can squirrels have seizures?

[gracies mom]

I was contacted by a friend, that has a friend with a squirrel, after talking to her and got some info, she really needs help, and quick ! first problem, this area doesn't have any vets that know much about squirrels.... so here is the info I got from her, she has a 2 1/2 yo female that she bottle fed, she said she thought that it had a seizure about 2 months ago, she was on her back in her cage and seemed like she couldn't get up, was acting really scared and freaky the rest of the day. That hasn't happened again until 3 days ago, didn't seem like she was as afraid so much after this one, then I got a text from her this morning, it happened again and she seems scared and off balance also very jumpy. she has also been sleeping more, not running around as much as normal. I asked her if she is in heat, she said that she is nesting, pulling towels apart and such, but doesn't know if she's in heat or not! (I know when mine is in heat, she's a mega B.... ). I asked her what she eats, she said tomatoes, mushrooms, cucumbers, spinach, watermelon, blueberries and raspberries, sometimes apples, also hazelnuts, almonds, pecans..anyway she mostly eats fruit, veggies and nuts. I asked about any kind of squirrel blocks or rat blocks, she said no, she also didn't say anything about seeds. If anyone can help, she really needs some advise ! And like I said, where we live the vets are VERY limited on squirrel knowledge!

[farrelli]

Yes, absolutely they can. The causes can vary from neurological to diet, and diet seem to be a major, major cause. The fact that this sq isn;t on a good diet could very much be the issue and it needs to get corrected IMMEDIATELY.

She should begin the MBD protocol (MBD causes seizures):

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?34495-Emergency-Treatment-of-Metabolic-Bone-Disease-(MBD)

Review the healthy diet thread:

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

And order some quality blocks (a bag lasts a month):

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

[farrelli]

Btw, also know that many sqs like Tums as is and it doesn;t really need to be prepared, so try that first.

[gracies mom]

thank you! I'll pass this on, I have some Henry's Healthy Blocks, picky formula, I will meet up with her today and give her some to get her started..

[gracies mom]

i forgot about Tums, thank you very much !

[farrelli]

The Tums (or other source of calcium) is very important, and should be given over the course of a day, not all at once.

Can this person join TSB? I would also recommend a little vitamin D3, but just a tiny fraction of a pill, and only ONE dose of it. D3 is necessary for calcium absorption, but too much is deadly and it builds up in the system, so only one dose.

[Nancy in New York]

Tell your friend to join the board. If we know what user name she will be using we will put her on ASAP.
Also when the squirrel is having a seizure, get some molasses into her. She can syringe it in, or rub it on her gums, but it's the quickest way to temporarily help her out, as seizures causes the blood sugar levels to drop.
Sounds diet related to me, so hopefully we can get her on the right track.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Dr Emerson is in Port Orange, just north of you, http://www.ravenwoodvet.net/, she can call her.
Let me know if I can help, I am in Orlando.