Squirrel Hit by Car

[Squirrel_Finder]

Yesterday, I found a squirrel that had been hit by a car. She escaped us when we first tried to rescue her, but she eventually found her way back into our yard. We promptly got her into a cage in a quiet secluded place and have supplied her with some fruit and water. I have made numerous attempts to contact local wildlife rehab centers in my area, only to have luck with one that is ~60 miles away. They told me that they would try to find someone who would be able to make a pick up(I have no transportation), but the troubles that I have run across make me nervous. I'm worried that I won't be able to find any help for this little girl. I wanted to set up a contingency just in case the rehab center doesn't pan out.

I live in Eugene, Oregon.

237024

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[SammysMom]

Oh good grief! She is adorable...:Love_Icon Can you describe her injuries?

[Squirrel_Finder]

She has troubles walking. I think she might have a broken limb. I can't see any lacerations. And I just walked in on her nibbling on a strawberry. She does hold her left forearm out. Like in the picture.

[farrelli]

Any chance that you could provide some video? What are you feeding her? If you're going to have her if/until we can find someone, she may need a quality rodent block. Many pet stores sell Kaytee Forti-Diet for rats and mice which will work for immediate needs. I'll link you to the healthy diet thread:

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

[Squirrel_Finder]

I don't have anything that can shoot a video. We've given her a couple of strawberries, and a piece of cauliflower and broccoli. I can look and see about the rodent block, we're pretty tight on funds, but the stuff is pretty cheap. She doesn't move much at all. She is still in the same position shown in the previous picture. We've been having troubles getting her to drink. She can't/won't move to a water dish that we put in the cage, and she won't drink from a rodent bottle. We are gonna try an eye dropper just to see if she'll take any liquids.

[farrelli]

She may be in shock. You can try rubbing some molasses on her gums if she won't lick it off your finger. Maple syrup is OK too, and any other syrup if necessary.

You could also see if she liked yogurt (flavored, but not artificial sweeteners). We also use Ensure (pecan or vanilla flavored) to get concentrated nutrition into one that won't eat. Many like it.

[Squirrel_Finder]

She started eating a little bit. I'm worried that she needs medical attention. Not really sure what to do about that...

[farrelli]

I just PMd someone (Duckman) who's in that general region. Perhaps he can help or knows of someone. There are people on this board who know where all of our members are, but I'm not one of them. Perhaps someone will be able to find someone for you. Just keep checking back.

[Squirrel_Finder]

Alright. Thank you guys.

[Duckman]

I am headed to Jackie's right now. I will have her get on and maybe recommend a rehabber, if she knows one. I am about 2 hours away in Portland, but I am not very mobile right now, although I could meet up with someone to take if, if they can get to Portland.

[Madamelipstick]

Help is on the way please stay on line

[Squirrel_Finder]

I'm still here.

[SammysMom]

Do you have anyone who might be able to drive to Portland? Duckman is one of the best!

[Squirrel_Finder]

We just got word that a volunteer will be able to come and pick her up. There is a rehab center in Corvallis that is willing to take her.

[SammysMom]

That sounds great! Good job keeping us in the loop and good luck to her in her healing... Many prayers!:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[SquirrelRefuge]

If you can get infant or childrens tylonol or ibruprophen you can give her some at .2 to .3 ml every four hours (guessing based on how much it looks like she weighs). Give her water in a dropper. You need to make sure she is kept hydrated. you can make a hydration fluid by dissolving 3 teaspoons of sugar with one teaspoon salt in four cups (1 quart) very warm water.

You need to put her on a soft blanket or fleece (no loops or stringy towels). If she has a broken limb she needs to be on a good substrate. that will increase the likelihood of it heeling at the correct angle.

As for food, soft is best because you don't know if there has been trauma to the face which may make eating or drinking painful. Soft foods like grapes, thinly sliced apple, avocado, or even a little peanut butter to lick (but not too much because its not the best for her).

You CAN NOT contact a licensed rehabilitator in Oregon because by law they must euthanize fox squirrels. Please PM duckman for information on where you can take her.

Jackie

[Squirrel_Finder]

I just contacted the rehab center and was promised by the administrator that she would be taken care of. She outright guaranteed me that she wouldn't be euthanized unless no medical help would save the squirrel. She even went so far as to explain that the center often rehabilitates invasive or nuisance animal, off the books.

[Duckman]

If this falls through, we do have someone in Salem, who can take care of him. Thank you for going the extra mile for this little one. :grouphug:Love_Icon

[Madamelipstick]

Thanks for jumping in with options. I sure hope we get updates on how your little one is progressing. Good luck and thank you so much for taking time to care.

If this falls through, we do have someone in Salem, who can take care of him. Thank you for going the extra mile for this little one. :grouphug:Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

You CAN NOT contact a licensed rehabilitator in Oregon because by law they must euthanize fox squirrels.

Jackie

:eek :eek :bash

[Squirrel_Finder]

And thank you all for responding so quickly. Good to know there are people who care out there. I'll make sure she's in good hands, and I'll keep you guys updated. The admin told me I could call and check for updates/pictures if I wanted to.:thumbsup

[FortWorthSquaddy]

Update on the outstretched left arm?
My first thought was that it was dislocated.