Suspect MSD! Flyer having apparent seizures!

[CookieChipMom]

My female flyer seems to be having seizures. She will fall on her back with arms and legs outstretched. I pick her up and massage her tummy then just hold her quietly in my hands for awhile until she becomes alert and frisky again. I know she was likely getting too much seeds and nuts, although I have also been feeding them kale, mushrooms, and some yogurt, along with other fruit and veggies. I have given them a Tums and tonight when they awaken I will begin feeding Esbillac. Do you have any other suggestions for me to save her life! Thank you!

[Spanky]

Here is the protocol for MBD treatment. Start this immediate as it may save their lives and it will not hurt them even if its not MBD especially as you already recognize they are getting too many seeds and nuts.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?17680-Emergency-Treatment-for-MBD-%28Updated-3-31-09%29

Cut out the seeds and nuts and get them a high quality rodent block, the Henry's is the best (hi protein for flyers):

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

They should eat the block each day (night?) before being given anything else. :thumbsup

[CookieChipMom]

Here is the protocol for MBD treatment. Start this immediate as it may save their lives and it will not hurt them even if its not MBD especially as you already recognize they are getting too many seeds and nuts.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?17680-Emergency-Treatment-for-MBD-%28Updated-3-31-09%29

Cut out the seeds and nuts and get them a high quality rodent block, the Henry's is the best (hi protein for flyers):

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

They should eat the block each day (night?) before being given anything else. :thumbsup

Thank you! I have ordered the squirrel blocks. In the meantime, I will be getting Tums into both of them.

[HRT4SQRLS]

CCM, the MBD protocol calls for 500mg of calcium every day for the first week. This is for a larger squirrel like a grey or fox squirrel. Because you have flyers (which are much smaller) I would try to get about half that amount into them daily. (About 250-300mg)

Are you feeding a protein source like meal worms?

The yogurt and formula are excellent sources of calcium. :)

[CookieChipMom]

CCM, the MBD protocol calls for 500mg of calcium every day for the first week. This is for a larger squirrel like a grey or fox squirrel. Because you have flyers (which are much smaller) I would try to get about half that amount into them daily. (About 250-300mg)

Are you feeding a protein source like meal worms?

The yogurt and formula are excellent sources of calcium. :)

Yes, I am feeding them meal worms! They love them!! They like the yogurt but are not too keen on the formula. Hopefully they will like the Tums. Thanks. I tried a couple of times today to wake them for a feeding but they would have none of it, so I am looking forward to this evening when they are up and about and hopefully I can get some calcium into them.

[Anne]

Seizures in adult flying squirrels, unfortunately, is a common sometimes hereditary problem. I do not believe she has MBD, especially if you have been feeding her the healthy flying squirrel diet (look in Breed specific section). Make sure she gets plenty of protein and mushroom caps. A berry flavored childrens Tums can be put in her cage once a week.
Pixiepoo's female flyer has seizures and is on medicines from Dr. Emerson at Ravenwood Animal Clinic in Port Orange. I will alert Pixiepoo to your posting and have her PM you.

[pappy1264]

Ann is correct, seems many adult flyers are prone to seizures. My girl, Eris, will have them if she gets stressed out.

[CookieChipMom]

I got the Henry's Squirrel Bites and they also have been eating healthy, and licking up yogurt a lot! :)
They really like the Squirrel Bites and seem much more energetic and healthy. I have not had the female out of the cage for a while so have not seen any more seizures. Hoping they are better, but will stick to healthy diet and keep an eye on them. Thank you all so much for the kind and quick advice! :grin3

[flyer girl]

I have to agree stress can cause seizures in flyers, my 8 year old Sebastian has seizures but only if he is stressed... I let my boy do whatever he wants I don't force him to do anything anymore as I am afraid it will cause a seizure... It makes me sad cause Sebastian use to go everywhere with me and I use to take all kinds of 📷 of him now it just to much for him... He is on a great diet so I know it is not MBD... My vet said unless the seizure become more frequent or more severe not to put him on meds, he has about 3 seizures a year... My vet said a lot of flyer and small rodents have seizures she thinks there is something missing in there diet that they get in the wild that they don't get in captivity... I do recommend a a vita (aka) UVA/UVB light it helps with calcium abortion...