Back legs won't work. :(

[rejebovaolga]

Good evening everybody, on Friday we found a baby squirrel who was dragging it's back feet trying to escape hunting him cats. It is a boy, we believe 6-8 weeks old. We live in West Palm Beach, Fl and trying to find help to rehab a baby to his full 10-12 weeks. We started with hydration. He was drinking well Pedialite. We also ordered Fox Valley 20/50 formula, meanwhile Apple is on the homemade formula. 3 parts of goat milk:1heavy cream:1 of yogurt. He eats 3 times a day about 15 ml. Stool is about 2-3 grains after every meal couple more between feeding a and pees a lot. Our main concern: BACK LEGS AND TAIL. THERE IS a bit of movement in his right back leg and tail, but no movement in his left one. WHAT TO DO? We gave him massage but would like to know if there are any exercise we need to do?


ALSO HE PEES UNDER HIMSELF AND HAS AN ODOR. should we bath him after every meal. Any shampoo? We have a dog. Any viruses we have to be aware of. I adore my dog and would like not to take any chances. Thank you

[island rehabber]

There are no viruses or diseases that will affect your dog.

This baby needs to get to a rehabilitator if he has any chance of recovering some movement in his back end. I will tell you the plain facts even though they are not pleasant: in most of these back-end-dragging cases, the squirrel will die within 72 hours; the spine is injured and organs basically shut down. This is why most wildlife clinics, etc. will euthanize. In rare cases, the baby will recover part of its movement in legs and tail and be compromised but viable -- in this case he is non-releasable and needs a forever home with someone willing to invest time in a disabled squirrel. Full recovery is highly unlikely but once in a blue moon it does happen.

Unfortunately I have to go to the dentist :yuck :yuck but hopefully someone else will respond before I return in an hour -- we need to see if we have a member anywhere near you who can help with this little one. In the meantime you are doing very well with him! His lack of bladder control is most likely due to his paralysis....make SURE he is emptying his bladder fully, or he can get an infection (UTI). If you see his belly swelling up you will need to express his bladder for him, and we can help you learn how to do that (it's easy). I am sorry I must run and be tortured -- back later!!!

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I will see who is near you for help.... hold on waiting for an answer.

[Rhapsody]

He will need some Prednisone to help with any swelling that may be causing a
temporary paralyzing state on his leg. Are you able obtain any of the medicine?
If you can get some Prednisone for him then some one can dose it for you and
the sooner he starts the medicine the greater chance he has of recovery.

[farrelli]

Yes, the Pred should be given and physical therapy (to be detailed later if necessary) as well. Can you get the Pred and do you have time for the care? Also, would you be willing to keep him if he can't recover? It's great if you have the time and capability, especially if you can keep him if necessary, but if you can't, he should go to a rehabber so that he can get the care he needs and can bond with someone who he might be spending the rest of his life with.

[rejebovaolga]

Thank you to all who answered. I will try to get to the vet today for Rx. What dose? Is it oral form? We adore him but we need to decide with my hubby if we can do it for life. We both work. Right now I am leaving early for him. But how long they will let me... How often he has to pee a day. It is about 5-6 times right now three after eating. Please let me know how to check if his bladder overfilled. We were so happy to see him put right keg under his belly yesterday and move his tail. We r still hoping at least for three legs. But I rely on all of your expertise and will follow your advices.

[farrelli]

That sounds very promising. I think that with drugs and PT he might do well, hopefully. The vet should know how to dose Pred, but if now, we can do it if you tell us the weight of the squirrel and the strength of the Pred, or any other drugs.

How often he pees depends on hos much he drinks. This could just resolve with improvement of the paralysis.

Feel his belly and make sure it's soft and that there's nothing hard and round in there (his overfull bladder). If you find something, let us know and we might have to tell you how to express his bladder.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Havent heard back yet from some in your area, but What are you feeding him and how often , is he in a cage, please make it not too tall, you dont want him to fall
Also, if you stimulate him about 4 times a day and catch the pee in a tissue it wont get on him so much.

[rejebovaolga]

I have got prednisone 10 mg. please key me know how to dose it:)

[rejebovaolga]

I have a chinchilla cage left it is about 35" tall and quite wide. I have a heating pad on low and it takes about have of the cage. I have water at a water bottle for chinchilla and he has access to it. I told my parents to give it to him while I am at work if he wants it. Between feeding I leave a piece of apple and he likes it. That is why his name is Apple:) I feed him 3 times a day He eats about 15 ml per feeding. Fox valley 20/50 is on the way.

[rejebovaolga]

Got it. Will keep you posted. I got prednisone from my friend from dog rescue. I will wait Apple tonight and let you know

[Rhapsody]

I have got prednisone 10 mg. please key me know how to dose it:)We need a weight on the squirrel to give a correct dose on the Prednisone 10 mg.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

we could also use a picture, so we know better what age and size and damage we are talking about.

[rejebovaolga]

Weight*. I will also make a video of him so you could see of him, his legs and how he eats.

[Rhapsody]

Yes, the Pred should be given and physical therapy (to be detailed later if necessary) as well.

May I ask why you suggest PT for squirrels that cannot move their back legs? I am asking for education reason, and because I am concerned that providing PT to a squirrel that might have a spinal injury could do more harm than good. I would suggest Prednisone be given for a full week before any other treatment is given to a squirrel that is having movement issue due to possible swelling and inflammation.

[farrelli]

Good call about checking for the spinal injury, but I recommend PT because I've seen people here who have had squirrels with paralysis say that it's invaluable. IR gave someone detailed instructions just the other day. I know that it worked well with Krista.

Anyway, do check for any spinal injury. I mentioned doing PT early on and intended to mention this part (my "if necessary" clause) if you couldn't get him to a vet or rehabber for evaluation. So, run your fingers down his spine and on the sides of it and make sure you can't feel any irregularities.

[rejebovaolga]

Good call about checking for the spinal injury, but I recommend PT because I've seen people here who have had squirrels with paralysis say that it's invaluable. IR gave someone detailed instructions just the other day. I know that it worked well with Krista.

Anyway, do check for any spinal injury. I mentioned doing PT early on and intended to mention this part (my "if necessary" clause) if you couldn't get him to a vet or rehabber for evaluation. So, run your fingers down his spine and on the sides of it and make sure you can't feel any irregularities.



Ok his weight is 100.0 grams. He is more active today and moved both of his back legs and curled his tail. But when I came home he was wet from urine and had a rash on his belly. I have Prednisone 10 mg and 5 mg. ready to start treatment. I will try to figure out how to post videos later for you.

[rejebovaolga]

Good call about checking for the spinal injury, but I recommend PT because I've seen people here who have had squirrels with paralysis say that it's invaluable. IR gave someone detailed instructions just the other day. I know that it worked well with Krista.

Anyway, do check for any spinal injury. I mentioned doing PT early on and intended to mention this part (my "if necessary" clause) if you couldn't get him to a vet or rehabber for evaluation. So, run your fingers down his spine and on the sides of it and make sure you can't feel any irregularities.

Checked his spine. Thank God no irregularities. I tried to press on the area of his bladder and he peed. His bottom part of the belly is soft right now.

[rejebovaolga]

we could also use a picture, so we know better what age and size and damage we are talking about.

Please help me to submit the video. How do I do that?

[rejebovaolga]

We need a weight on the squirrel to give a correct dose on the Prednisone 10 mg.

Apple's weight is 100.0 grams. I have 10 and 5 mg Prednisone. Ready to start

[rejebovaolga]

235036

[rejebovaolga]

235038. Rash on his belly.

[farrelli]

You have to post video to Youtube or someplace and then post a link here. I'll PM Nancy who usually doses the Pred. I have the book for dosing but I don;t know if she goes higher or lower on the range given. I guess I should learn.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

That doent look like pee rash, it looks like ant bites.....or irritation from something. Did she have them from the beginning?

[biggjimm]

Does he have fleas by chance? My last Fox squirrel had fleas pretty bad & the bites looked like that. They almost killed him & I've lost many a litter of barn born kittens to bad flea infestations. Praying for this little guy. They sure are resilient little creatures. Sometimes they just need a little help but I've seen some cases that have really astonished me how these little guys have such a will to live. They're inspiring to say the least. Good luck & much prayers little Apple. Jim.

[MJS]

PRAYERS FOR THIS LITTLE BOY :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

[rejebovaolga]

No flees and her ( it is a girl:)) belly looks normal this morning. She is more active and enjoys the apple. I introduced her to avocado yesterday. She was not impressed. Today is a day of cabbage. God is soooo good

[CritterMom]

If she dribbles pee on herself, you need to be really attentive to keep her washed off, because they will get urine scald, which is quite painful I am sure.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Stick with the formula for now until we get you some block, dont want to start bad habit eating.
I always give them only block for their first solid food for at least 2 weeks before I introduce anything else, that way they always like it and eat it
If you start with sugary fruits , it will be hard to get her to eat veggies also, just like a human baby, you dont start with fruit. :grin3

[farrelli]

I assume Nancy sent you the dosing for the Pred?

[rejebovaolga]

Yes, Nancy gave me direction.:)

And I will be more careful with veggies. Will keep her on formula and where should I find blocks fir her. Are the petco ones good ?

I wash her off after every meal and stimulate her to go. She is very responsive and does not show any discomfort :). This morning she stretched her back legs and tried to hold with her both back legs. Right one is still stronger :). Thank you for ur support. I am all ears

[farrelli]

Sounds like she's doing better all the time. If you haven;t seen the healthy diet thread, here it is:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

I think the only blocks that Petco sells which are passable are Kaytee Forti-Diet for rats and mice (blue bag). There are some others that you can get online, but the best are from here:

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

They're the only ones made specifically for squirrels. You give two a day and a bag will last a month. Some people on a budget will give one of these a day in combination with cheaper blocks like the Kaytee.

[Rodentia]

Did she get better?

[TubeDriver]

She has movement with her legs? if so, that is a very good sign.


Updates?

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

OK boys and girls...I was down in West Palm and went to meet Olga and Hubby, the finders. Very nice caring people. Thank you so much for all you did for this little girl. They had named her Apple just because she seemed to like it so much, but.............
I have her now and she told me her name is Peggy!
She is 165 grams, still finishing the pred, eating every 5 hours a mix of Esbilac and FV about 7 cc's and LOVES HHB's.
Please pray for this little girl that her legs get better .
Here are some pics of my visit with her wonderful finders, Bless you guys and thank you for saving this precious little girl.

More to come after I get some sleep...............

[SammysMom]

Oh good Lord, she is precious! And ever so lucky to have been found by such nice people and then end up with you and GIO!!!:Love_Icon

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Thank you SM, Little Leggy Peggy is adorable, and SOFT, her fur is like bunny fur! Gio can smell her on me but doesnt seem to care ( Thank Goodness) as long as he gets plenty of Mamma time.:grin3

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I may need a forever home for little Peggy, but I am working on her.
She is smelling a lot better and will go so a doc after the holiday and all my company goes home...:grin3

[anniedancer]

So glad to know there are wonderful squirrel people here in Florida! I sometimes I live in "The Land of Stupid."
Annie (Vero Beach FL)

[TubeDriver]

What a little cutie poototie! :)


So glad you were able to help her. The finders seemed nice and caring!

A success story! :thumbsup