didn't get enough sunlight.
I started high-dosing her with calcium and used my Bearded Dragons UVB lamp to help her recover. Since then she has regained use in her right leg and is back her her crazy self. Unfortunately, despite the fact that I used the exact materials I was recommended for her bedding, one day her left leg got tangled in her blanket strings because she had chewed it, cutting off circulation. I didn't notice until that evening when I went to bathe and feed her. I quickly cut it off. This was 3 days ago.
Since then, it has become scabby and red. She bites at it as if it annoys her, and it is very swollen. She reacts to pinch above the point where circulation was cut off but not below it at all. Her other leg she reacts 100%.
I am very worried about this and am wondering if she is going to need to have that foot amputated. I have been trying to decide whether or not to take her to the Wildlife Coalition, but I worry they will see her as unreleasable and euthanize her(which I know they occasionally do).
My family and I were very excited to release her, as she has been a fun experience for us all. Now we are wondering whether to take her to the vet and see how much it would cost to amputate and continue raising her ourselves, or take her to the coalition.

Does anybody have any experience with this? She is a very HAPPY squirrel -- she just wants to get out and play all the time! Sadly this foot is getting in her way and I worry about infection and such. Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks.

226709

[Milo's Mom]

Can you spell out exactly what her diet consists of please? List each item.

What kind of block is she eating?

Does her bad foot feel as warm, warmer, or cooler than her other rear foot?

There is a great deal of swelling so the swelling may be pinching the nerves; resulting in lack of feeling.

Am I safe to assume that you've removed the stringy blankets from her living quarters?

[pappy1264]

Poor baby. I don't know where you are located (you don't have to say on open board) but many vets will not do it, as they will be considered nr w/o the hind leg. I do have one who had to have his rear leg removed, and although he cannot be released (as both back legs were injured and he has trouble climbing) he is a happy guy who zips around the room faster then the ones with four legs! I would speak to your vet and get his insights, but they can do fine with three legs. Others will chime in.

[kaitykatjane]

Can you spell out exactly what her diet consists of please? List each item.

What kind of block is she eating?

Does her bad foot feel as warm, warmer, or cooler than her other rear foot?

There is a great deal of swelling so the swelling may be pinching the nerves; resulting in lack of feeling.

Am I safe to assume that you've removed the stringy blankets from her living quarters?



An assortment of broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, squash, spinach, carrots, green beans, occasionally dandelion greens when I can find them, etc. One fruit a day, usually either apple, banana chips(her favorite), or grapes. No more than one peanut a day.(but not since MBD, I stopped giving her any nuts)

I don't recall the brand of block I gave her but it has the right ingredients in it, I paid attention.

Food isn't her issue right now. Right now, I need to her her bad foot back to health. The rest of her is happy and healthy, and her food and water is getting brushed with the calcium she needs now. She is an eager eater but not a fan of rodent blocks.

Her left foot is slightly warmer but not enough to notice without thinking about it.

Yes, and it wasn't a stringy blanket. It was a baby blanket that she had chewed. Now she has several old t-shirts.

[kaitykatjane]

Poor baby. I don't know where you are located (you don't have to say on open board) but many vets will not do it, as they will be considered nr w/o the hind leg. I do have one who had to have his rear leg removed, and although he cannot be released (as both back legs were injured and he has trouble climbing) he is a happy guy who zips around the room faster then the ones with four legs! I would speak to your vet and get his insights, but they can do fine with three legs. Others will chime in.


I am in Florida, so it will not be too hard to find a willing vet. Sadly we can not afford to pay excessive vet fees at the moment, so if its going to be hundreds of dollars to have her leg amputated, we simply will have to take her to the coalition(though it is not my preferred option). I am not worried about her life after amputation -- she is insanely adventurous and crazy, I know for a fact she would be fine. :)

[farrelli]

Have you checked to make sure the string is TOTALLY gone? We have seen invisible threads, even hairs cut off circulation.

Are you giving her blocks now? They are VERY important. You can't just supplement the calcium and think you're fine. They contain a number of things that they need, including vitamin D, without which the calcium isnt absorbed right. Unfortunately, human levels of D are dangerous, that's why blocks are so important, they're mixed at the right level.

The blocks that you do or did give, I assume they weren;t made from corn and seeds, right?

[kaitykatjane]

Yes I COMPLETELY changed out her bedding.

Her blocks are made mostly of oats, wheat, raisins, etc. If we are able to save her foot and not have to give her to the coalition we will probably start getting henry's blocks.

What I need to know RIGHT NOW is how to help this foot of hers. It is top priority.

[farrelli]

So you checked the leg itself VERY closely? Sometimes a tiny thread is missed, sometimes needing a magnifying glass.

Did you answer MM's questions:

Does her bad foot feel as warm, warmer, or cooler than her other rear foot?

[farrelli]

I've started a thread to try to draw attention here. I know that the costs of amputation might be high for you, but could you take her to a vet for evaluation? If amputation is necessary, that bridge can be crossed later.

[kaitykatjane]

So you checked the leg itself VERY closely? Sometimes a tiny thread is missed, sometimes needing a magnifying glass.

Did you answer MM's questions:

Does her bad foot feel as warm, warmer, or cooler than her other rear foot?



We just did a very close evaluation and used tweezers to see if we could break anything. We aren't sure if we did or not but now we are trying to keep it clean. We just started putting peroxide on it to help kill anything that could infect. Hence the inflammation, the foot is warm to the touch.

[CritterMom]

We just did a very close evaluation and used tweezers to see if we could break anything. We aren't sure if we did or not but now we are trying to keep it clean. We just started putting peroxide on it to help kill anything that could infect. Hence the inflammation, the foot is warm to the touch.

Please don't use peroxide - it can harm the fragile tissue. Get some betadine - any drug store has it - and cut it 50/50 with water and use that to wash the area. It is strongly antibacterial and will do what you want without hurting anything.

[kaitykatjane]

Please don't use peroxide - it can harm the fragile tissue. Get some betadine - any drug store has it - and cut it 50/50 with water and use that to wash the area. It is strongly antibacterial and will do what you want without hurting anything.

Okay thanks

[BigNibbler]

I am watching this thread. There are many here with far more experienced than I .
But I have a huge amount of experience with people.
I am only saying this because hindsight is 20/20.

This is a very critical time for your squirrel!
I am not saying this in any critical or negative voice but only in a factual matter of fact voice that I have acquired from years of living.

It is very easy to overlook one small detail, one word or phrase of advice.
It is natural to believe good things and minimize bad things.
We want to believe and hope.
But that does not always work well in situations like this.

I am saying this because an analytic read of this thread shows that there may likely be a lapse in communication. Details are vital. And I get the impression that details are not being paid attention to. Also I strongly believe in applying the Golden Rule to animals as well as humans.
An amputation is not something I would want to accept for myself if at all possible. Sure it is easy to say she can survive fine. Me thinks if one was making the decision for oneself, one would be a bit less carefree.

So doing everything to increase circulation, prevent infection, prevent chocking or dying of any flesh, preventing any discomfort which would cause further chewing or biting, or straining....

There are many forces at play here. There are physical forces as well as chemical, metabolic, neural. This is a serious issue and the tone of voice I detect in the OP is a bit less urgent and a bit more confident than I would suggest is warranted.

Just my two cents. I am not criticizing the OP. I am doing what I would do to a friend who crosses often against a red light. Just point out to be careful. Err on the side of caution.

[farrelli]

I have been told that they are waiting to see if things improve by tomorrow and then maybe taking to vet. I think that going now is VERY important to mitigate damage.

I would also like to see an anti-inflamatory given, but you can't just change those on a dime. If we gave her the proper dose for infant ibuprofen, for example, and the vet wanted to use metacam, he wouldn't be able to for a few days because you can't use both in proximity.

Can you take her to a vet? Please? It could mean the difference in saving the foot. Please?

[farrelli]

Btw, what city are you in? We have many FL members and maybe one could help. Perhaps evaluate.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Where are you in Florida, I am in Orlando and can get you to a great vet!
I can also come and help you with meds and dosing.

[Nancy in New York]

Where are you in Florida, I am in Orlando and can get you to a great vet!
I can also come and help you with meds and dosing.

Fantastic offer SSM! :grouphug

[CritterMom]

I have been told that they are waiting to see if things improve by tomorrow and then maybe taking to vet. I think that going now is VERY important to mitigate damage.

I would also like to see an anti-inflamatory given, but you can't just change those on a dime. If we gave her the proper dose for infant ibuprofen, for example, and the vet wanted to use metacam, he wouldn't be able to for a few days because you can't use both in proximity.

Can you take her to a vet? Please? It could mean the difference in saving the foot. Please?

Ibuprophen and metacam are very similar and the waiting time would not be necessary. It is ANY non-steroidal anti inflammatory like ibuprophen or metacam that cannot be given with a steroid like prednisone (in other words don't mix non-steroidal and steroidal drugs together).

If you give pain meds the squirrel needs to be housed where it can't run around and fall - if you remove the pain they can hurt themselves - you can't tell them to "take it easy on that foot" like you could a person, and pain, while unpleasant, WILL limit them from re-injuring it.

[kaitykatjane]

Ibuprophen and metacam are very similar and the waiting time would not be necessary. It is ANY non-steroidal anti inflammatory like ibuprophen or metacam that cannot be given with a steroid like prednisone (in other words don't mix non-steroidal and steroidal drugs together).

If you give pain meds the squirrel needs to be housed where it can't run around and fall - if you remove the pain they can hurt themselves - you can't tell them to "take it easy on that foot" like you could a person, and pain, while unpleasant, WILL limit them from re-injuring it.

Was is the dosage? She weighs 10.5oz

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Where are you????

[kaitykatjane]

Where are you????

jacksonville.

[Milo's Mom]

we have a member that is an excellent rehabber and she is in Jacksonville. I will call her on the phone and direct her to this thread right now.

EDIT: I just called Anne and got her voicemail. I left her a message asking her to come to the board and look at this thread.

[Nancy in New York]

jacksonville.

Would you be willing to meet up with Sweet Simon's Mom?
She has drugs and a vet that can help.
I'm not quite sure of the distance between you without looking on a map,
this is much easier. :grin2

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Ok we have people close to you, hold on I am contacting them now.

[Milo's Mom]

I am on the phone with Anne right now and she will be logging on in just a minute.

[Anne]

I just sent you a PM with my phone number. Call me, I live in Orange Park and have experience treating grey squirrels.
PM's are private messages and the link to them is just under the Board Logo!

[farrelli]

Has contact occurred?

[Milo's Mom]

I just called Anne again and she said she has not heard from the poster. Not sure what to do at this point. Anne sent her number in a PM and is waiting for the phone to ring.

EDIT: Perhaps Admin could e-mail the member and instruct them to log back on and check their PM's since help is ready and waiting.

[farrelli]

I see that kaitykatjane is back on. Please take this opportunity. There is no danger of the sq being taken away, nothing scarey at all. This is a chance to have a quick evaluation of the situation, perhaps get you help with meds, etc. Right now is a critical time and will impact the rest of this sq's life. There's nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Thanks.

[island rehabber]

I jut sent her an off-TSB email, as well, encouraging her to contact Anne or come back here to her thread.

[kaitykatjane]

Thanks guys, I will be calling soon and will keep you updated.

[stepnstone]

Thanks guys, I will be calling soon and will keep you updated.

:thumbsup

Can't wait to hear an update on this...

[kaitykatjane]

I believe we are going to take her to the vet on Thursday and see what our options are. Anne was very helpful, as were all of you. Thank you! I will update when the vet gives us an idea.
Anybody have experience with amputation? Ideas on how much this bill could be?

[BigNibbler]

I believe we are going to take her to the vet on Thursday and see what our options are. Anne was very helpful, as were all of you. Thank you! I will update when the vet gives us an idea.
Anybody have experience with amputation? Ideas on how much this bill could be?


WHAT? Its only Tuesday! Every hour counts. You have caring and experienced persons offering immediate help. Is the tissue already necrotic ? Please meet with some today or tomorrow. Imagine you are in the emergency room. Do you want to wait to be seen or do you want help NOW?

[SammysMom]

If you can get her to a vet tomorrow morning she will have a far better chance of not having to suffer an amputation.

[kaitykatjane]

WHAT? Its only Tuesday! Every hour counts. You have caring and experienced persons offering immediate help. Is the tissue already necrotic ? Please meet with some today or tomorrow. Imagine you are in the emergency room. Do you want to wait to be seen or do you want help NOW?

The vet is closed. I will call tomorrow. Thanks.

[Anne]

I have had contact with kaitykatjane in the past (small world). In the past we talked about this squirrel having MBD.
She lives over an hour away from me, so I gave her the name of a squirrel knowledgable vet much closer to her. Hope she gets the squirrel in soon, I told her to call me anytime.

[kaitykatjane]

Don't worry, I will be getting her in as soon as I can.

[kaitykatjane]

I have had contact with kaitykatjane in the past (small world). In the past we talked about this squirrel having MBD.
She lives over an hour away from me, so I gave her the name of a squirrel knowledgable vet much closer to her. Hope she gets the squirrel in soon, I told her to call me anytime.

Anne helped me last time with my worry of pneumonia, actually(which Delilah never actually got). She was very helpful and I will be getting squeaker in as soon as I can. I will call the vet first thing tomorrow.

[kaitykatjane]

I managed to call this evening and get an appointment for 3pm tomorrow.

[SammysMom]

Excellent! It is a much better time as time is of the essence.:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[farrelli]

Yeah! :grin2

Is the foot looking any better? Still warm?

[kaitykatjane]

Foot still has no feeling and it warm to the touch. Slightly less inflamed as before though.

[SammysMom]

I know this is redundant, but do you have a magnifying glass and a flashlight? I myself would look again for something causing the lack of circulation which is what the lack of feeling suggests.
I really am sorry to beat a dead horse, but in this case it really may be warranted.

[kaitykatjane]

I know this is redindant, but do you have a magnifying glass and a flashlight? I myself would look again for something causing the lack of circulation which is what the lack of feeling suggests.
I really am sorry to beat a dead horse, but in this case it really may be warranted.

Yes we did exactly that and couldn't find anything.

[BigNibbler]

Anne helped me last time with my worry of pneumonia, actually(which Delilah never actually got). She was very helpful and I will be getting squeaker in as soon as I can. I will call the vet first thing tomorrow.


Medicine is a business. Each time I speak to a Doctor, and many of my clients are doctors.. they admit theat most recommended solutions are ones that involve money. Yes they care about the patient. And yes they might avoid invasive procedures when possible. But many will tend to favor a more costly procedure that may not be the only way of solving the problem. They are business people. Its easy to say that a squirrel can fare well in the wild without a leg. Much easier said than done. If you were running away from a Hawk, you would probably prefer to have both legs attached!

[Nancy in New York]

If you were running away from a Hawk, you would probably prefer to have both legs attached!

After seeing that hawk and squirrel video yesterday, I think we ALL agree with you. :shakehead
The last thing I would do is talk with the vet about amputation, let him/her make
the suggestions first.

[Milo's Mom]

As you know, Anne is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. :Love_Icon I am sure she has experience with amputations as well. Personally, for what it's worth, I do not think you need to be thinking amputation right now.

There is a huge amount of swelling, the swelling could be pressing the nerves which results in no feeling. I would want to see the swelling reduced before any in depth discussion of amputation occurs.

Where I am, which is 12 or so hours from you, amputations run in the neighborhood of $450-$500, then there are the post-op antibiotics and follow up vet visits. Like I said previously, I really think your concern should be with reducing the swelling.

I know she is your baby and you are worried, but let's not put the cart in front of the horse, okay? :grouphug

[kaitykatjane]

As you know, Anne is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. :Love_Icon I am sure she has experience with amputations as well. Personally, for what it's worth, I do not think you need to be thinking amputation right now.

There is a huge amount of swelling, the swelling could be pressing the nerves which results in no feeling. I would want to see the swelling reduced before any in depth discussion of amputation occurs.

Where I am, which is 12 or so hours from you, amputations run in the neighborhood of $450-$500, then there are the post-op antibiotics and follow up vet visits. Like I said previously, I really think your concern should be with reducing the swelling.

I know she is your baby and you are worried, but let's not put the cart in front of the horse, okay? :grouphug

Is there any way I can help reduce her swelling from home until I can take her to the vet?

[stepnstone]

Is there any way I can help reduce her swelling from home until I can take her to the vet?

Have you considered infant Ibuprofen to help reduce swelling?

[kaitykatjane]

Have you considered infant Ibuprofen to help reduce swelling?

We gave her motrin about 3 hours ago. It seems to have reduced slightly but nothing major.

[farrelli]

We could tell you how much INFANT ibuprofen to give, and I think you gave teh weight earlier.

I've got to go, but I leave it to others to debate giving any now in case the vet wants to give another NSAID tomorow.

[farrelli]

I've got to go but please tell others EXACLY how mcuh you gave. This could be bad.

[Milo's Mom]

If she will tolerate it a cool compress would help...like a washcloth that is dampened with cool water.

Seriously, talk to Anne. She's been helping Florida squirrels for almost as many years as I am alive! She knows the vet she told you to call, at least somewhat, she knows the general tendencies of vets in FL.

Please be careful with the pain meds.....if she does not feel pain she will be active and she could hurt herself more.

[BigNibbler]

Swelling can occur when the blood flow out of the limb is less than the flow in to the limb. this is caused by an obstruction.... Flow is essential to keep the tissue alive. Something is causing the swelling. There could be internal bruising or injury also. There could be other systemic problems like metabolism, circulation, kidney function, that is why diet is so important.

You are making a decision. I may be wrong, but I think,somewhere your decision is being influenced by things like personal convenience. True love means putting the patient above everything else. Anything other than that, is rationalization. We can always rationalize and find some reason to procrastinate. Until its too late. Then we start rationalizing all over again so as to lessen our pain over our loss. Its like a gambling addiction.

You love your squirrel. Take action NOW!

[Nancy in New York]

I've got to go but please tell others EXACLY how mcuh you gave. This could be bad.

Yes please tell us what kind of Motrin was given and the amount.
A member here is currently treating another member's little squirrel that was overdosed
with infant ibuprophen. It can easily happen without the chart or someone with
knowledge on dosing.

[kaitykatjane]

Swelling can occur when the blood flow out of the limb is less than the flow in to the limb. this is caused by an obstruction.... Flow is essential to keep the tissue alive. Something is causing the swelling. There could be internal bruising or injury also. There could be other systemic problems like metabolism, circulation, kidney function, that is why diet is so important.

You are making a decision. I may be wrong, but I think,somewhere your decision is being influenced by things like personal convenience. True love means putting the patient above everything else. Anything other than that, is rationalization. We can always rationalize and find some reason to procrastinate. Until its too late. Then we start rationalizing all over again so as to lessen our pain over our loss. Its like a gambling addiction.

You love your squirrel. Take action NOW!

I have saved this squirrel from freezing to death, starving to death, or euthanization. I am a 19 year old dog trainer who has done HOURS and HOURS of research since I got her when she was 3 days old and not likely to survive. I'd appreciate a little more understanding and a little less attack on my character. I'm doing what I can and have been ever since I got this squirrel 4 months ago when her life was on the line.

Thanks.

[kaitykatjane]

Yes please tell us what kind of Motrin was given and the amount.
A member here is currently treating another member's little squirrel that was overdosed
with infant ibuprophen. It can easily happen without the chart or someone with
knowledge on dosing.

I researched the dosage before I gave it to her. we gave her .24 ml of CHILDRENS Motrin which is half as strong as infants. She has handled it fine.

[Nancy in New York]

I researched the dosage before I gave it to her. we gave her .24 ml of CHILDRENS Motrin which is half as strong as infants. She has handled it fine.

OK that would be for a 500 gram squirrel. I have a chart and I do
understand the strength being higher on the infant. So for a 500 gram
squirrel on infant the dose would be .12 ml
I will pm the chart to you. :):thumbsup

[kaitykatjane]

Her foot is quite warm right now, though granted she was curled up and burrowed in her bed. It is oozing(though not extremely heavily) clear liquid. The skin is raw but all wet is clear. Anybody know what this could mean?
Like I said, we have an appointment tomorrow, and a friend of mine is a vet and I am in the process of talking to him about it also.

[Milo's Mom]

She has a degloving injury, her skin is raw. The fluids you are seeing is her bodies way of trying to heal the wound.

Just as a humans body rushes "healing fluids" to the site of an injury hers is too. You know when you get a brush burn how it gets all crusty with this pinkish, yellowish, clearish fluid....that is exactly what her body is doing.

[Duckman]

Her foot is quite warm right now, though granted she was curled up and burrowed in her bed. It is oozing(though not extremely heavily) clear liquid. The skin is raw but all wet is clear. Anybody know what this could mean?
Like I said, we have an appointment tomorrow, and a friend of mine is a vet and I am in the process of talking to him about it also.


This is typical for the type of wound. You are going to need to make sure it is clean and dry through the night. Cold Compress is good and was suggested earlier. Swelling can cause nerve restriction as well, so that may be why she can't feel her foot right now. Unless a severe (gangrene) infection sets in, please do not consider amputation. Amputation should only be considered in a life or death situation!

Please don't take anyone's comments as a personal attack. Many on here have saved thousands of squirrels over the years and they are only trying to help. You have to remember that we deal with all types and educations of people here, so we tend to try to give recommendations in a way that everyone will understand. It may even seem like people are being condescending at times, but again, it is because we don't know you and don't know your skills and knowledge. The squirrel always comes first here, always and forever!

[BigNibbler]

I have saved this squirrel from freezing to death, starving to death, or euthanization. I am a 19 year old dog trainer who has done HOURS and HOURS of research since I got her when she was 3 days old and not likely to survive. I'd appreciate a little more understanding and a little less attack on my character. I'm doing what I can and have been ever since I got this squirrel 4 months ago when her life was on the line.

Thanks.

Are you a 19 year old person who trains dogs?
Or have you been training dogs for nineteen years? I am sorry but its not clear from your description. But this is not about training animals and its not about dogs.

I had read that the issue of MBD had come up in the past. So I am sure there was some tough love then. I have lost my mom and my uncle, and looking back, both were surely losses that could have been delayed. I have also lost too many squirrels. Certainly we all have read about losses here. I love being wrong. Its when I am right that I can get no satisfaction. I was not attacking character I was interpreting the words I was reading. So prove me wrong. Lets get her running, jumping and fully recovered. Positive vibes to your whole family! I just want her to have a full recovery!

[kaitykatjane]

Are you a 19 year old person who trains dogs?
Or have you been training dogs for nineteen years? I am sorry but its not clear from your description. But this is not about training animals and its not about dogs.

I had read that the issue of MBD had come up in the past. So I am sure there was some tough love then. I have lost my mom and my uncle, and looking back, both were surely losses that could have been delayed. I have also lost too many squirrels. Certainly we all have read about losses here. I love being wrong. Its when I am right that I can get no satisfaction. I was not attacking character I was interpreting the words I was reading. So prove me wrong. Lets get her running, jumping and fully recovered. Positive vibes to your whole family! I just want her to have a full recovery!

I'm 19 years old. I wasn't saying that as a sign that I know what I'm doing. On the contrary. I was saying my expertise is in OTHER areas caring for animals, specifically dogs, and I did this as a favor on the side.

No she has never had MBD before, Anne was mistaken. I had asked her about pneumonia months ago just in case I had to act quickly. She never got pneumonia though.

[kaitykatjane]

Thanks guys I will handle it from here. Will update this weekend.

[BigNibbler]

Please keep in touch with all the other nice people on this board. Ignore my comments if you wish. But the weekend is a very long time from now... You may very well have good questions, and even good or somewhat good news. Please post early and often. Good luck!

[Shewhosweptforest]

First...thank you sooo much for saving this baby...and taking the time to do it right (researching:thumbsup) I'm not an expert...but I just wanted to thank you and let you know I'm pulling for y'all ...I hope all goes well with the vet:thumbsup Give the poor baby an extra kiss on the head from me:grin3 Sending those healing TSB vibes:grouphug

[magna]

Just sent you a PM feel free to call if you would like. I am proud of all you have done so far!!! Good job!! Many on here are trying very hard to help and are passionate about these little guys so if you will, bare with the cranky or the gruff or anything else you may percieve as adverse and remember everyone has the same goal...A happy healthy fuzzer!! Most on here are not cranky or grouchy just very experienced and have been down many roads like the one you are on and are no nonsense when it comes to helping.

[Anne]

Thanks Magna for trying to help make kaitykatjane more comfortable about posting again and in the future. No way to help a squirrel if the owner feels insulted and then leaves the board.:shakehead Some people!

[kaitykatjane]

Thank you all you kind people for your help in support! Delilah and I sure do appreciate it. Rest assured, we are keeping in touch with several people and are doing the best we can. Thanks again!

[Nancy in New York]

Thank you all you kind people for your help in support! Delilah and I sure do appreciate it. Rest assured, we are keeping in touch with several people and are doing the best we can. Thanks again!

:grouphug And thank you for helping out in lennysmom's thread, that sure was appreciated! :grouphug

[Duckman]

Ok, in regards to the wound, I don't think there is anything constricting the blood flow and this is why. There is warmth in the foot, which indicates there is blood getting in there. I am VERY concerned about the size of that wound. It isn't the wound itself, but the area of exposed flesh. Do you have any Silvadene Cream? That should be applied so that an infection doesn't set it. If you don't have it, you can go to Walgreen's (or a drugstore like it) and get Silver Solution, made by Curad. It is in a green and silver box and is sold over the counter. The solution won't burn (it may be a little painful to her to put it on, but if she doesn't have feeling right now, than you can get it on easier) and will prevent infection. The wound is going to weep and you will have to clean it from time to time and re-apply the ointment. This will help her immensely. Her having no feeling in her foot is concerning, but I don't think it is more than the nerve being affected by swelling. If in the next day or two, she doesn't get feeling back, then we get concerned about that as well, but right now, let's get the risk of infection under control. Lastly, do you have any squirrel safe AB's?

[kaitykatjane]

Thanks for the help! I don't have any ABs for her but hoping the vet will give us some tomorrow.

[lilidukes]

Just reading over this thread and want to send
best wishes healing vibes and prayers from me and
my squirrels.:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug


I have dealt with amputations and many spinal
injuries. Have helped paralyzed squirrels recover
and walk on all fours again with therapy. So please
feel free to contact me if I can help you in any way.


:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Chickenlegs]

Looking forward to an update after the vet visit. Hopefully that wound will heal up just fine. Sending loving vibes to you and your baby. :Love_Icon

[kaitykatjane]

Hey guys,

So we went to the vet and got some good into. Long story short, she's on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. He's hoping that after removing the dead skin(which he believes was cutting off her circulation), we can not get her blood flowing again and get it back to normal. It's not guaranteed to work but he seemed pretty hopeful. Should see results in the next 24-48 hours.

Updates to come!

[SammysMom]

Wonderful update! Did he give you something to put on it (silvadene) to protect that exposed tissue?

[kaitykatjane]

Wonderful update! Did he give you something to put on it (silvadene) to protect that exposed tissue?

Yes, he gave me silvadene :)

[SammysMom]

That is wonderful!!! I am so happy that you caught this in time! Good job!:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Hey guys,

So we went to the vet and got some good into. Long story short, she's on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. He's hoping that after removing the dead skin(which he believes was cutting off her circulation), we can not get her blood flowing again and get it back to normal. It's not guaranteed to work but he seemed pretty hopeful. Should see results in the next 24-48 hours.

Updates to come!

Wonderful update, thanks for letting us know.
Look at the damage some little string can do! This
makes us all more aware to look at the blankets and cage gear closer
for any loose threads or tears. They can do a number on anything
they bite, but who would have thought it would end up like this. :dono

[Duckman]

Excellent!!! I am glad this is working out and will be praying that the circulation goes back to full. :grouphug:thumbsup

[Chickenlegs]

I've half joked a lot because Willimina chews up her cubes and cage liners. Seems I'm always repairing something or making new stuff. Now I'm really happy I have the time and resources to do that. I'd much rather have to replace than make an emergency run to the vet. I hate that a sweet squirrel is injured but I'll learn from it fer sure. Thank you so much for the update.

[stepnstone]

I've half joked a lot because Willimina chews up her cubes and cage liners. Seems I'm always repairing something or making new stuff. Now I'm really happy I have the time and resources to do that. I'd much rather have to replace than make an emergency run to the vet. I hate that a sweet squirrel is injured but I'll learn from it fer sure. Thank you so much for the update.

This is why anytime I find a hole chewed in anything, bedding, etc.
I cut through it. Don't want to take any chances...

[kaitykatjane]

Here is a picture update. After 24 hours the swelling has reduced considerably, if you can tell. Keeping up on ABs and anti inflammatories. Pictures were taken as I was applying her silvadene for the evening. Just trying to keep her from chewing on her foot! I can tell she is frustrated and just wants to get out and run around again. :/

226840226839

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

wow, looks much better, :thumbsup

[SammysMom]

What a great update!!! Good job following the course!!!:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Duckman]

Woo Hoo! I am so happy she is doing so much better!! Please continue to update, as you find time!! :grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

This is looking so much better.
Thanks for the update, keep up the good work! :grouphug

[SammysMom]

:Love_Icon

[Chickenlegs]

Oh my gosh. Excellent! Thant you for taking such good care of this sweetie. Thanks for keeping us updated!