10 month Squirrel has a tail injury. Need advice!

[Hamilton]

Our young male got into a fight today and now has a tail injury, which may be a bad bite or possibly a broken tail. We bandaged and splinted the tail but we may need to find a way to partially sedate him for the next few days so he doesn't start chewing on his tail again. Does anyone have any ideas? I have some herbal knowledge but I'm not sure if any of it would be safe for him.

[Annabelle's papa]

Our young male got into a fight today and now has a tail injury, which may be a bad bite or possibly a broken tail. We bandaged and splinted the tail but we may need to find a way to partially sedate him for the next few days so he doesn't start chewing on his tail again. Does anyone have any ideas? I have some herbal knowledge but I'm not sure if any of it would be safe for him.

:)Good Evening H, Bless Your Heart for looking out for this Lil' One, I assume he's a wild that visits your yard, although I'm not sure. Can you post some photos of the injury, how were you able to splint his tail after he was hurt.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Our young male got into a fight today and now has a tail injury, which may be a bad bite or possibly a broken tail. We bandaged and splinted the tail but we may need to find a way to partially sedate him for the next few days so he doesn't start chewing on his tail again. Does anyone have any ideas? I have some herbal knowledge but I'm not sure if any of it would be safe for him.

Is the tail limp? How high up is the injury. He might chew the tail off. They can live fine without a tail. I wouldn't sedate him. Was he chewing before the splint?

Some have used a wrist wrap (Velcro) around the torso to prevent them from reaching/chewing their tail. He won't like it but it will prevent him from reaching the tail.

[pixiepoo]

Yes, pics please!

One of my guys this season chewed off the last vertebrae of his tail because it was broken. If it starts to look black, bright red/inflamed or otherwise abnormal, he may need part of it removed. Please try to keep it clean as best you can and keep an eye on it :)

[Bravo]

I'm impressed that you got a splint on the tail. All I can find at first glance are instances where the tail has already broken off or is dead... which may be the same result here, for all the effort. The next item is to watch for any signs of infection.

[Kristi S]

There's a product called Chew Stop by Relieve Health that is designed to stop animals (made for dogs, but used on squirrels, too) chewing on things, themselves included. Can be used on wounds, and applied over topical creams - it's in a spray bottle. You should be able to find a retailer by going to http://mendotaproducts.com/wheretobuy.html, or get it from Amazon.com.

[Hamilton]

:)Good Evening H, Bless Your Heart for looking out for this Lil' One, I assume he's a wild that visits your yard, although I'm not sure. Can you post some photos of the injury, how were you able to splint his tail after he was hurt.


He is not a wild squirrel per say , he's a rescued squirrel that we have been caring for and has been released but keeps coming back even after going through the pre-release cage etc. I will try to get pictures tomorrow when I redo his bandage. I cleaned his injury and put a comfrey root mixture poultice on it followed by some gauze wrap and two stiffeners and some Cobane wrap.

[Hamilton]

Is the tail limp? How high up is the injury. He might chew the tail off. They can live fine without a tail. I wouldn't sedate him. Was he chewing before the splint?

Some have used a wrist wrap (Velcro) around the torso to prevent them from reaching/chewing their tail. He won't like it but it will prevent him from reaching the tail.


Yes he was chewing before the splint. it's in the middle of his tail and it's not exactly limp, it may just be the tendons on that one side have been damaged. The wrist wrap is a good idea thanks!

[Hamilton]

There's a product called Chew Stop by Relieve Health that is designed to stop animals (made for dogs, but used on squirrels, too) chewing on things, themselves included. Can be used on wounds, and applied over topical creams - it's in a spray bottle. You should be able to find a retailer by going to http://mendotaproducts.com/wheretobuy.html, or get it from Amazon.com.

Thank you! I will look into that for sure.

[Annabelle's papa]

Thank you! I will look into that for sure.

:)Hi H., the spray Ms. Kristi mentioned is all natural and uses .05% rosemary as a deterrent other than cayenne, as some of the other sprays contain. You have a great relationship with your release, it sounds as though he knows just where to come when he's in need.:thumbsup

[Kristi S]

Oh, sorry, it's Chew Stopper, by Retrieve Health (geez, what's happening to my memory?). And it's actually 0.5% - the bottle I used said "bittering agents" rather than rosemary; I don't know it they changed the formula, or what.

[Annabelle's papa]

Oh, sorry, it's Chew Stopper, by Retrieve Health (geez, what's happening to my memory?). And it's actually 0.5% - the bottle I used said "bittering agents" rather than rosemary; I don't know it they changed the formula, or what.

:)Good Afternoon Ms. Kristi, your memory is OK, :great on post #80 of monipennys Hope for Lily thread you mentioned the rosemary, I was relaying what information you had already given.:tilt

:)Was the spray similar to one of these:





256814256815

[Hamilton]

:)Good Evening H, Bless Your Heart for looking out for this Lil' One, I assume he's a wild that visits your yard, although I'm not sure. Can you post some photos of the injury, how were you able to splint his tail after he was hurt.

Day 2, Hamilton seems to be doing okay(under the circumstances). He appears to be a little sore and stiff, but this would be normal for one who has been an altercation where he suffered this type of injury. He doesn't appear to have a fever. We're guardedly hopeful !

He was put into his travel box(pet carrier) complete with everything that a young squirrel would need(except his freedom), we did this to keep him focused on the finding a way out rather than chewing upon his tail, or bandages. it seemed to do just what we wanted. the little bit of Valerian/selenium/white willow tea that we got into him seemed to help him tucker out and rest. we released him after seeing him walking around and drinking water/eating his fav's (hazelnuts, walnuts, avocado), but he wasn't interested in going outside. he just went to be in his oldest dray(surprised me) and slept. He has come to see us and give us a chance to show our devotion to the Squirrel(a nice long rub down/squirrel massage)!

He has gone out to hide a few Hazelnuts, but returns shortly to rest. We will photograph the injury when we unwrap it for another treatment.

I have had phenomenal success with comfrey root poultices and extremely rapid healing, my vet has had me demonstrate this for him and his son, and several other vets.

We will keep you posted about how he is doing, and maybe some new pic's soon

[Kristi S]

:)Good Afternoon Ms. Kristi, your memory is OK, :great on post #80 of monipennys Hope for Lily thread you mentioned the rosemary, I was relaying what information you had already given.:tilt

:)Was the spray similar to one of these:





256814256815

Yes, the one on the right. I think I said it right in the other thread (hopefully), which was why it was so dismaying to have forgotten so soon what it was actually called and who made it.

[Bravo]

Good to hear! Hoping for continuing healing... Hamilton must know he's in caring hands. :great

[Hamilton]

I really am grateful to all of you folks here who give of your hearts(and wallets) to help these little guys/gals.

Your information has helped me to do more good than harm. thanks to your help all of my outdoor critters are very healthy, and Hamilton has a good chance of living through his transition.

I have learned(or maybe it's re-learned!) that almonds and Brazil nuts make then very aggressive and lead to more fighting(and then medicating), it seems to take a couple of weeks to get them all settled down after the last almond is gone.

Thank you so much !

[Annabelle's papa]

I really am grateful to all of you folks here who give of your hearts(and wallets) to help these little guys/gals.

Your information has helped me to do more good than harm. thanks to your help all of my outdoor critters are very healthy, and Hamilton has a good chance of living through his transition.

I have learned(or maybe it's re-learned!) that almonds and Brazil nuts make then very aggressive and lead to more fighting(and then medicating), it seems to take a couple of weeks to get them all settled down after the last almond is gone.

Thank you so much !

:)Hi H, please contribute more often, your input on herbal remedies would prove quite useful and there has been some use of supplements on the board recently. Milk thistle has been used as a detoxifying and calming agent, and tea tree oil can have some proven adverse reactions.:sadness

:)I think almonds are recommended over most other nuts, however brazil nuts can be poisonous even to humans because of very high amounts of selenium. A few of the side effects associated with increased levels of selenium are weight loss, fatigue, irritability and potential nerve damage, it's advised that humans should not eat more than 3 brazil nuts a day.:thumbsup

[Hamilton]

:)Good Evening H, Bless Your Heart for looking out for this Lil' One, I assume he's a wild that visits your yard, although I'm not sure. Can you post some photos of the injury, how were you able to splint his tail after he was hurt.

I don't have the skills apparently to capture his tail photos by myself. But here's an update for any who might have some thoughts for Lil Hamilton : He has been quite subdued, but still gets up every morning, comes to check to see that I am awake. He actually puts his little paws upon my face and looks into my blurry eyes. He grabs a nut, and then go outside to see what's what !

He has not messed with the injury at all( good news, or bad ?). He does not seemed to be developing a fever( steady 102'), but now here is the really tragic part, his tail from the break(mid way down the length) to the tip, it's cold and BLACK!!! I am now considering removing it !

Does anyone have any thoughts, ideas, prayers ?? I am trying to get him on the table at our local rehabber/Vet tomorrow, morning, but they are cautious about helping, mostly because they are in a state where the general populace is not allowed to help these little guys, I happen to be just down the road where it is legal. but the closest vet on my side of the line is 5hrs away.( I am worried that an hour or two in a small aircraft will really be hard upon his sensitive hearing.

Here is the part that I need your help with, I am set up to remove the tail myself, but would like to sedate him a little for this procedure, the removal won't be too hard, but the cauterizing might make him feel as though he can not trust me any longer ! What can I safely use to give him a sleepy relaxed demeanor, at least during the start. I have some sedative from a expensive trip to the vet for our Catahoula, would a small portion shaved off this, fed to him be safe( assuming that I don't overdo it, of course) ? Does anyone know of any herbal potions, like Valerian root, white willow, maybe a tiny bit of powdered thorn apple(this one is very dangerous to get the portion right)? My concern is that while somethings are okay for people, or even dogs, they may not be okay on a squirrel whose system is stressed from the dead tail and any possible bacteria getting to his body. I thought that it might be safe to use something for sedating a cat, but can't remember just what, and if someone may have done just what I'm thinking.

Please help me to choose wisely.( of course if the vet can help this knowledge won't be used upon my little Hamilton)

marc

[Hamilton]

:)Hi H, please contribute more often, your input on herbal remedies would prove quite useful and there has been some use of supplements on the board recently. Milk thistle has been used as a detoxifying and calming agent, and tea tree oil can have some proven adverse reactions.:sadness

:)I think almonds are recommended over most other nuts, however brazil nuts can be poisonous even to humans because of very high amounts of selenium. A few of the side effects associated with increased levels of selenium are weight loss, fatigue, irritability and potential nerve damage, it's advised that humans should not eat more than 3 brazil nuts a day.:thumbsup

I will get my helper,who has the real herbal knowledge to share more info.

I have been reminded very recently that the high levels of salicylic acid(sorry about the poor spelling) in almonds makes these guys very aggressive and agitated. I removed these from their diet and everyone went back to being calm and tolerant of each other. The Brazil nuts, and black striped sunflower seeds seem to have a similar effect, so I don't let any of my squirrels have these.

I had allowed these nuts into Hamilton's diet a few weeks ago( a serious brain fart !) and Hamilton actually attacked me ! I was worried about what might be wrong, so off to the vets we went. I was told it's just normal springtime behavior for a male just reaching sexual maturity. Huh, I had never had this happen before, but after a pricey trip for that be of his time, I started to wonder , and then the light bulb went on (finally!!) and after a week or two of good diet(no almonds !!) he's right back to being lovable ! I have had no squirrel fights around here either ! So, all my squirrels seem to be okay without the almonds and Brazil nuts, much friendlier too ! The mailman is grateful !

Marc

[Annabelle's papa]

I don't have the skills apparently to capture his tail photos by myself. But here's an update for any who might have some thoughts for Lil Hamilton : He has been quite subdued, but still gets up every morning, comes to check to see that I am awake. He actually puts his little paws upon my face and looks into my blurry eyes. He grabs a nut, and then go outside to see what's what !

He has not messed with the injury at all( good news, or bad ?). He does not seemed to be developing a fever( steady 102'), but now here is the really tragic part, his tail from the break(mid way down the length) to the tip, it's cold and BLACK!!! I am now considering removing it !

Does anyone have any thoughts, ideas, prayers ?? I am trying to get him on the table at our local rehabber/Vet tomorrow, morning, but they are cautious about helping, mostly because they are in a state where the general populace is not allowed to help these little guys, I happen to be just down the road where it is legal. but the closest vet on my side of the line is 5hrs away.( I am worried that an hour or two in a small aircraft will really be hard upon his sensitive hearing.

Here is the part that I need your help with, I am set up to remove the tail myself, but would like to sedate him a little for this procedure, the removal won't be too hard, but the cauterizing might make him feel as though he can not trust me any longer ! What can I safely use to give him a sleepy relaxed demeanor, at least during the start. I have some sedative from a expensive trip to the vet for our Catahoula, would a small portion shaved off this, fed to him be safe( assuming that I don't overdo it, of course) ? Does anyone know of any herbal potions, like Valerian root, white willow, maybe a tiny bit of powdered thorn apple(this one is very dangerous to get the portion right)? My concern is that while somethings are okay for people, or even dogs, they may not be okay on a squirrel whose system is stressed from the dead tail and any possible bacteria getting to his body. I thought that it might be safe to use something for sedating a cat, but can't remember just what, and if someone may have done just what I'm thinking.

Please help me to choose wisely.( of course if the vet can help this knowledge won't be used upon my little Hamilton)

marc

:)Good Friday Evening H, your description of Hamilton waking you in the morning is very similar to the way our Lil' Annabelle will wake us at 'any given hour', she is a nocturnal Flyer and pretty much sets her own schedule.:tilt

:)Everything you've said about Hamilton's injury sounds fine so far, a Squirrels tail can develop an injury and fall off on it's own. If it hasn't become infected and Hamilton is leaving it alone for the most part, the 'dead' portion will fall away on its own. The splint might no longer be necessary either, but if he's not paying any attention to it, you could just leave the splint on.:thumbsup

:)The damaged section won't grow back, but it should heal without any problem after the dead area comes off.:)

[Annabelle's papa]

I will get my helper,who has the real herbal knowledge to share more info.

I have been reminded very recently that the high levels of salicylic acid(sorry about the poor spelling) in almonds makes these guys very aggressive and agitated. I removed these from their diet and everyone went back to being calm and tolerant of each other. The Brazil nuts, and black striped sunflower seeds seem to have a similar effect, so I don't let any of my squirrels have these.

I had allowed these nuts into Hamilton's diet a few weeks ago( a serious brain fart !) and Hamilton actually attacked me ! I was worried about what might be wrong, so off to the vets we went. I was told it's just normal springtime behavior for a male just reaching sexual maturity. Huh, I had never had this happen before, but after a pricey trip for that be of his time, I started to wonder , and then the light bulb went on (finally!!) and after a week or two of good diet(no almonds !!) he's right back to being lovable ! I have had no squirrel fights around here either ! So, all my squirrels seem to be okay without the almonds and Brazil nuts, much friendlier too ! The mailman is grateful !

Marc

:)Hi Marc, (I failed to see your name at the bottom of your posts:facepalm) nuts in general are usually limited to less than two a day because of their poor calcium to phosphorus ratio. But Squirrels can and usually do wild up once they reach a certain age, sometimes they will favor just one member and become a serious threat to anyone else.:eek

[Hamilton]

I will try and correct this. Thanks for the reminder.

marc

[Annabelle's papa]

I will try and correct this. Thanks for the reminder.

marc

:)Hi again Marc, it sounds as though you are doing everything right, and it really seems as though you have a great relationship with Lil' Hamilton.:) Got a recently started thread here devoted to herbal and supplemental compounds, I'm sure you could discuss some of the different things you've used with Animals. You were right in that other post you made referring to the fact that just because something has been proven safe for use in other Animals, doesn't mean they could be safe when used with Squirrels, ie Glucosamine, for example.:dono


:)Here is the link: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?50191-Supplements-For-Squirrels&highlight=

[Hamilton]

Thank you for your kind words and hopeful thoughts( we need them profoundly). Hamilton awoke this morning at 5:15 am, came and gave me a quick look over, took my offering and went outside to enjoy the coming of the sun ! I am still a very worried Papa, so I followed him into the morning. He seems more alert and energetic than any of the past three days! I am trying to upload the injured tail pictures now. His tail seems to be getting a little better, with the exception of the portion from the tip to within 1/2" of the break(which seems to be healing, Yay! confrey root) The tip still seems black and may not recover. It is looking better than I have thought possible.

I tormented him a bit today and took him to the vet, they thought that they could have a look at his injury, but upon getting there, the vet on duty wouldn't treat "Wildlife!" as he is considered in Washington, however here in Idaho he can be a pet. So, Hamilton had to ride in his "Pet" carrier an hour each way, for nothing. We still have NO DECISION on what to do. I am hoping that with contrast baths, and gentle massage, more of the herbal(Yes, I agree, experimental treatments) maybe he will be able to recover and we will have more evidence to help us make our decision whether the tail must be cropped or not.

I will always be grateful to you folks for being here, and being the kind of people who, like me, love these little critters! :grouphug

Marc(How can I add the photos ????)

[Annabelle's papa]

Thank you for your kind words and hopeful thoughts( we need them profoundly). Hamilton awoke this morning at 5:15 am, came and gave me a quick look over, took my offering and went outside to enjoy the coming of the sun ! I am still a very worried Papa, so I followed him into the morning. He seems more alert and energetic than any of the past three days! I am trying to upload the injured tail pictures now. His tail seems to be getting a little better, with the exception of the portion from the tip to within 1/2" of the break(which seems to be healing, Yay! confrey root) The tip still seems black and may not recover. It is looking better than I have thought possible.

I tormented him a bit today and took him to the vet, they thought that they could have a look at his injury, but upon getting there, the vet on duty wouldn't treat "Wildlife!" as he is considered in Washington, however here in Idaho he can be a pet. So, Hamilton had to ride in his "Pet" carrier an hour each way, for nothing. We still have NO DECISION on what to do. I am hoping that with contrast baths, and gentle massage, more of the herbal(Yes, I agree, experimental treatments) maybe he will be able to recover and we will have more evidence to help us make our decision whether the tail must be cropped or not.

I will always be grateful to you folks for being here, and being the kind of people who, like me, love these little critters! :grouphug

Marc(How can I add the photos ????)

:)Good Evening Marc, I just mentioned to another wonderful member about how all the 'good air' is up there with Ya'll in the Great Northwestern part of the country. I'm sure this contributes to the wonderful relationship you have with Hamilton, a 'Wild' Animal that can experience the best of both worlds, the great outdoors and the comforts of a human habitat to retire in the evenings.:thumbsup

:)I'm basically a computer novice myself and have learned nearly everything tech wise from the Good Folks here, just below the 'reply' frame is an icon marked 'Manage Attachments'. If you already have some images uploaded on your PC, clicking on this icon will open a window that will allow you to 'insert' your photos directly into your thread. And some members upload their photos onto Photobucket, or another photo management site, and post a link to the site on the reply page.:)

[Hamilton]

:)Good Friday Evening H, your description of Hamilton waking you in the morning is very similar to the way our Lil' Annabelle will wake us at 'any given hour', she is a nocturnal Flyer and pretty much sets her own schedule.:tilt

:)Everything you've said about Hamilton's injury sounds fine so far, a Squirrels tail can develop an injury and fall off on it's own. If it hasn't become infected and Hamilton is leaving it alone for the most part, the 'dead' portion will fall away on its own. The splint might no longer be necessary either, but if he's not paying any attention to it, you could just leave the splint on.:thumbsup

:)The damaged section won't grow back, but it should heal without any problem after the dead area comes off.:)

Thank You ! I am relieved to hear that there may be more hope than I have felt was possible. He is leaving it alone, which means that it doesn't hurt him, or he would attack it. More of it seems viable as the days wear on. I have removed the splint, as the break seems stable, even though he doesn't flip it up over his back any longer, and only the first couple of inches is arched as he runs about. I will get you some pic's just as soon as my helper arrives(she's also my computer wiz).

His appetite isn't what it was, so he seems thinner, but some of this was noticeable as he spent more time learning to interact with and defend his territory from the older squirrels who roam through our property. I am going to try to beef him back up with some nutrition balls or something. Would you happen to have a link to something that has worked for you ?

Again, Thank you for helping me to provide the right care for my squirrels ! :great

Marc

[Hamilton]

Here is the first picture that someone commented about(How do you splint a squirrels tail?)

Now for the hard part the other photos of the real damage, hang on folks!

[Hamilton]

Admin said that O went beyond the time limit for editing.... sorry for making this so tedious for all of you.

Okay, this may give you a look at the damage our little Hamilton has suffered.

Marc

[Annabelle's papa]

Admin said that O went beyond the time limit for editing.... sorry for making this so tedious for all of you.

Okay, this may give you a look at the damage our little Hamilton has suffered.

Marc

:)Bless Ya'll's Hearts Marc, poor Hamilton's tail has taken a traumatic injury, he may need a course of antibiotics I'm not really sure. I know someone else will offer their advice, my concern is possible sepsis considering the length of the tail that could be infected. I'm sure you are keeping the exterior disinfected, although the necrotic tissue below the surface can be problematic. The photos you posted are excellent, nothing is ever too graphic to post when a medical condition is in question.

[Annabelle's papa]

Admin said that O went beyond the time limit for editing.... sorry for making this so tedious for all of you.

Okay, this may give you a look at the damage our little Hamilton has suffered.

Marc

:bump

[Annabelle's papa]

Admin said that O went beyond the time limit for editing.... sorry for making this so tedious for all of you.

Okay, this may give you a look at the damage our little Hamilton has suffered.

Marc

:bump

[Hamilton]

Good Evening !

I am having trouble with my brain, I seem to have forgotten everything... I am worried that I might have my facts mixed up.

What is the temp of a healthy squirrel vs one who may have an infection due to sepsis from this dead tissue in his tail ?? I did the conversion from 40' Celsius and arrived at 104' f. Am I on track here? Hamilton is at 103.2F this evening. Part of my mind says that 102 F is normal... I am so worried, that I am doubting myself here.

Status: He has had another good day with more activity than the past few days(with the exception of him tuckering out quickly(about 60-90 mins) and then he goes back to bed. He is sleeping more during the day than before the injury.) He seems to be drinking more each time he hits the bottle or tray, always a good sign I think ! He has eaten more of his fruits and vegies today and doesn't seem to mind the calcium powder as much as before.

He has started to groom himself a little bit more today, he even cleaned his tail. Not as thoroughly as he used to, but, more than anytime since his injury.

Money is always an issue, as with most folks, but If sepsis is a real concern, then I want to take him in tomorrow morning to have the vet consider surgery vs waiting for natural decay to remove the tail. Do you think that I am wasting money and putting him through more trauma for nothing? When this may work itself out?

Note: This vet is in Wa, and is pushing the legal limits of what he should do, The law says that civilians should not do what we all do when these little guys are in peril, we help! They really want me to hand him over to wildlife and let him be euthanize'd, I just can't do this !! Unless he was going to suffer each day, which he doesn't seem to be doing !

Being an Idaho squirrel, he can legally be a "pet" free or caged. I would like to continue making his life better( I really believe the "One day in the trees" theory. To take him to an Idaho vet, it's a 5hr drive, or hour and a half in a small aircraft. When I cross the state line he becomes "wildlife" again.

I know that I am rambling and "Waffling"... I put him into the box for a drive to the vet the other day(he hates the box, (constant chewing on the cage door) and after a long wait they decided not to help, I have another chance to beg for help tomorrow, do you think that I should put him in the box one more time for the "chance" that they might try to help ??

Help me to focus my mind and do the right thing for little Hamilton.

Thank you(again) for reading my scribbles and frets, and offering your kind words.


Marc.

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

Where in Washington are you? Just give town name. I have a couple of squirrel friendly vets in Washington

[Annabelle's papa]

Hi Marc, I've been bumping Hamilton's tail photos in hope of getting some better advice, I became alarmed after seeing that the injury is more in the middle instead of the end. Usually several inch's on the end of a tail will just fall away after a period of time, but his injury in the middle section is rare. And I believe normal body temp is 102, I was hoping for an antibiotic recommendation. I feel the same as you, there is no reason he should have to be euthanized because of a tail injury.

Please stay on the board though, I'm sure if there is something you can do for him, advice will follow. I just looked and you are getting some experienced advice now.

[Annabelle's papa]

Bless Your Heart SQUIRRELSAREME, I think Marc just went off line, I believe he and Hamilton are in Idaho, and he tried one vet over the border in WA but they wouldn't treat. I'm glad you looked at the tail photos, I wasn't aware that the injury was that far up on the tail.

Could you maybe PM him some vet names, and maybe he will be close to one of them.

[Hamilton]

Where in Washington are you? Just give town name. I have a couple of squirrel friendly vets in Washington

Post Falls ID is about a five minute drive to Dr Ponti's, Who is the only recommended wildlife vet close to St Maries Idaho. Next one is Boise Id. Mere five and a half hour ride away.

Thanks in advance for any help you might be !

Marc.

[Hamilton]

Good morning folks !

Status update: He is very friendly and alert this morning. But upon examination he now has (interupted vy him again(just checking to see what I am doing, or why haven't I followed him out into the new day.) He now has a pink bump upon his tail just above the break ! So, it's off to the vet for another session of "Hope the vet will help us!",

I am still concerned about my fuzzy mind... is 103.2 F indicate that the bump is an abscess and he is possibly on his way to septicemia ? My mind seems to remember that 99'F is normal, but the I read somewhere that 102'F is, still I found someone who wrote that 40'C is(which translates to 104'F. Okay someone help me to end my fuzzhead brain syndrome, PLEASE !

So that there is no confusion ! This is not "Wildlife" in Idaho. However in Washington he is legally not allowed to be a pet ! So, the vets over there are right to be cautious. Over here in Idaho the vets all recommend Dr Ponti as the only knowledgeable vet when it comes to "Wildlife" !

He has a wonderful front desk girl who really feels for all animals ! She has made Hamilton an appt this morning, maybe the Dr Jerry will do what we need.

I will re-post his status after this visit, so it will be about Noon (Pst) of course 3 hours later for you eat coasters(EST) !


Thanks for caring,

Marc.

[Hamilton]

Good morning folks !

Status update: He is very friendly and alert this morning. But upon examination he now has (interupted vy him again(just checking to see what I am doing, or why haven't I followed him out into the new day.) He now has a pink bump upon his tail just above the break ! So, it's off to the vet for another session of "Hope the vet will help us!",

I am still concerned about my fuzzy mind... is 103.2 F indicate that the bump is an abscess and he is possibly on his way to septicemia ? My mind seems to remember that 99'F is normal, but the I read somewhere that 102'F is, still I found someone who wrote that 40'C is(which translates to 104'F. Okay someone help me to end my fuzzhead brain syndrome, PLEASE !

So that there is no confusion ! This is not "Wildlife" in Idaho. However in Washington he is legally not allowed to be a pet ! So, the vets over there are right to be cautious. Over here in Idaho the vets all recommend Dr Ponti as the only knowledgeable vet when it comes to "Wildlife" !

He has a wonderful front desk girl who really feels for all animals ! She has made Hamilton an appt this morning, maybe the Dr Jerry will do what we need.



I will re-post his status after this visit, so it will be about Noon (Pst) of course 3 hours later for you eat coasters(EST) !


Thanks for caring,

Marc. I will take the computer along and keep chkg back to see if anyone has read this and offered advice.:idea

[Bravo]

I'm not sure about a squirrel's normal body temperature. I've read 99 degrees F is normal. University of Illinois states that
Squirrels body temperature is 98-102 degrees.

Either way, I'm not hearing that this one is running a feverishly high temperature. Symptoms of Septicemia incude the following:


Fever and shaking chills or, alternatively, a very low body temperature
Decreased urination
Rapid pulse
Rapid breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea

We've had instances of tail injuries reported, and as far as I know, none of the above symptoms have occurred during the healing process.

I'm not saying that he's fine, however I don't think that Septicaemia is a concern at this point.

[TubeDriver]

I have seen numerous wild squirrels with tail injuries. All have healed up fine (some lost the tail, some lost part of a tail, some tails recovered) but none needed any intervention or ABs. Given that he appears to be in good health, has access to food and fresh water, I would simply let the tail heal on its own.

If the vasculature is compromised, the tail will wither and fall off (or he will help it along by chewing off the offending part). It is possible that it will continue to heal but I do not think you need to remove the tail unless you see signs of a significant infection? I would not wrap the tail, I would allow it to be open and to drain if needed.

If the infection gets worse, you can put some silvadene creme locally in the injured area and if needed treat him with antibiotic (Clavamox might be a good choice). When you bring injured wildlife to a vet in an illegal state, there is a chance that the squirrel will be confiscated and euthanized.

Here is one of my wilds that has lost about a 1/3 of her tail. She is doing fine and I expect the tip to fall off soon.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o291/TubeDriver/A%20random%20squirrel%20pics%202015/image.jpg1_zps9e2rpzg7.jpg (http://s123.photobucket.com/user/TubeDriver/media/A%20random%20squirrel%20pics%202015/image.jpg1_zps9e2rpzg7.jpg.html)

[Annabelle's papa]

:thumbsup

[Hamilton]

She is a beautiful Squirrel !

I have gone to the trouble(and expense) of surgical intervention, it was infected above the break, and I didn't have the wonderful advice that I see now.

He has lost 60% of his tail, but is feeling better today, more active, eating, drinking, and even taking his amoxi ! I hated to do it, but one quick look and the vet over in Wa said it should be done, which was the decision I had already come to(however erroneously).

I put a couple of pic's up for you folks to see how much he's a new sportier squirrel, Yeah, sure the other squirrels are going to tease him.

So far so good, no one has attacked him yet ! I hope that he can still be safe with one of his primary defenses shortened.

I will start updating just his profile, instead of babbling on here, in such a critical venue

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice !

Marc, and the new Faster Hamilton.

[Kristi S]

I think you did the right thing, especially if it was infected above the break. Although it's not uncommon to see wild squirrels that have survived tail injuries, you never really know how many don't. I didn't like the look of that tail at all, with all that necrotic tissue.

[TubeDriver]

No harm done, your vet just did faster what probably would have happened naturally anyway.:thumbsup. Keep an eye on him and complete any AB treatment! At least he has about half of his tail so he can partially do all the things that a tail is good for.:)






She is a beautiful Squirrel !

I have gone to the trouble(and expense) of surgical intervention, it was infected above the break, and I didn't have the wonderful advice that I see now.

He has lost 60% of his tail, but is feeling better today, more active, eating, drinking, and even taking his amoxi ! I hated to do it, but one quick look and the vet over in Wa said it should be done, which was the decision I had already come to(however erroneously).

I put a couple of pic's up for you folks to see how much he's a new sportier squirrel, Yeah, sure the other squirrels are going to tease him.

So far so good, no one has attacked him yet ! I hope that he can still be safe with one of his primary defenses shortened.

I will start updating just his profile, instead of babbling on here, in such a critical venue

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice !

Marc, and the new Faster Hamilton.