Confused

[Mybabypeanut]

I am new here and new to saving a abandoned baby. I found her in my front yard that is terribly close to the road and I also saw a larger squirrel that had been hit:(:( I sat down in the grass to tell her it would be ok and she ran straight to me and got on my knee. I have read everything I can find to make sure she gets the best care. There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet. Im glad I found this board and Henrys.
I believe she is 7 weeks old now...maybe 8? She is about 6-7 inches long, eyes bright fully furred and adorable. A few days ago I noticed what may have been a seizure. She seemed to have a dazed look and stretched out and not moving. I panicked and jumped on line. I found where someone said she needed Vit D3 liquid so I ran out and got that and gave her a drop. After a couple of hours she was all better. About a week later it happened again and I gave her another drop and read that she needed calcium....I ran out and got that and gave her what the internet said...1/8th teaspoon. then I read that it should be elemental calcium...I ran out and got that. Henrys Leaigh said to give her 1/3rd of a crushed tums until I get the package from Henry's. Yesterday after I gave her the calcium she was full of energy and ran around the house for 10 striaght hours non stop. That was highly unusual as she usually only got up a few hours and slept the rest of the time. TODAY...she is still sleeping after being fed her 20 ML breakfast with her tums dose. Is she just tired from yesterday? Is she sick? PLEASE HELP.... I have had her on formula and rodent block KayTee. Her formula is the goat mild esbilac. 1 scoop with 2 scoop hot water and 1 teaspoon of whipping cream. When I got her she weighed 6 oz and she now weighs 11oz or 312 grams. So she is growing. She looks healthy, bright eyed...but so very lazy. She eats her formula 3 times per day and drinks 20 ML each feeding. I offer her more during the day but she doesnt want it. She has her block, deer antler and maple tree in her sleeping area. I had also given her veggies in a plate but Henrys told me to take that away so I did that today. She ate great this AM but has no interest in getting up...why? She sleeps in a large tote with large felt shawl that encircles her. This is on a pillow covered in felt. During the day she has full run of the house but yesterday was the first day that she was really energetic and was inspecting everywhere...under strict supervision. Am I doing anything wrong? I ordered the blocks from Henrys, their formula and their calcium. What can I do to make her feel better and be more energetic till then or do they sleep this much when this age? Im so worried about her. Thank You. P.S. I feed her last feeding at night in a baby carrier with felt jacket inside and she goes sound asleep....she twitches and also sometimes seems to make a crying sounds when sleeping and seems to be dreaming. It stops when I pet her. Is this normal? Thank you again.

[nchls_school]

I am new here and new to saving a abandoned baby. I found her in my front yard that is terribly close to the road and I also saw a larger squirrel that had been hit:(:( I sat down in the grass to tell her it would be ok and she ran straight to me and got on my knee. I have read everything I can find to make sure she gets the best care. There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet. Im glad I found this board and Henrys.
I believe she is 7 weeks old now...maybe 8? She is about 6-7 inches long, eyes bright fully furred and adorable. A few days ago I noticed what may have been a seizure. She seemed to have a dazed look and stretched out and not moving. I panicked and jumped on line. I found where someone said she needed Vit D3 liquid so I ran out and got that and gave her a drop. After a couple of hours she was all better. About a week later it happened again and I gave her another drop and read that she needed calcium....I ran out and got that and gave her what the internet said...1/8th teaspoon. then I read that it should be elemental calcium...I ran out and got that. Henrys Leaigh said to give her 1/3rd of a crushed tums until I get the package from Henry's. Yesterday after I gave her the calcium she was full of energy and ran around the house for 10 striaght hours non stop. That was highly unusual as she usually only got up a few hours and slept the rest of the time. TODAY...she is still sleeping after being fed her 20 ML breakfast with her tums dose. Is she just tired from yesterday? Is she sick? PLEASE HELP.... I have had her on formula and rodent block KayTee. Her formula is the goat mild esbilac. 1 scoop with 2 scoop hot water and 1 teaspoon of whipping cream. When I got her she weighed 6 oz and she now weighs 11oz or 312 grams. So she is growing. She looks healthy, bright eyed...but so very lazy. She eats her formula 3 times per day and drinks 20 ML each feeding. I offer her more during the day but she doesnt want it. She has her block, deer antler and maple tree in her sleeping area. I had also given her veggies in a plate but Henrys told me to take that away so I did that today. She ate great this AM but has no interest in getting up...why? She sleeps in a large tote with large felt shawl that encircles her. This is on a pillow covered in felt. During the day she has full run of the house but yesterday was the first day that she was really energetic and was inspecting everywhere...under strict supervision. Am I doing anything wrong? I ordered the blocks from Henrys, their formula and their calcium. What can I do to make her feel better and be more energetic till then or do they sleep this much when this age? Im so worried about her. Thank You. P.S. I feed her last feeding at night in a baby carrier with felt jacket inside and she goes sound asleep....she twitches and also sometimes seems to make a crying sounds when sleeping and seems to be dreaming. It stops when I pet her. Is this normal? Thank you again.

The people on this site are very knowledgeable. Hang on and someone that can help will. I'm a new to this myself. Best of luck.

[Bravo]

Can you post pics? Can you hold her and if so, is she sensitive (any bruises or sore places?) At first reading it sounds like you've done your homework.

Also, is there any change in her breathing?

[Kristi S]

It's normal for them to dream. Could just be tired after all that running around, unless you think it's very out-of-the-ordinary.

You want to feed Esbilac puppy milk replacer with probiotics, not the goat's milk one, although evidently she's grown quite well on the latter and is going to be weaning anyway.

[Mommaluvy]

Im glad I found this board and Henrys.
I believe she is 7 weeks old now...maybe 8?

Pictures would be a big help.. plus we are all crazy for squee pics




A few days ago I noticed what may have been a seizure. She seemed to have a dazed look and stretched out and not moving.

This " could " have been star gazing. or it could have been a normal stretch. I don't have enough experience ( thank GOD ) with neurological disorders. Next time you see this happen.. if you can film it great. If not.. next time you see this happen apply some molasses or maple syrup or honey to the gums of the squirrel. I just saw my first hypoglycemic ( low blood sugar) seizure early this month. I am just not sure if what your describing is normal or not.


I panicked and jumped on line. I found where someone said she needed Vit D3 liquid so I ran out and got that and gave her a drop. After a couple of hours she was all better. About a week later it happened again and I gave her another drop and read that she needed calcium....I ran out and got that and gave her what the internet said...1/8th teaspoon. then I read that it should be elemental calcium...I ran out and got that.

I would not do that again. I am not knowledgeable enough to add much here.. but too much Vit D3 can kill. I don't THINK you did any long lasting damage here.. but I would not give more. Vit D can be used as a rodenticide.


I have had her on formula and rodent block KayTee. Her formula is the goat mild esbilac. 1 scoop with 2 scoop hot water and 1 teaspoon of whipping cream.

Good EXCEPT.. Goats Milk Esbilac is not so good. ( though some swear by regular goats milk ) You will want to get her some POWERED Esbilac with pro and pre biotics . Comes in a big canister. That or Fox Valley are the usual preferred formulas for squirrel nutrition. But also.. I think she probably gets enough calcium from her formula and the antler you mention below.


She has her block, deer antler and maple tree in her sleeping area. I had also given her veggies in a plate but Henrys told me to take that away so I did that today.

Maybe due to her age? what veggies did you give?



She ate great this AM but has no interest in getting up...why? During the day she has full run of the house but yesterday was the first day that she was really energetic and was inspecting everywhere...under strict supervision. Am I doing anything wrong?

Bedding sounds ok.. but watch the whole house run. That can be VERY dangerous to you and the critter. We hear all sorts of horror stories about spaces you and I don't even know about.. squirrels even die in toilets.. etc. I understand you are supervising.. but most people just squirrel proof a single room.




I ordered the blocks from Henrys, their formula and their calcium.

if your referring to their MBD kit.. I am not sure I would administer that yet. Wait for others to comment. Too much calcium can hurt just as much as not enough .. and young squirrels with a healthy digestive system who are still on formula are usually NOT having a problem with calcium .




What can I do to make her feel better and be more energetic till then or do they sleep this much when this age?

That really depends on the age. When they are young that is mostly all they do . Is there are rehabber in your area? Have you called them? How often are your feeding.? I ask cause if you have the age right.. that is a bit of lethargy. Almost sounds like dehydration esp since you dont' suspect a fall




she goes sound asleep....she twitches and also sometimes seems to make a crying sounds when sleeping and seems to be dreaming. It stops when I pet her. Is this normal? Thank you again.

normal. I don't know if they dream but I sure think they do.. I hear all kinds of noises from them when they sleep.

Thank you for caring so much for this little one. Sounds like you have done your homework and you have done a good job with her doubling her weight.

[Bravo]

:yeahthat

[Mybabypeanut]

256100
*****UPDATE too today. At 4PM she decided to get up. She is wide eyed and bushy tailed and scampering everywhere in my squirrel proofed area. She has all her toys, maple and oak limb and sapling and her KayTee block and bedding down. She had the longest day awake yesterday so I am hoping she was just tired. She slept so long and so deeply that it scared me. Although, if I scampered that much for that long I would have slept all night and day too :dance. O am breathing again. I panic easily I think and I apologize for that. Thank u all 4 your quick help and assistance. If I can do anything better please let me know. I tried to attach photo. I hope it worked.

Below answers the questions I got till 3 PM. She is my blessing from God...thank you for helping me and my little angel. I lost a adopted human baby last year (mother changed her mind 4 hours b4 finalized) so she is filling a large empty hole in my heart. I hope you can read in my words how hard I have worked to do everything right by her. I also had her checked by my vet. She just listened to her heart, looked at teeth and concluded she was healthy. I am dedicated to her and whatever she needs I will find, get, buy....whatever it takes for her to be happy and healthy. If you can recommend a rehab course I am also interested in achieving that goal now. Not that I am wanting to find more babies...only to be the best for her and answer other mommies questions at some point if Im needed. Bless each of you.
:bliss

I do have powdered esbilac that had DH (who is also in love with Peanut) go and get yesterday. She wouldn't drink it yesterday so this AM feeding I did 1/2 goat milk esbilac and 1/2 esbilac and she drank it right up. I do have the "miracle nipples" and I clean her syringe/nipple after every use. I also make her formula daily and I don't hold any over to the next day.
I'm trying to upload a photo from my phone. I'm not real savey with pics to comp. but I am trying. I can text pics just never sent to my own comp.
Yes, she will let me hold, pet, scratch, rub her ears, her belly, under her arms and loves to snuggle. I fell asleep with her in the baby carrier one night and she was on the pillow next to my head when I woke...sound asleep. I don't do that normally I just had a long day and I always snuggle her to sleep in the baby carrier that has a felt fabric for a jacket and felt pajama bottoms in it. I wash her bedding every 3 to 4 days in homemade detergent that has no perfume added.
Yes, I did try to reach a rehabber. They won't return my calls. They have hours from 11 to 4 / M-F and I have called during "open" hours and closed hours they never will answer during any hours at all. Its the local zoo.
I work from home so I am always here and she is always close enough to me that I can hear her stirring or getting up, ect. She sleeps in her sleeping quarters next to my bed for the same reason. I cant imagine how they "rehab" during those hours when I'm within "paw" distance 24/7 and jump everytime I here anything. Yes, I am crazy about her and completly attached. I want the very best for her. I have a 4 foot by 3 foot enclosure when she is ready. I have alot of maple and oak trees to contribute. I have large screened in porch also. The only area of the house she can reach is the den, DR and LR. I close all else off to her. Her quiet time/play is in the BR with me and DH on the bed. No running free anywhere else. I want her to feel free but safe from elements, ect.
The veggies I provided were parsley, broccolli, celery heart and leaves, rodent block, for treat a hazelnut, she stoled a cashew off me and was nuts for it but no more of those, watermelon, bell pepper, bibb lettuce. She never had much interest in any of it and mostly chewed and let it fall to the floor. She did eat a little bit of each if I held it for her. But, I was told by Henrys to take the solid food away until she felt better. Is this correct? I gave solid food to her in her sleeping area along with KayTee. BTW...she trys to hold onto food but it easily falls from her paws. I assume that she is learning to hang onto the food in her paws and improves over time.
I feed her 3 times a day each time 20 ML's and she gobbles it up. Yesterday she only wanted it twice though. She was so busy exploring. I do offer it more times in the day but she chooses to eat 3 times and I give her the amount she wants but its always 20 ML's. She weighs 11 oz or 312 grams. Henrys said to feed her 7% of her weight.
Since she has been in my care no falls or injuries have ever happened. When she came to me she had no visible injuries but was very hungry. I got her warm and fed and she went straight to sleep that first day. I had no idea babies would get in your lap and it scared me that 1st day. I was ignorant about rabies and thought they could have it but quickly learned they don't usually carry.
I didnt order the Kit from Henrys. I did order the calcium, 20/50 formula and the picky eater blocks. I provide her the Kaytee blocks now and deer antler and maple sapling to chew on.
So my confusion is the sleepiness today and sleepiness in general. Is it normal for 7-8 week old to sleep a lot/mostly? Yesterday was the first time she ever stayed up for 10 hours and played the entire time. And, the elemental calcium powder....what amount do I give her?
I think I answered all the questions. Thank you all for your help. I want to do the best by her that I humanly can. Thank You.

[Mommaluvy]

I dunno how long you have had her.. BUT SHE IS HUGE and she looks great. She looks older to me though.. but that may just be the picture. From her weight in grams.. (312 g?) She is really big. It worries me that food falls from her paws.

You certainly do sound like you have a real knack for this... and have done a wonderful job with her. Maybe YOU can become a rehabber :)


BTW.. I am sorry to hear about your adoption falling through.:grouphug:grouphug

PS.. I alerted some of the more experienced to pop in here.. They should be of more help than I.

[Spanky]

Have you seen the healthy diet chart? Only thing I noticed in your post was the bell peppers; bell peppers (red, green and yellow) are on the avoid list:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

I am not the most experienced... by a VERY LONG shot... but the 10 hours of continuous play sounds more alarming than the sleeping a lot, unless by sleeping a lot that also means she is lethargic when she is awake? Did she do this non-stop playing all by herself or was she "encouraged" to play? They usually have a more limited play / rest schedule... 10 hours straight is not something I have ever seen.

These little ones can be really worn out and stressed by well meaning folks that might "love them too much" and especially when children may be allowed to play with them a long time. Like a toddler, they play all out... then sleep all out.. then maybe eat all out so they are ready to play all out, just to sleep all out... and so the cycle goes!

Are you planning to release her?

[CritterMom]

At the age you think she is, it would be normal for her to eat, play a little and then fall asleep, and then wake up a bit later and play a bit until next feeding time. One of the things that shocked me the most about squirrels was how LAZY they can be, especially when their every want and demand is being met by an eager human slave!

Do not worry too much about the powdered Goats Milk Esbilac - it is fine to use and mixing two together to make a 50/50 blend is fine. The regular puppy esbilac is quite a bit less $$ than the Goat's Milk, BTW. She has done really well on what you have given her so far.

I believe you said you had ordered the Henry's food? I hope I saw that. It is vastly superior and diet is really important. When you get them, make sure she always has a piece in there to experiment with. You can continue also giving her the other blocks - some squirrels like the variety - but she should be consuming 2 of the Henry's a day once she has weaned herself.

If she has been on formula all along you don't need to supplement with calcium, and if she eats her two Henry's blocks a day she will be getting all she needs from them. :thumbsup

[Mommaluvy]

At the age you think she is, it would be normal for her to eat, play a little and then fall asleep, and then wake up a bit later and play a bit until next feeding time. One of the things that shocked me the most about squirrels was how LAZY they can be, especially when their every want and demand is being met by an eager human slave!

Do not worry too much about the powdered Goats Milk Esbilac - it is fine to use and mixing two together to make a 50/50 blend is fine. The regular puppy esbilac is quite a bit less $$ than the Goat's Milk, BTW. She has done really well on what you have given her so far.

I believe you said you had ordered the Henry's food? I hope I saw that. It is vastly superior and diet is really important. When you get them, make sure she always has a piece in there to experiment with. You can continue also giving her the other blocks - some squirrels like the variety - but she should be consuming 2 of the Henry's a day once she has weaned herself.

If she has been on formula all along you don't need to supplement with calcium, and if she eats her two Henry's blocks a day she will be getting all she needs from them. :thumbsup



Critter mom.. Did you see the photo? It's a thumbnail for the new format .. Why does she look so much older to me...? At first I mistook it for her avatar..( old lady brain)

[Mybabypeanut]

Have you seen the healthy diet chart? Only thing I noticed in your post was the bell peppers; bell peppers (red, green and yellow) are on the avoid list:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

I am not the most experienced... by a VERY LONG shot... but the 10 hours of continuous play sounds more alarming than the sleeping a lot, unless by sleeping a lot that also means she is lethargic when she is awake? Did she do this non-stop playing all by herself or was she "encouraged" to play? They usually have a more limited play / rest schedule... 10 hours straight is not something I have ever seen.

These little ones can be really worn out and stressed by well meaning folks that might "love them too much" and especially when children may be allowed to play with them a long time. Like a toddler, they play all out... then sleep all out.. then maybe eat all out so they are ready to play all out, just to sleep all out... and so the cycle goes!

Are you planning to release her?

She has never played that long before. I may be off a little bit since I didn't look close to the hour I got up and fed her. We have no children. I kept trying to get her to take a nap by putting her in her sleeping area but she would have no part of it. She would get right back out. Finally at 8pm I put her in sleeping tote put a screen over, turned all the lights out and TV off and she went to sleep. Maybe the TV kept her awake? Today she didn't get up till around 4 pm and played until about 9 and then went to bed. I too feel that she is too young to play that much. But she was sleeping all the time and that concerned me too. That and the calcium concern brought me here.
Releasing? Right now she cannot feed herself. She cannot grasp and hold onto food. It falls out of her paws. She has no interest in climbing either. I have a 5 level (called a 2 story) ferret enclosure and she just wants to stay on the bottom level. When she found me and came running to me in the yard she was under shrubs on the ground. I hold her food for her now and she will take it from me, drop it then I pick it up and that continues until she is done. Her formula is from syringe with miracle nipple and she does grasp it in both paws. Today she has only been interested in her formula once and fed 20 ML then. I will try to feed her in a little while again. She seems to be weaning herself but she want nuts more then veggies. So I have cut out the nuts until she eats her veggies. 90% of her food is still formula. I will do what ever is best for her.
thank you for your help.

[LaurelLynn]

She looks to be in beautiful condition

I did notice you said she can't hold food well and isn't climbing. .. she looks old enough that I find that to be a possible clue that something might be going on.

Hopefully someone might know more about this?

[Spanky]

Releasing? Right now she cannot feed herself. She cannot grasp and hold onto food. It falls out of her paws. She has no interest in climbing either. I have a 5 level (called a 2 story) ferret enclosure and she just wants to stay on the bottom level. When she found me and came running to me in the yard she was under shrubs on the ground. I hold her food for her now and she will take it from me, drop it then I pick it up and that continues until she is done.

I did not mean to suggest to release now, I meant "someday" and I missed that important info regarding her being unable to hold onto food to feed herself. Any chance you can post a video of her eating like that, it would be very telling.

How long ago did you find her? She looks large in her picture for 8 weeks old. Can you post a picture of her next to something like a soda can for reference?

It is concerning that she is not climbing etc. :thinking

[Kristi S]

I agree, with a tail that big and fluffy, and with her size, she must be a bit older than 7-8 weeks. And there's definitely something awry if she can't hold her food. What a shame! She's gorgeous. And she came right up to you? If she isn't able to hold her food, much less climb, she's not releasable.

[Spanky]

If she isn't able to hold her food, much less climb, she's not releasable.

Maybe we can say if she does not develop the ability to hold her food and climb with the agility needed for a squirrel to survive in the wild she will not be releasable? :thumbsup

[Kristi S]

Maybe we can say if she does not develop the ability to hold her food and climb with the agility needed for a squirrel to survive in the wild she will not be releasable? :thumbsup

Oh, yeah, that's what I meant!

[Kristi S]

Anyone know why bell peppers are on the Avoid list?

I would think she should be eating veggies. I don't quite understand why they said take them away.

Mybabypeanut, It's normal for them to not chow down on them right away, as they get used to the new taste. In fact, it's best if they don't change their diet too quickly.

[LaurelLynn]

I think it's because the calcium: phosphorous ratio isn't ideal. ..

[Kristi S]

There are others that have far worse ratios that are in the category 3, and even category 1 has several that have more phosphorus than calcium. I don't really understand it. Mushrooms are in category 1, and they aren't very nutritious unless they've sat in the sun for a little while. It takes more energy for a squirrel to digest one than its gets out of it.

The only thing I can think of is that it's in the nightshade family, but that shouldn't really matter unless it's about something peculiar to squirrels.

[Nancy in New York]

This is from an older thread.


I wouldn't. We have seen a number of squirrels that presented with vomiting after eating them, and none of them made it. Bell peppers are a member of the nightshade family, many of which are deadly, some of which have toxins but are ok for humans (eggplant). There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason - some bells have a lot of this and some don't - so you could feed peppers and have no problems...until you do. Anything linked with vomiting and death doesn't get within a mile of any of my animals!

[Nancy in New York]

Here's a larger photo. I think your little one is a lot older than 7-8 weeks:).
http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-gVsxfGJ/0/L/i-gVsxfGJ-L.jpg (http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/TSB-Resizing-3-March-2015/n-7xhPnj/i-gVsxfGJ/A)

[Mommaluvy]

[QUOTE=Nancy in New York;1093371]Here's a larger photo. I think your little one is a lot older than 7-8 weeks:).


I thought so also .. Look at that beautiful tail! Still needed help though or she would not have run up to you.

[Nancy in New York]

[QUOTE=Nancy in New York;1093371]Here's a larger photo. I think your little one is a lot older than 7-8 weeks:).


I thought so also .. Look at that beautiful tail!

The tail is long and gorgeous, and the little face isn't that of a 7-8 week old. I also wonder if this was perhaps a 2014 fall baby. OR a really early 2015 baby. :dono

[island rehabber]

I'm thinking Fall 2014...

[Mommaluvy]

My baby peanut ...

I am glad some others joined in as the age of your baby may have more to do with the stretching/staring episode she had and may change the course of treatment. It may be that she does need the calcium you got from henrys.. But she does need the veggies.. Broccoli - leafy greens... ( see healthy diet)

How long have you had this Peanut.. And is that her name ?

[beezle-weezle]

Here's a larger photo. I think your little one is a lot older than 7-8 weeks:).
http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-gVsxfGJ/0/L/i-gVsxfGJ-L.jpg (http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/TSB-Resizing-3-March-2015/n-7xhPnj/i-gVsxfGJ/A)

Looks like a fall 2014 baby to me. He is beautiful! Look at that tail!! :serene

[CritterMom]

There are others that have far worse ratios that are in the category 3, and even category 1 has several that have more phosphorus than calcium. I don't really understand it. Mushrooms are in category 1, and they aren't very nutritious unless they've sat in the sun for a little while. It takes more energy for a squirrel to digest one than its gets out of it.

The only thing I can think of is that it's in the nightshade family, but that shouldn't really matter unless it's about something peculiar to squirrels.

Kristi, we noticed, over many years, that we had a BUNCH of squirrels that would all show up with the same clear gastric distress, foamy vomit, and many times, unfortunately, death despite attempts to give supportive care. Every single one of them had just eaten green pepper. Seeing as there are a lot of things that we KNOW have no toxic issues, when we come upon something like this that is questionable, it goes on the DO NOT list in an abundance of caution.

I don't know if specific green peppers have issues others don't, or specific squirrels have problems with green peppers that others don't, but there is a definite correlation to problems SOMETIMES after eating them.

[Mybabypeanut]

I did not mean to suggest to release now, I meant "someday" and I missed that important info regarding her being unable to hold onto food to feed herself. Any chance you can post a video of her eating like that, it would be very telling.

How long ago did you find her? She looks large in her picture for 8 weeks old. Can you post a picture of her next to something like a soda can for reference?

It is concerning that she is not climbing etc. :thinking
256168

I just uploaded another picture. I hope it better shows her size. When viewing please keep in mind that I just woke her up AND she needed to go potty. She looks tired because she isn't awake. It takes her 2-3 min to wake up. She ate her formula for breakfast and chewed on KayTee after. She is in the same room as me in her sleeping tote. She is awake but not eager to get out. She is rolled up in her felt nest with an eye on me but not getting out and playing. Yesterday she got up at 4pm and went to bed at 9pm.
I have a 2 level ferret enclosure that DH just added maple tree to climb in/on. I will be letting her spend some time in their today with her sleeping nest. I will order a squirrel house today to go in also.
I saw 2 ...what I think is.... juvenile squirrels this AM in the backyard crawling up and down a tree and munching on sunflower seeds. I would love to have her join them at some point. Of course she needs to be able to feed herself first.
She didn't consume much yellow bell pepper. I found that she should not have them and removed from her diet. I have per some bibb lettuce and parsley last night but she wasn't too interested. She would bite it and try to hold it but drops the little piece and gets frustrated (I think) and left the area. I gave her some in her nest this AM but she chose the KayTee. I do have Henrys blocks on the way and should b here tomorrow. I'm still going to give her fresh veggies that are on Henrys list and NO snacks. I think she was trying to get me to give in yesterday and give her a nut. I didn't give in. I really, really wanted to but I know its not best for her.
Thank You

[LaurelLynn]

Kristi, we noticed, over many years, that we had a BUNCH of squirrels that would all show up with the same clear gastric distress, foamy vomit, and many times, unfortunately, death despite attempts to give supportive care. Every single one of them had just eaten green pepper. Seeing as there are a lot of things that we KNOW have no toxic issues, when we come upon something like this that is questionable, it goes on the DO NOT list in an abundance of caution.

I don't know if specific green peppers have issues others don't, or specific squirrels have problems with green peppers that others don't, but there is a definite correlation to problems SOMETIMES after eating them.

Thank you, that was my mistake assuming it was ca: ph :embar

[Mybabypeanut]

Kristi, we noticed, over many years, that we had a BUNCH of squirrels that would all show up with the same clear gastric distress, foamy vomit, and many times, unfortunately, death despite attempts to give supportive care. Every single one of them had just eaten green pepper. Seeing as there are a lot of things that we KNOW have no toxic issues, when we come upon something like this that is questionable, it goes on the DO NOT list in an abundance of caution.

I don't know if specific green peppers have issues others don't, or specific squirrels have problems with green peppers that others don't, but there is a definite correlation to problems SOMETIMES after eating them.

I only gave her a teeny tiny amount of yellow pepper. This is an item that I saw recommended then I saw it not recommended so I immediately removed it and gave to chickens. I found the list of calcium to phosphorus ratio. I took that and the Henrys list and checked off the items that were good on both lists. I agree that mushrooms should not be on Henrys list. I came up with arugula, bok choy, brussel sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, watercress, LETTUCES- bibb, chickory, endive, escarole, iceburg, loose leaf and romaine. I took away the nuts completely for now. TREATS if she eats some veggies only. Apple, cantelope, blackberry (she loves those), orange, Papaya and strawberries. Does that sound like a good list? Could she have a little bit of a nut a day or two a week? I have hazelnuts, walnuts and brazil nuts. She loves those. Still she only eats a small amount and 90% of diet is formula. I have to hold, she takes from me take a bite or two...drops it and tries to find it. I find it hold it and it starts all over till it ends in her frustration. Im hoping as she gets older she learns to hold better. Still not climbing up. She only climbs down to the floor and that's only when she is on me.
During the day...should I keep her in a space that is by herself or in an area where my husband and I are? The TV is on in our office and sometimes the doorbell rings or knocks at the door. I want her near me but I want the best for her.

Thank You

[Mybabypeanut]

256173
Here's a larger photo. I think your little one is a lot older than 7-8 weeks:).
http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-gVsxfGJ/0/L/i-gVsxfGJ-L.jpg (http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/TSB-Resizing-3-March-2015/n-7xhPnj/i-gVsxfGJ/A)
256173

This may show her size a little better. How old do you think she is? She weighed 312 grams three days ago. Thank u 4 ur help.

[Mybabypeanut]

My baby peanut ...

I am glad some others joined in as the age of your baby may have more to do with the stretching/staring episode she had and may change the course of treatment. It may be that she does need the calcium you got from henrys.. But she does need the veggies.. Broccoli - leafy greens... ( see healthy diet)

How long have you had this Peanut.. And is that her name ?

256174

I've had her for 2.5 weeks. She came running to me and got on my knee like she knew me. Scared me but I knew she needed me since Mom was gone. So I took her in and fed her all wrong but she ate everything I gave her like she was starving. I then immediately got the esbilac, miracle nipple and syringe and she drank that right down. She then went right to sleep in the felt full length shawl I had...its hers now. She has heating pad and 5 level ferret enclosure too. I also have a baby sling carrier that has felt in it and she likes that too. She loves to sleep and only had that one day that she played a lot. Yesterday she played for 5 hours in the afternoon then went back to bed.

Do you have an idea how old she has? Thank You

[Kristi S]

Kristi, we noticed, over many years, that we had a BUNCH of squirrels that would all show up with the same clear gastric distress, foamy vomit, and many times, unfortunately, death despite attempts to give supportive care. Every single one of them had just eaten green pepper. Seeing as there are a lot of things that we KNOW have no toxic issues, when we come upon something like this that is questionable, it goes on the DO NOT list in an abundance of caution.

I don't know if specific green peppers have issues others don't, or specific squirrels have problems with green peppers that others don't, but there is a definite correlation to problems SOMETIMES after eating them.

Thanks, Critter Mom. That's interesting. I wonder if red and yellow are the same? They taste very different, almost as though they were ripe, while green ones aren't, and I know there are plants in the nightshade family that have fruits deadly when unripe, but fine when ripe. Not that I'd feed any peppers to a squirrel after your experience!


That's one cute squirrel! Amazing she came up and jumped on your knee. She knew a caring person when she saw her!

I wonder if she injured herself somehow, broke a collarbone or something. The fact that she can climb down shows she's comfortable climbing, but don't they mostly put weight on their back legs when going down? Maybe the reason she was sleeping a lot is because she was healing? I dunno.

A nut or two a week should be fine, even one a day is pretty common once they're used to eating blocks (Ah! That's probably why you were advised not to feed veggies - they wanted Peanut to get used to blocks). No Brazil nuts, though. Pecans and almonds are fairly good; I don't know about hazelnuts.

[TubeDriver]

10-12 weeks old? It is remarkable that she just ran up to you! I wonder if she could have been kept and released by a neighbor? She look good in that picture, I think you are doing a good job! :thumbsup



256174

I've had her for 2.5 weeks. She came running to me and got on my knee like she knew me. Scared me but I knew she needed me since Mom was gone. So I took her in and fed her all wrong but she ate everything I gave her like she was starving. I then immediately got the esbilac, miracle nipple and syringe and she drank that right down. She then went right to sleep in the felt full length shawl I had...its hers now. She has heating pad and 5 level ferret enclosure too. I also have a baby sling carrier that has felt in it and she likes that too. She loves to sleep and only had that one day that she played a lot. Yesterday she played for 5 hours in the afternoon then went back to bed.

Do you have an idea how old she has? Thank You

[Mybabypeanut]

256175
I agree, with a tail that big and fluffy, and with her size, she must be a bit older than 7-8 weeks. And there's definitely something awry if she can't hold her food. What a shame! She's gorgeous. And she came right up to you? If she isn't able to hold her food, much less climb, she's not releasable.

256175

That makes me sad. I see other juvenile squirrels in the back 2 acres playing, running and eating. Do you think she will learn to grasp better as time goes by? She does play with her hands in her mouth a lot. She reaches out one arm and then puts paw in her mouth when she is telling me to feed her more. Like she is saying "put food in here"...lol... She still has zero interest in climbing up anything. Sometimes she takes her arms and reaches into the air at nothing....like she see's something there. Maybe this is why she came up to me and got in my lap. She knew she needed help since mom could no longer bring her food or supply milk. Maybe she knew I was her best shot for food. I'm so grateful I walked thru the front yard that day. She was under a shrub and scared and too close to the busy road. I never knew squirrels were so amazing.

[Mommaluvy]

256174

I've had her for 2.5 weeks. She came running to me and got on my knee like she knew me. Scared me but I knew she needed me since Mom was gone. So I took her in and fed her all wrong but she ate everything I gave her like she was starving. I then immediately got the esbilac, miracle nipple and syringe and she drank that right down. She then went right to sleep in the felt full length shawl I had...its hers now. She has heating pad and 5 level ferret enclosure too. I also have a baby sling carrier that has felt in it and she likes that too. She loves to sleep and only had that one day that she played a lot. Yesterday she played for 5 hours in the afternoon then went back to bed.

Do you have an idea how old she has? Thank You


I am BEST guessing.. from the pictures that she is 14 weeks to three months. That may have been her mother .. but I am surprised she takes her formula.. that said.. I am not cause its warm and tasty and comes from somone who loves her.

[Mommaluvy]

She still has zero interest in climbing up anything. Sometimes she takes her arms and reaches into the air at nothing....like she see's something there.


When she does this does she is laying on her stomach? or is she hanging from something like your shoulder?

[Spanky]

She never had much interest in any of it and mostly chewed and let it fall to the floor. She did eat a little bit of each if I held it for her..... BTW...she trys to hold onto food but it easily falls from her paws. I assume that she is learning to hang onto the food in her paws and improves over time."

Any chance you can get a video of Peanut when she is eating solids.. block, veggies, whatever? I for one believe that may be invaluable since very experienced eyes might see something or another right away.

If you have difficulty in posting avid, just let us know and someone will lend a hand! :thumbsup

[Mybabypeanut]

HELP PLEASE......I have followed alll the instructions and I thought she had a seizure before. Tonight she definatly had one. Henrys told me to get 100mg calcium in emergency so I did that...tums mixed in formula. Some she didnt swallow. The last time this happened I gave her 1/8th tsp of calcium with D3 as promoted on another reccomended site from here and she was a new squirrel the rest of the day. Scampering everywhere. Now she is back to just sleeping all day. Im teriblly concerned and the D3 worked so well and the 1/8th tsp of calcium too. What do I need to do????? Please help soon. I have call into vet for first thing in the am. thank you...Pray for her please. BTW..this cant be food related. She has hardly ever eaten any food. she drink esbilac 20ml 3 times a day and weighs 312 grams. i try to feed her more (just in case) and she refuses it. I got her to take some honey earlier ,,,, fixing to give her karo.

[jbtartell]

Do u have malases? Give her that is better. Just rub it o her gums and make sure she is hydrated

[Mybabypeanut]

ALSO.....her little heart feels like its racing. I coated the end of the miracle nipple twice with karo and coated both sides of her little mouth. She hated the idea but i got it in her. She has never had a fall and when she swts in the air she is sitting. She does love to rub her tummy on the carpet or anything she can slide her tummy on when she is feeling better. As i mentioned before the 1/8tsp calcium with D3 made her a new girl. Can I return to that? Please let me know asap. tu tu tu Lord PLEASE let this little baby survive and thrive.

[Mybabypeanut]

ALSO,,,I should have said she has hardly eaten any veggies. She has eaten her Kaytee blocks. I have henrys on the way....should b here tomorrow.

[Mybabypeanut]

This is the information under squirrel tales that worked so well on first seizure but I was told to not give D3. I know a lot of this is opposite of what I have read other places. She does have deer antler that she has chewed on once....her blocks and her formula. what could b wrong with this baby? I have a night light reptile bulb would that help? I read to put her under a sun lamp.

Dose as follows: for the first 7 days, give about 1/8 tsp or a little less of calcium once a day (crush tablets to powder); for the second week give dosage for 5 days, for the third week give dosage for 4 days. A good method of giving the dose is to take a couple of slices of ripe avocado, make some cuts across the pieces, then rub the calcium into the cuts- hand feed. They love avocado and it is a good food for them in moderate amounts.
The first day of treatment, remove ALL seeds, nuts, and corn and give high calcium foods (see Feeding Schedule/Diet for what foods to give). This diet should include a balanced nutritional component such as dry Science Diet for dogs, or better yet, Zupreme Primate Chow, if you can find it (it can be ordered online, one source being squirrelsandmore.com). KayTee Rodent Chow will work also and is more available. DO NOT GIVE HAMPSTER OR GERBIL FOOD. At first the squirrel will not want to eat these foods, but he will eventually, so be firm. Put into the cage with the squirrel a deer antler or dry dog bone from the yard- both are sources of calcium; antler is excellent and the squirrel is more likely to chew the antler, thereby ingesting minerals, than he is to chew the bone.
During the 4th week, add back into the diet a very small handful of sunflower seeds, a couple of nuts a day, and a small piece of fresh corn (as noted, these foods do have good contributions to make to a diet when they are a small part of the diet, but must be stopped during the initial treatment). By now the squirrel's diet should be supplying the nutritional components, including calcium, that he needs and the suppliment should not be necessary. Give at least one more week for healing before releasing the baby.

[jbtartell]

I pmed u...pm me back if u got it

[Mybabypeanut]

Do u have malases? Give her that is better. Just rub it o her gums and make sure she is hydrated
I got her to drink most of 10ml esbilac after seizure....should I do the hydration pedialyte also? She had 50 ML today plus the 10ml tonight. Total of 60 ml of esbilac today. She has had s zero interest in water thats in her bowl. She sticks her nose in it and shakes her head to get it off. She is sort of awake now laying here watching me type but has no energy today. She has gone back to sleep under heating pad now. i had it on earlier...its off now but a little warm. she does not like it on low...she will move away.

[Mybabypeanut]

I pmed u...pm me back if u got it

I tried to get it but it vanished. said my pop up blocker was on

[jbtartell]

I tried to get it but it vanished. said my pop up blocker was on

Can u turn it off? I need u to call me. My number is in it. And some instructions. . Basically dont try anything else till morning. Hydrate and molasses. Or kayro. Get her to veta in the morning. And call me please..

[Annabelle's papa]

[QUOTE=Mybabypeanut;1093695]This is the information under squirrel tales that worked so well on first seizure but I was told to not give D3. I know a lot of this is opposite of what I have read other places. She does have deer antler that she has chewed on once....her blocks and her formula. what could b wrong with this baby? I have a night light reptile bulb would that help? I read to put her under a sun lamp.

Dose as follows: for the first 7 days, give about 1/8 tsp or a little less of calcium once a day (crush tablets to powder); for the second week give dosage for 5 days, for the third week give dosage for 4 days. A good method of giving the dose is to take a couple of slices of ripe avocado, make some cuts across the pieces, then rub the calcium into the cuts- hand feed. They love avocado and it is a good food for them in moderate amounts.
The first day of treatment, remove ALL seeds, nuts, and corn and give high calcium foods

:) Hi MBP, this much of these instructions make sense, the rest not so much, it can take several weeks to months to correct deficiencies from MBD. Do you still have a syringe that you can put the crushed tums mixed with a few drops of water to make a concentrated paste, you can inject into the inside of the cheek with this paste. This will supply a stronger dose of the calcium rather than mixing with formula or water. And as was mentioned, please rub a small amount of 'any' syrup onto the Lil' Ones gums.:thumbsup

[Annabelle's papa]

Can u turn it off? I need u to call me. My number is in it. And some instructions. . Basically dont try anything else till morning. Hydrate and molasses. Or kayro. Get her to veta in the morning. And call me please..

:)Amen please get on the phone with jb.:great

[Mybabypeanut]

Do u have malases? Give her that is better. Just rub it o her gums and make sure she is hydrated

Just gave her 2 doses of mollasses. she getting tired of me messing with her. she snorts me when i irritate her.

[Annabelle's papa]

:)Were you able to get jb's number?:great

[jbtartell]

She got it.. and will be calling me first thing in morning.. I gave her instructions whzt to do tonight. . Then will go from there in morning, she also has call in to vet:grouphug thank u annabells pappa

[Annabelle's papa]

She got it.. and will be calling me first thing in morning.. I gave her instructions whzt to do tonight. . Then will go from there in morning, she also has call in to vet:grouphug thank u annabells pappa

:grouphug Bless and Thank You jbtartell.:Love_Icon

[Kristi S]

Can you describe the seizure? And look on the bottle of D3 to see how much a drop might be?

The risk of too much D3 is that blood calcium levels get too high. Don't give any more to her. If there's a chance you gave her too much D3 (and that chance is very real), I wouldn't offer Tums. She should be getting enough calcium in her formula.

Does she show signs of dehydration? Can you tell if she's been peeing a lot? Does her heart race all the time, or is it inconsistent?

The kind of light she needs to manufacture her own vit. D is in the UVB range, commonly used for reptiles. A night basking lamp for reptiles is usually for heat. I don't know about the sun lamp. But at any rate, the UVB light (or sun) is by far the safest way of "giving" vit. D because it's regulated: the body won't produce more than it needs.

Given her seizures and strange movements, there's a possibility she had some neurological damage before you got her. It's not uncommon for seizures to show up months or years after a traumatic brain injury. I'm glad you are taking her to the vet in the morning.

"a very small handful of sunflower seeds, a couple of nuts a day, and a small piece of fresh corn" I don't know where you got this info, but neither sunflower seeds or corn are good for them. There are much better treats.

Squirrels are wonderful critters, no? They say once one has found you, more will come.

Don't worry too much. She looks like she's in excellent health in most ways. The vet can give you something for seizures if that turns out to be an ongoing problem. It's quite possible she'll get better at grasping and be able to be released. If not, are you prepared to take care of her? Do you want to? It's a responsibility, as you know.

[jbtartell]

:grouphug Bless and Thank You jbtartell.:Love_Icon

:grouphug right back at ya, kristi, soo true I just got through tellinb her the same thing. Also not to give her any more treatment other than water malases and her formula in the morning. Till vet sees her and I talk to her.. she has to get her stable for now.. hydration and sugar levels are important right now.. and her formula. .also heating pad on low under her carrier or cage. .

[Annabelle's papa]

:)Amen Ms. Kristi on the calcium, and I looked back and I don't think any D has been given in the past 24 hours or longer, however molasses is 'loaded' with calcium.

[jbtartell]

:thumbsup AP molasses is what I recommend for that reason. .. and it seems to work faster to me. .. honey is not good for them. I have always been warned about it...

[Annabelle's papa]

:thumbsup AP molasses is what I recommend for that reason. .. and it seems to work faster to me. .. honey is not good for them. I have always been warned about it...

:) Absolutely jb, in most cases honey can do more harm than good.:)

[Mybabypeanut]

Can you describe the seizure? And look on the bottle of D3 to see how much a drop might be?

The risk of too much D3 is that blood calcium levels get too high. Don't give any more to her. If there's a chance you gave her too much D3 (and that chance is very real), I wouldn't offer Tums. She should be getting enough calcium in her formula.

Does she show signs of dehydration? Can you tell if she's been peeing a lot? Does her heart race all the time, or is it inconsistent?

The kind of light she needs to manufacture her own vit. D is in the UVB range, commonly used for reptiles. A night basking lamp for reptiles is usually for heat. I don't know about the sun lamp. But at any rate, the UVB light (or sun) is by far the safest way of "giving" vit. D because it's regulated: the body won't produce more than it needs.

Given her seizures and strange movements, there's a possibility she had some neurological damage before you got her. It's not uncommon for seizures to show up months or years after a traumatic brain injury. I'm glad you are taking her to the vet in the morning.

"a very small handful of sunflower seeds, a couple of nuts a day, and a small piece of fresh corn" I don't know where you got this info, but neither sunflower seeds or corn are good for them. There are much better treats.

Squirrels are wonderful critters, no? They say once one has found you, more will come.

Don't worry too much. She looks like she's in excellent health in most ways. The vet can give you something for seizures if that turns out to be an ongoing problem. It's quite possible she'll get better at grasping and be able to be released. If not, are you prepared to take care of her? Do you want to? It's a responsibility, as you know.

After much discussion and debate with Leigh and Lori we decided to move forward with a 1/4 pill of the calcium/d3 Its 100iu of CD3. She was up in 2 hours scampering everywhere and feeling great. She ate breakfast. Drank 1 part Apple juice to 3 part water (15ml) drank 10 ml of formula, took a 2 hour nap and then got up and ate a bit of brussel sprout and a bit of apple. Played a few hours and took a 2 hour nap. She then got up and is again scampering everywhere being her jolly self. She would not take her dinner yet but I will keep trying. Tomorrow we will drop to 1/8th a pill or 50iu of D3. Its the only thing that stops the seizures for days and stops the lethargy.
The "a very small handful of sunflower seeds, a couple of nuts a day, and a small piece of fresh corn" I don't know where you got this info, but neither sunflower seeds or corn are good for them.
I found info in squirrel tales. I knew that was bad advice so she is not getting any nuts for now although she begs for them. Never fed corn. Only the high calcium veggies are offered and rarely touched. She drinks her formula and eats Kaytee blocks. I ordered Henrys....should be here tomorrow. Yes,,,they are AMAZING...of course I think my little baby is the most amazing of all :serene I'm a proud mommy and thrilled she is happy scampering everywhere and not lethargic and seizing. I have to believe she was sent to me from God. I never go to that part of the yard and to have a squirrel get in my lap scared me at first. I never knew that could happen. Thought I must be Dr Doolittle for a minute!!
My baby has doubled in sizein 2.5 weeks...loves to cuddle and be scratched on by me. Loves to give her daddy love bites and sit on his head. She is my sweet girl and can stay as long as she needs me. Forever if needed. BTW...the ladies also determined she has neuro disorder and vet wants to put her on seizure meds... Any opinions on that medication route? Thank You Everyone :grouphug

[Annabelle's papa]

:)Good Evening MBP, it is wonderful to hear that you have been able to resolve the CD3 issue, currently it is being discussed on several different threads. Sometimes only a blood panel will show a definitive deficiency in D, now we can address the vitamin D subject with more certainty.:great

:)It is a delicate balance, because cholecalciferol is a component of rodentcide; http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=2239 and this site also; http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/rodenticides.html However it is obvious that nearly if not all living Animals need vitamin D for survival.:thumbsup

:)I certainly hope a good course of action can be found to treat Peanuts seizure condition, there is also one or two active threads currently discussing treatments for seizure disorders (Epilepsy). Including what medications could or should be used, and I hope to contribute as much as I can considering I've lived with Epilepsy over 42 years.:)

[Annabelle's papa]

:)Oh by the way, it is interesting that you've mentioned Dr. Doolittle, because another Wonderful member (lovesmice) and I have found ourselves in serious debate over just what the Doctor fed the pushmepullyou he had in his care.:tilt

:) Post numbers 30, 31, and #34 and 39; http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?49354-ASFs-(African-Soft-Furred-Mice)/page2

[Mybabypeanut]

:)Oh by the way, it is interesting that you've mentioned Dr. Doolittle, because another Wonderful member (lovesmice) and I have found ourselves in serious debate over just what the Doctor fed the pushmepullyou he had in his care.:tilt

:) Post numbers 30, 31, and #34 and 39; http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?49354-ASFs-(African-Soft-Furred-Mice)/page2

LOL..I forgot about the pushmepullyou....I always think of the dog. I just spoke to Laura and she said that she spoke with a expert and they said to stop the D3. She will live with having the seizures and lethargy...which breaks my heart. She tries to come to me when it starts and holds on to me tight until it passes. Today has been a great day since D3 given.. She always has a good day after she gets d3. I sent my vet a text about the debate and am waiting for her to reply.

We have had so much fun tody and w/o the d3 she just lays around...won't get out of bed. Comes to the edge of her bed with her eyes open but no desire to come play. She plays for hours after d3. I don't want her to lose that. You can see she is having a ball scampering everywhere. She doesn't want to be lazy girl. I will ask for many a Prayer for my baby...she is so loved. Thank You

[Kristi S]

It is unlikely that vitamin D3 would have such an immediate effect. Beside, goat's milk Esbilac is fortified with vit D. It's more likely that extra calcium would have an immediate effect, but once again, the formula should be supplying that, and I would expect there to be other symptoms of MBD before Ca made such a quick difference. Don't despair, though! Her seizures will be treated. There are plenty of meds to try. It's possible her lethargy is a result of her body recovering.

I don't understand why she's being treated for MBD. What are her symptoms?

[Annabelle's papa]

It is unlikely that vitamin D3 would have such an immediate effect. Beside, goat's milk Esbilac is fortified with vit D. It's more likely that extra calcium would have an immediate effect, but once again, the formula should be supplying that, and I would expect there to be other symptoms of MBD before Ca made such a quick difference. Don't despair, though! Her seizures will be treated. There are plenty of meds to try. It's possible her lethargy is a result of her body recovering.

I don't understand why she's being treated for MBD. What are her symptoms?

:)Hi Ms. Kristi, I had the same idea as you about what was causing the boost in energy, I didn't think the D could be doing it by itself. If you look up the small Animal vitamin D drops on line, you will see that each brand also includes the complete B complex including 12.:facepalm

:)Could this be causing the sudden bursts of energy.:great

[Charley Chuckles]

Sorry I just breezed through this thread, I do in fact have a seizure girl who will be 4 this Aug. When I hear her go into a seizure, I grab a loaded syringe of Calcium Glubionate and apply a small amount to her lips (you never want to put it down their throat while they are seizing) you could also just use molasses, this helps bring out my Little Girl fast :thumbsup
I have to hold her down with a fleece blanket. Little Girl was a head trauma baby. Peanut looks to be at least 6 months old, and should be on the good food diet, along with HHB. Little Girl still take a small amount of FV in the morning, but her main diet is veggies:thumbsup LG also falls over when eating, but is doing so much better than when she was small, These little ones learn a lot as time goes by. Just keep on letting her try for herself it is how my LG learned :thumbsup
Big hugs to Peanut :grouphug
I would not give vitamin D, as it stays in your system and builds up. She will get all she needs from a proper diet and HHB :thumbsup

[Mybabypeanut]

256307

I hope I attached the right pic of her next to can.
This am she was awake before me which is highly unusual. She wanted to play so I let her for 2 hours then let her explore her 2 level ferret enclosure. It has maple trees and bark in it along with hammocks, flannel sleeping area, veggies and water. Also I took a UVA/UVB light from the turtle tank and put ontop of enclosure over sleeping area. Hope she gets some of those rays. Its a level above her sleeping area.
She got her Henry Bocks today and gobbled down half of one. In the photo that's what she is eating. She cant hold for long but that's ok as mom finds it for her and gives it back. Im thrilled to see her eat half of it. She still says noooo way to veggies. No treats or nuts allowed. She had no interest in esbilac this am except a small amount as if just thirsty. I will try apple juice/water after her nap.
Hoping to see her remain this way. Vitamin B question? It gives me a burst of energy can I supply that and is it safe? No calcium and no D3 ever again. I gave her a little molasses on the end of her nipple last night. Very trace amount.
She is sleepying now very soundly and no seizure yesterday or today. Praying she never has another. Thank you everyone:grouphug

[Annabelle's papa]

256307

I hope I attached the right pic of her next to can.
This am she was awake before me which is highly unusual. She wanted to play so I let her for 2 hours then let her explore her 2 level ferret enclosure. It has maple trees and bark in it along with hammocks, flannel sleeping area, veggies and water. Also I took a UVA/UVB light from the turtle tank and put ontop of enclosure over sleeping area. Hope she gets some of those rays. Its a level above her sleeping area.
She got her Henry Bocks today and gobbled down half of one. In the photo that's what she is eating. She cant hold for long but that's ok as mom finds it for her and gives it back. Im thrilled to see her eat half of it. She still says noooo way to veggies. No treats or nuts allowed. She had no interest in esbilac this am except a small amount as if just thirsty. I will try apple juice/water after her nap.
Hoping to see her remain this way. Vitamin B question? It gives me a burst of energy can I supply that and is it safe? No calcium and no D3 ever again. I gave her a little molasses on the end of her nipple last night. Very trace amount.
She is sleepying now very soundly and no seizure yesterday or today. Praying she never has another. Thank you everyone:grouphug

:)Good Afternoon MBP, great photo of Peanut, and it looks as though she is really taking to the HHB's, sometimes most Squirrels will only start shredding them at first, or mining the nuts. But Peanut appears to be enjoying the heck out of them.:thumbsup

:)Just leave fresh cut vegetables available to her, and it 'will' take several rotations of variety before something becomes a favorite, then you will be starting all over again to find another 'favorite' vegetable.:tilt


:)Can you post a photo of the vitamin D drops you have, it could help a great deal with the ongoing discussions about D, and it's use with Animals. I ask because many of the small Animal drops I saw online included a full spectrum of additional supplements, including the B complex group. This could explain the increased amount of energy that Peanut had after each dosing, and now that she is eating the Henry's blocks she is receiving a well formulated blend of all the vitamins and nutrients she will ever need.:Love_Icon

:)Oh, and no more than two HHB's a day, and you could offer just one block a day if you were to supplement her diet with a less expensive yet good block such as Harlan Teklad, however just use the HHB's for a while to correct any deficiencies she may have.

[pixiepoo]

Hi! I am briefly popping on this post so I haven't read everything. I've had my fair share of neuro babies/adults and also have a flyer with a primary seizure disorder. You said you found her near the road where another adult squirrel was dead. Do you know if she maybe it hit too, just has no visible signs? Can you explain the seizures? Does she state and her limbs twitch? Do her eyes close? Does and look like she is swimming? Does she circle? Can you get a video of her walking and eating? While MBD is always a possibility, i would suspect that there may be ther issues considering you have given her GME (while not the ideal formula, I wouldn't think that it would cause that much calcium loss in a few weeks to cause MBD, but anything is possible). Did you ever have her on prednosone? It's usually the first line of defense for head trauma babies.

Also at 312g, she is as an adult grey here in FL! My girl was 314g at 11 years old! Ours are tiny here! Northern babies are huge in comparison.

[Kristi S]

:)Hi Ms. Kristi, I had the same idea as you about what was causing the boost in energy, I didn't think the D could be doing it by itself. If you look up the small Animal vitamin D drops on line, you will see that each brand also includes the complete B complex including 12.:facepalm

:)Could this be causing the sudden bursts of energy.:great

Ah! Good research! Interesting that they are found together. It's possible that the B complex might be doing something; at least some of the B vitamins are involved in energy and metabolism, and if a squirrel is deficient to begin with supplements could make a difference. I don't know if they work this fast, but it's quite possible. One of the Bs, pyroxidine, is apparently even helpful in treating certain kinds of seizures.

So, yes, MBP, show us that bottle please! It could be illuminating. You could try giving Peanut a vitamin B complex without the D3 and see if that makes a difference. There's very little chance of toxicity with the B vitamins (not that that means you shouldn't be careful, anyway).

[Anne]

Excellent with the Vitamin B Complex. I try and keep several 1 ml injectible vials on hand. I have often found it extremely helpful.

[Mybabypeanut]

Sorry I just breezed through this thread, I do in fact have a seizure girl who will be 4 this Aug. When I hear her go into a seizure, I grab a loaded syringe of Calcium Glubionate and apply a small amount to her lips (you never want to put it down their throat while they are seizing) you could also just use molasses, this helps bring out my Little Girl fast :thumbsup
I have to hold her down with a fleece blanket. Little Girl was a head trauma baby. Peanut looks to be at least 6 months old, and should be on the good food diet, along with HHB. Little Girl still take a small amount of FV in the morning, but her main diet is veggies:thumbsup LG also falls over when eating, but is doing so much better than when she was small, These little ones learn a lot as time goes by. Just keep on letting her try for herself it is how my LG learned :thumbsup
Big hugs to Peanut :grouphug
I would not give vitamin D, as it stays in your system and builds up. She will get all she needs from a proper diet and HHB :thumbsup


didn't think about her maybe being hit....no I have no idea if she was. Unfortunatly the road is very, very busy. We have 2 acres but its all in the rear. No there were zero signs of trauma. No cut, blood, painful areas, ect. Vet saw here and there was not anything that she noted.
On the weight she weighed 6 oz about a week after we got her 1.5 weeks later 11 oz. I'll weigh her again on friday. I do put whipping cream (tsp) in each formula batch.
She got her HHB today for 1st time and LOVED it. She at half for breakfast and half for dinner. I will offer her some more before night night time. She has already dropped her formulas intake by herself to about 15ml. It was 60ml per day. She was alot smaller(obviously) when found not only in mass but length too. She has grown atleast 2 more inches in length. I don't think she could feed herself and if she is as old as everyone says then she wasnt getting mommy milk any more. She sure latched onto formula when I started giving it too her thinking she was only a few weeks old. We have much larger squirrels in the back yard.
Her first seizure wasnt too bad. It left me asking myself if it even was a seizure. I had a dog that had them so I recognized the symptoms. She froze, eyes open and glazed over, not sure she even blinked. She latched onto be digging her claws into my skin like she was petrified out of her mind. I researched and gave her one drop of D3. She came out of the seizure in seconds but was left in what I call lazy squirrel state. Sleeping so deeply I thought I had lost her. When she did wake she would lay at the edge of her sleeping nest with a look in her eyes that said she felt really, really bad. After the D3 and 3 hours passed she came out of the sleeping nest and skipped around the house for hours...like 8 or more. 4 days passed with no seizures and then it came again. First the same as above then it moved into shaking all over, could no swallow, no movement other then the trembeling all over. Again she went into lazy squirrel mode. I gave her D3 and in 3 hours back to normal. Then came 2 days ago...same as above but she urinated on herself. After the first stage I gave her 100 mg of calcium. I put her in sleeping sling that I carry next to my body and in about 30 minutes the second one came. She knew it was coming because she worked her way to the top of the sleeping bag and I could see her face change from normal to seizure face and then the trembling, urinating, ect. Then lazy squirrel began. The following morning she was looking and feeling awful. She would take formula being fed in bed..would not get up. I gave her 1/4 of calcium and 100 iu of D3. Again, three hours later new squirrel scampering, playing, eating, napping ect. Today she was awake before me which has never happened. She was ready to play and explore. I let her for 2 hours then put her in 2 level ferret enclosure/remodeled squirrel world. She played in there for an hour then went to sleeping nest and to sleep. She has eaten 1 HHB today, drank 15ml of formula and 7 ml of apple juice water. She is still up playing and I am praying for no more seizures.
My vet said we needed to put her on predizone sp?. I am waiting to see what the change in diet brings. She is doing a little better with holding food today. I love to see her up, out, scampering and playing. Running all over mom and dad and having a blast in general. She has her sleeping bag out that she gets in when she is done for the night. Its been a good day. So was yesterday. As it is everytime I give her D3. Now Im being told absolutly no D3 so we will see what day 4 brings. Im praying it stays as it is. Even if she cannot climb, drops her food and has seizures she is welcome here and DH and I are devoted to her and her health and happiness. Thanks for asking...hope I answered all your question. We LOVE our baby. She is a gift.

[Mybabypeanut]

Excellent with the Vitamin B Complex. I try and keep several 1 ml injectible vials on hand. I have often found it extremely helpful.

How could I dose with B vitamin without using a needle or injection please.

[Annabelle's papa]

How could I dose with B vitamin without using a needle or injection please.

:)Hi MBP, could you post a photo of or give the name of the liquid supplement drops that were used with Peanut, there are a lot of members on right now who could offer some good advice.:thumbsup

[Mybabypeanut]

:)Hi MBP, could you post a photo of or give the name of the liquid supplement drops that were used with Peanut, there are a lot of members on right now who could offer some good advice.:thumbsup

Sundown vitamin now that has 500 mg calcium and 200 mg D3. I gave her 1/4th of pill in formula. thank u

[Mybabypeanut]

Ah! Good research! Interesting that they are found together. It's possible that the B complex might be doing something; at least some of the B vitamins are involved in energy and metabolism, and if a squirrel is deficient to begin with supplements could make a difference. I don't know if they work this fast, but it's quite possible. One of the Bs, pyroxidine, is apparently even helpful in treating certain kinds of seizures.

So, yes, MBP, show us that bottle please! It could be illuminating. You could try giving Peanut a vitamin B complex without the D3 and see if that makes a difference. There's very little chance of toxicity with the B vitamins (not that that means you shouldn't be careful, anyway).

I wrote a long post and got signed out b4 submitting....argg. Its sundown vitamin, all natural, 500 mg of calcium and 200 IU of D3. I cut in 4ths and crushed it and put in formula. so she got 50 iu of d3 yesterday. CBeen great since then. playing, hopping, napping, eating and generally having a ball. I hope it stays this way. I am not giving her anything now. I have the henry blocks and seeing if that cures the issue. thanks

[Mybabypeanut]

Also I added uva/uvb florecent light to top of day time enclosure. Its a reptile light system that i stoled from my turle for a few hours. Not sure if it will help but worth trying.

[Annabelle's papa]

Sundown vitamin now that has 500 mg calcium and 200 mg D3. I gave her 1/4th of pill in formula. thank u

:)Thank You for the info Mybabypeanut, on the Sundown site I found 600 mg Calcium with 250 iu of D3, at 1/4 tablet that would be 150 mg Calcium and 62.5 iu of D3.:thumbsup

:)There wasn't any vitamin B complex though, so I'm stumped as to what brought about the boost in energy, the Henry's blocks are completely fortified and it wouldn't hurt to wait a few days before adding anything else.:)

:)Oh, and just before I posted I saw your additional info about the UV light.:thumbsup

[Kristi S]

Did your vet say why he/she wanted to put her on prednisone, and for how long? I don't understand this choice of medication, unless the vet suspects encephalitis. Prednison can have some nasty side effects. I'm glad you chose to try the blocks and see how that goes.

So, B vitamins weren't the reason for her changes, which brings us to calcium. It makes me wonder if somehow the goats milk Esbilac had some hidden effect, despite the fact that she seemed to do so well on it. It's a puzzle!

What about you all - why is the GME not recommended for squirrels? Experience with it, anyone? It's not a protein to fat balance thing. The only thing I can think of offhand is that it's something to do with lactose. I'm not even sure this is a problem in squirrels, but rats are said to become somewhat lactose intolerant once weaned, and the top ingredient by weight in GME is milk. Lactose intolerance in rats can lead to changes in protein and fat uptake and calcium excretion in those fed lactose, along with softening of stool...but what this might mean for squirrels, I've no idea. All this is guesswork!

[Mybabypeanut]

Day 3 begins with no cal/d3. The sundown that i have says on the bottle 1000mg and 400iu but that its for 2 tablets. Im only working with one tablet so thats why I used those values. Then 1/4 of one pill gives me the final value. No B in what I have either. Only geletin, coloring and its says all natural also.

This morning she is a cold baby so not coming out of sleeping nest. Ive checked on her and fed her 8 ml of formula (she doest care for the esbilac she likes the goat milk esbilac but i took it away.). She also ate 1/2 a HHB during the night and another this morning. She looks like she feels fine. She doesnt have that feeling poorly in her eyes. She came completly out of her nest looked around and said....brrrr its cold and back into her warm spot she went. She also has water and arugula in her nig.ht area but has no interest in that. Deer antler and maple tree limbs rounds out what is in there. I dont have the uva light on her sleeping area but I may try...seems it may be too close though or may melt the sides. Dont want a fire.

Cute story. She has Kaytee stashed in assorted areas in sleeping area. I went to take one out and replace with HHB. She hates when I take any of her stash out so I did it quick. When I went in to check on her I looked for the block and she got up went over and laid her head on the HHb. She was saying Nope....you arn't gettin this one. :grin3 I noticed this morning she still has a small stash of Kaytee in the corner but Im not going to mess with it till she gets up. I removed some before and she cried till I put it back.

Sorry I meant to say vet wants to put her on phenobarbitol. Its Loris pet that is on what I mentioned and we had just talked about it.

Well after three weather checks she is up and out. I let her scamper for an hour or two then put her in the ferret enclosure for her safety. She loves to run and scamper and I watch her the whole time.

Raising a squirrel. Especiallly a seizure baby is a fulltime plus job. But I'm loving it. She runs around while I sit on the floor and she comes and jumps on me makes sure Im still there and scampers off to check something else...then back to me. She is so precious and we love her as part of our family. She is welcome forever and Ive been told that her condition means she will have to stay with us forever. Well im off to babysit my baby. Bless all your hearts. Im so thankful that I found all of you and Leigh too. Praying for a good day and night. One hour at a time.

[Mybabypeanut]

I just got off the phone with my vet. She too want to hold off on RX BUT she wants me to give her the cal/d3 combo that I have been giving her.

Im so baffled.. Yes give d3 No dont give D3 could kill her. Do I continue with the 50 IU of d3 and the 125mg of cal? or do I stick with the HHB and see what happens.....arggggg this is such a confusing place to be.

She is up scampering and exploring everywhere. She still wont climb, still cannot hold her food for long. I put her up in 30 minutes for her afternoon nappy and lunch. No seizure in 3 days but its always on day 4 that she has one. So should I give her cal/D3 every 3 days? Thats 50 iu x 3days a week= 150 iu per week. Would that be safe? This is so scary. I would never forgive myself if I injured her in any way.

[Mybabypeanut]

****update*****

sHE DRANK WATER TODAY for the first time. She also ate 1/2 a block so far today a 8 ml of formula and LOTS of water. Happy Happy Day!!! Still no veggies but the days not over yet. Everyday she surprises me with something new. I think she is improving a lot. Especially since I took her OFF the Goat Milk Esbilac that Petco reccomended and taking away all nuts. I will give her a half a nut next week as a REALLY special treat and a blackberry which she LOVES. Thats her fave next to her HHB! Thank goodness for Leigh at Henrys and Lori for so much personal guidence. I would not be this far without them. Bless YOU all:grouphug

And for anybody wanting to go down this road. Know it been 24/7 for me for 3 weeks. Im dedicated to her but if I wasnt I think I would not know about her seizures. She is never out of my sight except sometimes when in nest box but even then I put my hand in a check her breathing :grin3 I think she is learning to trust herself more now and growing in confidence each day. Things she could not do in the big scary world where she was so far behind in learning and feeding herself and having seizures all alone. She was smart enough to come to me for help.

[Spanky]

So you switched from GME to Esbilac powder with the prebiotics/probiotics, is that correct? If yes, how long ago was that switch made?

[Mybabypeanut]

So you switched from GME to Esbilac powder with the prebiotics/probiotics, is that correct? If yes, how long ago was that switch made?

I changed her to 1/2 GME and 1/2 Esbilac. She wont touch it if its just esbilac.

Day 4 brought another seizure. I gave her molasses and I held her during and after close to me speaking peacefully. She came out after 30 seonds of so and went back to sleep. Then yesterday am I gave her the cal/d3 combo that usually gets her up and going. It had no affect on her yesterday. She stayed
in bed all day. She would come to the edge of her sleeping nest with her eyes open but not come out farther. I have added a fleece baby blanket that is soooo soft. Now if I could get that in adult size I would probably stay in bed all day too!! She was only interested in eating 1/2 a block and her formula only. Its as if we have gone all the way back to where we began and all the progress is mute. She had three GREAT days. I have her on a solid schedule to lessen stress. She will not eat veggies or anything unless I hold it for her. Ive had people say she is 6 months old. How did she survive in the wild with all these issues. Baffling.

Should I give her the calcium/d3 combo every other day and see if that works? Put her on rx or just let her have seizures every 4 days? Its so strange. This was a milder seizure. Its all so confusing and baffling.

Also, she seems to shred most of the block. Its about 1/2 and 1/2. She eats half and the rest hits the floor.

Also, after a seizure she goes sound asleep to the point that nothing wakes her. I was able to look at her teeth. Her bottom 2 look correct but her top two are barely rupturing the gum. They are about 1/4 inch long and squared off. Is that normal? I tried to google and I don't think its normal. She has her deer antler, maple trees, bark, ect and chews on it all.

Also, should I add a cuttle bone? I read its a good idea. I think she would chew it up. My turtle loves them and I have a lot of them.

Today she is up, out, scampering and playing. Crawling all over me like crazy. She ate 10 ml formula, 1/2 a block, and a slivered almond for breakfast. She has had no treat for at least 10 days except for a piece of apple. First nut in forever and she loved it.

Thank you all for any ideas you have to keep my baby seizure free. Bless you all..:grouphug

[Mybabypeanut]

She had a seizure on 4/26 and then I think she may have had another during the night a few days later. I say that because she sleeps all day after having a seizure and she did that about 5 days ago. She usually crys out for me when she has one. Yesterday in the am she wasnt acting right. Looked like she just didnt feel good and didnt want to get out of her nesting box. When I picked her up in her baby blacket she cried a little but then fell asleep on my chest stretched out. Leigh and I thought lazy squirrel day maybe. Her schedule is up in the am, eat breakfast one clock and 10mk formula, run around for 2 hours. Then goes in her 2 story ferret encosure. I put a block, veggies chopped tiney and mixed with yogurt, CKaytee blocks, a tiney piece of fruit and a tiney sliver of almond. And a bowl of water. She usually takes the blocks and hides them, eats a little yogurt, hates anything green, maybe a small piece of fruit maybe some water. She chews on her barks, runs around the trees a bit and goes to sleep till nighttime. I let her out then and she plays for a few hours then goes into her nest box with another small plate of veggies that she rarely touches.
Again, yesterday didnt want to get up. Around noon I heard her cry out and when I got to her she was having a seizure. She was stretched out, eyes wide, frozen in place. It takes about 30 seconds for it to pass. Once it does I dipped her nipple in mollasses twice and she drank about 5 ml's of apple/water. I held her close until she curled up in her ball and she stayed in nest box all day.
This morning she was up at 9am and ready to go.. She will not come to me and wont let me pick her up. If I sit with her she runs all over me but not catch her. She drank about 5ml of formula and a little bit of a block and then off again. She sits on the back of the couch runs behind us but not catch. She will run across the floor and look back to see if we are "chasing" her. Is this a game? Is she playing? Its really frustrating because she has not had her nap all day. She may have slept some on the couch but thats it. She prances, struts and scampers everywhere all day long the day after a seizure day.
My vet is offer to put her on seiure meds. Should I? My dog once had grand mall sp? seizures and they were horrid. Thunder or firecrackers set that off. Peanuts is much milder then that but has much more often. Every four days. Vet has offered liquid calcium and liquid vit d also but Im terribly afraid to put her on that too.
Im baffeled and confused. What should I do?:klunk

[Mybabypeanut]

Everytime I write a long email I hit submit and it says Im not logged on and I lose everything. I do log on and its very frustrating.

Im here because Peanut had another seizure yesterday. Every 4 days still. My vet has offered meds, liquid calcium and liquid vit D. I dont know what to do. Nobody has replied to my latest emails. Can someone please, pleaase help me.
Also, she sleeps all day after seizure. The next day (today) she gets up at 9 am and goes all day long. Every other day I put her up after two hours to eat lunch and take a nap till evening. Tonight she wont let me near enough to pick her up. Its almost like a game, She willl run all over me, or run on the couch jump off and look back to see if Im going to chase her. Im pooped from playing that game. I think she thinks its funny!! Im worried she isnt napping. Tomorrow she will probably go back to her schedule. She should be exhausted by now....I am!! Its time for her bedtime and she isnt going to her nest box even.
So is this normal her running around with no nap for a day after seizure? What should I do about seizures? rx route, liq d route, or nothing route>:klunk

[island rehabber]

mybabypeanut, I am sorry that your squirrel is having these issues. I also have a 2-yr-old NR who gets seizures due to head trauma as a newborn; I never know when they are going to happen.
There really isn't anything you can do to stop them, from what I understand. What I would do if I were you is to improve her diet as much as you possibly can (tough love), make sure she is always in a safe environment, and keep careful logs of her seizures for future reference. Another rehabber suggested to me that injectable valium can be very helpful if you need to bring her out of a very very bad seizure.....but that is not an easy drug to get.

[Kristi S]

IR, I've wondered before why you don't have your squirrel on meds for her seizures. MBP, if I were you I would definitely follow up with your vet and try to find one that works. There are many available besides injectable valium, which doesn't sound like it would be appropriate for Peanut anyway.

I don't think vitamin D will help, and over time it could cause other problems.


Everytime I write a long email I hit submit and it says Im not logged on and I lose everything. I do log on and its very frustrating.

I've gotten in the habit of copying the whole post (Ctrl-A, Ctrl-C) almost every time I write to avoid just that! It is frustrating to lose a long post!

[CritterMom]

Guys, not about seizures but your posts. When you log in to the site and put in your password, there is a little box that asks "remember me" or something to that effect. Check the box and your posts won't time out and disappear anymore.

[island rehabber]

IR, I've wondered before why you don't have your squirrel on meds for her seizures. MBP, if I were you I would definitely follow up with your vet and try to find one that works.

She doesn't have them often enough to warrant constant medicating.
However in MBP's case they seem to be fairly regular -- every 4 days? -- and in a case like that I would look for an Rx solution.

[Kristi S]

Guys, not about seizures but your posts. When you log in to the site and put in your password, there is a little box that asks "remember me" or something to that effect. Check the box and your posts won't time out and disappear anymore.

Gee, I thought I'd checked that, but evidently not! Thanks for the tip!


IR - Makes sense! I'm glad your little sweetie doesn't have them often.

[Mybabypeanut]

She had another seizure yesterday. That was only a 3 days between seizures. She slept the rest of the day. This whole week she has had spells of seeming to not know who i am. When I give her the morning formula a block she dives back into her sleeping nest. I dont want her to stay in there all the time. before this week she got out of enclosure time every day.....except seizure days She would run and scamper and sit in the living room...we are in the den...she would play catch me if you can and if I did she would squeel very loudly like she was terrified of me. Not today I put her in her 2 story enclosure and if I try to touch her she squeels. She went from sweet, docil lap squirrel to wild ...you cant catch me...the night after her last seizure. Is this permanent behaviour? I dont thik it good for her to stay in the enclosure all day either but she wont let me catch her now of she has her normal play time out of the enclosure.

[lennysmom]

She had another seizure yesterday. That was only a 3 days between seizures. She slept the rest of the day. This whole week she has had spells of seeming to not know who i am. When I give her the morning formula a block she dives back into her sleeping nest. I dont want her to stay in there all the time. before this week she got out of enclosure time every day.....except seizure days She would run and scamper and sit in the living room...we are in the den...she would play catch me if you can and if I did she would squeel very loudly like she was terrified of me. Not today I put her in her 2 story enclosure and if I try to touch her she squeels. She went from sweet, docil lap squirrel to wild ...you cant catch me...the night after her last seizure. Is this permanent behaviour? I dont thik it good for her to stay in the enclosure all day either but she wont let me catch her now of she has her normal play time out of the enclosure.

Poor little Peanut - I can't imagine how confused and disoriented she must be after those awful seizures. :( I wonder if she's in pain after her seizures and that is why she doesn't like to be touched. :thinking

At six months old, it is perfectly normal behavior for them not to want to go back in the cage after playtime. What I try to do is make going back in the cage a positive experience by giving my fuzzers a treat that they really like once they are back inside and then I shut the door. You may have to bribe her the first few times to get her back to the cage with a treat. My squee have all LOVED avocado, but the only time that they get avocado is after playtime when they get back in their cage. That way they have something good to associate getting back in the cage with - I have had great success with this method for the most part. She defiantly needs her out of cage play time for exercise and enrichment. Hope you can find something that works for her. :grouphug

[Mybabypeanut]

Sorry for the upcoming caps but I NEED HELP!!!! My baby has had TWO seizures today both before 2pm. I dont know what to do. Day before yesterday she was running around, playing and scampering. Then yesterday she didnt want to get out of the nest box ALL day. She ate ---good---but only in bed...would come to the edge with eyes open but just lay there. This morning I tried to slowly wake her to eat. I lifted her slowly out...she ate 10ml of formula and BOOM seizure. ******This is the same formula since day one. the esbilac 1 scoop...esbilac goat milk 1 scoop...4 scoops bottled water....1/2 to 1 scoop whipping cream**** Once seizing I gave her 4 dips of mollases on the end of miracle nipple and held her for about 30 minutes until she decided to get up. She stretched and yawned so I put her in her enclosure. I wanted her to have some excersize though so after an hour I lifted her out and put on floor of play room. She at 5ml of formula with tip of mollasses and within 60 deconds BOOM another seizure. I scooped her up again..wrapped snuggly in towel and she is in my lap now, sleeping with no interest in leaving. Her eyes say she does not feel good....when they are open.
Leigh says take off formula and put on Henrys formula which I can do later tday. I have tried EVERYthING. Stopped things, added things....everything that everyone has said to do or not do.
My vet has offered seizure medicine. Is it time to go that route? We have gone from once every 4 days to multiple seizures after only 2 days. She usually cried out bfore having one but today no cries. Her breathing seems ok. She isnt breathing hard. Her heart rate seems a little racey but closer to normal. She is sound asleep now and after seizures in the past she has alway slept away the day. they complelty ezhaust her...and scare me to pieces. PLEASE I NEED HELP. Leigh says to get a CONSULT with a SPECIALIST that someone here can give me information to locate. Please someone let me know who i need to call and asap if possible. thank you and bless you in advance for your help.
She is sound asleep back in nest box now.....Im so baffeled.

[Kristi S]

My vet has offered seizure medicine. Is it time to go that route?

YES! It's not a diet thing. It would take a very bad diet for a substantial amount of time to give ongoing seizures. It's a neurological problem, and you need to treat it with meds. You don't need a specialist, your regular vet will be fine. Phenobarbital is usually the first line of defense in animals. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get a medication that works, but there are plenty out there. Part of it depends on the kind of seizures. You have an epileptic squirrel, and have to treat her as such.

[island rehabber]

I agree that medication is the right thing to do at this point. Seizure activity this often is dangerous as it taxes her system unbearably -- we need to do something to at least reduce the severity of the seizures or their frequency. Do you have a vet who will treat her? We can look back and see who we've got in your part of the country.....hang in there!:grouphug

[TubeDriver]

I agree that medication is the right thing to do at this point. Seizure activity this often is dangerous as it taxes her system unbearably -- we need to do something to at least reduce the severity of the seizures or their frequency. Do you have a vet who will treat her? We can look back and see who we've got in your part of the country.....hang in there!:grouphug

This^^^^

[Kristi S]

I agree that medication is the right thing to do at this point. Seizure activity this often is dangerous as it taxes her system unbearably -- we need to do something to at least reduce the severity of the seizures or their frequency. Do you have a vet who will treat her? We can look back and see who we've got in your part of the country.....hang in there!:grouphug

She has a vet willing to medicate, from what i understand.

[island rehabber]

I've been assured that a member in her area is working on finding a safe vet for her! :thumbsup:thumbsup