Found a baby squirrel, not sure what's next?

[Knittysara]

Hello! This is my first post here and my first time dealing with a little squirrel. Last Thursday night I found two little squirrels in my backyard. One of them was dead and the other one was alive, but couldn't move it's back legs or tail. I brought her inside and a neighbor who has rehabbed squirrels brought over some goats milk and a syringe. I've been keeping her warm in a box with a heating pad and feeding her every couple of hours. I couldn't believe it when yesterday morning she started moving her legs and tail! She's still dragging them when she walks but they are getting better by the minute it seems now. She's also eating a lot more and going potty. I guess I just don't really know what to do next. I'm worried that if I take her to the vet they will put her down. Also I think she is about 5-6 weeks old. She has fur and her eyes are open.

[farrelli]

You could improve her chances with certain drugs that we could tell you how to dose. Do you have any Prednisone, Metacam or any steroids?

Is she on heat? Are you feeding 5-7% of body weight? How often? Though GM is OK, a better formula is Esbilac powder with probiotics:

242162

Also, follow proper feeding technique - head pointed down, syringe pointed up:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?36777-PROPER-FEEDING-TECHNIQUE!!

One of our members might be near you and might be able to provide some level of help, so let me PM him.

Thanks for helping! You might have awhile before release because they normally don;t release until 14 weeks, unless you're in a cold climate, then they normally overwinter.

Pics of her and her living quarters would be good.

[Knittysara]

Here is a picture of her. She's in a box with a fleece fabric with a heating pad under the box. I would definitely be willing to take any advice on what I can do to help her. I'm feeding her every 2 hours. At first she wasn't eating much at all, but since yesterday afternoon she is getting the hang of it. I live in the inland northwest, so we are heading into fall. Thanks! 242163

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

I can help. I live in the Seattle area are you willing to drive this way? I also have a squirrel friendly vet here. Are you wanting to keep this little one? Do you need supplies ?

[farrelli]

You should feed 5-7% of body weight (you need a scale) every 3-4 hrs for one this age. I think 2hrs is too often.

[Duckman]

I am also on the western side of the state, but I am willing to help you too. Are you stimulating him after each feeding? At this age, they can't poop or pee on their own, so you will have to do it. If you need help on how to do it, please let us know! Squirrelsareme and I work for the same rehabber, so we can definitely help you in any way you need! Unfortunately, you are 7 hours away from me, otherwise I would personally deliver whatever you needed. Thank you for helping this little guy!!

[ALittleNutty]

You say you have baby in a box, best thing is a plastic tote or tub instead of cardboard. Plastic helps a lot with the humidity levels. Glad to hear this little one is gaining some use of it's legs again.

[Knittysara]

Thank you all very much for your help! I don't necessarily want to keep her forever. Ideally I would like to be able to release her if she gets better. I am willing to keep her until then. We live across the street from a very wooded park and I have two big maple trees in my backyard with squirrel nests in them, which I'm sure is where she fell from. I guess I was just kind of wondering if there was anything else I should be doing for her. I called the vet that I use for my dogs and they don't see squirrels. I have been helping her go potty which has been going ok. She sleeps a lot. Is that normal? I have been trying to feed her every couple of hours because she doesn't eat very much at a time. Thanks again!

[Knittysara]

Also, she is making a slight clicking sound today and I was looking through the boards that she might have aspirated. Any advice on this? I saw to use something called Baytril, but it looks like I need a prescription to buy it.

[DarkLies212]

Also, she is making a slight clicking sound today and I was looking through the boards that she might have aspirated. Any advice on this? I saw to use something called Baytril, but it looks like I need a prescription to buy it.

Baytril is for animals (I believe). Do you happen to have Ciprofloxacin (usually given for female bladder infections).
If not, I'm pretty sure I've read you can get some 'for fish' at pet stores.

[TubeDriver]

Also, she is making a slight clicking sound today and I was looking through the boards that she might have aspirated. Any advice on this? I saw to use something called Baytril, but it looks like I need a prescription to buy it.

Baytril or Cipro (really the same thing) is needed if he has aspiration pneumonia. Time is of the essence, these little ones can go downhill really fast (as little as 24-48 hours).

Any rehabber will have this AB on hand and can teach you the correct dose and how to administer.

[Knittysara]

Baytril or Cipro (really the same thing) is needed if he has aspiration pneumonia. Time is of the essence, these little ones can go downhill really fast (as little as 24-48 hours).

Any rehabber will have this AB on hand and can teach you the correct dose and how to administer.

I just called the wildlife rehab center here and they said that they have too many squirrels right now and can't take her. They also said they can't see her and give me a prescription for her since she is wildlife and I guess I'm not supposed to take care of her since I don't have a rehab license, so I'm not really sure what to do.

[ALittleNutty]

I just called the wildlife rehab center here and they said that they have too many squirrels right now and can't take her. They also said they can't see her and give me a prescription for her since she is wildlife and I guess I'm not supposed to take care of her since I don't have a rehab license, so I'm not really sure what to do.

Ask friends if they have any Cipro or other anti-biotics. You would only need one pill. Most of the big chain pet stores don't carry the Fish Flox (cipro) but you might find it at a small, independent store.

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

I believe Karmas mom is in Spokane Wa maybe she has meds. I can ship over night if needed. You could send her a PM and ask. Thanks for helping this little one.

[farrelli]

Yes, tell us what ABs you have and we can tell what works and how much to give. Fish Flox (ideal) and Fish Mox are often sold at pet stores and we can tell you how to use those too. Speed is of the essence.

[Knittysara]

I believe Karmas mom is in Spokane Wa maybe she has meds. I can ship over night if needed. You could send her a PM and ask. Thanks for helping this little one.

Sorry to be dumb, but how do I find her on here? I called a mobile vet here in town that my neighbor says treats squirrels. I left a message and am waiting to hear back. If I don't hear back in the next couple of hours if you could mail me some meds that would be awesome. I can send you money through pay pal?

[Knittysara]

Sad news. She suddenly died very quickly. She was ok about an hour ago, but I just checked on her and she wasn't moving. I'm so sad! Thank you all for your help and advice. Sorry I couldn't do more for her. :(

[ALittleNutty]

Sorry to hear this but at least she was able to pass safe and comfortable. She may have had internal injuries that were undetectable and pneumonia can take them very fast too.

[TubeDriver]

:( Gods Speed little squirrel baby.



Thank you for easing her passing over and for trying to help her.:grouphug

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

I am so sorry , RIP little one. Thank you for taking her in and loving her .:grouphug:grouphug

[lukaslolamaus]

R.I.P. little girl :sad:sad