Baby Squirrel w/ broken leg

[Abrooke0011]

Recently we found a baby squirrel that fell out of a tree. It is 4-5 weeks old and has been doing well. He has been drinking Esbilac PMR and has even started to eat small pieces of apple. We have only had him for a few days and the past 2 days he has been active enough for me to notice that one of his back legs seems to be broken. The fingers... or toes (or whatever they are called) don't spread out like they do on his other paws and he tends to just drag it along. It doesn't seem to bother him but I don't know what I should do. I am afraid to take him to the vet because I don't want him to be euthanized and I have had a hard time finding a rehabilitator that will take small mammals in my area. What do I do???

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi Abrooke0011

Thank you for helping the baby. As far as the formula, I assume by Esbilac PMR you are referring to is Puppy Milk Replacer. Are you using the powdered type? The powdered formula is the recommended type. The liquid Esbilac is different and is not recommended.

This is a dilemma because most vets won't treat wildlife and if they do, many will only treat wildlife brought in by a licensed rehabber. If the leg is not 'dangling' loosely, as in a complete break, I would just watch it. Squirrels usually heal very fast so this will probably heal by itself without intervention. Because he is a tiny baby, he won't be bearing weight on the injury so that's good.

[Abrooke0011]

Hi Abrooke0011

Thank you for helping the baby. As far as the formula, I assume by Esbilac PMR you are referring to is Puppy Milk Replacer. Are you using the powdered type? The powdered formula is the recommended type. The liquid Esbilac is different and is not recommended.

This is a dilemma because most vets won't treat wildlife and if they do, many will only treat wildlife brought in by a licensed rehabber. If the leg is not 'dangling' loosely, as in a complete break, I would just watch it. Squirrels usually heal very fast so this will probably heal by itself without intervention. Because he is a tiny baby, he won't be bearing weight on the injury so that's good.

Yes, I was talking about the powder Puppy Milk Replacer.

It isn't dangling, and he seems pretty good about slightly lifting it anytime he walks so I will just continue to watch it and see what happens from there. Hopefully it will heal soon. Thank you for the help!

[Spanky]

:Welcome to TheSquirrelBoard. If you are still hoping to find someone that can help with your baby, if you can share your general location in TX (big state!), like just the city or county, we may have members nearby that can help.

:thankyou for helping this little one!

[MikeM]

Hello can someone please tell me how to Open a new thread or post to the forum, or can I only post to existing threads? I am brand new. I have a flyer whose leg was caught in a snap trap. It is just dangling and he is dragging it. I have absolutely no idea what to do. I have him in a cage w a blanket, water, apples and peanut butter. I am in Burlington County, NJ. Any help is MUCH appreciated!!!

[Spanky]

Go the emergency help needed forum:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?115-Emergency-%28Life-Threatening%29-Help-Needed

At the top there is a a "post new thread" button.

Include your area (at least NJ, county even better) will help draw attention from folks in that area!

Edit: I should have said include your area in the thread title.