Squirrel with pellet shot found in S Wisconsin!!!

[Annep]

Hi Everybody!
My friend found an adult squirrel who had a pellet shot on its leg. My friend is a biology/geology scientist so he knows a bit about what to do so he cleaned the wound which had flies, fly eggs and maggots in it already. He says the good thing is that the maggots likely kept the wound from being infected. Then he applied some antibiotic in the wound. He gave it sugar/salt water and he was happy to report the squirrel made it through the night and seems to be in slightly better spirits. On the bad side, squirrel seems to be paralyzed in back, his back legs. I forgot to ask if squirrel is urinating or having bowel movements.

***I NEED A NO KILL VET REFERAL IN THE MADISON AREA RIGHT AWAY!***

At this point, I feel that if this squirrel is not releasable but not in pain, we can provide him/her with a very happy life and a friend in our very very happy squirrel, Tumbles.

PLEASE no negativity, just facts about the squirrel based on actual EXPERIENCE with backside paralyzed/unusable legs. Thanks!

[Milo's Mom]

Capstar for the maggots. You can get from vet or just buy at a pet store. People here can dose for you. Just cause it looks like you got them all means nothing. They are sneaky little things and they may still be in there and they will eat anything and everything. Capstar is the way to go!!

Need a weight on the squirrel too....in grams if possible, if not just post what you've got and we can convert.

Good job on the hydration.....keep offering fluids, but remove the salt after 24 hours.

Swelling can cause them to go down in the backend as you are describing. Metacam will reduce the swelling and relieve any pain associated with the swelling.

Call all friends and family with animals and ask if they have any. A script is needed for it.

You may also offer him/her some food. veggies, nuts, fruit (juicy fruits will also help with keeping him/her hydrated....grapes, watermelon, apple, etc. no pits or seeds though)

I have to run out the door right now but wanted to get you some answers and bump your thread so it gets more attention.

[anniedancer]

Hope your little one is okay. Kudos to you for caring. And if you get any negativity - ignore it and keep on going. Good job. Let everyone know how it turns out.
Annie in FL

[czarina]

It wouldn't hurt to offer him a half of a tum. (The antacid) Sometimes with an injury the calcium levels can play havoc, and the tums can easily correct this.Stick around and some of the experts will offer advice.
We really need a weight in grams. Also pictures would really help.
Also let us know what antibiotics you have access to, and do you have acces to any prednisone? Call around to friends and family to see what you can round up, and we can dose it for you.
This is we can't find a squirrel friendly vet in your area.
Be very careful who you call, as many will euthanize rather than treat, this goes for rehab centers,too.
You have done a great job so far and thank you and your friend for caring and helping this little one.

[Annep]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! I am working on getting a wildlife rehabber in my area right now. I'm sure that there must be rehabbers who like me and my friend, believe life is precious even if a disability strikes. Of course if this squirrel ends up permanently disabled I would gladly keep her since my baby squirrel (not much of a baby anymore BTW!) is probably not releasable and also has issues walking so they can be together! It looks like I'm going to build a large area, flatter cage verses keeping him in this tall cage. Just a short stout tree branch for him to climb so he can't fall far. He is such a delight! Good God do I love him! Anyway, it would be great if if we had another squirrel here to be loved!!!

[Annep]

Does anyone know if liquid Metacam for a cat could be dosed for an adult squirrel?

[farrelli]

Yes, it can be. What's the strength? 1.5 mg/ml? The dosage is 0.1 mg/kg, SID. Dose is divided in two after the initial loading dose. What's the squirrel's weight?

[Milo's Mom]

Please make sure you weigh the squirrel before administering any medications. Medications are dosed by weight. If you cannot get an accurate weight on the squirrel, take a clear picture of it, close to something that is familiar to everyone (can of soda/pop or a soup can) and post the pic. We can make an educated guess, which will buy you some time to locate and buy a scale.

We are here to help you, so please do not hesitate to ask questions. There is no such thing as too many questions, especially when it comes to squirrels! :tilt

[CritterMom]

You need to be careful and double check the rehabbers. In MANY states they have to take and euthanize anything that is deemed non-releasable within 90 days. That is info you want to find out BEFORE you go there and BEFORE you identify yourself to them.

[treeratmom]

You need to be careful and double check the rehabbers. In MANY states they have to take and euthanize anything that is deemed non-releasable within 90 days. That is info you want to find out BEFORE you go there and BEFORE you identify yourself to them.

This is the case in WI, but they do not set a specific time limit. Please be careful when you call vets as well. The WI DNR does take wildlife from people without a license with some regularity. I worked for a veterinarian in WI that saw wildlife for a rehabber and I remember her talking about how she would sometimes receive animals that has been taken from people by the DNR. The clinic I worked for would not see any wildlife unless you possessed the proper license, and had a clinic policy that we were to report anyone unlicensed that inquired about/discussed with us needing care for wildlife in their possession.

When you call places do not mention your other baby until you are sure you can trust them! And if you find a vet to see him be prepared to grab and run with the squirrel if something seems fishy. WI is a difficult state for good people just trying to help animals :( Thank you for helping this squirrel out.

I have the name of a vet in central WI that may see him on a secretive basis. If you don't find one in the Madison area let me know and I can give you his contact info.

[sdreamcatcher]

This is the case in WI, but they do not set a specific time limit. Please be careful when you call vets as well. The WI DNR does take wildlife from people without a license with some regularity. I worked for a veterinarian in WI that saw wildlife for a rehabber and I remember her talking about how she would sometimes receive animals that has been taken from people by the DNR. The clinic I worked for would not see any wildlife unless you possessed the proper license, and had a clinic policy that we were to report anyone unlicensed that inquired about/discussed with us needing care for wildlife in their possession.

When you call places do not mention your other baby until you are sure you can trust them! And if you find a vet to see him be prepared to grab and run with the squirrel if something seems fishy. WI is a difficult state for good people just trying to help animals :( Thank you for helping this squirrel out.

I have the name of a vet in central WI that may see him on a secretive basis. If you don't find one in the Madison area let me know and I can give you his contact info.

Good thing to remember, seems so many states they will confiscate and kill. They are like that here with healthy babies. Trust no one is the way to go. Most of the rehabbers here are trustworthy and will help find him a home if he is NR, but he may have the best chance staying with you for now.

[czarina]

Any updates?