Cedar Park Texas help needed 13-15 week old(est) Fox Squirrel with broken Leg

[MGRIFF]

I have a 13 to 15 week old Fox Squirrel with a broken hind left leg. Let me give some background on this animal. About 3 weeks ago I saw a cat in my front yard about to grab this squirrel from a tree. The squirrel looked stunned and was just sitting 3 feet from the ground facing toward the ground. I realized in about ten seconds the squirrel would be in range of the cat who was ready to pounce. I darted outside and shewed the cat away. I got a box and coaxed the little guy into the box. I saw no injuries to him except for seeming out of it. I fed him some pecans(by leaving them at the opening of the box). The little critter ate and drank just fine. The next day we decided to let him go back in the tree.

We kept an eye on him/her and found the nest. A week later(two weeks ago) the cat got a hold of the little guy. Luckily I saw what happened and ran outside and startled the cat and the little guy ran a few feet up a tree. I could see the back legs of him were not working so I got gloves on and grabbed him and put him in a medium size cat cage.

I put pecans and water in the cage and let the squirrel rest. A few hours later I checked him over. He was not using either back leg. I started to read this forum about what to do. I put my gloves on a gently grabbed the little guy with a non loop thread towel. Turning him over I found that he his left hind leg look broken above he ankle as the foot flops to the side. His right hind leg looks fine. I assume that the pain or trauma from the break caused the animal to not use both, but now is getting better.

I have noticed he can used the toes/foot on the broken leg. He can place the broken leg in proper position(on occasion) when sitting.

I am not sure what to do next. We have used emergency animal clinics for our other animals but never a squirrel. We are family who loves animals and are willing to provide a long happy life for the little guy(will release if and when he is healthy too). We tried looking for a vet who can help us as we will gladly pay for anything for our new found friend. Most vets we contacted said it was illegal to keep the animal. None would report us because we didnt bring him in :)

The little guy is very friendly now and comes to the front of the cage for food, water and attention. He eats drinks and sleeps regularly, so I really want to focus on his leg now that he has stabilized. The one place we contacted said they would have to put the animal down if not releasable. That is not an option to us.

We need help!!. Can the break heal on it's own? Is there a vet that will help us without putting the animal down?

Thanks,
Mike
Cedar Park Texas

[lovesmice]

Although I cannot help with breaks in squirrels, I do know that closed fractures in rodents such as rats and mice often heal on their own without issue. Casts/splints are not recommended for them because they can cause more harm than good. Pain medicine is typically given to make the animal more comfortable, and an anti-inflammatory may be offered if there is swelling. Also, antibiotics are used when infection is suspected. Again, this is information for rodents such as rats and mice. Please wait until those with experience dealing with broken limbs in squirrels respond. In the meantime, I thought you might want to take a look at some of the threads that came up from using "broken leg". I realize you already searched for information on here, but you may not have seen these particular ones, and it cannot hurt to read additional posts.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?51138-squirrel-with-the-broken-leg&highlight=broken+leg
(individual thread)
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?51271-Baby-Squirrel-w-broken-leg&highlight=broken+leg
(individual thread)
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?49000-Splinting-broken-wrist&highlight=broken+leg
(individual thread)
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/search.php?searchid=791430
(complete search results using the terms "broken leg")

Thank you for caring. I hope the little one makes a full recovery very soon.

[DarkLies212]

Did the cat puncture any skin on the squirrel? Cats have nasty fast acting bacteria in their saliva that can cause death if not treated fast enough. Do you have any antibiotics on hand?

[MGRIFF]

Did the cat puncture any skin on the squirrel? Cats have nasty fast acting bacteria in their saliva that can cause death if not treated fast enough. Do you have any antibiotics on hand?

That was the first thing we checked for as we read from this site about the bacteria. There where no punctures. This altercations happened two weeks ago so I am assuming we are out of the woods on that one. What I saw was the cat hit his hind legs as he was jumping to the tree, then I scared the cat away.

Here are a few pictures of Milo/Mila. She has no swelling and color of limb looks good. I will take a close up tonight of the injury. 265722265723

[MGRIFF]

That was the first thing we checked for as we read from this site about the bacteria. There where no punctures. This altercations happened two weeks ago so I am assuming we are out of the woods on that one. What I saw was the cat hit his hind legs as he was jumping to the tree, then I scared the cat away.

Here are a few pictures of Milo/Mila. She has no swelling and color of limb looks good. I will take a close up tonight of the injury. 265722265723

Sorry forgot to say: No we do not have any antibiotics and Thank You for helping.

-mike

[Spanky]

Is this a recent picture? That baby looks much younger than 13 - 15 weeks old to me. :dono

Have you tried offering this one any formula? What have you been feeding her?

Edit: Which area of Texas? That will help us in finding any squirrel friendly vets in your area.

[MGRIFF]

Is this a recent picture? That baby looks much younger than 13 - 15 weeks old to me. :dono

Have you tried offering this one any formula? What have you been feeding her?

Edit: Which area of Texas? That will help us in finding any squirrel friendly vets in your area.

Yes, these pictures where taken today. I was only guessing at the age based on what i saw online. She is 6-7 inches long, not counting tail which is fluffy and a little longer than 7 inches itself. When we watched her for the week there was no mother in the nest. She was actively foraging for food. I have not tried formula as she eats pecans/apples/veggies/acorns. She also drinks water from an eye dropper and one that hangs from the side of the cage. We diluted a little pedialite in the water.

I live in Cedar Park Texas. , 78613 zip


Thanks for your help
Mike

[stepnstone]

Yes, these pictures where taken today. I was only guessing at the age based on what i saw online. She is 6-7 inches long, not counting tail which is fluffy and a little longer than 7 inches itself. When we watched her for the week there was no mother in the nest. She was actively foraging for food. I have not tried formula as she eats pecans/apples/veggies/acorns. She also drinks water from an eye dropper and one that hangs from the side of the cage. We diluted a little pedialite in the water.
I live in Cedar Park Texas. , 78613 zip
Thanks for your help
Mike

Spanky is right, this baby is much younger. My guess is not much more then 7 weeks if that and definitely needs to be on formula. What you are feeding this baby is not a good diet at all and will eventually lead to mbd.
The suggested formula is Esbilac with the pre & probiotics. You will need to obtain a 1cc syringe and preferably a nipple to go on it. The first solid food it should be given is a good quality rodent block such as Henry's HHB's. I will list links to the healthy diet and the Henry's site for HHB's along with a picture of what can of Esbilac you need to purchase,

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

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

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=265730&stc=1

[Spanky]

The baby looks a little dehydrated as well. I would stop adding pedialyte to her water, you can add just a bit of sugar or a dab of honey, but no more salts. The pediatlyte should only be given a day or two at most. Your story makes me believe this little one lost her mother and was foraging out of desperation. From the timeline, she likely was barely eyes open a few weeks ago when you first saw her and not ready for solids. I agree with Step she looks to be about 7 weeks old.. just barely old enough now at 7 weeks to be just starting to experiment with solids. She really needs the formula, especially not having her mom and the right nutrition will help with the leg healing immensely. You'll be amazed how much better she'll do getting the proper formula! :thumbsup

You can usually find that Esbilac at a Tractor Supply Co. store.

Hopefully we can find a TSB member or vet or rehabber close by that can help you with this little girl. She is very lucky you saved her.. thank you for saving her.

[lovesmice]

Hah-at least you got the breed correct as well as knowing she is a juvenile. I asked if one of my Grey visitors was too young to be on her own, and found out not only was she NOT a Grey (she was a Red), but she was NOT a juvenile (she was an adult). Anyway, most folks that find juvenile squirrels are unsure of age, especially when it is their first time. You did good by taking photos in order to get a definitive answer as to age. Along with the information you have already been given, I am sure you will find the Baby Squirrels category quite helpful with Mila.

[stepnstone]

Being this sounds like your first squirrel rescue and often due to female babies
genitals having a slight protrusion sexing is often mistaken between male-female.
The picture below will tell you what you really have if there is any doubt. :great

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=265735&stc=1

[MGRIFF]

Spanky is right, this baby is much younger. My guess is not much more then 7 weeks if that and definitely needs to be on formula. What you are feeding this baby is not a good diet at all and will eventually lead to mbd.
The suggested formula is Esbilac with the pre & probiotics. You will need to obtain a 1cc syringe and preferably a nipple to go on it. The first solid food it should be given is a good quality rodent block such as Henry's HHB's. I will list links to the healthy diet and the Henry's site for HHB's along with a picture of what can of Esbilac you need to purchase,

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

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

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=265730&stc=1




I just want to say thank u for all the info. We found the formula and are starting to feed her that.

[MGRIFF]

The baby looks a little dehydrated as well. I would stop adding pedialyte to her water, you can add just a bit of sugar or a dab of honey, but no more salts. The pediatlyte should only be given a day or two at most. Your story makes me believe this little one lost her mother and was foraging out of desperation. From the timeline, she likely was barely eyes open a few weeks ago when you first saw her and not ready for solids. I agree with Step she looks to be about 7 weeks old.. just barely old enough now at 7 weeks to be just starting to experiment with solids. She really needs the formula, especially not having her mom and the right nutrition will help with the leg healing immensely. You'll be amazed how much better she'll do getting the proper formula! :thumbsup

You can usually find that Esbilac at a Tractor Supply Co. store.

Hopefully we can find a TSB member or vet or rehabber close by that can help you with this little girl. She is very lucky you saved her.. thank you for saving her.

I first off want to thank you for all your help. We did stop the pedialyte after a few days when we first got her. We have now gotten the formula and are starting to feed her that, from the other members picture I have confirmed it is female. All I can say is you guys are wonderful.

[MGRIFF]

Quick update: We started her on the formula/rodent block and have set up an appointment with a vet for Saturday. Thanks to All. I know I keep repeating that but it is nice to have help when others are saying no.

[Nancy in New York]

Quick update: We started her on the formula/rodent block and have set up an appointment with a vet for Saturday. Thanks to All. I know I keep repeating that but it is nice to have help when others are saying no.

FANTASTIC UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please keep us posted! :hug

[Spanky]

Quick update: We started her on the formula/rodent block and have set up an appointment with a vet for Saturday. Thanks to All. I know I keep repeating that but it is nice to have help when others are saying no.

That is really great that you have already started her on the Esbilac already! It will give her lots of good nutrients; she'll be a whole different, healthier squirrel in no time at all! :thumbsup

If you use the Henry's block, they are concentrated with nutrients they she will need about 2 blocks per day. The rest you can store in the freezer. If you use other rodent block (Oxbox, Teklad Harlan, etc.) they need to eat a significant amount each day to get the correct amount of nutrient.

We always recommend that you feed the Henry's block first thing in the morning and they do not get anything else until they've eaten the Henry's. After about a week or 2 of this routine, she'll beg you for the HHB in the morning like a kid at an ice cream truck! Once you get on this pattern it is smooth sailing, but if you do not you'll find it a struggle to ensure her diet is balanced properly. :grin3

Please do give us an update with what the vet has to say about the leg (and anything else!).

She is very lucky you were watching out her her!

PS Have you given her a name yet?