found an injured squirrel....

[tazzybear]

Earlier this week I saw a squirrel on our deck that was limping around pretty good on his back leg. He let me get real close to him and I fed him and he limped away. This morning I found him laying in our yard. When I get close to him he tries to run but has a hard time. I wrapped him in a blanket and put him in a kennel with a heating blanket and food and water. I know he is really close to being in shock so right at the moment I am leaving him alone. He is outside in the cage warm and safe from predators, but I am not sure what to do at this point. It looks like his injuries are on his back leg. Looks like bites (probably from another squirrel) Anyone got any suggestions?

[farrelli]

Any chance you could bring that cage inside the house, or at least garage? Dark, warm, and quiet are great. If he's outside in the cage he might feel vulnerable.

What city are you in? Maybe we have a rehabber near you or at least could help you fine another one - unless you want to take care of him for the time being.

Lastly, make sure he is a he. Make sure he has no exposed nipples which might be indicative of a nursing mom whose babies need her.

[tazzybear]

Definitely a boy, I would be happy to bring him in right way. I have another squirrel that I rescued 3 years ago (Ozzie) who was born with a birth defect and only has one front arm. I will bring that cage in and make sure he is nice and safe. I am in Southern Iowa. If there is a rehabber close, I will take the little guy to them, if not, I will give it my best shot.
I love all animals, and I am partial to my little squirrels. Feel so sorry for this little fella.
:Love_Icon

[tazzybear]

I have him in the house, next to Ozzies cage and a heat pad inside under a blanket. He has access to food and water and I have it partially covered so that it is semi dark in his cage.

[farrelli]

Good. The pad is set on low, right? And does he have space to get off of it if he wants to?

What kind of food did you put in there?

[tazzybear]

I have squirrel block and a pecan (just one :) and a pea pod and a grape. Yes he can get off of the pad if it is too warm, although he hasn't moved much at all. He is still breathing normal and his eyes open and shut, but pretty still

[farrelli]

You just happen to have squirrel block on hand? Do you still have the other squirrel you reverenced?

Oh, and do his injuries look infected or like bites? I wonder if he should get some antibiotics. Do you have any? We could dose if you could either weigh him or provide some pics so that we could guess.

[stepnstone]

I have him in the house, next to Ozzies cage and a heat pad inside under a blanket. He has access to food and water and I have it partially covered so that it is semi dark in his cage.

Heating pad should never be on the inside
regardless of what's covering it!
It should be half under the container or cage.

[Milo's Mom]

Did you say the heating pad in IN the cage under a blanket? If so, is there anyway you can put under the cage from the outside? I fear that if this little one decides he feels better in a little he will start chewing and chewing on a heating pad that is plugged in will not end well.

Thank you for helping him and welcome to TSB!!:Welcome:thumbsup:grouphug

[tazzybear]

Yes I still have Ozzy and yes I have squirrel block. I have the little guy in a cage. He is not moving at all right now, mostly sleeping and pretty lethargic. I wanted to keep him warm right off so that he doesn't go into shock. I really don't have a way to put the heating pad UNDER anything in the cage, hard to explain. I will keep him warm until I go to bed and then maybe take the pad out. It is plenty warm in my house just didn't want him to go into shock

[tazzybear]

As far as his injuries, they look like little bite marks. Not bleeding, but open wounds. I will take a warm wet cloth and clean the leg IF he comes out of this state that he is in now. I realize he may not make it through the night. I have baytril, but have no idea on a dose. I would say he is about 14-20 weeks old.

[farrelli]

Do you have a rough estimation of weight? I could dose the Baytril if I have a weight.

For tonight, perhaps you can make a rice buddy. Put some rice or beans in a sock, tie it off, nuke it for a bit to get it warm, squish it around to prevent hot spots, and give it to him. It stays warm for awhile.

[stepnstone]

As far as his injuries, they look like little bite marks. Not bleeding, but open wounds.
I would have him on baytril asap, administer infant
ibuprofen and put neosporin on the wounds.
Baytril for the obvious, ibuprofen to help ease his pain.

[farrelli]

Seeing that you suspect shock, I'd also see if he'd take any molasses. Maybe give him something to lick it off of. The sugar and minerals can help bring him out of it. Maple syrup if you don;t have it, then other syrups, or even jam.

[Milo's Mom]

Just a heads up if you administer the molasses (or otherwise) for shock, it works FAST! Like really fast. Inside of a minute fast. What was laying there motionless can suddenly be all claws and teeth and will seem as if it has springs attached.

I've done it and it works very well. I was told it would work fast and it did, I was just not prepared for how fast it worked.

Just wanted to give you a heads up so you could be prepared cause it sounds like he really needs it.

Good luck!! :thumbsup