Help please baby squirrel (about 4 weeks) has a swollen joint. Is the leg broken?

[Bruce]

Hello fellow animal lovers,
I found a baby squirrel and I'm guessing he about 4 weeks old now. I have noticed that his "ankle" joint is swollen and don't know if the leg is broken or what to do. The vets near me will not take wild animals and it will be some time before I can get him to a shelter that will care for him. We have had him for about a week and want to make sure he is okay until we can get him proper care. We have been following the manual for infant squirrel care on the site SQUIRREL TALES (http://squirreltales.org/index.htm#Top) and he seems to be doing fine accept for his swollen joint. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Included is a picture of the swollen joint and the other more healthy looking leg for comparison. 263113263114

Kind regards,

Bruce

[stepnstone]

Hello fellow animal lovers,
I found a baby squirrel and I'm guessing he about 4 weeks old now. I have noticed that his "ankle" joint is swollen and don't know if the leg is broken or what to do. The vets near me will not take wild animals and it will be some time before I can get him to a shelter that will care for him. We have had him for about a week and want to make sure he is okay until we can get him proper care. We have been following the manual for infant squirrel care on the site SQUIRREL TALES (http://squirreltales.org/index.htm#Top) and he seems to be doing fine accept for his swollen joint. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Included is a picture of the swollen joint and the other more healthy looking leg for comparison.
Kind regards,
Bruce

Question; If you (lightly) pinch his toes on injured ankle does he react to it?
He can be given liquid infant ibuprofen to help with pain and reduce swelling.
You will need to get a weight on baby and then we can tell you how to dose.

[Bruce]

Question; If you (lightly) pinch his toes on injured ankle does he react to it?
He can be given liquid infant ibuprofen to help with pain and reduce swelling.
You will need to get a weight on baby and then we can tell you how to dose.

Thank you so much for the reply. Simon is 75.3 grams. He does not react negatively if I lightly pinch his toes but he does seem to favor that leg and keeps it tucked in towards his body most of the time. I just hope it is not broken or greatly damaged. He can move it but his toes don't seem to be moving very well or as much as the other ones. It also has decreased range of motion. Additionally, I have been reading a lot on this website and I have also noted that Simon does "click" which has been made clear to me as a sign of Aspiration Pneumonia. It seems the general consensus is Baytril for treatment and to keep the box completely sitting on the heating pad. Is it possible to get Baytril from a vet without him/her seeing the animal? My vet does not allow wild animals in the clinic. Is there another method of treatment? I read that Tetracycline or Vitamin E can also help. Is that true and if so how much? Thanks again for all your help. I worry about Simon and truly want the best for him.

Kind Regards,

Bruce

[stepnstone]

Thank you so much for the reply. Simon is 75.3 grams. He does not react negatively if I lightly pinch his toes but he does seem to favor that leg and keeps it tucked in towards his body most of the time. I just hope it is not broken or greatly damaged. He can move it but his toes don't seem to be moving very well or as much as the other ones. It also has decreased range of motion. Additionally, I have been reading a lot on this website and I have also noted that Simon does "click" which has been made clear to me as a sign of Aspiration Pneumonia. It seems the general consensus is Baytril for treatment and to keep the box completely sitting on the heating pad. Is it possible to get Baytril from a vet without him/her seeing the animal? My vet does not allow wild animals in the clinic. Is there another method of treatment? I read that Tetracycline or Vitamin E can also help. Is that true and if so how much? Thanks again for all your help. I worry about Simon and truly want the best for him.

Kind Regards,

Bruce

Baytril is one that is most effective and it is Rx, can't say if a vet would give any without seeing the animal and most vets are not going to treat wildlife.
Cipro is the "human" form of baytril. It is a med many woman use and may have on hand.
Check around and let us know what ab's you can get hold of and we can tell you if it can be used or is any use for aspiration pneumonia. All you would need is a pill or two.
Tetracycline is not used for respiratory and Vitamin E will not be effective.

Be aware if it is Aspiration Pneumonia you need to act on getting ab's quickly, Aspiration Pneumonia takes them down fast.
I will get dosage info for the Ibuprofen and send in a pm. Swelling and pain is going to keep him from wanting to move that foot /toes. Ib can help reduce swelling and pain management is vital to healing.

[Bruce]

Baytril is one that is most effective and it is Rx, can't say if a vet would give any without seeing the animal and most vets are not going to treat wildlife.
Cipro is the "human" form of baytril. It is a med many woman use and may have on hand.
Check around and let us know what ab's you can get hold of and we can tell you if it can be used or is any use for aspiration pneumonia. All you would need is a pill or two.
Tetracycline is not used for respiratory and Vitamin E will not be effective.

Be aware if it is Aspiration Pneumonia you need to act on getting ab's quickly, Aspiration Pneumonia takes them down fast.
I will get dosage info for the Ibuprofen and send in a pm. Swelling and pain is going to keep him from wanting to move that foot /toes. Ib can help reduce swelling and pain management is vital to healing.


I will ask and see what I can find as soon as I can in the morning. Thank you very much and I will keep you posted.

[Bruce]

Update:
After I told the vet about Simon and asked if she could give me a prescription for Baytril she was willing to look at him! She put him on Orbax oral suspension and Meloxicam (5ml). I hope this helps Simon and that he can return to the wild. Thanks for all the help!

Bruce

[stepnstone]

Update:
After I told the vet about Simon and asked if she could give me a prescription for Baytril she was willing to look at him! Dr. Amanda Hawkins is a great person. She put him on Orbax oral suspension and Meloxicam (5ml). I hope this helps Simon and that he can return to the wild. Thanks for all the help!
Bruce

Thank you for the update...
Curious, did the vet feel pneumonia was not an issue?
I ask due to the ab not being one that is designed for respiratory problems. Do you still feel you hear clicking?

I'm assuming the Orbax was for the ankle which I still find rather confusing since Orbifloxacin and other quinolones have been shown to cause arthropathy in immature animals of most species tested. :dono
I too hope your little can make it back to the trees... :grouphug

[Bruce]

Thank you for the update...
Curious, did the vet feel pneumonia was not an issue?
I ask due to the ab not being one that is designed for respiratory problems. Do you still feel you hear clicking?

I'm assuming the Orbax was for the ankle which I still find rather confusing since Orbifloxacin and other quinolones have been shown to cause arthropathy in immature animals of most species tested. :dono
I too hope your little can make it back to the trees... :grouphug

She said she heard a little pneumonia and said Orbax is in the family of meds that includes Baytril and will help with the little bit of respiration issues he had. He still clicks on occasion but much less now. Only when he is active but when he is resting the clicks have stopped for the most part. The Meloxicam she said was for the swelling and pain that is associated with his ankle. I could not afford an x-ray but she did not feel any broken bones and Simon is still pretty active so she was hopeful that he was fine in that regard. She did say the swelling may be due a the fall from his nest or lack of nutrition. I hope I am feeding him enough. I feed him 3 ml of puppy replacement milk every 4 hours. The formula recipe I am using I got from the Squirrel Wildlife Rehabilitation website and is as follows: "Mix the powdered formula 1 part powder to 2 parts water (USE DISTILLED WATER ONLY) and 1/8 part of heavy whipping cream". The vet said that was good and he should improve with the medications. Is there anything else I should be doing? Thanks.

Kind Regards,

Bruce

[Spanky]

I feed him 3 ml of puppy replacement milk every 4 hours. The formula recipe I am using I got from the Squirrel Wildlife Rehabilitation website and is as follows: "Mix the powdered formula 1 part powder to 2 parts water (USE DISTILLED WATER ONLY) and 1/8 part of heavy whipping cream".

Your squirrel should be eating 5 - 7% of their weight in formula every 4 hours. For a 75 gram squirrel that is approximately 3.75ml - 5.25ml per feeding, every 4 hours. So you are under feeding the guy just a bit.

Also, EXTREMELY IMPORTANT is which Puppy replacement milk you are using? Hopefully it is the Esbilac with pre and probiotics, as that is the "correct" one, really the only one, that has the correct "squirrel" formulation. A pic of the can and the ingredients (third ingredient should be :dried whey protein concentrate") is included.

[Bruce]

Your squirrel should be eating 5 - 7% of their weight in formula every 4 hours. For a 75 gram squirrel that is approximately 3.75ml - 5.25ml per feeding, every 4 hours. So you are under feeding the guy just a bit.

Also, EXTREMELY IMPORTANT is which Puppy replacement milk you are using? Hopefully it is the Esbilac with pre and probiotics, as that is the "correct" one, really the only one, that has the correct "squirrel" formulation. A pic of the can and the ingredients (third ingredient should be :dried whey protein concentrate") is included.

Thanks for the information. I am using PetAg Milk Replacer Plus with pre and probiotics. I will have to go out and look for the Esbilic formula. Here is the picture of the can. 263153

[stepnstone]

Please get the correct formula...
Proper diet and nutrition is everything to these babies.

[Spanky]

Yes, you should change to the Esbilac. The Esbilac will make your life and the squirrel's much better (I PROMISE)!

Wal-Mart sometimes carries it, Tractor Supply usually carries it.

If you cannot find it, you can order it on-line and in the meantime you'd probably do well to switch to the "Temporary" Goat's Milk Formula:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?29904-TEMPORARY-Goat-s-Milk-Formula***&highlight=goat+milk%27s+formula

:thumbsup

[Bruce]

Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I will search for Esbilac first thing in the morning. That is what I initially had planned to get but they did not have it at the store I went to. I will try different stores and hopefully find it. If not I will use the goats milk formula and order the Esbilac online.

Kind Regards,

Bruce

[Penelope]

Just thought I would mention that if you are having trouble finding the right Ebsilac my vets office carries it so that might be an option that the nearest vets office may carry .Even if this particular vets office will not see wildlife they still
Could sell to you.Good luck!

[Bruce]

Just to let you know, I found Esbilac powder this afternoon at a PetCo and Simon is enjoying it. Hopefully this will help his ailments. Thanks everyone! :grin2

Bruce

[stepnstone]

Just to let you know, I found Esbilac powder this afternoon at a PetCo and Simon is enjoying it. Hopefully this will help his ailments. Thanks everyone! :grin2
Bruce

:clapYay! Now don't forget to keep us updated on progress. :grin3

[Bruce]

Quick question. Since I changed to Esbilac formula Simon has barely eliminated any waste. He is still urinating though so that is good. I stimulate him after every feeding (every 4 hours) but to no avail. Should I skip a feeding? Should I give him pain water? How do I know if he is getting bloated? He is getting nice and fat though. That powder is really packing on the pounds in a few short days. I'm at a loss. What should I do? Thanks.

Kind Regards,

Bruce

[stepnstone]

Quick question. Since I changed to Esbilac formula Simon has barely eliminated any waste. He is still urinating though so that is good. I stimulate him after every feeding (every 4 hours) but to no avail. Should I skip a feeding? Should I give him pain water? How do I know if he is getting bloated? He is getting nice and fat though. That powder is really packing on the pounds in a few short days. I'm at a loss. What should I do? Thanks.
Kind Regards,
Bruce

You said "barely eliminated any waste" is that saying he has some?
If formula is 2-1, I would mix 3-1 until it adjusts in his system and
bowels are moving as they should then get back up to 2-1.
You may also want to give some hydration in between feedings.

If bloated their stomach looks like a balloon usually tight or hard.

[Bruce]

Yes, he has eliminated some but not like before. I would say about 1/4 as much as he had been. Thanks, I will put him on a 3/1 formula and give him some hydration between feedings and see if that helps. Thank you very much.

Bruce

[stepnstone]

Yes, he has eliminated some but not like before. I would say about 1/4 as much as he had been. Thanks, I will put him on a 3/1 formula and give him some hydration between feedings and see if that helps. Thank you very much.
Bruce

I would only do the 3-1 for a day (or so) and see where you stand.
These babies do need the nutrition, don't want to keep the formula diluted.
At least he's not constipated...
What consistency are the poo's you have seen, soft, hard? Color?
Are you feeding between the 5-7% ?

[Bruce]

I would only do the 3-1 for a day (or so) and see where you stand.
These babies do need the nutrition, don't want to keep the formula diluted.
At least he's not constipated...
What consistency are the poo's you have seen, soft, hard? Color?
Are you feeding between the 5-7% ?

Sounds good. I will do that. The poo consistency is good. It is somewhat soft yet formed and and has an orange/yellow color. He pooped a little nugget this morning and he is beginning to pee on his own now. He is 90.4 grams now and still very active during feedings. I am feeding him 5 ml of formula now and he eats all of it most of the time. At night he doesn't want to eat as much and struggles away. Thanks

[Nancy in New York]

The formula recipe I am using I got from the Squirrel Wildlife Rehabilitation website and is as follows: "Mix the powdered formula 1 part powder to 2 parts water (USE DISTILLED WATER ONLY) and 1/8 part of heavy whipping cream". The vet said that was good and he should improve with the medications. Is there anything else I should be doing? Thanks.

Kind Regards,

Bruce


Just curious, I didn't think Distilled Water was ever recommended? :dono

[Bruce]

Just curious, I didn't think Distilled Water was ever recommended? :dono

I wasn't sure about that either so I am and have been using regular water. I should have mentioned that. Thanks for pointing that out. That was just the quote form the web page.

[Nancy in New York]

I wasn't sure about that either so I am and have been using regular water. I should have mentioned that. Thanks for pointing that out. That was just the quote form the web page.
I'm glad you switched it! :thumbsup

[stepnstone]

Cleaning out my folders I finally found the pictures you sent.
Had to post them....

That ankle really looks bad!! Is it still swollen like that?
Also I'm seeing what looks like a little "milk burn."
Need to keep formula washed off after feeding, it will
cause fur loss when it stands on it.

Btw.... Best put a Ms. in front of Simon... you have a girl. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/yellow-hd/mocking-smiley-emoticon.gif

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=263435&stc=1

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=263436&stc=1

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=263437&stc=1

[Spanky]

Simone? :grin3

[Bruce]

Simone? :grin3

I like it! Simone it is! Thanks :dance

[Bruce]

Cleaning out my folders I finally found the pictures you sent.
Had to post them....

That ankle really looks bad!! Is it still swollen like that?
Also I'm seeing what looks like a little "milk burn."
Need to keep formula washed off after feeding, it will
cause fur loss when it stands on it.

Btw.... Best put a Ms. in front of Simon... you have a girl. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/yellow-hd/mocking-smiley-emoticon.gif

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=263435&stc=1

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=263436&stc=1

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=263437&stc=1


Unfortunately yes, it is still like that yet the x-rays showed no broken bones. I really don't know what is going on there. Simone is still eating A Lot and is taking HER medication but there seems to be little, if any, improvement with the ankle. I am actually about to leave for the vet again to talk about the use of Orbax in squirrels, Simone's left eye, and her ankle. I may need to take out a loan. Hahaha.

[Bruce]

Update:
The vet changed Simone's medication to Clavamox and I am already starting to see improvements. Fingers crossed that Simone is on the path towards recovery. The meds have stunted her appetite a bit but she is still eating and becoming more and more active each day. Hopefully the swelling in her joints will begin to decrease by next week. Her respiratory problems are also subsiding!

Bruce

[stepnstone]

Update:
The vet changed Simone's medication to Clavamox and I am already starting to see improvements. Fingers crossed that Simone is on the path towards recovery. The meds have stunted her appetite a bit but she is still eating and becoming more and more active each day. Hopefully the swelling in her joints will begin to decrease by next week. Her respiratory problems are also subsiding!
Bruce

That's good news Bruce, glad there's some improvement. :w00t
Here's praying it continues. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/christian/prayer-smiley-emoticon.png

[iwonka]

Bruce.. when you touch it, is it soft?.. I've seen something like this in the past and it was infection.

[Bruce]

Bruce.. when you touch it, is it soft?.. I've seen something like this in the past and it was infection.

iwonka,
I would not necessarily say it is really soft but it is not hard like bone if that makes sense. The vet said it was infection so that is what I am hoping for. Hopefully Simone will regain a full range of motion once the swelling goes down. I am optimistic knowing that you have also encountered something like this and that it was indeed an infection. It gives me hope that the problem can be resolved with the measures we are taking. Thanks.

Bruce

[stepnstone]

iwonka,
I would not necessarily say it is really soft but it is not hard like bone if that makes sense. The vet said it was infection so that is what I am hoping for. Hopefully Simone will regain a full range of motion once the swelling goes down. I am optimistic knowing that you have also encountered something like this and that it was indeed an infection. It gives me hope that the problem can be resolved with the measures we are taking. Thanks.
Bruce

I'm curious as to why vet didn't opt to drain it,
was it mentioned at all?

[iwonka]

I'm curious as to why vet didn't opt to drain it,
was it mentioned at all?

Me too :confused:

[Bruce]

Me too :confused:

I really don't know why that was not mentioned. She did give me a personal call today to let me know she is trying to get in contact with one of her vet friends she went to school with who works with wild animals to see if there is anything else she can do. It really made me happy to hear that she was doing that for Simone on her own time and for agreeing to see Simone in the first place. She also recommended getting a cuttlebone for calcium or she can also give me calcium drops if Simone does not chew on the cuttlebone. Simone had a really good day today! She was Very active and is starting to eat more! This has been the most active I have ever seen her so that put a smile on my face. :grin3

Bruce

[oldman_logan]

iwonka,
I would not necessarily say it is really soft but it is not hard like bone if that makes sense. The vet said it was infection so that is what I am hoping for. Hopefully Simone will regain a full range of motion once the swelling goes down. I am optimistic knowing that you have also encountered something like this and that it was indeed an infection. It gives me hope that the problem can be resolved with the measures we are taking. Thanks.

Bruce

What was the infection and what medication did you use? I’m dealing with the same thing right now with my-month-old baby squirrel, scout. I can’t get a veterinarian to talk to me about it, they all keep laughing me off the phone. I’m in Michigan by the way

[Mel1959]

Oldman_logan, this thread dates back to 2015. If you need help you can start a new thread or others may see this and be able to help. If you need to treat what you think is an infection then you will need antibiotics. Can you check around with family and friends to see what antibiotics you can find? If you find something please post the drug and the strength of the drug, as well as the weight of your squirrel. Someone will tell you if the drug will work and provide proper dosing.

Also give a description of where the infection seems to be and any other pertinent information.