I found a baby racoon in a ditch! Need help

[tazzybear]

I have successfully raised and released7 squirrels and 4 bunnies but have no idea about racoons.
She looks to be 5 weeks old. I saw her moving very slowly in the ditch. She cant Get her balance to stand or walk. I need advice. I rehydration her, then fed her Fox Valley raccoon replacement.
I am keeping her warm. She is looking Alot better than when I first got her. My Question is; what could be the reason for no balance or weakness? Is there a raccoon rehabber in Iowa? what else can I do for this precious baby?

[SammysMom]

Please be very careful with a raccoon who is not acting right. I am NOT saying that it has rabies, but it is a potential reason for odd behavior. In my state (CT) you must have a special license to handle rabies vector wildlife. It is likely similar in Iowa. Go online and look at your state website and see what it says about a wildlife rehabber list. Good luck and be sure and be careful with yourself and anyone else who might have contact with the baby. Do NOT allow it to have any contact with animals or children!

[czarina]

SammysMom is right. Be very careful. Distemper is another common condition in raccoons, that could cause balance problems.

I don't want to completely freak you out, but aren't raccoons the carrier of that deadly roundworm that is next to impossiblr to kill? I think it infects and kills people, too.
Keep it away from your regular rehab supplies and cages. You literally have to use a blow torch to disinfect cages from this worm. We just had a big discussion about it not long ago. Someone who knows more about it should be on soon.

Be careful and good luck.

[pappy1264]

Yes, they can and do carry THAT roundworm, so extreme care must be used in handling them. (It does not effect the coonie, but is deadly to others!)

[TubeDriver]

80+% of baby raccoons carry baylisascaris (deadly and virtually untreatable in humans).

As mentioned, keep the cage and raccoon away from all other animals and people. Wash hands after being around raccoon.

Boiling water/steam does kill the worm eggs.

If this animal has gross motor issues, rabies is a possibility.

I would deliver this baby to a rehabber trained and licensed to handle these critters and then disinfect the cage and the area it was located.

[tazzybear]

Can someone help me locate a rehabber for this little girl in the Iowa area? I am a little freaked out now, but I can't just dump her out. I have to try and help this poor girl......

[Nancy in New York]

Can someone help me locate a rehabber for this little girl in the Iowa area? I am a little freaked out now, but I can't just dump her out. I have to try and help this poor girl......

Where in Iowa are you located? The city is all I need.

I'm moving your thread to the emergency section.

[tazzybear]

Des Moines, however, I can transport to Iowa City, Coralville, Cedar Rapids, or Waterloo

[Nancy in New York]

Des Moines, however, I can transport to Iowa City, Coralville, Cedar Rapids, or Waterloo

We have an excellent rehabber in Walcott, is that close?

[Nancy in New York]

I found the phone number for the rehabber that is also a board member. However, it's late and I would hate for you to call him tonight. Can you hold out for tomorrow?
I will pm you his name and phone number.

[tazzybear]

It's close enough. It is 3 hours from home, but I can take her there on Wednesday if they are willing.

[tazzybear]

I found the phone number for the rehabber that is also a board member. However, it's late and I would hate for you to call him tonight. Can you hold out for tomorrow?
I will pm you his name and phone number.

Yes, I will call him tomorrow. I feel so sorry for this little baby. She has such a strong will to live and I am clueless about racoons. I thank you for your help. You helped me a few years ago with my precious little squirrel Ziggy :) Thanks again, Nancy

[Nancy in New York]

Yes, I will call him tomorrow. I feel so sorry for this little baby. She has such a strong will to live and I am clueless about racoons. I thank you for your help. You helped me a few years ago with my precious little squirrel Ziggy :) Thanks again, Nancy

Oh yes, your little Ziggy the fox squirrel.
Glad you're back, but not under these circumstances.
You are such a pleasure to work with, so anything we can
do to help you, just post.
We are all pretty busy this time of year, so pm if people
don't see your posts. :grouphug

[TubeDriver]

Hope you can bring this baby to someone who knows raccoons. Good luck!:thumbsup

[Nancy in New York]

Hope you can bring this baby to someone who knows raccoons. Good luck!:thumbsup

I gave him Squirrely Steve's contact info. :thumbsup

[Nancy in New York]

Any news on this little one? :dono