Need help for Adult Squirrel!

[Jesse3445]

Our Squirrel (Bubby) has recently lost weight and has become less active.He is 9 years old and lives with his sister (Sissy) she is perfectly healthy, we have had them since they were about one week old. There home tree was cut and we rescued them in 2006.
His normal diet consists of various nuts; walnuts, pecans, almonds, fresh carrot, veggies, watermelon, whatever outdoors nuts and flowers, and greenery that is in season at the time. He only had run of a few rooms of our home when strictly supervised, otherwise he only has run of our bedroom and there is nothing that is there to hurt either of them.

He has become way less active and he is lethargic at times. He is down where you can feel some of his ribs and spine, There is also slight hair loss spots noticed. We continue to offer him fruit and nuts. I have also began to supplement his calcium. 500mg. in dosages of 100-125mg Q.I.D in case it is due to low calcium (began calcium yesterday). He still drinks well out of a dropper as well as eats around on his food but actually eats very little. Although he is still having somewhat normal (but alittle dry)bowel movements and urinating some.

We also noticed a problem with his privates. He had it extended out for a few days, this has happened before but this time it hasn't gone back in yet, We have been applying a water based lubricant as well as pure lubricating jelly daily, This has seemed to improve the situation somewhat.

The family has had the stomach virus since the weekend, thou Bubby was sick before this, can it still be playing into what is going on with him? He is NOT vomiting that we have see.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Please respond with advise/additional questions.

[SugarHill]

I'm so sorry the little guy isn't feeling good. His regular meals sound pretty balanced, but I think the calcium supplements are going to be crucial; make sure you get some of the Henry's blocks ASAP. The other TSB members will probably have a better idea but it sounds dietary to me. Perhaps Sissy just hasn't been as vulnerable. I know it's worrisome. Definitely make sure his diet is NOT the issue though by adding in those Henry's blocks or the rodent block (from Chris's Squirrel Store). I order it and have it shipped overnight if possible.

[wdlady59]

There will definitely be others on who can answer your questions shortly, but I would say read up in the Squirrel Nutrition section. I didn't think it could be nutrition since I'd been feeding my squirrel the same thing for 5-6 years but it is. That's where I'd start if I were you. Others will be on here shortly...

[Jesse3445]

Thank You! I am monitoring this thread for replys.

[CritterMom]

Although he is also very old, I agree this is likely at least partially diet related. and if you continue with your current diet I would imagine you will have issues with Sissy, too. I would start supplementing her with calcium as well.

What calcium are you using to supplement him? Does it have Vitamin D in it? Please post this info.

You had a food sugggested - I very strongly suggest you get some of this: http://www.henryspets.com/picky-blocks-adult-formula/ and while you are on that site, order some of their calcium as well: http://www.henryspets.com/calcium-carbonate-powder/. It is pure calcium carbonate and has little flavor so it can be sneaked into foods.

You need to cut WAY back on nuts, and when you do feed them, limit them to almonds and hazelnuts - they are the two that are least bad for MBD.

He likely hurts if he has MBD and that will kill their appetite. Squirrels can have INFANT IBUPROPHEN and it is sweet tasting so they usually like it. If you can give us his weight we can help you dose it. You will need a 1cc syringe to do this as the dropper that comes with it is too large for something the size of a squirrel.

If you can provide him with bottom heat via a heating pad set on low under his sleeping area where he cannot reach the cord to chew, that will help him feel better too.

[Jesse3445]

The calcium I am using right now is "OS-Cal" 500 mg/tablet in divided doses. It contains 500 mg of calcium and 400ui of Vitamin D3.

I'm not sure of his weight now that he has lost weight, probably around 11-12 ounces or so at best. (Please dose/frequency the infant ibuprofen for me)

I am maintaining a warm sleeping area for him. Also, He took another dose of calcium (125mg) a few minutes ago.

[CritterMom]

Yes - most human calcium supplements have more vitamin D than a squirrel should have. Until you can order the proper calcium, when at the drug store, pick up some of the fruit flavored Tums. Get the highest amount of calcium as you can - they have 500, 750 and 1000mg tabs - try to get the 1000 and then we need you to come back and tell us exactly which ones you got so we can properly dose for you. What it says on the label in the front is NOT the amount of calcium per tablet unfortunately.

11 or 12 ounces is very small for an adult squirrel. It would be really nice to have an exact weight - do you have any way to give us that? What breed is he?

[Jesse3445]

I'm aware of the calcium content differences, there is elemental Calcium to consider as well as Vitamin D3.. I will get a better form of calcium when the store opens this morning. Im not sure how to get a weight that is more accurate, I will try to.
Also, need dosage for Ibuprofen, I have Children's Advil on hand, But can get Infants when store opens.

I have much medical background, but this differs from small animals like my Bubby. sadly I have very little small animal medical care background.

I will attempt to get a weight. Please advice Advil dosage/frequency

[Jesse3445]

The best weight I can get puts him about 12 ounces. He has always been kind of small in stature and body size his whole life. Sissy is about 18 ounces.
Bubby is an Eastern Grey Squirrel

[CritterMom]

Sent dosing via PM.

[Jesse3445]

Advil administered. Resting well for now. Will pick up better calcium and continue to monitor.

Any advice about the penile issue? We are keeping it moistened with lubricating jelly for now.

[CritterMom]

I really don't know what is going on with his penis, however, one of the later stages of MBD is paralysis, starting with the hind end. I wonder if this is related to that - that he simply doesn't have the strength to withdraw it. Keeping it moist is a good idea, but I think you would be better off using something that is water based. Since we are sending you to the drug store anyway, take a look at the, um, "personal lubricant" section - you want something like KY that is non-toxic (in case he licks) and water based ideally.

So, order the blocks and calcium from Henry's. The woman who runs this is one of our members - and as a TSB member, YOU will get a small discount. You may want to call the phone number on the site - Leigh is always willing to help with this - stopping/curing MBD is the reason she came up with this food (which by the way also TASTES good so they will eat it) and she probably knows more about it than anyone on the board.

Pick up infant ibuprophen, Ensure, and some kind of KY type product, as well as the Tums.

Bubby is quite old, and it took him some time to get to this point, so his recovery will be slower than a juvenile squirrel. Making sure he is getting the best possible nutrition during his treatment is really vital.

[Jesse3445]

Thank You! I will pick up the rest of the items needed and keep you posted.
I don't think paralysis is a big issue as on right now. He can get up and walk across the room when he feels like doing so. But this morning, he is so tired and week. He seems stable and is resting. I'll keep everyone posted.

On a side note. Sissy is now having additional calcium supplemented into her diet. I will also be ordering the Henry's blocks.
If you have any additional input, I welcome anything I can get.

[Nancy in New York]

Thank You! I will pick up the rest of the items needed and keep you posted.
I don't think paralysis is a big issue as on right now. He can get up and walk across the room when he feels like doing so. But this morning, he is so tired and week. He seems stable and is resting. I'll keep everyone posted.

On a side note. Sissy is now having additional calcium supplemented into her diet. I will also be ordering the Henry's blocks.
If you have any additional input, I welcome anything I can get.

Good luck with your little ones. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon
You are in excellent hands with CritterMom!
:hug

[TubeDriver]

Good luck with your little ones. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon
You are in excellent hands with CritterMom!
:hug

Yup!^^^^^^^^

[Jesse3445]

Our Bubby passed away about 5 minutes ago. About 4:30pm EST. Please say a prayer for us and Sissy. He was a member of my family.

[SammysMom]

Oh good Lord...I am so sorry...
Godspeed Bubby...:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

I can't tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. He knew love and he took your love with him...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Baxied]

I'm so sorry for your loss.:grouphug

RIP sweet Bubby.:sad

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh NO ... I am so very sorry. :boohoo I am in shock. I didn't expect this and I know you didn't either.

I absolutely do know that Buddy was part of your family and you just lost a part of your heart. :grouphug My heart breaks for you and Sissy. Hold Sissy tight as you walk through this loss together. :Love_Icon I am so sorry.

RIP Buddy ~ you were loved.

[TubeDriver]

:(

Gods Speed Bubby.


You gave him a long life of love, warmth, comfort and family. Bubby is at the bridge, happy and whole!

:grouphug

[Jesse3445]

Thank you all for the kind words. Bubby was part of our lives for 9 years, would be 10 next month. We have so many pics and cherished memories of him. We also still have Sissy, Bubby's sister to love. I hope she knows he is in a better place. I think it is appropriate to post a pic of Bubby for you guys.
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[HRT4SQRLS]

Jesse, That's a beautiful picture of Buddy. I pray that at some point your pain will be replaced by sweet memories of your precious boy. 10 years, my my ... it's clear that Buddy and Sissy received wonderful care and a whole lot of love. :grouphug

[LaurelLynn]

My heart breaks for your loss :sorry

But it makes me smile to imagine what a beautiful and long life he was given. .. full of safety, love and family. Thank you for making him such a lucky squirrel... in the game called life, he totally won the squirrelly lottery! :money

[Jesse3445]

He was loved very much. We love Sissy just as much. She is much feistier than Bubby was. I hope she does well with Bubby gone. They lived together, played together, slept together, they were a classic "duo". She was always somewhat protective of him too. lol. I feel sorry for her...:-(

[Shewhosweptforest]

:boohoo :grouphug Jesse, Bubby, Sissy :grouphug I'm sooo sorry for your loss :shakehead please know we all understand your love and devotion :Love_Icon Many of us have squirrels as family, too :grin3 and we understand the huge place they take up in our hearts :spark and our homes :shakehead I know your heart and home is feeling empty today :hug give Sissy lots of love...I'm sure she's going to miss her brother terribly :Cry

I know nothing will ease the pain at this time....probably never (but it will get easier) but please hang on to the knowledge that you gave this little manie life...he would never have been....if you had not rescued, loved, parented him and his sister :bowdown you gave them the gift of a wonderful home and family...and they gave you the indescribable gift of "squirrel love" :grin3 I pity people who don't ever experience it :Love_Icon Please share Bubby's pics and stories with us....yes we love pics and stories :gigg and maybe when you're feeling better it will help you, too :Love_Icon And we'd love to hear all about Sissy :grouphug

One last thing, although squirrels that live with us have a longer lifespan ...10 years or a little more....I don't hear of many that do :dono so you did an exceptional job of caring for your boy and his sister....you should take solace in that knowledge. :Love_Icon Please hang around you would be a wonderful asset with the knowledge and experience you've gained from your life together :fluff1

[SugarHill]

Gosh, I'm tearing up right now. I'm so sorry. I never thought I could love anything/anyone as much as I love my little ones. They are so special. We are thinking of you and sending our love to your little family. Bubby had a good long life, and is now happily pouncing about in everlasting Spring, grateful for the loving home you gave him until he arrived in his next one.

[jbtartell]

I am sorry for your loss I have been and still am sick all wk from that bad stomach flue.. grrr my heart goes out to u and your family and I think she will be just fine with all the love frpm you and your family..:hug:Love_Icon

[Jesse3445]

I feel so sorry for Sissy. She is looking around for Bubby tonight.:-(.... Otherwise, She is doing well, I'm so thankful she is so healthy. She has never had a health issue in her 10 years. She is still so rambunctious. Loves to play (on her terms, of course) and so interactive. I hope she does well thru this. I'm not sure if she will grieve over Bubby or not. Does anyone know if a pair together for so long will grieve if one passes away?

[lennysmom]

I'm so sorry for your loss Jesse.:( I know it must be hard for you, your family, and Sissy. I'm sure you need Sissy right now just as much as she needs you during this time. No doubt she will miss her Buddy, but hopefully she will adjust given time. I know lukaslolamaus had two and one suddenly died. She told me he searched for his brother a few days and defiantly needed some extra snuggles, but was able to adjust and is doing fine now, although they were a lot younger. Sharing in your sadness tonight. :grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Yes, I believe she will grieve. IMO, anything that has the capacity to love also has the capacity to suffer loss or grieve.
I think we all agree that they can love. I'm sure you experienced Bubby and Sissy's love. :Love_Icon
Her entire life has been with her Bubby. How could she not? :(

(Sorry I called your baby Buddy ... I got it, Bubby) :sniff

[Jesse3445]

I agree with you. I think our whole family will be grieving for a while to come. We will give her all the more love and attention to help her thru this as her love and attention will help us thru. Thank you all! You have been a tremendous help and source of support! We will post more pics later, of Bubby and Sissy. We have nearly 10 years worth! :-)

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

He was a good looking boy! We won't mind more pics of that sweet soul when you get a chance. Condolences. :grouphug:hug:Love_Icon

[czarina]

First, I am so very sorry for your loss of precious Bubby. He was a handsome fellow. You were so fortunate to have been able to share his love for almost 10 years. There is no question in my mind that this little fellow knew he was loved!

Please try and let the fact of how much you loved him, and how much he loved you, be some solace for the terrible emptiness you are feeling. They are such amazing creatures, and someone said it earlier, it is a shame for all the people who have never known "squirrel love". I know it has changed my life, and for the better.

And yes, most definately Sissy will be grieving. It is very important that she get lots of extra attention now. It is known that rats,(a squirrels closest relative), go through a very serious grieving process. Squirrels are so intelligent, so its very important for Sissy's mental health that she has lots of contact with her human family.

And, probably a little diet modification. When they eat just 2 blocks a day, of the Henry's Healthy Blocks, they get all the vitamins they need to stay healthy. If you have problems getting her to eat them, let us know, we have lots if tricks to help you.

I have a question, that I just have to ask. I hope you don't mind. You said they have been together this whole time, they never bred? Were they altered? I ask because I have a female I am overwintering, and she is driving my male nuts! And, they aren't in the same cage. Come on spring!!!!!!

Again, my deepest sympathies. We, here at TSB completely understand what you are going through, and there will be many tears shed for your little Bubby.

Godspeed little one. Go with love. :Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon:g rouphug:Love_Icon

[sandycheeks]

So sorry for your loss. RIP Bubby.

[Jesse3445]

Thank you for your kind words, It helps when there are people you can turn to that knows what it is like to have these guys in their life. Today is really harder in some ways than yesterday was. It was such a privilege to have had Bubby for the time we had him. He will forever be missed. We will give Sissy extra love and attention. We will monitor her closely and interact with her often.
To answer your question. I was going to post their story from when we found them, but I will do that later sometime. Um, They were housed together and cared for from the time they came into our life at about two days old until now. They slept in the same cubby, ran together, and played as sidekicks, for the last 9+ years. I'm not sure why, but we never had any "mating" issues. They never tried to mate, we never had any times that it was ever an issue. I don't know if it had anything to do with them being together from the time before their eyes opened keeping each other warm as naked babies until now, they may have felt like they were "family" and didn't see each other as "partners".(If it even can work this way in nature) There may have been another reason, I honestly don't know why, but we never had issues with them trying to mate through the whole 9+ years.

[Jesse3445]

I have created a new thread in honor of Bubby and for Sissy in the Pet Squirrels Forum outside of the Emergency Forum. This will be my last post in this thread. I will post pics and stories there. Please visit us and if you have any problems or questions please let me know.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?49056-Our-Bubby-and-Sissy


Thank you all again!

[lukaslolamaus]

R.I.P. Bubby :Love_Icon:grouphug

I'm so sorry for your loss Jesse :grouphug.

Sweet Sissy will definitely grieve! We lost one of our precious boys, Gabriel almost one year ago. He passed suddenly and was almost 6 months old. Toby was missing his brother, and needed lots of extra attention. They were not litter mates nor shared their cage, but played together daily and their cages were right next to each other. Toby didn't see him pass, but was searching for Gabriel.

My heart goes out to you, I'm praying for Sissy and your family:grouphug