Worried sick about Tasha... Is it back injury or MBD???

[wdlady59]

This squirrel board helped save Tasha's life many years ago back in 2009. Then three years ago, y'all helped save my Rocky...
I know if anyone can help it'll be y'all.
Back in September/October Tasha seemed to have gotten an upper respiratory infection. Funny weak bark, weaker, and lost weight. I took her to my vet and they gave Tasha a shot, fluids, and Clavamox. Then I had to take her back the next day for more sub-q fluids. She got better in no time. But she never regained her appetite. The last three weeks or so, she ate but started backing off how much she was eating. Of course she was pretty healthy to start with, and I thought she was just recovering her strength from her illness. This past Saturday and Sunday she emerged from her cube and ate a little but seemed weak. I had planned to take her to the vet on Monday anyways, but on Monday morning she had lost the use of her back legs. I freaked out thinking OMG, MBD!!!
I grabbed her up and off to the vet we went. My vet raised orphaned squirrels when he was in vet school, and is familiar with them for sure. He seemed to think she has somehow injured her back. He gave a shot of dexamethasone, and Baytril. He then told me I should prepare for the fact that she may not make it. Yesterday she didn't hardly move her legs at all. When I got home, I crushed up a tums and syringe fed it to her anyways. I also picked her up some plain yogurt. I put a heating pad under half the box the vet told me to put her in, and cried myself to sleep. I got up a couple of times and reset the heating pad, and held her a few minutes. I woke up extra early so I could spend some time with her before I took her to the vet certain he was going to suggest I put her down.
I fed her another tum, and some more yogurt. She ate it from the syringe very easily. Now mind you, at her best, she will barely let me pet her, and would never take anything from a syringe. As I was holding her while supporting her feet/legs, she tried to push against my hand with her right foot. It was weak, but nonetheless, I felt it. When I got to the vet, he was very excited and said she was showing more strength today. He gave her another shot of dex and Baytril. I asked him what he would do if she were his, he said give her some time.
My question for the board, is this, will it hurt if try the MBD protocol treatment along with what my vet is giving her? He is the vet for sure, but from all I've ever read about MBD's signs and symptoms, looking back over the last few weeks it sure seems like MBD to me.
I used to feed her Henry's picky squirrel blocks, but she stopped eating them years ago. Her daily diet consists of brocolli, cauliflower, snap green beans, apple, sweet potatoes, and grapes. Up until this past September, she has maintained a normal weight.
:sadness

[SammysMom]

Sounds like MBD to me too. It will not harm her to have the MBD treatment. I have to tell you though that blocks are non negotiable. Without them she will not survive MBD. It is called tough love and it has to be done no matter how sad she looks longingly at you for nuts or other treats. Has the vet looked carefully at her teeth?

[CritterMom]

Yes, she must eat the blocks. You can start messing with them to see if you can get her to eat them - grind them and mix with a little almond butter and roll into balls. Soak them in some Ensure. You just need to get creative. When you order, try the Picky blocks - made for picky eaters.

From her diet, I would absolutely put her on the MBD treatment - about 500 mg of calcium total per day, given in many small doses throughout the day. It will not do anything to the dex she is getting.

[wdlady59]

Yes, the vet looked at her teeth, and gums. In fact she bit him. He said she was not dehydrated, and her color looked good. I have already express ship ordered the MBD treatment kit from Henry's. It's supposed to be here in 1-2 days. How long could it take before she can actually get strong enough to use her legs again? Isn't the fact that she is trying to push with her leg/foot an indication that it might not be a serious back injury. I'm so worried...

[SammysMom]

The fact that she is pushing with her leg is great. How old is she? It can take a while for a recovery, but every day is a potential for improvement. Just be aware that it is easier for them to become injured with MBD because their bones are very easily broken. Is she in a low cage that she cannot climb in even when she begins to feel better?

[wdlady59]

Now, because she isn't eating well, I started feeding her goat's milk and plain yogurt, 3-1. Do I continue to also give her tums? She weighs 451 grams (1.06 lb), so how much calcium per day?

[wdlady59]

The vet told me to take her from her cage, (huge ferret cage), and put her in a small box. She was probably 4 months old when I got her back in 2009, so she's around 5 1/2.

[wdlady59]

The tums I bought are 750 mg berry flavored.

[wdlady59]

I've never given her more than 4 pecan halves per day. Pecans are the only nuts I ever give her.

[Milo's Mom]

Just in case you have not seen this I have pasted the Emergency MBD Treatment protocol here for you. Follow this until you get your shipment from Henry's.

Emergency Treatment for Metabolic Bone Disease (updated 11/11)

Get calcium into the squirrel IMMEDIATELY, not later, not tomorrow, NOW. Delaying treatment can cause death or permanent paralysis.

You will need:

--Tums (they prefer fruit flavored) or calcium pills
--a syringe, eyedropper, or spoon

First try giving pieces of the tums to the squirrel, doing so throughout the day to equal ~500 mgs.
If that doesn't work, then, crush one Tums or calcium pill and add a little water or fruit juice. Use the syringe, eyedropper, or spoon to force-feed the mixture, a little at a time, until it is all gone. Feed a total of 500-600 mg of calcium, and spread it out through the day and night to keep his blood calcium levels as steady as possible.

If the squirrel is having seizures, weakness, or paralysis, the symptoms will usually improve within a few hours, but this does not mean the squirrel is cured. It will take many months to rebuild the calcium in the bones.

Long-Term Treatment for MBD

The next step to curing MBD is to fix the diet.

1. Remove ALL seeds, nuts, corn, and treats.

2. Follow the Healthy Diet For Pet Squirrels, which can be found at the top of the “Squirrel Nutrition” forum. http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...-Pet-Squirrels (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels) Your squirrel MUST eat rodent block or squirrel blocks every day. If your squirrel doesn't like rodent blocks, you can try crushing them up with peanut butter or avocado temporarily. You can also make a tastier version of squirrel blocks using the recipe at the top of the Squirrel Nutrition forum.

3. In addition to the Healthy Diet, you will need to continue giving extra calcium every day for several weeks. Either use the syringe/eyedropper or you can try putting the calcium on a small piece of fruit.

Week 1: calcium = 500 mg per day
Week 2: calcium = 250 mg per day
Weeks 3-8: calcium = 100 mg per day

The cause of the acute symptoms—weakness, lethargy, seizures, paralysis—is a drop in blood calcium levels. If these symptoms return at any time, you will need to give another emergency dose of calcium.

More Tips
MBD causes brittle bones that break easily. Try to keep your squirrel away from high places, where he might jump and break a bone. Also, if he is in a tall cage, either place him in a smaller cage, or pad the bottom very well.

Heat is very soothing for a squirrel with MBD. A heating pad turned to low and placed so they cannot chew the pad or cord, or a rice buddy (a sock filled with dry rice/beans and microwaved for about 20 seconds) will work.

(http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=403417)

[Milo's Mom]

Now, because she isn't eating well, I started feeding her goat's milk and plain yogurt, 3-1. Do I continue to also give her tums? She weighs 451 grams (1.06 lb), so how much calcium per day?

Yes, you may give her formula in addition to the TUMS.

Please refer to the MBD Protocol I just posted for the amounts of calcium per day, per week.

[island rehabber]

No pecans anymore -- at all. She should not have ANY nuts until you have been following the MBD protocol for at least a month or so, and at that time maybe 1-2 almonds per day.

You've gotten perfect advice above and I agree with your feeling that it is MBD and you should treat her for it ASAP even though the vet isn't totally on board with that. Keeping her in a smaller habitat is crucial; she could fall now and injure herself very badly if her bones are not strong. (We just had this happen on another thread, with tragic results....:( )

Definitely the MBD protocol and Picky Blocks -- please tell Miss Tasha that this is NOT negotiable, because you love her and you want her to get better. :tilt

[wdlady59]

Thank y'all so much!!!
Milo's mom---So her weight has nothing to do with how much calcium I need to give her? Also, with MBD, do they drag their legs behind them?

[wdlady59]

Hello Island Rehabber... You helped save my little Rocky!!! I had stopped giving her pecans when she got sick. I knew about the calcium phosphorus issue. But I really thought she was eating properly. I spend probably $40 per week on her and Rocky's food.

[wdlady59]

Her front legs are pretty strong, just not her back legs. If for some reason this is a back injury, can she recover from it with time?

[SammysMom]

They do sometimes drag, the weight doesn't dictate calcium dosing. Just follow that protocol and it will help if it is MBD.

[Nancy in New York]

Hi! It's nice seeing you again, wish the circumstances were different. :(
I answered your pm. :thumbsup
Just wanted to ask again, did the vet take an x ray or do blood work?
I would think if this were a back injury, you may notice improvement from the Dex.
To me, this is classic MBD as one of the symptoms is their rear legs give out.
Are you offering her any heat? Do you have a heating pad that you can put half UNDER the container
she's in, so that if she overheats she can crawl off. Tons of fleece is good too as you know they love to
burrow in them.
NO pain relievers while taking Dex, unless you have tramadol.
Typically they have pain when it gets to the point of symptoms showing up.
Did the vet give you any steroid to dose her at home?

[wdlady59]

No x-rays or lab work, and no pain med. He is giving her the dex and Baytril on a daily basis at his office. He didn't give me any pain med for her either. I have Tramadol, 50 mg tabs and she weighs 450 grams. Should I give her some of it, and if so how much?

[wdlady59]

She has a heating pad under half her box.

[wdlady59]

I know it's here somewhere, but I have the Goat milk powder. Is that 2-1, or 3-1? She may not be eating, but she is sucking down the tums, and goat milk/yogurt mixtures. Should I let her eat as much of the formula mixture that she wants? She is in her fleece lined cube, and has the fleece lined blanket a sweet lady sent to her in a care package back in 2009!! wink

[Nancy in New York]

We will hold off on the Tramadol, just double check this with your vet tomorrow.
We can dose it for you then.
I'm so glad the vet is seeing her and being so good to you both.
Many prayers coming your way for little Tasha and for you. :hug

Here's the temporary GM recipe.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?29904-TEMPORARY-Goat-s-Milk-Formula***
Fix the GM according to the directions on the can.

Yes she can have as much formula as she wants, as long as she is peeing,
and pooping and not bloating. Formula is good for her.
Do you have Fox Valley Formula? That would be even better, the
20/50 is what you should get.
:Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

Even Esbilac Powdered Puppy formula would be really good.:grouphug

[wdlady59]

I just got up to check on Tasha. She took a couple syringes of formula, and I gave her 100mg tums. Just wondering, how long before I should start seeing her move her back legs? Trying to decide how long to let her drag her legs. I have patience to wait as long as it takes. I just don't want to make her suffer.:sad

[CritterMom]

I have to say that considering how enthusiastically she is eating the formula, she likely is not "suffering" - at least nothing like you are, having to watch. I always tell people about (and I can't remember which squirrel it was) Wayne or Garth, who went from total back end paralysis which had been diagnosed by a vet as being skeletal, but was actually MBD, to complete recovery and eventual release. In my opinion, you need to let Tasha decide that, and she doesn't sound like she's giving up.

Please do the blocks - we will help you with ideas to coax her to eat them. Her diet is not only far too low in calcium, she is also getting almost no protein, and squirrels need that - they are NOT entirely vegetarian. Since she likes the formula (see if you can talk her into lapping it from a teaspoon) you can build on that - grind the HHBs and begin adding a TINY bit to the formula. If that goes well, add a tiny bit more, and more, until you gradually get her used to the taste. The Picky blocks are made with pecans, and she may like them better.

[wdlady59]

HHB's ??? Is that Henry's Healthy Blocks? Critter's Mom- how long was it before your squirrel with total back end paralysis stay down in his back before he moved?

[CritterMom]

Yes, sorry - HHB = Henry's Healthy Bites. The provide ALL of the vitamins, minerals, protein, etc., that your squirrel needs to flourish.

Garth was not mine, but I did a search and found the original thread: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?21228-Garth-appears-to-be-in-pain&highlight=

That you are already seeing the legs push against you a little is a sign of progress. Be patient, and do the treatment as it is described. Splitting into many doses per day rather than one big one is the very best bet as it keeps a constant level of calcium in the body.

There is something you need to keep in mind, because it is very easy to allow yourself to think that your animal thinks and feels as you do. They don't. Wild animals do not sit and pine for the good old days, nor do they look ahead and imagine what their future may be. They live in the moment. They don't pity themselves. She cannot move properly right now and may find that perplexing, but she is not wringing her hands and sitting in terror contemplating her future. That is OUR behavior. Take a whole bunch of deep breaths and calm down, because she CAN read your feelings, and especially prey animals react badly to fear.

I have a friend who has a squirrel named Crash. He was found as a wild adult, dragging himself across a parking lot. He has a spinal injury that has resulted in total paralysis of his back end - his legs and tail have no feeling at all, though he is able to pee and poop just fine. She was contemplating euthanasia when it was apparent that he would never recover, but was advised by a very kind hearted rehabber to wait, and watch.

Crash is a happy, happy squirrel. He plays with his stuffies all day long - much more play time than any squirrel I know of. He has a great big cage that has been tricked out so that he can climb up to the top, which he does when he isn't whupping on his stuffies. He doesn't much like being touched - he was wild to begin with, but he LOVES to be talked to and likes to show off when he is by REALLY beating on those poor toys of his. Crash is happy. He has good food, awesome toys, someone who lets him live the way he wants (she stuffs a nut in his mouth so she can clean his cage and otherwise doesn't insist on him cuddling or being handled), he gets lots of attention, has an awesome, soft comfy nest, fresh branches to chew and he is a happy guy. She is so glad she didn't cut his little life short just because he would never be "perfect" again. Because despite never being able to do the things he could before, he IS "perfect"ly happy.

So give Tasha time and follow the MBD protocol and start working to get her eating the Henry's blocks in one form or another, and love on her like she deserves. You are very lucky to have a proactive vet, too.

[wdlady59]

Just left the vet's. Be gave dex and Baytril. Said she's looking better and more alert. Says he's seeing improvement daily. Sent me home with Prednisone drops. After 3 days, 6 shots, and a bottle of medicine, he only charged me $94.00. He's awesome. However, when I told hi. I was doing MBD protocol based on my Squirrel Board friends he was clearly affronted and assured me it was a back injury. He conceeded that what I was doing wasn't hurting anyone. Now, I have expressed her bladder but can not get her to poop. I asked the vet who said eventually it will push through as more food enters her bowel. I'm concerned she is constipated. No poop since Monday and it was a little hard. Also, he said no pain med is needed even though I told him she chatters sometimes as though in pain... Ideas? Henry's MBD kit is on the way and I am going to do my best to get Fox Valley formula as soon as I can get more money together. I have Tramadol 50 mg if she needs pain med, but I'm thinkinv that would further sleep the bowel. ?????

[CritterMom]

Oh dear. Ego. We may all be right you know. Injuring themselves when suffering from MBD is very common. I will try to boil it down:

Squirrels need a diet that has a ratio of 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus (2:1). Most of the foods that people who don't know this have tons of phosphorus in them, so they are nowhere near this ratio. About the only way you can do this properly is on a diet like we recommend, and the HHBs were specifically designed with MBD in mind.

As the body demands calcium, which is not available in the diet, it begins to steal calcium from the bones, making them become more and more brittle, much like someone with osteoporosis. As that happens, the animal becomes weaker, and is unable to push off in jumps as strongly as it did when it was healthy. It doesn't understand that though, and tries to do what it normally does, and this can result in falls. In fact the weakness is one of the first things that some people notice - the squirrel begins to catch it's claws in fabric like it maybe needs a toenail trim, but what is actually happening is a general weakness - like you when you are dog tired and drag you feet when you walk and it causes you to stumble.

She may very well ALSO have injured herself, and the prednisone is the perfect thing if this happened. I applaud your vet - many don't want to use it. But having read her diet, I can GUARANTEE that she is suffering from MBD to some degree.

I don't believe I have ever seen a vet here that fully understands just how COMMON this is in squirrels - most people don't have them as pets so most vets really know little about them. They are very susceptible to it. It is very common in reptiles as well. We don't have reams of scientific literature and double blind tests that we can whip out to prove our point - all we have is years of experience and hundreds of little squirrels that we have had to deal with here; many of whom are alive and happy because their humans came here and did what you are doing. It is SO common that it is the very first thing we think of when people come here with problems. If you read other threads, you will see that asking about diet is the first question we ask, and that is because of MBD.

It might be better to just drop the calcium conversation with him - a vet who is willing to see your squirrel and is cheap to boot is a vet you want to hang onto!

Just keep doing the MBD treatment, and keep us posted on her condition. Eventually you will start cutting down on the calcium but when that happens will depend on her condition, and we need you to be our eyes so we can advise you when to do that.

Oops - I would hold off on the tramadol. If she is taking the formula she is not in a lot of pain. And regarding the poops - just make sure she is well hydrated and hold for a bit - as the food works it's way through her she will likely start going. There are not nearly as many solids in formula as there are in regular food so she has less to poop out.

You might want to pick up a bottle of Ensure - the meal replacement shakes. Try mixing some in to the formula - lots of vitamins and minerals and calories in it, plus it is sweet and a lot of them love it. It can be a lot of help in cases like this.

[farrelli]

Don't have time to read all this right now, but has anyone suggested a bit of D? Sounds like the diet has been lacking? This might jump start the calcium.

[farrelli]

Don;t give D though unless someone briefs you on it.

[CritterMom]

Don;t give D though unless someone briefs you on it.

Ought to be getting plenty in the formula, and if you do the Ensure, that is even better. Once she is eating the HHBs they will have all of that in them as well.:thumbsup

[Annabelle's papa]

Don;t give D though unless someone briefs you on it.

In the past, farrelli Prescribes shaving a very small amount from a human D-3 tablet, and in the Future providing some fresh mushroom slice's a couple of time's a week.

[Annabelle's papa]

Sorry Again CritterMom,:tilt I was unaware of the other Supplement usage. I tried to delete, but wasn't able to.

[CritterMom]

Sorry Again CritterMom,:tilt I was unaware of the other Supplement usage. I tried to delete, but wasn't able to.

No problem! She certainly could do this but if she is feeding the other stuff it isn't really necessary. And while mushrooms have lots of D, their calcium to phosphorus ratio is 3:86!! I would never recommend them for an MBD squirrel because of this.

[Annabelle's papa]

Thank You, I did not Know this about Mushroom's.:dono However, I shouldn't make Med. post's anyway. Typing without thinking, please see PM.:tilt

[farrelli]

Annabelle, I don't recommend mushrooms as part of the MBD treatment. Someone asked me if mushrooms would be OK to give as part of the diet and I said yes. It may have even been a flyer, for whom mushrooms are wonderful as part of their diet. I recommend an initial dose of D, the MBD treatment, and a quality block in combination with the recommended diet.

[wdlady59]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! I just got off the phone with Lee at Henry's and she is shipping Fox Valley 20-50 with my MBD kit. Should have within a couple of days. She will be taking liquid prednisone twice a day for next week. I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to save my girl. I have a bond with her unlike I've EVER had with another animal and/or most humans. I would be absolutely devastated if I lost her!!! It took a long time for Rocky, but he's proof miracles can happen. BTW, Lee said to let you all know that the newer Tums elemental calcium is only 600 mg in the 750 package. Y'all are so AWESOME to take time out of y'alls busy day for me and my Tasha!!! God Bless every one of uou!!!

[wdlady59]

Okay, so I saw where Island Rehabber had said to pinch the foot and see what reaction occured. I pinched first one, then the other foot. She didn't squeal, but both times the legs jerked toward the body when I did it. Oh, she did poop. I found a hard piece of poo in her cube that was new. Then I laid her on my bed to observe her and she passed a good sized pellet which was an olive color and soft. Good signs huh????

[CritterMom]

Okay, so I saw where Island Rehabber had said to pinch the foot and see what reaction occured. I pinched first one, then the other foot. She didn't squeal, but both times the legs jerked toward the body when I did it. Oh, she did poop. I found a hard piece of poo in her cube that was new. Then I laid her on my bed to observe her and she passed a good sized pellet which was an olive color and soft. Good signs huh????

Yes, it is a good sign. So I assume you are going to be increasing the amount of the Tums you are giving to match what Leigh said? I hope? Thanks for passing that on. Do give the Ensure a try until you get your Fox Valley.

Just give her time, I believe you are giving her an option for some bottom heat (didn't read that??) and that is nice and comfy. I would offer her some warm water with a little sugar (like half or 3/4 of a teaspoon in a cup) in addition to the goats milk in between feedings. Hydration will help get the poops going good and it so important to them.

[wdlady59]

Oh yes, she has heat under half of her tub. I couldn't find a box big enough so I bought a huge plastic container which is long enough for her cube and a small bit of crawling space out of the cube. I will pick up some ensure here in a bit as well. I've been reading throughout the board to pick up extra tidbits, and I feel encouraged bout Tasha's chances. I thought I even felt her tail move the slightest bit at the vets this morning. I am in East Texas btw about 30iles from Tyler in case anyone ever needs a squirrel friendly vet....:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

I am in East Texas btw about 30iles from Tyler in case anyone ever needs a squirrel friendly vet....:grouphug

That's great to know we will have to remember this!
So glad that things are going better for Tasha.
Perhaps CritterMom already said this, but it took years for her
to get like this, it's a slow process, you're doing great!
You are a fantastic Mom! :Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

Thanks, but I'm to blame, so not feeling like a good Mom right now. But I guarantee it will n ever happen again! Picked up some Ensure and WOW... She sucked it down... I only gave her e cc's but she ate it right up. Leigh called and said the 750 mg tums had 600 mg elemental calcium for TWO TABS. Meaning that each tab only has 150 mg... So I made the adjustment..

[wdlady59]

Update... Tasha had a really nice pee as I expressed her bladder, and while I was doing that 5 nice little, soft pooh pellets dropped out. Urine doesnt appear to have blood in it which I take to be a good sign... I'm desperately looking for good signs... I checked the pads on her feet and they are tan to brown. Is that a bad thing? I will take pictures when I feed her later and post.

[wdlady59]

How do I send video and pics from my phone?

[SammysMom]

You have to upload the video to someplace like photobucket.com and then put in a link to it in your post. You can also upload photos there and that might be the way to go.

[wdlady59]

Question: Tasha won't eat solid food, and I think it's because she can't sit on her haunches. She's taking the formula pretty good, but not as good as she did at first. This morning she took 15cc formula mix, her prednisone, and 2cc/100mg calcium. My question is if I can make a gruel of the blocks when they get here, and if so how???

[SammysMom]

Start by just offering her one nlock cut into a few pieces. If that is a no gothen put one in a plastic bag and crush it. You can use a can or a rolling pin. Then mix it with something she likes. Maybe formula, pecan flavored ensure or even applesauce or baby food. Just keep trying. Prayers for her liking them!:Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

249598 Hope this shows Tasha moving... Sorry this is actually Rocky now...

[wdlady59]

Sorry... That was Rocky...

[wdlady59]

249599 This was Rocky when I thought he wasn't going to make it... But look above, he made it just FINE!:Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

249599 This was Rocky when I thought he wasn't going to make it... But look above, he made it just FINE!:Love_Icon

Oh my goodness, he certainly did!:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

What happened to Rocky? I don't remember reading about him.
Poor Baby. :(

[wdlady59]

Nancy, this is Rocky now---249602

[wdlady59]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaYQp7rtfLY Boy I hope this works as I've been at it for awhile. This should be Tasha this morning.

[wdlady59]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itxnwMw7gfs This one is about 5 minutes long but shows more about her.

[CritterMom]

Aw, poor baby.

She does look sort of thin. If you haven't tried adding ensure to her formula, please do try it. That stuff will pack on weight like crazy and because it is sweet a lot of them actually like it.

[wdlady59]

Yes, she loves Ensure. Can I give it to her straight?

[wdlady59]

I would like y'all to observe videos of her dragging her legs. Is this what MBD looks like?

[farrelli]

Yes, she loves Ensure. Can I give it to her straight?

Yes. It's not a long term, permanent food, but it's fin in the short run. Just watch for loose stools because of all the sugar.

[wdlady59]

I tried giving the Ensure straight, and she isn't wanting it today like yesterday. I think she is in pain. Her breathing is increased.

[Nancy in New York]

I tried giving the Ensure straight, and she isn't wanting it today like yesterday. I think she is in pain. Her breathing is increased.

You have tramadol, correct?
I can send you dosing instructions if you want.
Just tell me what her weight is again.

[CritterMom]

You said you have Tramadol, didn't you - I looked back - 50mg and she is 450 grams?

Also, you HAVE increased the amount of the Tums you are giving her based on the new strength info we got yesterday, haven't you?

Edit: Nancy beat me to the punch - info above is from earlier in the thread.

[wdlady59]

Yes, she was 450 g this morning when I weighed her. Yes, I am giving the increased Tums. Yes, I have 50 mg Tramadols.

[Nancy in New York]

Yes, she was 450 g this morning when I weighed her. Yes, I am giving the increased Tums. Yes, I have 50 mg Tramadols.

OK honey, I sent you the Tramadol instructions and dosing directions for Tasha, at 450 grams. :hug

[wdlady59]

I pm'd you Nancy... My avatar is Tasha in better days... I'm so worried...:sadness

[wdlady59]

Her breathing has slowed down, and she seems more alert. I'm sorry if I am being a bother. I'm trying to chill out, but I just want to do all I can for her.

[CritterMom]

Her breathing has slowed down, and she seems more alert. I'm sorry if I am being a bother. I'm trying to chill out, but I just want to do all I can for her.

You are NOT being a bother. The only way anyone here can help is if you give us info, and that is why we are here. :thumbsup

[wdlady59]

:Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

HELP I THINK TASHA HAS A FEVER??? HOW DO I TAKE IT? UNDER HER ARM, rectal? On my way to store what kind of fever reducer? Under her arm it said 103.7!!! She has been bundled up and heating pad underneath so ?????

[TubeDriver]

One thing is to make sure she has the option of getting off the heating pad. The heating pad should be under half her cage but not under the other half.


HELP I THINK TASHA HAS A FEVER??? HOW DO I TAKE IT? UNDER HER ARM, rectal? On my way to store what kind of fever reducer? Under her arm it said 103.7!!! She has been bundled up and heating pad underneath so ?????

[wdlady59]

HELP I THINK TASHA HAS A FEVER??? HOW DO I TAKE IT? UNDER HER ARM, rectal? On my way to store what kind of fever reducer? Under her arm it said 103.7!!! She has been bundled up and heating pad underneath so ?????

She does have that option. How do I take temp what do I give her and how much???

[Nancy in New York]

You cannot give her anything other than the pred. and tramadol. Do not mix a fever reducer in with these two drugs.
Trying to find what the normal squirrel temp. is hold on. How does she look otherwise?

[wdlady59]

If I don't bring her fever down she'll start seizing... Whar can I do? Where do you take a squirrels temp?

[wdlady59]

Breathing is a little fast she's not laying flat she's holding her head up looking around.

[Nancy in New York]

If I don't bring her fever down she'll start seizing... Whar can I do? Where do you take a squirrels temp?

Not sure where you would take their temp. Did you take it before?
The normal temp. is 99 degrees.
I am going to look at the thread for heat stroke, they give suggestions how to
bring down the body temp there.

[Nancy in New York]

Please remember what I am posting below is for HEAT STROKE, not for a fever.
All of the symptoms and urgency are NOT meant to upset you, this is for a squirrel that has been outdoors in the sun.
Hopefully this will give you some guidance.
I am just posting so that you get some ideas how to bring her temperature down.


Warning! Squirrels Can Overheat in Summer


1. Never place a caged squirrel in direct sunlight.
2. Always provide water and shade.
3. On hot and/or humid days, indoor squirrels should be kept inside.
4. To-be-released squirrels need to be slowly acclimated to summer temps.
5. Never leave indoor squirrels (or unacclimated to-be-released squirrels) unattended outdoors.
6. Take extra care when traveling. Never leave your squirrel in the car without the air-conditioning turned on, even with all the windows open.

Symptoms of Heatstroke
Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

If you see any of these symptoms, bring the squirrel indoors immediately and begin Emergency Cool-Down Procedures:


Emergency Treatment for Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency--Do not delay treatment!

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

Emergency Cool-Down Procedures

You must get the squirrel cooled down quickly. Seconds count!

1. Bring the squirrel inside.
2. Dip the squirrel in cool water up to his neck.
3. Lay the squirrel down on a damp cloth with his head slightly elevated and turn on a fan.
4. Bathe the squirrel with a cold wet cloth, especially the head and tail areas. Ice packs can be placed around the squirrel (not on him or under him).
5. Offer a small amount of cool water to drink.
Note: Keep the squirrel as quiet and still as possible; exercise will cause him to become more overheated.

For mild cases, the above treatment may be enough. For moderate/severe cases, vet care is required to save the squirrel's life. If you don't have a vet, have someone else call around while you continue the cool-down process.

6. Don't stop the cool-down process, even for a minute.
7. If it's a warm day, run the AC in your car before you transport.
8. Transport the squirrel quickly to the vet, continuing to bathe the squirrel with a cool washcloth while en route (bring some cold water with you).
9. When you get to the vet, tell them it's severe heatstroke. They should rush the squirrel to the back for emergency care immediately.
10. No matter what happens, keep bathing the squirrel in cool water until the squirrel in the vet's hands.

If heatstroke occurs away from home or while traveling. Use the same procedures as above. Use anything you can find to cool the squirrel down. In a pinch, a cold soda or even water from a nearby stream can be used until you can find help.

If you have no access to a vet, try to find a rehabber. If you're on your own, you will need to monitor the squirrel constantly, including his body temperature. Take the squirrel's temperature using a rectal thermometer or a digital ear thermometer. When his temp reaches 103 degrees F, you must stop the cool-down procedures to avoid overcooling. Continue to offer cool water drop by drop.

Most squirrels will not survive moderate/severe heatstroke without IV fluids, which only a vet can provide.

Note: Signs of permanent organ damage may not show up for several hours or even days. The squirrel may seem to recover initially, then get worse later.

A squirrel can develop heatstroke in as little as 10 minutes, even in the shade!

[TubeDriver]

I believe that squirrels normally have a little higher body temp than humans. So normal for a squirrel can be 99-100 or so. If you removed Tasha from a heating pad and then took temp from an armpit, the temp may have read falsely high. I am trying to get additional info for you. As Nancy, stated, do not add additional meds to the current drugs you are adminstering.





If I don't bring her fever down she'll start seizing... Whar can I do? Where do you take a squirrels temp?

[Nancy in New York]

Please read this from what I posted above.
If your little one only has a temp of 103 I don't think you need to do anything, however, you could try a cool rag
on his head and tail.
Read what I posted below.

If you have no access to a vet, try to find a rehabber. If you're on your own, you will need to monitor the squirrel constantly, including his body temperature. Take the squirrel's temperature using a rectal thermometer or a digital ear thermometer. When his temp reaches 103 degrees F, you must stop the cool-down procedures to avoid overcooling. Continue to offer cool water drop by drop.

[CritterMom]

Cool her down with water - pay attention to her feet - they are naked and will take the cool well. Don' drench her.

[Nancy in New York]

Yes, as Tube Driver instructed remove her from the heating pad and see how she does.:thumbsup

[TubeDriver]

A rectal reading is far more accurate than external reading.

[wdlady59]

I took her and laid her on my bed, and gave her 6cc's of Ensure which had been in the fridge. Her temp is now down to 101.4.

[Nancy in New York]

I took her and laid her on my bed, and gave her 6cc's of Ensure which had been in the fridge. Her temp is now down to 101.4.

:thumbsup How are you taking her temperature. How is she acting?

[TubeDriver]

That sounds better. You should try and get a temperature reading when she has no eaten or drunken anything for 30 minutes and when she has not been on a heating pad for 30 minutes too.


I took her and laid her on my bed, and gave her 6cc's of Ensure which had been in the fridge. Her temp is now down to 101.4.

[CritterMom]

Could she have gotten tangled up in the blankets - she can't move the way she used to - and just couldn't get off the heat?

A suggestion: I don't use whole blankets or throws for either of my squirrels. The gray has his cut into approximately 12" squires, and my little flyer has 6" squares. The simply can't get stuck in them then - they aren't big enough. I stuff them into lingerie bags when I wash them. I give both of them big piles in their nest areas and they arrange them the way they want.

[wdlady59]

I'm on my way to the pharmacy to pick up a rectal thermometer

[wdlady59]

Okay, so the pharmacist just said to use a regular thermometer and subtract 1 degree. SMH! So I'm guessing I just need to stick the very tip in right?

[wdlady59]

I took it under her arm both times.

[TubeDriver]

With rats it is 3-5cm. So I would err on the side of caution and just insert 1" or less. Put a little vaseline on the thermometer before inserting. Be careful, if she starts to struggle or panic I would just use an external measure even though it is not as accurate.


Okay, so the pharmacist just said to use a regular thermometer and subtract 1 degree. SMH! So I'm guessing I just need to stick the very tip in right?

[wdlady59]

Temp rectal without subtraction was 101.0. OMG! I almost had a panic attack! I'm an LVN, and have no problems taking care of old folks, but when it comes to my animals I freak at times. I don't mean to, but when I initially saw 103.7 I just knew I was fixing to lose her. Now I have brand new bottles of infant Tylenol and Ibuprofen and a new thermometer. And of course a few more grey hairs!! She seems MUCH better and her breathing has slowed down. Words can't express how grateful I am to you all!!!

[CritterMom]

Don't use the Tylenol. Stash the ibuprophen away - you cannot use it as long as you are using prednisone, but it is an effective pain reliever for them.

This is why they don't let surgeons operate on their own loved ones. Your brains fall right out your you know what when you are that frightened and emotionally involved.

Do chop her blankets up though. They love them - they can steamshovel through them - my little flyer basically swims through fleece mountain - it is so funny to watch.

[wdlady59]

I already chopped them up as you said to do earlier. I had ran to the store earlier while I was waiting on y'all to respond and bought both Tylenol and Ibuprofen cause I couldn't remember which could be used. NOT to worry. I will NEVER give my girl any med without hearing from you experts! I've had her for 5 1/2 years and can't imagine life without her. I have spent thousands of dollars on her and Rocky over the years, and am willing to spend thousands more!! They have my heart. From now on, I'm gonna be all up on these boards learning every little thing I can to better their lives. I had four grandchildren I was raising when I first got Tasha in 2009. In 2010, I got custody of a great-niece and nephew ages 14 months and 3 months, which brought kids to 6. I also was attending nursing school in 2010. Funny story. I got Rocky in October 2010. He was barely 1 week old when I got him and he had a head injury. He needed round the clock attention and I was in school 40 miles from home. I carried my big beach bag around for a "purse" through all of November and half of December to school. The teachers, and all but a few close friends who were students thought I had perdonal items in it. In fact it held Rocky!!! The day he stuck his head out and one of the instructors saw him I almost got kicked out of school. Luckily I was a straight A student, and the Dean was a huge animal lover! I should have stayed on this board all along, but I had so much on my plate. Now I realize everytime I look at my girl Tasha, I know I owe it to her and Rocky to stay on top of their care! Y'all are stuck with me now!!!

[TubeDriver]

:grin2:thumbsup


I already chopped them up as you said to do earlier. I had ran to the store earlier while I was waiting on y'all to respond and bought both Tylenol and Ibuprofen cause I couldn't remember which could be used. NOT to worry. I will NEVER give my girl any med without hearing from you experts! I've had her for 5 1/2 years and can't imagine life without her. I have spent thousands of dollars on her and Rocky over the years, and am willing to spend thousands more!! They have my heart. From now on, I'm gonna be all up on these boards learning every little thing I can to better their lives. I had four grandchildren I was raising when I first got Tasha in 2009. In 2010, I got custody of a great-niece and nephew ages 14 months and 3 months, which brought kids to 6. I also was attending nursing school in 2010. Funny story. I got Rocky in October 2010. He was barely 1 week old when I got him and he had a head injury. He needed round the clock attention and I was in school 40 miles from home. I carried my big beach bag around for a "purse" through all of November and half of December to school. The teachers, and all but a few close friends who were students thought I had perdonal items in it. In fact it held Rocky!!! The day he stuck his head out and one of the instructors saw him I almost got kicked out of school. Luckily I was a straight A student, and the Dean was a huge animal lover! I should have stayed on this board all along, but I had so much on my plate. Now I realize everytime I look at my girl Tasha, I know I owe it to her and Rocky to stay on top of their care! Y'all are stuck with me now!!!

[wdlady59]

I have been getting Tasha to pee, and expressing her bladder. She is passing a "few" soft, olive pellets. Should I be concerned with constipation? She is only taking about 9-12 cc's at a time. I've been going in every couple of hours and making sure she takes at least 9 cc's of something... I.E. Formula, yogurt, Ensure, Tum water.... Do you suppose she's even eating enough to be pooping much? BTW no more fever.

[SammysMom]

Nope...what doesn't go in can't come out...:nono
Many prayers for healing for your special baby...:Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

Good morning y'all! I'm up and at 'em early. Miss Tasha has had her Tramadol, Prednisone, and 100mg calcium. She ate 9 cc's goat milk formula, and 6 cc's Ensure. Then she wanted to fight me... She lost 7 grams in weight! Guess I'll have to bother her more during the day and get her to eat more. Is there a minimum amount of formula/Ensure I need to make sure she is taking? I'm afraid the more I handle her, the more I'm hurting her back. Any thoughts on that?

[CritterMom]

Well, babies are fed 5-7% of their body weight at each feeding, which in Tasha's case would be about 20-30cc. BUT - with babies you are fighting all kinds of things with their touchy little stomachs, so I wouldn't worry too much about her not eating that much per feeding - but you will want to increase the number of feedings to compensate.

I am hoping the inclusion of ensure will help the weight thing, too - it sure does pack the pounds on if you are human.

Can you get her to eat without the syringe? If you dip a little of the warmed mixture up and offer it in a spoon will she lap at it? Or can you offer her the syringe without having to pick her up and have her take it? You might try that - and before you offer it, dip the tip in something sweet - syrup or something - so as soon as it touches her lips she gets the good sweet taste.

Have you ever given Tasha avocado? You NEVER want to feed the skin or the pit of avocado, but squirrels usually just LOVE the meat and it is filled with good healthy fats that will also help to bulk her up.

[wdlady59]

She won't lap anything up I tried. I'm having to force her to take as much as she is. Once I get the syringe to her mouth, she'll take it, but once she's done, she's done. I gave her some avocado once, and she must not have liked it cause I didn't give it to her again. She's very discouraged I think. She was very active before, and she just seems depressed. Breaks my heart. She seems to be fighting though... My BMD kit and Fox Valley should be here today. Should I continue the yogurt in the FV formula?

[wdlady59]

5-7% of 443 grams... I'm gonna have to break out my nursing math.... Ugh... I hate math. Not my strong suit.:grin2

[CritterMom]

You certainly can continue the yogurt - I like Stoneyfield Yobaby - they sell it in teeny little 4 packs, it is full fat, organic, and delish. Everything I have hand fed loves it - vanilla and banana especially. The Fox Valley will help too - the "20/50" means 20% protein/50% fat, which will pack some weight on too.

When you mix the Fox Valley, don't add the yogurt at first. Mix it with EXTREMELY hot water and stir, stir, stir until dissolved. Once it is cool, add the yogurt - that way you won't kill all of the beneficial bacteria in it. Mix up enough of the Fox Valley for an entire day and keep it in the fridge.

[Nancy in New York]

5-7% of 443 grams... I'm gonna have to break out my nursing math.... Ugh... I hate math. Not my strong suit.:grin2

22-31 cc's every feeding if you are going by the "rule of thumb" for babies.

[CritterMom]

5-7% of 443 grams... I'm gonna have to break out my nursing math.... Ugh... I hate math. Not my strong suit.:grin2

Approx 20-30cc. But like I said, don't get hung up on that. Digestion, bloating, etc., are all things that you fight with babies but don't have to worry that much about with adults. Feed her what she will take and try again later. The Fox Valley has a lot more solids in it than goats milk - it will fill her tummy better. It also tastes a LOT better - smells like cake batter! You get way more bang for you buck from 10cc of FV than 10cc of goats milk. :thumbsup

[wdlady59]

Man, she is barely taking in 15 cc's per feeding. How much total for the day? I'll just have to feed her more throughout the day.

[Nancy in New York]

Man, she is barely taking in 15 cc's per feeding. How much total for the day? I'll just have to feed her more throughout the day.

Well that would depend on how often she is fed.
How many times daily does she eat now?

[wdlady59]

She lost weight yesterday from 450 to 443 grams. I fed her several times, but starting today I am going to write it down. I certainly believe she is having pain After giving her Tramadol at 5am, she ate like 9cc's formula and 6 cc's Ensure. At 7am I gave her 5 cc's Ensure and 6cc's yogurt. She seemed less fussy with me. She peed really well and passed 1 kind hard/soft pellet. I will be willing to feed her however many times I need to... Suggestions?

[wdlady59]

You should see my kitchen cabinet in the mornings. Pills lined up.... I have 7 dogs, 4 cats, 2 turtles (big), 2 squirrels, 6 kids ages 5-19, and 1 grumpy (not really) husband. Mutley is my terrier who jumped in my van back in 2001 with a bum foot, and refused to get out. He was a pup then. He has cancer now and has seen his better days. He gets pain meds 2 x day. As long as he eats, pees, poops I can't bear to put him down. He survived heart worms and is a tough little guy. Then there's Tippit. She is a ferocious (not, but she thinks she is) Chihuahua who survived a house fire only to have her owner abandon her. When we took her in she would fit in my husband's shirt pocket. She started having seizures at 5 yr old and het Phenobarbital 2 x day. Mutley's 14, so Tippet is 12. Then there's Dakota my chocolate lab and the only dog I bought on my own. She is also 12, and thankfully no illnesses yet. Then there's Toby who is a golden lab. He came to us in November 2009. He was lying in the field next to our home nearly frozen to death when my children noticed him and thought he was dead. Of course I had to check him out. A quick trip to the vet found him malnourished and heart worm positive. I advertised and found his owners who were gonna put him down rather than treat him for heart worms. LOL HE was 7 when we had him treated for heartworms, so he's 13 now. He gets carprofen every morning and night for hip dysplasia. Next is Sissy who was hiding under my sons house back in 2011. When we pulled her out we could see she'd been shot in her snout. Looked like they were aiming for her head and missed. She was a pup, beautiful Catahoula, when we brought her to vet, and then home. She was so terrified for almost a month. She cowered in a corner for weeks, and when we took her out she would crawl on her belly to pee and poop. If only I could've got my hands on the sob who hurt her!!! ROFLMAO why I thought older male dogs couldn't reproduce is beyond me!!! Mutley welcomed Sissy a little too much. OMG she had 14 pups. Three would've died if I hadn't saved them. On top of that I had to help her feed cause she didn't have enough milk. Of course I'm an idiot and fell madly in.love with the runt who fought the hardest to live and looks just like her dad Mutley. She stayed... Then along came Baby. 1 year ago in fact. I was caring for an elderly man in his home, and one day as we were walking, this pitiful, starving dof came running up to us. She had circles of missing hair all over her body!!! I believe they were cigarette burns!!! Long story short-- the old man took her in, but 3 months later had to go in a home. OMG I couldn't take her. The man's family tried to find her a home, but couldn't. They put her bed in the carport with her food. She stayed for 10 days after the old man left!!! I went by everyday to check on her, and everyday she'd chase me down the block. Day 11 she came home with me. She is a beautiful shepherd mix. More to come...

[Annabelle's papa]

:Love_Icon:bowdown:Love_Icon

[CritterMom]

So is the "SOFTIE" sign on your forehead and the "SUCKER" sign on your back or is it the other way around? :dono

[wdlady59]

I guess all over me lol!!! Oh I am SO EXCITED!!!! TOSHA MOVED HER TAIL!!! At first I punched it and she pulled it back. She didn't do this on Monday, it stayed flat as a pancake. Well after she retracted it, I reached out to touch it and SHE MOVED IT FROM ME BARELY TOUXHING IT!!!! Then as she was nibbling on a chunk of avocado, I saw her pull her left leg toward her body!!! Oh ease tell me those are good signs!!!!

[wdlady59]

249652 This is Tasha in her new digs!!! Temporary due to plastic mesh, but I think this solves my issues with her jumping out of tub...

[wdlady59]

249653 This should be upright picture of her new home...

[wdlady59]

249656

[wdlady59]

249657

[wdlady59]

249658

[wdlady59]

249659

[wdlady59]

I'm so sorry... Why are my pics sideways, and upside down??? Please feel free to HELP me!!!! ROFLMAO I am technology challenged..:serene

[wdlady59]

249666

[wdlady59]

249667249668 OH BOY, OH BOY... I THINK I GOT IT!!!

[wdlady59]

Yay me!!! Okay, now back to my critter story... In the middle of one of the hottest Texas summers (JULY 2004) I've ever seen, one of my grandchildren's mother had a box on her front porch with a mommy kitty, and three kittens. I was told that there were originally 7 kittens but she just couldn't figure out why they were dying! OMG! I grabbed them up and took them home. Momma was named Miss Kitty, and she was the most loving cat I've ever known. Her milk had dried up. The youngest one was near death that day. I put Miss Kitty and the two in my room, grabbed up the baby with his tongue hanging out of his lifeless body, and off to the store I went. I had been on the way to carry my brother to Ft. Worth 125 miles away and had him calling wanting to know where I was. I fed the kitten a portion of kitten milk in the Walmart parking lot, and picked up my brother who had no driver's license at the time. LOL Every 15 miles I pulled over to drop more formula in the kittens little mouth. Boy was my brother cussing me... Oh well, my car and my time... Needless to say, I did that all the way over and back to my home. Then I spent the next 24 hours stopping every half hour to feed LUCKY!!! Eventually Miss Kitty rehydrated and raised Lucky. I found homes for two but had fell in love with Lucky and Miss Kitty. They stayed, but Miss Kitty died three years later. :( Then a young kitten wandered up to my house in the middle of a thunderstorm. Precious, named by my little grandson is actually a boy, and he and Lucky became inseparable before I could find him a home. Then along came Knucklehead, named by hubby, she's a girl who I was asked by Humane Society friend to hold onto for a minute... LOL She's still here. Then lastly came Seven. Three kittens were left on my doorstep. A solid orange, solid gray, and a solid black. A note left with them said they were found on the rail road track shivering, and this person knew I wouldn't turn them away!!! OH man, I was so upset. The orange and gray kittens were very outgoing. They each had 6 toes on each paw. The solid black kitten had seven toes on each paw. He would run up the couch, down to where I sat and bury himself in my hair behind my neck. Uh huh, he chose me too. I mean how do you turn away a seven toed, solid black cat??? Right? The two turtles I have were the small red eared, box turtles when my baby sister (who died) gave them to me. LOL I put them in a large tub so they could swim all over... Who knew they would grow to the size of my husband's hands?? That covers the animals except I didn't mention the pup's name out of the litter of 14. Her name is Sassy. I've had custody of my nephew James since he was 18 months, he's now 19. PJ/16, Katelyn/13, & Mason/11 are grandchildren I've had custody of since 2004. I got custody of my great-niece Lily/6, and her my great-nephew Drake/5 in February 2010. Yea, I collect creatures of all kinds... Me and my hubby been together since 1997. I am a cancer survivor. A recovering addict since 1/21/98. I spent 57 days in ICU last May with 17 on a ventilator. I almost died. I had major lung surgery on my right lung last June. Major surgery on left lung in November. I am scheduled for a biopsy on a tumor in my uterus this coming Monday. I tell my story to y'all because I want y'all to know me. I am going to be on these boards from here on out! I also tell my story as a testament to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ! Hope that doesn't offend anyone here!! Okay, I'm done boring y'all! LOL That's MY story and I'm sticking to it!!!:Love_Icon:grin3:Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

WOOT WOOT!!! My MBD kit arrived and Tasha ATE A WHOLE BLOCK by herself! !! I'm excited!!!:jump

[CritterMom]

Oh! That is like the best case scenario! And yes, the tail movement is good news too - any movement or anything you see that she was unable to do before is in the good news category!

[Annabelle's papa]

God Bless You, wdlady59.:thumbsup "Don't Mess With TEXAS" :thumbsup

[wdlady59]

Awww thank you!!! The name is Wende, by the way!!!

[wdlady59]

Critter Mom... Tasha loves the Stoneyfield yogurt! I couldn't find the little ones. So can I get the coconut flavor for her to try? Are any flavors "off limits"?

[SammysMom]

This is such happy news!!! Keep up the good work!!!:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[CritterMom]

Critter Mom... Tasha loves the Stoneyfield yogurt! I couldn't find the little ones. So can I get the coconut flavor for her to try? Are any flavors "off limits"?

That sounds good! No, I can't think of any that would be a problem. It is nice, because the probiotics in the yogurt will help her process her food - get more out of it nutritionally.

I love this stuff. Every time I add it to formula, the baby goes from eating okay to grabbing the syringe out of my hands and totally pigging out!

[TubeDriver]

That and calcium is what she needs!:thumbsup

Great update! :)



WOOT WOOT!!! My MBD kit arrived and Tasha ATE A WHOLE BLOCK by herself! !! I'm excited!!!:jump

[wdlady59]

I talked to Leigh at Henry's. She said as long as Tasha eats 2 blocks a day, I only need to give her 250 mg of calcium per day additionally.

[Nancy in New York]

I talked to Leigh at Henry's. She said as long as Tasha eats 2 blocks a day, I only need to give her 250 mg of calcium per day additionally.

Way to go!
You really are one of the best members.
You just do what you
need to do to get your girl back on track. I know you love her,
and it shows.
You are doing an amazing job! :hug

[CritterMom]

I talked to Leigh at Henry's. She said as long as Tasha eats 2 blocks a day, I only need to give her 250 mg of calcium per day additionally.

Yup. Make sure she is eating and not shredding.

[wdlady59]

Morning y'all! Miss Tasha gained 12 grams since yesterday!!! Yay! She's had her prednisone and Tramadol. 9 cc's FV with yogurt, and I left her with 1/2 block. The blocks get hard pretty quick, and she tires out quick. I figure once the pain med kicks in I'll give her the other half block. She'd ate almost all of the first half when I went back in to feed Mr. Rocky. For the first time this week I feel relaxed. I know it's gonna be a long road back for her, but at least now I believe she's gonna make it. No matter what happens, my girl will always have me to look after her. God willing that my tumor is benign.

[wdlady59]

Thank you for your support Nancy!!! You're the one who helped me save her back in '09. I wish I had stayed on these boards all along. My girl wouldn't be hurting right now. I feel so bad! I've decided that she getting a brand new, custom home once she's recovered. It's going to be built to her physical capabilities. I won't put her down unless she were suffering. I really am so grateful to all of you for helping me and Tasha!!!

[HRT4SQRLS]

No matter what happens, my girl will always have me to look after her. God willing that my tumor is benign.

:please Amen

[wdlady59]

249717 When I opened her door she raised up as if to say "What ya' got?"

[wdlady59]

249718 She ate the whole piece of avocado!

[wdlady59]

249719 This makes me so happy!!! Not too mention she ate the second half of her morning block!! This is Stoneyfield yogurt! She lapped half this tablespoon. I can't wait until I go back to Walmart. I'm gonna load up on all kinds of flavors!!! BTW, I SAW HER MOVE HER LEFT LEG AGAIN THIS MORNING!!!

[wdlady59]

249720249721

[wdlady59]

249723249724 Sorry for the double posts, but I wanted to show Rocky when I first got him with head injury and horrible, non-stop for 9 hours sezures, and Rocky yesterday! Miracles do happen don't they! Counting on it for my Tasha!!!

[CritterMom]

249719 This makes me so happy!!! Not too mention she ate the second half of her morning block!! This is Stoneyfield yogurt! She lapped half this tablespoon. I can't wait until I go back to Walmart. I'm gonna load up on all kinds of flavors!!! BTW, I SAW HER MOVE HER LEFT LEG AGAIN THIS MORNING!!!

Don't just give her the yogurt, though. Mix up some of the Fox Valley and mix some of the yogurt into it so it has the good flavor. She needs way more nutrition than yogurt can give. Glad she likes this - and the blocks...boy did you luck out there!

[wdlady59]

This morning she has already eaten 1 block, and 9 cc's FV with yogurt. This was just a little snack to see if she would lap it herself. Don't know if you saw it, but she gained 12 grams since yesterday!!! YAY!!!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Wow, this is such good news. :thumbsup

[Nancy in New York]

:fireworks Now this is amazing. Way to go! The weight gain is almost Jenny Craig worthy, oh wait they go in the opposite direction. :grin2
Rocky, poor little bub.
WOW you really are the squirrel whisperer! You did excellent Mama! :hug:Love_Icon:hug

[wdlady59]

You know, I really believe that the Tramadol is good for her. I can tell now when she is in pain. She will let me take care of her easier when she isn't in pain. I hate this happening to her with all my heart, but it's so good to know that she trusts me to take care of her. I know if she wanted to, she could still tear me up with her front paws and teeth. I am so grateful that she is loving the blocks!!:grin2:serene:grin3

[wdlady59]

Y'all better get your Raffle tickets!! Tasha said to tell y'all she's gonna win a blanket from Farreli!

[Annabelle's papa]

Morning y'all! Miss Tasha gained 12 grams since yesterday!!! Yay! She's had her prednisone and Tramadol. 9 cc's FV with yogurt, and I left her with 1/2 block. The blocks get hard pretty quick, and she tires out quick. I figure once the pain med kicks in I'll give her the other half block. She'd ate almost all of the first half when I went back in to feed Mr. Rocky. For the first time this week I feel relaxed. I know it's gonna be a long road back for her, but at least now I believe she's gonna make it. No matter what happens, my girl will always have me to look after her. God willing that my tumor is benign.

Good Morning Ms.Wende (wdlady59), It is Miraculous watching You and All the Blessed Folk's Here, doing the Lord's work on All of His Innocent Little Soul's. We are after all, supposed to Be His Hand's.(For the time being, anyway) With You posting Picture's of just how well Tasha is feeling, Everyone Here can Share the same Emotion's You're having in Watching Her rapid Improvement. And I know You see that Look in Tasha's Eye's, As with other critter's, how She is Appreciating everything you're doing for Her. And don't Worry more than You feel You need to about some of Your Own personal Trial's, the Good People here are always in Unbroken Prayer for each Other, and each Other's Family's, and of course The Squirrel's and other Wonderful Little Being's.:Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

And don't Worry more than You feel You need to about some of Your Own personal Trial's, the Good People here are always in Unbroken Prayer for each Other, and each Other's Family's, and of course The Squirrel's and other Wonderful Little Being's.:Love_Icon

Awww, thank you so much Annabelle's Papa!! I don't worry much bout myself and my trials as I have my hands full with other urgent matters. I kind of leave MY issues in God's hands and he seems to handle things pretty well as I am still here above ground. I share my story often, not to brag cause nobody would have wanted my shoes and highway... LOL But I did want to share my story so that y'all would know a little bit bout who I am. Besides, we're supposed to glorify God every little chance we get huh??? :grin3

Never know where seeds sown, may grow~~~

[wdlady59]

Question: Does it matter if I give Tasha both blocks first thing in the morning, or not? I gave her one half at 5 am. The second half around 7 am. When I checked on her around 11 am she was like "Okay, feed me something", so I went ahead and gave her a whole block which she promptly ate!!! I checked, and she isn't stashing, she's eating them... :jump

[SammysMom]

I feed 2 blocks first thing in the morning. Once they are eaten, i feed a big salad of healthy veggies. First thing for both blocks is just fine!

[wdlady59]

Awesome!!! But that being said, her little stomach is nice and hard. Gonna work on giving her plenty of fluids the rest of the day~

[Nancy in New York]

Awesome!!! But that being said, her little stomach is nice and hard. Gonna work on giving her plenty of fluids the rest of the day~

I LOVE your new signature!!!!!!!!!!:grin2

[wdlady59]

Why thank you Nancy! I've been poking around in here trying to familiarize myself with our new home.. LOL Say, is squirrel anatomy in the same places as humans? The reason I ask is that Tasha has a hard spot under her ribs right where the sternum is and extends down where "our" liver is. Now I'm thinking that since she has ate 4 blocks in the last 24 hours, she might be a little backed up. Should I give her some sugar water? She's been peeing rather well with stimulation, and her pellets are nearly rock solid. Ideas???

[CritterMom]

Why thank you Nancy! I've been poking around in here trying to familiarize myself with our new home.. LOL Say, is squirrel anatomy in the same places as humans? The reason I ask is that Tasha has a hard spot under her ribs right where the sternum is and extends down where "our" liver is. Now I'm thinking that since she has ate 4 blocks in the last 24 hours, she might be a little backed up. Should I give her some sugar water? She's been peeing rather well with stimulation, and her pellets are nearly rock solid. Ideas???

Hydration is almost never bad - go ahead. Have you seen her poop?

[wdlady59]

Yes, and its very hard.

[CritterMom]

The sugar water should help soften things - 50/50 apple juice/water is even better. Poor baby is so hungry - but she hasn't had solids in a while - might be a good idea to ease her onto the blocks a little more slowly. Give her the FV/Ensure or even just FV (with the yogurt - also good for poops) for the rest of the day today.

[wdlady59]

I'm fixing to go to the store so I'll pick up some apple juice. I just gave her 3 cc's sugar water. Then I sat and stroked her belly. WOW, poor baby passed 9 LARGE, hard pellets! I am just flabbergasted at how she is letting me handle her. She could fight if she wanted. Not that I'm glad she's hurt by no stretch of the imagination, but I am loving the ability to hold her!!!:Love_Icon I'll feed her FV and yogurt the rest of the day...

[wdlady59]

:serene Tasha is my hero!!!! She's such a fighter!!! She weighed in at 470 today for another whopping gain of 15 grams!!! MORE IMPORTANTLY~~~~AS I WAS STROKING HER STOMACH TO HELP HER PEE AND POOP~~~SHE STRETCHED OUT BOTH LEGS AND STRETCHED THEM!!!!!!! OH MY, OH MY, OH MY!!! I am soooo excited! She's gonna make it y'all!!!! She had her pred, her Tramadol, and 9 cc's FV/yogurt this morning. After she finished going potty, and I put her back in her cage she was like, "Where is my block!" LOL I've always played a game with pecans where I make her guess which fist they're in, and then she has to open that fist... OMG~~ she pulled my fingers apart very enthusiastically!!! Here is a picture of her and Rocky having their morning block!!!249744249745
:bliss:bliss:bliss Question: Are Tasha and Rocky fox squirrels???

[island rehabber]

:bliss:bliss:bliss Question: Are Tasha and Rocky fox squirrels???


Woooohoooo, this is fantastic news!!! And yes, they are without a doubt big, beautiful, fox squirrels! :dance

[HRT4SQRLS]

wdlady59, I'm so excited about your good news. :bliss It sounds like Tasha is really bonding with you. :grin2

When you're stimulating her, you can also do some simple physical therapy on her legs. I would gently rub her legs to keep the circulation flowing and also work her muscles by bending her knees and ankles. She's clearly getting some feeling in her legs with those leg stretches so I would encourage that with the leg rubs. Does she have a heating pad? I'd keep those little 'bird legs' warm. :tilt

[wdlady59]

Yes, she has a heating pad! She's so with it. She started grooming herself (arms, face) this morning. Haven't seen her do that until now. I have been gently, pulling her legs in and out and massaging her muscles as I've stroked her belly. In fact, I was massaging one of her leg muscles when she just stretched them out as big as you please! I'm in tears of gratitude to God because what happened to her was my fault! I believe she will walk again!!! I'm also enjoying the closeness we're building! Although I know, Tasha is pretty independent, and won't allow it for long! But that's a good thing!!:grin3

[wdlady59]

Thank you so much IR!!! You're opinion means a lot to me!!!:grin3

[wdlady59]

Weighing in at a whopping 490 grams, Miss Tasha gained 20 grams since yesterday. She's grooming herself, and stretching her legs! No t walking or using the legs but she did stretch them!! I am gently exercising her legs, and msssaging her muscles. Here's some pics!!! Y'all have a great day! Please pray for me as I have a biopsy this morning on a tumor in my uterus. Thanks so much!

[island rehabber]

Keeping you in my prayers today, Wende. Wonderful news about Tasha!! :w00t

[wdlady59]

Running late, internet down. Will posts pics this evening! !!

[wdlady59]

249798249799249800249801249802

[island rehabber]

Her coloring is just GORGEOUS. :)

[Chickenlegs]

Physical therapy does wonders keeping muscle tone and mobility. There are pros at physical therapy right here on The Board--Lisa in SC comes to mind. Hope she'll come on and take a look at Tasha. She's SO beautiful! Sending love and light that all is well with you .:Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

Oh my heavens...that girl is beautiful!!! Great job giving her wonderful care...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[wdlady59]

Good morning y'all!!! Thank you IR & Sammy'smom! I really hope Lisa from SC gets on so I can pick her brains for PT. Thanks Chickenlegs! Tasha is getting stronger everyday. Today she went down to 483 from 490. I imagine that may fluctuate right? She stretched out her legs several times this morning as I was feeding her. She took 12 cc's FV/Yogurt, her pred & tramadol. Couple of questions: #1. Once I mix up a tramadol, can I keep it a couple of days until it's used up? Should it be refrigerated? #2. In the following picture of her I took this morning she is raised up which is putting pressure on her spine isn't it? She is eating her block. Is this okay for her to do, or should I try to reposition her when she does this? LOL Thanks y'all!!! My procedure went well yesterday. Now it's a matter of time while I wait to see if it's benign or??? Thanks for your prayers! 249836:w00t

[Chickenlegs]

I was talking to Lisa and this is what she said "the biggest problem with paralysis is atrophy setting in and lack of healthy blood flow. Gentle stretching, and since most are pets, full body rub downs are easily done. But this is multiple times a day everyday without fault. I wont do water therapy until the MBD is well under control as giving them the chills has got to be a set back. Tramadol is a must have. Prayers for Tasha"
If you send your phone number via PM, I'll pass it on. She stays crazy busy and seldom posts--or even gets on The Board. She will respond to the occasional email or phone call. Tasha is so beautiful. It'll be great to see her up and playing again. Seems she will only move in a way that's comfortable for her. If her movement is better, RAY!

[wdlady59]

Thanks Chickenlegs for your help. I tried to send you my number via PM but it said your box is full. :( I talked to my vet today and he said for me to keep Tasha on the prednisone for a second week. He said if she doesn't regain her ability to walk he's goona build her a cart!!! My vet is SO AWESOME!!! Anyways, let me know when your box is empty Chickenlegs!! Lol Thank you!

[Nancy in New York]

#1. Once I mix up a tramadol, can I keep it a couple of days until it's used up? Should it be refrigerated? #2. In the following picture of her I took this morning she is raised up which is putting pressure on her spine isn't it? She is eating her block. Is this okay for her to do, or should I try to reposition her when she does this? LOL Thanks y'all!!! My procedure went well yesterday. Now it's a matter of time while I wait to see if it's benign or??? Thanks for your prayers! 249836:w00t


With the tramadol, after it's mixed keep it in the regrig and you can keep it there for 10 days
then discard.
Your little Tasha is just gorgeous!

Sorry I missed something what procedure was done? :dono

[wdlady59]

Oh.... I had a tumor removed from MY uterus yesterday and I'm waiting to see if it is benign, or God forbid malignant. Yea, I was tossing the excess Tramadol in the sink and thought perhaps I could keep it. Tasha is getting really strong with her weight gain and she absolutely LOVES her blocks!!! I'm soooo grateful for that. Thanks for the info Nancy...:Love_Icon

[Chickenlegs]

Deleted a bunch of stuff. Sure wish I could just save all the PMs to my email address.

[wdlady59]

Good morning y'all! Tasha gained 10 grams putting her at 493. That's 3 grams up from day before yesterday. I know her weight is going to fluctuate, but just knowing she's gaining seems positive. The strength she's gaining in her upper mobility is awesome. She used to love to pancake at the top of her cage during the day and stare out the window, so I've started holding her up to the window after each feeding. At first she wasn't interested and struggled, so I would put her in her house. Now she is looking around and enjoying it. I'm learning how to keep her calm as I'm peeing and pooping her. When she's done, she let's me know... Since she can't sit on her haunches, I break her block in half so it's easier for her to hold. I sit there until she finishes first half, then leave her with last half. The stretching of her back legs is more frequent while I'm toileting her. At first the movements looked "rusty", and now the stretching appears more "fluid". I'm so proud of her determination. She's my little hero! Thanks so much chickenlegs for your extra help. I really appreciate it, and await Lisa's call. :hug

[wdlady59]

249873249874

Here are a couple more pics from this morning. Question: Is it normal to see several poop pellets attached by what appears to be an almost invisible thread?

[TubeDriver]

It sounds like she is getting stronger!:thumbsup

In terms of the poops, sometimes there is some goop or hair in the poop. The other possibility is worms of some sort. Keep a constant watch on her poops to see if this repeats. You can also tell how hydrated she is in general from her poops.

Do you have vet access? If so, you could do a fecal test to check for parasites.



249873249874

Here are a couple more pics from this morning. Question: Is it normal to see several poop pellets attached by what appears to be an almost invisible thread?

[wdlady59]

I've only seen the "thread" thingy a couple of times. I pulled at it to see if it was stretchy, but it didn't seem to be. It was attached to several pellets. Just in case, I will take a sample to the vet when I take Rocky to get his nails trimmed later today. I know I need to learn how to trim their nails and buy a trimmer, but I'm always afraid I will trim to much. Thanks TD for the heads up!

[wdlady59]

249876249877249878

Having trouble figuring out which pics I'm posting cause the thumbnail is a question mark. Can anyone help me with this?

[TubeDriver]

Take a couple of recent poops and wrap them in saran wrap. The vet can determine if they are parasites.


I've only seen the "thread" thingy a couple of times. I pulled at it to see if it was stretchy, but it didn't seem to be. It was attached to several pellets. Just in case, I will take a sample to the vet when I take Rocky to get his nails trimmed later today. I know I need to learn how to trim their nails and buy a trimmer, but I'm always afraid I will trim to much. Thanks TD for the heads up!

[Annabelle's papa]

Take a couple of recent poops and wrap them in saran wrap. The vet can determine if they are parasites.

To be clear TD, You "Are" talkin' 'bout "Sasha's" poop's,,, Right??? :dono :thumbsup

[TubeDriver]

That usually works best! Anything else and I don't want to hear about it!


To be clear TD, You "Are" talkin' 'bout "Sasha's" poop's,,, Right??? :dono :thumbsup

[wdlady59]

ROFLMBO!!! Annabelle's Papa and TD~~~ Y'all are hilarious! !! I didn't get over to the vet's today, but I also haven't seen any more "stringy poop". WHAT I DID SEE WAS AMAZING THOUGH!!! Lisa from SC called earlier today and told me how to do PT for Tasha. After I got off the phone it was time to give Tasha (NOT SASHA ALTHOUGH THAT IS A CUTE NAME LOL), her noon pain med. I gave it to her along with her calcium supplement. I went back in about 30 minutes later and started doing PT with her. As I was doing one of the leg exercises Lisa told me to do, TASHA MOVED FIRST ONE LEG, THEN THE OTHER UP TOWARD HER BODY AND DOWN AS IF WALKING ALL BY HERSELF!!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I COULDN'T BE MORE EXCITED!!!:bliss:jump:bliss

[wdlady59]

Have a question~~~ Well~~~~ Y'all told me to ask lots of questions~~ I am posting several pics which I hope y'all can see what I'm seeing. I don't have a clue what these little black dots on Tasha are. I've never seen squirrel titties, so for all I know that's what they are. I don't think they're mites or other "bugs" because she's never been outside or around any other animal... Y'all are the experts, so tell me if you can see what I'm talking about. Oh, and btw~~ I sure hope I read right on some earlier post about it being okay to get your squirrel to eat the block by smearing a little peanut butter on it... Today Lil' Miss Tasha decided she didn't want her second block. Oh no, I wasn't bout to let that slide cause y'all said that's NON-NEGOTIABLE!!! My grandkids were eating peanut butter and Ritz crackers when I walked back in the kitchen with Tasha's uneaten block. I dipped it in their peanut butter and they bout died!!! "EWWWW Mawmaw, we're not eating the rest of that peanut butter now..". I assured them it was okay, but they wouldn't believe me until I nipped a bite of the block. They actually taste pretty good!!! Especially with peanut butter! Soooo back to Tasha I went. She's got one heck of a snazola and was sitting up waiting for me to open her flap. She snatched the peanut butter smeared block and promptly ate the whole thing!!! Awww life is good!!! Pictures to follow!

[wdlady59]

WRONG PICS... SORRY 249892249893249894 LOOK FOR THE BLACK DOTS ON HER ABDOMEN.... WHAT ARE THOSE???:dono:dono:dono

[wdlady59]

249896249897


I tried to move her hair away so you could see the teeny tiny black dots... ???

[wdlady59]

Sorry I don't know how to deselect the other posts.

[wdlady59]

Good morning y'all! Tasha is back down 15 grams to 475. That was a big drop. She didn't eat as well yesterday. She's had her meds and is now eating her morning block. Seems about the same this morning. Still stretching, especially when I toilet her. Y'all have a good day!

:serene

[jbtartell]

ROFLMBO!!! Annabelle's Papa and TD~~~ Y'all are hilarious! !! I didn't get over to the vet's today, but I also haven't seen any more "stringy poop". WHAT I DID SEE WAS AMAZING THOUGH!!! Lisa from SC called earlier today and told me how to do PT for Tasha. After I got off the phone it was time to give Tasha (NOT SASHA ALTHOUGH THAT IS A CUTE NAME LOL), her noon pain med. I gave it to her along with her calcium supplement. I went back in about 30 minutes later and started doing PT with her. As I was doing one of the leg exercises Lisa told me to do, TASHA MOVED FIRST ONE LEG, THEN THE OTHER UP TOWARD HER BODY AND DOWN AS IF WALKING ALL BY HERSELF!!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I COULDN'T BE MORE EXCITED!!!:bliss:jump:bliss

yes lisa is great with these types of things.. sooo glad to hear she is doing better.. I am a little over an hour from her and know her and seen her in action and she is great.. so glad you was able to talk to her.. I have not ready your whole tread because my eyes are not to good about reading but she told me some and I came here to check in and to say hello..:grin3

[wdlady59]

Nice to meet you! Tasha didn't have a very good day yesterday. She kind of reverted to her first sick day. She wasn't interested in eating much at all. Although she did stretch her legs out a couple of times, I didn't see any other movement like I did the past couple of days. Do they sometimes back up like this on their road to recovery like humans do?

[CritterMom]

Increase her calcium a bit. You may be overestimating how much of the blocks she is eating - actually going into her stomach and not just being crumbled up and scattered. How much calcium in addition to her blocks is she getting now? I would bump it by at least 50mg and see what happens.

[wdlady59]

I was giving her 250mg. I'll bump it up to 300mg. Thanks!:hug

[CritterMom]

I was giving her 250mg. I'll bump it up to 300mg. Thanks!:hug

And how many total blocks is she eating per day?

[wdlady59]

She was eating 2 blocks, but she refused them completely today. I took a tissue she had pee'd in to the vets when I took Rocky to get his nails trim today. They gave Tasha Clavamox 0.25 ml twice a day. I think she has a UTI because her urine was the palest of pink and she just stopped forward progression. I smeared her blocks yesterday with peanut butter and she ate them, but today I smeared them with Almond butter and she tasted of it then turned her nose up at it. I made sure she had FV/yogurt, molasses water, Ensure, calcium, and meds today. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day... :(

[CritterMom]

You may want to add some probiotics while she is on the clavamox. Most of us just get whatever drug store brand is available - try for capsules since it is so easy to dose - just a small pinch of the powder inside the capsule, which is a bit sweet tasting. Do not give the probiotics WITH the meds - if you are giving the clav 2X a day it is likely morning and night - so give the probiotics in something around lunchtime. Do NOT heat them as it will kill the beneficial bacteria - if you put it in her FV, for example, warm it up first, then as it comes down to feeding temp, add the probiotics powder.

I am glad you have such a proactive vet!

[wdlady59]

Thanks CritterMom! I'll get some forst thing this morning. I feel bad for her because she was doing so good. I gave her the Tramadol and 3 cc's of Ensure first thing this morning and offerred her a half block. I'm going back in there in 30 minutes or so and give her the Clavamox and prednisone with some FV. I thought maybe if she has pain med on board she'll be more interested in eating. We'll see....

[Nancy in New York]

Thanks CritterMom! I'll get some forst thing this morning. I feel bad for her because she was doing so good. I gave her the Tramadol and 3 cc's of Ensure first thing this morning and offerred her a half block. I'm going back in there in 30 minutes or so and give her the Clavamox and prednisone with some FV. I thought maybe if she has pain med on board she'll be more interested in eating. We'll see....

Poor little Tasha, I hope she starts eating/and feeling better soon.
I do think that with the meds etc. that her tummy could be upset.
When our stomachs hurt, the last thing we want to do is eat.
The probiotics that I use are CVS maximum strength 20 billion
and formulated with 9 strains of "friendly bacteria".
:hug:Love_Icon:hug

[Chickenlegs]

Sweet little Tasha. Feel better soon baby girl :Love_Icon

[jbtartell]

remember to keep her with plenty of water... getting dehydrated will cause them not to eat and other big problems too.. soo please make sure she is drinking lots especially with all these meds...:thumbsup and kiss dat nose for me...:hug

[wdlady59]

I think I was right about the UTI. Her urine is clearer than it was, and she ate a little better yesterday. I'm trying to kind of stagger her meds so she isn't getting them all at once as well. She gained about 7 grams which isn't much, but at least she didn't lose any. I'm so afraid of her wetting herself and laying in urine that I've been stimulating her every time I feed her something. Is that too much?

[CritterMom]

No, that is actually a good idea.

Is she still in a small cage? If so, you might want to think about using the Carefresh bedding in there. I don't usually recommend it because they kick it out of the cage and it makes quite a mess, but it is really good for this - it quickly wicks moisture AWAY - so if you have to leave her for any length of time, even if she pees and doesn't move, she isn't going to be wet.

[wdlady59]

Where do I get Carefresh bedding? And thanks CritterMom for your prompt reply as I've been concerned I might have caused the UTI from making her pee so much.

[CritterMom]

Where do I get Carefresh bedding? And thanks CritterMom for your prompt reply as I've been concerned I might have caused the UTI from making her pee so much.

No, no - the more she pees the better - it flushes the bacteria out - that is usually what causes them - not getting all the pee out.

Any chain pet store will have Carefresh - and if you have a Tractor Supply nearby, their prices are the best.

[CritterMom]

BTW, put something down on the bottom of the cage first - like a few sheets of newspaper or even an old pillowcase. If you just dump the Carefresh on a plastic pan it skids all over the place.

[wdlady59]

Tasha seemed to be eating better the last couple of days but she's neither gaining, or losing weight. I'm thinking that when she got up to 490 it was fluid weight. She's holding steady between 470-480. I'm gonna take a sample of her poop in to be checked for worms as her poo looked a little fleshy yesterday. I got quite the scare yesterday morning. I was getting ready for church and in a bit of a rush. I had given Tasha a half block and had looked in her little house to see if she had eaten it. Well she'd ate half so I pulled what was left out to give to Rocky so it wouldn't get real hard and go to waste. Before I could turn back to Tasha's cage, she had propelled herself out and dropped about 1 1/2 feet to the floor!!! I felt all around her body but didn't feel any breaks, and she had full range of motion... I will NEVER ever turn my back on her again!!!She is moving her tail and legs some which I hope is encouraging. Question: I've been giving Tasha 0.10 ml of Prednisone twice a day for 2 weeks come Wednesday. I don't know what the vet is going to tell me to do in regards to continue to give it to her, but shouldn't she be tapered off of it, or is the amount so minimal that it doesn't matter? Also, is taking 4 meds plus calcium going to tear up her stomach? How can I give it to her to not make her sick?

[jbtartell]

no less than 4x a day...

[CritterMom]

In my opinion (as a non-vet), the prednisone has already been given a bit too long. It is fantastic for getting rid of inflammation, but it does it's thing really quickly...and then with continued long term use, it causes problems, like hindering healing. I would absolutely speak to your vet about tapering it off.

The probiotics we advised should help with stomach issues. The calcium really doesn't cause tummy problems (and is in fact used to treat tummy issues - Tums).

What meds is she taking besides the clavamox and prednisone?

[wdlady59]

She's taking Prednisone 0.10ml 2 x day, Tramadol 0.18ml 3 x day, Clavamox 0.25ml 2 x day, 100 mg Calcium 3 x day, Albon 0.30ml 2 x day. I took her poop sample in and she has Coccidia. I'm staggering her meds so she doesn't take them at the same time. I give her Tramadol first thing in the morning around 6am with a half block and 3ml Ensure. Then at 7am I give her pred, Clavamox, 12-15 ml FV/yogurt, and another half block. Around 10am I give her calcium, 6 ml Ensure, 3 ml molasses water, and 0.30 ml Albon. 1pm she gets Tramadol, 3 ml Ensure, calcium, and half block. 6pm she gets pred, Clavamox, 12-15 ml FV/yogurt, and half block. 7pm Tramadol, calcium, 0.30ml Albon and 3 ml Ensure. Depending on how she's acting, I've given her 0.15 Tramadol at midnight.
I know the Ensure has a lot of sugar, but she eats it really well. She sometimes grabs the syringe from me. This morning she weighed 85 grams. I'm doing PT with her 3 x day. She's really alert and getting stronger in her upper mobility..... What do y'all think???

[Nancy in New York]

Perhaps you can start reducing the Tramadol.
If you feel she needs something for discomfort,
then it's advised, but I wouldn't routinely give that.
Why was she on Albon?
This is a lot for her little body.
I don't think the Prednisone is going to do much at this point,
and I do think she should start being weaned off.
I think you made a mistake with her weight above..........:grin2
Does she go back to the vet again?

What kind of worms does she have?
Poor little Tasha, can't catch a break. :shakehead

[wdlady59]

OMG.. yes she weighed 485 grams! I'm calling the vet this morning to get instructions for decreasing Prednisone. I'll cut back on the Tramadol too. She has Coccidia. She's hanging out at the door of her little house looking out. I picked her up and held her for a little bit, but she let me know she was ready to go back. After she had eaten 1 1/2 blocks yesterday, I gave her a strawberry and she tore it up! She will NOT eat her other veggies period.... I'll go take a pic and post in a bit....:Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

250149250150250151

:blowkiss She's my little brave soul!!!

[wdlady59]

BTW~~~ I've been doing her PT several times a day. I'm seeing some movement, including her tail when I massage it. I have wondered about the movement being involuntary, so I tried something to see what she'd do. As I was supporting her back and letting her feet dangle, I stuck them on the rim of the sink which I had splashed water on. She immediately lifted one foot, then the other clearly bothered! Now if I were a betting woman I'd say that was absolutely VOLUNTARY movement!!! But with that being said, could she do that if she were permanently paralyzed? Her leg muscles are starting to bulk a little. I at least feel more mass in her legs... It's only been 2 weeks, and I am patient, but as a nurse I am looking for signs... Y'all are the experts....

:glomp:Love_Icon:hug

[SammysMom]

Oh good! Keep up the good work! That is definitely a great sign:thumbsup
Now, a couple of things that I noticed, I would change the yogurt to either 2 hours before or 2 hours after the antibiotic. That way the good bacteria has a chance to help the tummy upset from the antibiotic without the antibiotic killing it off. Also, on the prednisone, at this point, I would start to taper it and the taper we usually use would be going down to 1 dose once per day for 3 days and then 1 dose every other day for 3 doses, then done.
She is just precious and you are doing a great job with her.:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[wdlady59]

Wow, I hadn't even thought of the yogurt and abx clashing. Hmm I'll fix that today.. Thanks Nancy, CritterMom, and Sammy's mom!!! I couldn't do this without everyone's help!!

[TubeDriver]

Good point about tapering off the prednisone, don't want to start some adrenal crisis by stopping the steroid too fast! :thumbsup


Oh good! Keep up the good work! That is definitely a great sign:thumbsup
Now, a couple of things that I noticed, I would change the yogurt to either 2 hours before or 2 hours after the antibiotic. That way the good bacteria has a chance to help the tummy upset from the antibiotic without the antibiotic killing it off. Also, on the prednisone, at this point, I would start to taper it and the taper we usually use would be going down to 1 dose once per day for 3 days and then 1 dose every other day for 3 doses, then done.
She is just precious and you are doing a great job with her.:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[wdlady59]

How cool TD!! I was just responding to your Squirtle's yard thread... Thanks for checking in on Tasha!!

[TubeDriver]

You are doing a great job with Tasha! :thumbsup Thank you for keeping Pumpkin Seed in your thoughts, it means a lot to me.


How cool TD!! I was just responding to your Squirtle's yard thread... Thanks for checking in on Tasha!!

[wdlady59]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6a0yQjPh0

I hope this works!!! PLEASE WATCH AND TELL ME WHAT Y'ALL THINK THIS SAYS IF ANYTHING~~!

[TubeDriver]

I am no rehab expert so take this with a grain of salt but that looks very promising to me. She moves each leg independently of the other and in a coordinated manner. She actually places one of her feet on the tap and you an see her push off on it. It also looks like she flexes her ankle to set her foot on the tap although I am not certain it was voluntary muscle movement or a result of weight on the ankle causing the flex?

I would not set the bar low with Tasha, I would continue to do rehab work with her! :)




www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6a0yQjPh0

I hope this works!!! PLEASE WATCH AND TELL ME WHAT Y'ALL THINK THIS SAYS IF ANYTHING~~!

[wdlady59]

OH YAY!!! I thought I saw the ankle on the tap too!!! This has to be VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT!!! Oh no, I will spend the rest of her life working with her if that's what it takes! Thanks for checking it out TD!!!

:bliss:jump:bliss

[CritterMom]

This is a win/win, too, you know. The hands on PT is making her a lot tamer and more accepting of you too, isn't it? You have mentioned how nice it is to have her be so cuddly. They are like anything else - the more you give, the more you get. She may never get to 100% (and having chased a little foxer who's pelvis was crushed by a dog as a wee baby around my living and dining room until I though I was going to have a coronary, there are many different levels of "handicapped") but I bet you and she come out of this with a closer relationship.

[wdlady59]

Oh yes!!! She is very accepting of my handling her. When she is ready to be put back, she will very gently nip my hand/fingers. Last night I had to get up in the middle of the night for a potty run, and when I turned on the light she moved to the front of her house and looked up at me. I took her out, and just cuddled her for a few moments. She let me and seemed to snuggle a bit herself. Then she moved around letting me know she was ready to be returned! I'd give anything if she could walk again though!!! I was sitting there this morning wishing I had a few thousand so I could give her back surgery... Well, I feel pretty moved that she kicked her legs this morning. I'll keep doing what I'm doing until hell freezes over in hopes she will one day walk again!!!:blowkiss

[Chickenlegs]

This just makes my day! :serene

[jbtartell]

yesss tat was most definitely voluntary.... great work...:grouphug

[wdlady59]

Last night around 11pm when I pee'd Tasha, the stream started out looking like MILK. So first thing this morning I checked, and right off the bat the first drops were milky wh I te. My vet said she had vitamin/mineral overload. He had me take her off calcium and Clavamox. I'm also tapering her off prednisone. Just FYI in case some of you hadn't seen MILK pee....

[CritterMom]

Last night around 11pm when I pee'd Tasha, the stream started out looking like MILK. So first thing this morning I checked, and right off the bat the first drops were milky wh I te. My vet said she had vitamin/mineral overload. He had me take her off calcium and Clavamox. I'm also tapering her off prednisone. Just FYI in case some of you hadn't seen MILK pee....

That's too bad. This is really common - the "milky pee" is simply from excess calcium that is not being utilized by the body, and is a sign to REDUCE the calcium, not stop it. Hopefully she is eating enough of the HHBs to help get her past her MBD.

[SammysMom]

Lower the calcium, but don't take her off it completely. She really needs it to recover if this is MBD.

[wdlady59]

Tasha is eating 11/2 to 2 blocks per day, around 30 mls FV/YOGURT, 10-15mls Ensure. I've added cran-apple juice to the diet for her kidneys and she loves it. I'm taking Rocky off the blocks as his poop has turned marble. He has probably 90 mls p/day FV.

[TubeDriver]

I agree with CM, that is just excessive Ca. In the long term, it can cause problems but in the short term I would REDUCE the calcium (cut in half) and not stop it altogether. I would also continue with blocks, they will be the staple of her diet for the rest of her life. Cut back to a single block if you waant for this week but hard poops is often an indicator of dehydration.

Give her fresh cut apple slices, it is a great way to hydrate a squirrel!



Tasha is eating 11/2 to 2 blocks per day, around 30 mls FV/YOGURT, 10-15mls Ensure. I've added cran-apple juice to the diet for her kidneys and she loves it. I'm taking Rocky off the blocks as his poop has turned marble. He has probably 90 mls p/day FV.

[Nancy in New York]

.......but hard poops is often an indicator of dehydration.

Give her fresh cut apple slices, it is a great way to hydrate a squirrel!


:thumbsup
Is she drinking plenty of water on her own?
I know you already know this, but just make sure that her water bottle is
always working, that little ball can sometimes stick.
Also if your market has watermelon, try that too.

[CritterMom]

Guys, she is talking about two different squirrels. ROCKY has been taken off blocks due to constipation. TASHA has been taken off calcium because the vet told her to.

[TubeDriver]

Thanks and sorry for misreading her post.


Guys, she is talking about two different squirrels. ROCKY has been taken off blocks due to constipation. TASHA has been taken off calcium because the vet told her to.

[CritterMom]

Thanks and sorry for misreading her post.

Nothing wrong with the info - I just saw the different names and didn't want y'all going down the road of thinking it was ONE squirrel with all the issues.

[wdlady59]

Sorry for all the confusion. Rocky isn't constipated, his poop is white and brown, mostly white so I decided to take him off the blocks. He has been on formula all his life and gets plenty of nutrients. Tasha has milky pee and the vet said to stop the extra calcium. She isveating two blocks a day now, and with FV/yogurt and Ensure she should be getting plenty of calcium. That's what the vet said anyways.

[wdlady59]

Okay, I gave Tasha half of the calcium I was giving her and will see how that works. I trust my vet, but I trust y'all as well as y'all deal with squirrels more than he does. I gave her about 12 mls of cran-apple today and she is peeing her hiney off... Nancy, she won't drink anything on her own, but she will suck it down in a syringe. She won't drink straight water, so I put half cran-apple and half water. Thanks to all of you, Nancy, CritterMom, Pete, and Sammy's mom.... Y'all's help means the world!!!

[SammysMom]

I am so glad to hear that you are still giving some of the calcium. You are doing great and your vet is trying his/her best, but without the experience is taking a shot in the dark. Keep up the good work...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[CritterMom]

Sorry for all the confusion. Rocky isn't constipated, his poop is white and brown, mostly white so I decided to take him off the blocks. He has been on formula all his life and gets plenty of nutrients. Tasha has milky pee and the vet said to stop the extra calcium. She isveating two blocks a day now, and with FV/yogurt and Ensure she should be getting plenty of calcium. That's what the vet said anyways.

I strongly suggest you slowly put Rocky back on the blocks.

A bit mistake people make is thinking that they are getting lots of calcium supplementation from formula. They aren't. Formula is designed to be fed to infant animals that are not eating ANYTHING else, so it is balanced to be right at 2:1 ca to phos. Any other food he eats that has phosphorus in it, and that is almost everything, is skewing Rocky's calcium intake DOWN. The Henry's are designed to be higher than 2:1 so that this doesn't happen, as they are meant to be fed with veggies and other healthy foods.

[wdlady59]

I gave Rocky 1/2 block today but his poop is still whitish~~ Tasha's pee is nice and clear. She's getting lots of water via 1/2 water &1/2 cranapple juice. Her appetite has returned as well. She seems to be gaining weight and has held right at 500 grams for the past two days.... I'm encouraged.....

[TubeDriver]

Sounds like the 1/2 dose calcium is allowing Tasha to excrete the excess Ca.

So Rocky is pooping and finished with his constipation? His poops are white?



I gave Rocky 1/2 block today but his poop is still whitish~~ Tasha's pee is nice and clear. She's getting lots of water via 1/2 water &1/2 cranapple juice. Her appetite has returned as well. She seems to be gaining weight and has held right at 500 grams for the past two days.... I'm encouraged.....

[wdlady59]

He was never constipated, but his poop looks like brown and white marble. More white than brown...

[Nancy in New York]

I'm taking Rocky off the blocks as his poop has turned marble. He has probably 90 mls p/day FV.

I think the confusion is that you wrote poop has turned marble. People are probably thinking HARD like a marble, instead of color as in marbleized, white/brown.

ROCKY IS NOT CONSTIPATED.........:grin3

[wdlady59]

ROFLMBO!! I never thought of it sounding like that! :grin2
Tasha weighed in this morning at 511 grams. She's getting super strong in her upper body mobility. I've seen her moving her legs a little in her house. Pulling them into her body and such as that... Her appetite is voracious, she chomps her block like it was a piece of candy. I'm going to spread out a quilt on the floor today and see what she does... Unless y'all think it's to early to take her out of her small area??:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

ROFLMBO!! I never thought of it sounding like that! :grin2
Tasha weighed in this morning at 511 grams. She's getting super strong in her upper body mobility. I've seen her moving her legs a little in her house. Pulling them into her body and such as that... Her appetite is voracious, she chomps her block like it was a piece of candy. I'm going to spread out a quilt on the floor today and see what she does... Unless y'all think it's to early??:Love_Icon

This is really such fantastic news about Tasha, and her weight gain if great.
I know you had a couple of scares with her losing etc. but I pray that she is over the hump.
I do think it's a great idea to see what her mobility is like, just make sure she doesn't decide to climb high on something,
it's in their nature...........and we just don't want her falling.
Or you could do like they do in gymnastics, and be her "spotter", ready to catch/break a fall. :poke

[wdlady59]

I put her in the huge tub I originally bought for her after her accident with a fleece blanket covering the bottom. Not sure if that was quite big enough but when she got anxious I returned her to her house. She went from one end to the other still dragging her legs, but pulled under her instead of behind. Tomorrow 3 weeks ago was the last time I saw her on her feet. I believe she needs more time. Everytime I handle her, I do PT to some degree. I feel her leg muscles gaining mass, and I feel like the PT is helping. I have all the time she needs and will be there for her regardless of her outcome. Dr. E said if she remains paralyzed that we will build her a cart! But I have faith in my girl! If it's possible, and God willing, SHE WILL WALK AGAIN!!!:Love_Icon

[wdlady59]

:grouphugNANCY:grouphug

[jbtartell]

Tasha, I was wondering does he eat solids on his own at all besides the half a block?

[wdlady59]

Tasha weighed in at 521 today! She moved her tail when I barely touched it!!! Yesterday afternoon I put fleece on the floor and blocked off an area with her transport cage. She dragged herself around for a couple of minutes before heading to the transport cage. The transport cage was next to Rocky's cage mind you. Before I could stop her, she got on the transport cage, went up and over it, went across Rocky's cage and slung herself over the side of it. I barely got up in time to catch her from falling to the floor
OMG!!! She might be paralyzed, but it sure ain't keeping her down!! Question: Can Tasha have more than 2 blocks a day? I can't get her to eat veggies, but she's devouring her blocks. Do they make veggie blocks anywhere?

[farrelli]

It's recommended that a gray not get more than two blocks. You definitely can get too much of a good thing.

[wdlady59]

Woo hoo!! Tasha weighs 546 grams!! She is eating voraciously, grabbing the syringe with both paws! She still won't lap it up, preferring the syringe. Farreli, she is a Fox squirrel. I put her on the floor on a fleece blanket last night, and then again this morning. BOTH times she appears to be pushing with one leg!!! I'm afraid to get too excited but this is NEW BEHAVIOR I haven't seen before!!

:bliss:serene:bliss

[TubeDriver]

Two blocks shoukd be about enough for a 550g squirrel but as she gains size she can probably eat 2.5-3 blocks. That pushing movement with her legs is a good sign! I would continue to work really hard with her. Keep her safe from falls but let her move around as much as possible on the floor.

:thumbsup




Woo hoo!! Tasha weighs 546 grams!! She is eating voraciously, grabbing the syringe with both paws! She still won't lap it up, preferring the syringe. Farreli, she is a Fox squirrel. I put her on the floor on a fleece blanket last night, and then again this morning. BOTH times she appears to be pushing with one leg!!! I'm afraid to get too excited but this is NEW BEHAVIOR I haven't seen before!!

:bliss:serene:bliss

[wdlady59]

I thought so too Pete! Really excited! Thanks for caring!:Love_Icon