Is a dark bruised looking head normal?

[Lacyt74]

I got my boy on 8/21. I'll post a pic to show what he looked like. I thought he was normal, but since I got a female one week later I am noticing some differences in their behavior. Is it possible he had a head injury? He is a fox, she is a grey.

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/th_26992115bc8a9ee688fd3484ffef9202_zps57fec5fa.jp g (http://s1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/?action=view&current=26992115bc8a9ee688fd3484ffef9202_zps57fec5 fa.jpg)
http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/th_eaa2de80c9963da9a334e21baba40b5d_zps909c35c6.jp g (http://s1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/?action=view&current=eaa2de80c9963da9a334e21baba40b5d_zps909c35 c6.jpg)
http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/th_a374240d229ecdb20ffdd439f7726bdd_zps895c270d.jp g (http://s1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/?
action=view&current=a374240d229ecdb20ffdd439f7726bdd_zps895c27 0d.jpg)
http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/th_0046d87681074bb2a58032aaaa8a77ec_zps13e819ee.jp g (http://s1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag480/lacyt74/?action=view&current=0046d87681074bb2a58032aaaa8a77ec_zps13e819 ee.jpg)
Pics are from the day I got each of them and today. Her and him, respectively, twice. LOL

[Lacyt74]

He is pretty laid back. His ears are still stuck to his head, but eyes are open. He had a bad time with aspirating, so much so that I thought he may have a cleft palate.... But he is eating fine now. Oh, he also will roll his back end over when he eats. he is still on FV, no solids yet. She is eyes closed still but she is very wary of surroundings already. Is it problematic? Or is this normal differences between the fox and grey?

[farrelli]

That head is very dark and I would worry about a fall, possible neuro issues, and potential malocclusion. I'd watch him carefully. However, foxers are a lot more mellow naturally.

You mention aspiration. You are listening for any clicking and watching for a loss of appetite and or lethargy, right? Pneumonia kills quickly.

[Lacyt74]

Oh yes, Farelli, I have a cardiac stethoscope that I check him with. He has not aspirated in weeks though. He only did it until he was 4weeks and I don't think he ever aspirated badly.... I was very careful feeding him, but he was VERY difficult to feed. I am seeing the rolling on his side or tryin to with nipple in his mouth and trying to roll his back end over while eating. Wondering if that is normal. I am also wondering why nobody else has responded... I really would like to know any neuro issues to look for besides those already mentioned.

[Rhapsody]

Everything sounds fine, but thanks for checking. :)

[MollyBear361]

Sorry it's a busy time of year here. I don't have neuro experience but some others will probably chime in. Time always tells though. Foxers are also way more chill than greys.

[ALittleNutty]

You can see pics of Little Louise who suffered head trauma due to a fall in my thread "Eight Is Enough" in the Nursery forum. She had some similar behaviors and also trauma to her jaw which caused her teeth to come in at a 45 degree angle. Since she will be non-releasable she has gone to her furever home with Czarina and will be seeing a vet to try and help resolve the teeth issues. She has a thread about Louise and Ruby in the same forum.

[island rehabber]

We are in the heart of the fall baby season and many of us rehabbers can barely get time to wash our hair and pee, let alone post on TSB. We'll be back soon! But....in the meantime....
You could take a look at my thread in the Nursery forum called "Owena Owie-Head". She came in as a pinky with a very dark, blue-black bruised head and face. I didn't think she'd live. She proved me wrong, and is still with me as she is non-releasable. She has no sight in her left eye and is slightly neurological, but she is a happy, mellow squirrel who eats well and enjoys everything life has to offer her.

Your little one may have lasting symptoms from that bruised head. Try to see if his vision is ok, as well as his balance. Time will tell.

[sid'smommy]

Does he lay like that a lot ?? even when awake ? A video of him walking, playing, and eating would help a lot . .. Very cute babies, by the way :blowkiss

[Lacyt74]

Oh thank you for the cutesy comment! They have definitely staked a claim in MY <3! I have no clue how I would shoot a video.... I can see if my friend would help.... He only seems to do it while eating, so far. I guess I will just have to wait and watch. If he is a NR, I don't know how I would ever be able to separate them! I don't even want to THINK about that! Sorry for sounding sassy in my earlier post....I am a very concerned squee-momma.:imp
I should know its a busy time....sorry. :glomp

[sid'smommy]

If he is holding his head like that while eating, he definitely has a problem. Try to video and/or more pictures is you can :)