Tumbleweed's eye

[Sara in NW MS]

Tumbleweed's sunken eye has been acting up. It's been getting "stuck" lately but only when he had been asleep for a while. Now it's getting stuck all the time. I don't see any discharge, nothing at all. Tonight his eye was a little swollen. I had been holding him and when I went to put him in bed I noticed it was swollen. It's swollen even more now. He's squealing, keeps trying to rub his eye. He's having a hard time sleeping because that's the side he always lays on. I tried to flush his eye with saline and I've looked at it but I don't see anything.

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[DeeRawlings]

poor little guy. Maybe some thing for pain relief and a warm compress would keep him more comfortable. Maybe antibiotic eyedrops? Others with more experience will be chiming in soon, I'm sure!:grouphug

[TubeDriver]

Sara, I have no idea what is going on? My guess would be that TW's uncooperative hindleg scratched his eye?

I wonder if some infant motrin might help to relieve any discomfort?

[stepnstone]

The Ib will help reduce swelling and I would use an ophthalmic solution.
Poor baby just can't catch a break. :(

Maybe I should have said poor babies... :grouphug

[Sara in NW MS]

Thanks you guys. I've given him some Motrin and put a warm compress on it. Unfortunately I don't have any eye meds to try. It's more swollen now than it was when I took the pics. Ugh. My poor baby

[stepnstone]

Thanks you guys. I've given him some Motrin and put a warm compress on it. Unfortunately I don't have any eye meds to try. It's more swollen now than it was when I took the pics. Ugh. My poor baby

Do you have any type sterile solution you can flush his eye with?
You can purchase ab Ophthalmic Eye Drops otc at any drug store.

[Nancy in New York]

Sara, I was looking at the picture of TW's eye and noticed this little speck.
Then I went back and looked at older pictures, and I see a little "hair" in the same area.
Could what you're seeing now be an ingrown hair?

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QkJJnG6/0/M/i-QkJJnG6-M.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JZ5xQ43/0/M/i-JZ5xQ43-M.jpg

I took a screen shot of one of the photos enlarged.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BDvwx3K/0/M/i-BDvwx3K-M.jpg

[Sara in NW MS]

We noticed the speck last night and wondered if it was related to that hair. The hair is still coming out of that little speck though.
I've been putting a warm compress on his eye and it seems to be helping. He doesn't seem to be in as much discomfort when the compress is on his eye. I gave him more Motrin today but he's still acting like that eye is bothering him. He ate very little today. I had a new bottle of saline and I have used that to flush his eye a couple times already.

[JLM27]

no chance of getting Tweedie to a vet?

[Sara in NW MS]

no chance of getting Tweedie to a vet?


I've tried to find a vet that will see him here but I've never had any luck.

[Mel1959]

Do you need an antibiotic eye salve or drops? I can send you something. You can also make a road trip to Fl, stay with me and have TW seen by Dr. E. :grin2

[Sara in NW MS]

Thanks for the offer for the drops but TW will have some coming this week. CarolLynn has offered to send him some. Thank you, to both of you!

[Shewhosweptforest]

Praying for your lil man :Love_Icon I hate that he takes a few steps forward and then a few back :shakehead it stinks :sadness sending love:blowkiss

[Mel1959]

I wish you two could get a break! Hopefully, the meds will fix TW's eye and he will be back to his cute self in no time. :Love_Icon

[JLM27]

Poor little bub.:Love_Icon He's in my prayers.

[Sara in NW MS]

Okay, I'm about to add to the mystery. I got home around 6 and went straight to the squirrel room. After visiting with Toby for a few minutes I went to get TW out. He was asleep in his blanket but trembling like crazy. I tossed blankets in the dryer and started to warn him up. I had a hard time getting him to wake up. He's lethargic, his skin looks grey. He had a snack of formula and block 45 minutes before I found him like this. I warmed up some apple juice water and gave it to him in case his blood sugar dropped. I also gave him some nutrical in the hopes it would also boost his sugar and give him more calories since he burned so many trembling. He's still not acting right. He's not trembling anymore but his color is awful. He has a full belly, he's hydrated, he's warm, eye is still swollen but nothing else seems wrong. He's really lethargic. What else can I try???

[SammysMom]

Oh poor T'weed! Is he on an antibiotic?

[TubeDriver]

Give him some molasses or pedilyte to get some electrolytes in him, maybe he had a seizure? Also, make sure he is hydrated.

:grouphugTumbleweed:grouphug

[Mel1959]

Maybe there's more to the infection than just the eye. I don't know if beginning a course of antibiotics would be warranted or not?

[JLM27]

Better try the antibiotics, He's got something going on in there.
Is there no one out there even in a neighboring state who has a vet?

[Sara in NW MS]

He's not on any ABs right now. I gave him some hydration fluids... He's still the same. His color isn't looking as bad as it was but he's not his normal pink color yet. I don't know what else to do

[Shewhosweptforest]

Aww Sara...I'm sooo sorry :shakehead I agree with TD maybe he had a seizure....the trembling could have been the conclusion...poor, poor sweet baby....and momma :hug

I agree with TD....molasses....the apple juice was a great idea....you did great on your triage of Tweedie....probably saved his life ....I don't like the gray coloring either....are his gums pale too? The molasses has minerals in it to also help stabilize him. I wonder if some physical stimulation ....gentle, but brisk rubbing in his warm blankets :dono something to get his blood moving....otherwise you are doing everything I can think of...I don't think his eye would be causing this crash....as I said I'm thinking along the same lines as TD...seizure. If I were you....he'd be tucked in my shirt...as close to my scent, skin, heartbeat :Love_Icon

[lennysmom]

Sara, I don't have any advice to add here, just wanted to let you know that I have been following along and that you and little TW are in my thoughts and prayers.:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[stepnstone]

I'm so sorry little Tweed is going through yet another hurdle. :(
Sending prayers and strength to you both... :grouphug

About the eye... Is it "just" the eye lid that's effected?
Does his eye ball itself seem involved?

[Sara in NW MS]

His eye lids are swollen. The other night when this started, it seemed like that eye was normal when it comes to the shape of his eye. His eye is usually sunken but the eyeball itself was protruding more than usual. The eyeball isn't protruding anymore, it's back to its sunken state but the eye lids are still swollen. Does any of that make sense?
He seems better this morning. His color is good and he's in a playful mood. He's not trembling anymore either. I don't know what his deal was last night but I'm glad that's over for now.

[Mel1959]

Sara I can't imagine what the deal with Tweedies eyelids could be. When I think of all the things that can cause eyelid inflammation like pink eye, styes and the like, none of it would really apply to Tweed. The only thing that sorta makes sense is what TD suggested, that he could have scratched it. I don't think using the ab salve or liquid would hurt, but I'm no expert. I do wonder if the stress of whatever is going on with the eye could have triggered a seizure, if that's what it was last night. I'm glad he's looking and acting better this morning. Sorry I'm not much help, but I'm thinking and praying that everything will be resolved and Tweed will be feeling better soon......and you will be able to breathe again! :grouphug

[Carol Lynn]

Thanks for the update, Sara. I'm glad to hear that overall his condition seems much better this morning. Let's hope that little eye of his gets back on track soon. Poor little guy!

[TubeDriver]

Both lids are swollen or just a single lid? I was thinking this was just a single eye/lid that was affected, not both?

If it is both lids, is there any chance he got exposed to something (new laundry detergent, soap, something in his surroundings, etc) that he could be having an allergic reaction to?





His eye lids are swollen. The other night when this started, it seemed like that eye was normal when it comes to the shape of his eye. His eye is usually sunken but the eyeball itself was protruding more than usual. The eyeball isn't protruding anymore, it's back to its sunken state but the eye lids are still swollen. Does any of that make sense?
He seems better this morning. His color is good and he's in a playful mood. He's not trembling anymore either. I don't know what his deal was last night but I'm glad that's over for now.

[CritterMom]

Could these be eye styes? Might TW have a staph infection that is manifesting itself this way?

[stepnstone]

Could these be eye styes? Might TW have a staph infection that is manifesting itself this way?

Exactly what I've been thinking CM... :great
If the eye ball itself was involved I'd be wondering about
corneal edema which could cause really uncomfortable
pressure (pain) and may explain the shaking episode.

[Sara in NW MS]

If he has a sty, will the tobramycin help at all? Isn't there usually a bump that appears when it's a sty or maybe a red spot? I don't know what else to do for the swelling. The warm compress seems to give him some relief but it doesn't last long. His eye lids are still swollen :sadness

[Sara in NW MS]

My baby's eye is getting worse. He can barely open it tonight. This is going to be really hard to explain but I'm going to try. He keeps bringing his arms up to his head then he shakes his head back and forth over and over. Like a head banger would. He's real jerky when he does this. It doesn't seem like a seizure. I don't know what he's doing.


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[DeeRawlings]

Do you think he's maybe in alot of pain? Are you giving him anything? Would something a little stronger give more relief if the ibuprofen isn't helping? I wonder if antibiotics are in order for this? Others with more experience will hopefully chime in! Good luck! Poor baby!!:grouphug

[Sara in NW MS]

Do you think he's maybe in alot of pain? Are you giving him anything? Would something a little stronger give more relief if the ibuprofen isn't helping? I wonder if antibiotics are in order for this? Others with more experience will hopefully chime in! Good luck! Poor baby!!:grouphug


I've been giving him Motrin. I wondered if it was enough but I just don't know. He was okay today but tonight was a different story. He seemed agitated but finally calmed down enough to eat a little. He really enjoys the warm compress so I did that a few times tonight.

[DeeRawlings]

if the warm compresses are giving him some relief I'd keep doing them! I hope some more experienced people can advise on meds. I've heard of Tramadol alot for pain? Might that be an option? I am really wondering about an antibiotic. Hope someone can suggest what can be used!! Hang in there!

[stepnstone]

Concentrating on the swelling of the eye lids I still can't help but question corneal edema.
With edema swollen eyelid(s) often occur do to inflammation or excess fluid in the connective
tissues surrounding the eye. It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids.
If this were edema, therapy would be to keep the cornea "dry" with concentrated saline solutions
that contain diuretic actions and to fight infections with antibiotics brought on by the fluid buildup.

There are drug store (eye drops) that can be purchased OTC for temp relief of corneal edema.
You would look for an ophthalmic hypertonicity solution.

If using this solution brings him some temporary relief, at the least you would have a starting place.

Edit: I would also be considering an anti biotic.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Oh no :sadness how's Tweedie doing today? I'm so sorry to see his eye continuing to get worse :shakehead Tumbleweed really is a conundrum....I wish I had a crystal ball that would tell me what is going on with that sweet baby :thinking it all seems to center around his head....ear infections..sinus infection....now eye :dono didn't the X-ray you had done at work show a fractured skull? Could this poor baby have a lingering infection that just keeps presenting itself in different venues? I'm wondering if a long course of antibiotics would clear it up...if this were the case....an AB that takes care of facial/head infections....I think Clavamox has been suggested. To me it's the only thing that makes sense....he will be improving, doing better and then wham...he crashes....Sara you've worked miracles with him :bowdown I just want you both to breath and enjoy eachother's company :please that's my greatest wish for you both :bowdown :Love_Icon

Thank you Sara....your kindness is overwhelming....you were really there for me and Poppy :Love_Icon today was a rough day....on the way to work I found one of my released opossums (90% sure) on the road dead :shakehead it was horrible....so your kindness today helped lighten a heavy heart....and brought a few tears too :hug :blowkiss

[TubeDriver]

Sara, I don't know what to suggest? It sounds to me like that arm shaking thing is more of a discomfort thing than anything else? Poor TW's eye is bothering him a lot so he shakes and wants to rub it.

If he seems to get relief from the warm compress I would continue those. Also, I don't know what strength dose you are using for the mortin but it has a wide range and may be able to be increased.

Do you notice if his eye is worse in the morning?


I wish we could do more to help.:(



PS. I am so soryy to hear about your possom, Sweeper. That must be an awful thing to experience.:grouphug

[Sara in NW MS]

The swelling doesn't seem as bad tonight but he hasn't been himself all day. I barely got him to eat last night and he hasn't eaten much today. He's had 36 ml of food so far compared to his usual 120ml... For the day. He's slept almost all day. Yes, when he wakes up his eye is usually stuck. The warm compress helps to open it.
I'm sorry if I'm not answering all of your questions, my brain feels scattered. I know he's dehydrated so I'm gonna have to subQ him tonight. He's just not taking much of anything orally.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Does anyone think antibiotics will help? I know jumping to ABs is not always necessary...but TW has been fighting something in his head almost nonstop :( or should Sara get the eye drops? :Love_Icon

[Carol Lynn]

So sorry to hear this latest news about Tweedy, Sara. Hope the drops arrive tomorrow, and hope something helps!! :grouphug

[SugarBugFerret]

Is tramadol an option here? If so, I can send some. I'll overnight it if necessary. Poor little Tweedy! :sadness

[HRT4SQRLS]

Sara, are Tweeds teeth still needing to be trimmed? I wonder if he has inflammation at a tooth root, like a tooth ache. Maybe a round of antibiotics might help. We just never know with Tweed. It might explain the swollen eye. :dono

[TubeDriver]

I just don't know? If this does not start to resolve on its own in a day or two and no better idea is floated than perhaps it is wirth a try? HRT4SQRYL knows a lot about antibiotics, per haps she could comment? I just don't know what organism would be hiding in his skull and not have responded to all the other AB TW has been already on?


Does anyone think antibiotics will help? I know jumping to ABs is not always necessary...but TW has been fighting something in his head almost nonstop :( or should Sara get the eye drops? :Love_Icon

[Sara in NW MS]

Yes, I still have to trim his teeth once every couple weeks. He's not able to file them down himself.
I hate throwing ABs at him but I don't know what else to try. The tobramycin isn't here yet, maybe they will come today. I stopped at a pharmacy yesterday to get those other eye drops but they were out. I'll check somewhere else today.
So far he's interested in eating again, so it was a struggle to get just a few cc in him.

[Sara in NW MS]

I'm desperate now. I just realized I had a typo in my last post. I meant to say he's not interested in eating. He barely took anything yesterday and again so far today. He hasn't peed or pooped since last night around 9 pm. I understand that his output will be less since he's not getting much but I did subQ him and he should at least pee, right?
I'm willing to try anything right now... ABs or whatever you think might help. Does anyone have any suggestions? He's been on ABs several times in the past so if there was infection in his head somewhere that should have helped back then, right? I just don't know what to do. I can't watch him go downhill again, hie eye looks better today but this not eating and drinking is worrisome. I know this is something he has been through many times (not eating) but it's always so hard to get him back to a decent weight. He is 421 g today which is okay for him but I know it drops fast and I want to keep that from happening if I can.

[CritterMom]

I said this once before - when TW starts to refuse food and hydration, it is because there is something WRONG. In my opinion, the instant he starts that you should think about starting the meds. I think I would stick with the Clavamox just because it is broad spectrum but will defer to whatever HRT4SQRLS has to say on the subject.

He is clearly immunosuppressed and he may need to be on abx off and on all his life. Many years ago I took an unwanted little lovebird in who had ripped his feathers out and mutilated himself to the point where he cultured a half dozen different infections and it cost me an insane amount of money in meds to get him well. For the rest of his life I periodically had to put him back on meds. For me, the sign was if I offered him a kiss and he refused. THAT meant he was sick. TW - when he stops eating, he is sick and I don't think you should wait any longer than it takes you to mix up some meds to begin treating him.

Just my opinion...

[Sara in NW MS]

I said this once before - when TW starts to refuse food and hydration, it is because there is something WRONG. In my opinion, the instant he starts that you should think about starting the meds. I think I would stick with the Clavamox just because it is broad spectrum but will defer to whatever HRT4SQRLS has to say on the subject.

He is clearly immunosuppressed and he may need to be on abx off and on all his life. Many years ago I took an unwanted little lovebird in who had ripped his feathers out and mutilated himself to the point where he cultured a half dozen different infections and it cost me an insane amount of money in meds to get him well. For the rest of his life I periodically had to put him back on meds. For me, the sign was if I offered him a kiss and he refused. THAT meant he was sick. TW - when he stops eating, he is sick and I don't think you should wait any longer than it takes you to mix up some meds to begin treating him.

Just my opinion...

Thank you CM! I was wondering if it would be wise to go ahead and put him on ABs. I know something is wrong, when he stops eating and sleeps all the time, there's an issue. I wish I knew what the problem was but hopefully the ABs will help.
I know Clav is the AB I've used before and never had any issues with seizures while he was on it. It seems to be the safest bet for him.

[CritterMom]

I would start him on that - even if HRT4SQRLS thinks you should try something different, you can always switch.

[BCChins]

How long does he usually get antibiotics for when he is on them? I am wondering if he is not on them long enough and it makes him feel better for a while but does not completely knock the infection out of him.

Why not consult with Dr. E ??

[Sara in NW MS]

How long does he usually get antibiotics for when he is on them? I am wondering if he is not on them long enough and it makes him feel better for a while but does not completely knock the infection out of him.

Why not consult with Dr. E ??

Most of the time he is on the Abs for 10 days. There was a time his meds were left out of the fridge overnight and we tossed them so he only had 6 days worth of ABs that time.

[CritterMom]

We can check wit HRT4SQRLS but if I remember correctly, the clavamox CAN be given for 21 days...and it may be a good idea to do that, too.

[TubeDriver]

This is a situation where in the absence of a real diagnosis and with limited treatment options available, the question is to do nothing and hope or try something and hope. You said his eye "looks better today"? If that is the case, then I might consider hold off adding AB for another 24 hours, I would focus on subQ, hydration and food. But if the eye stays the same or gets worse, then I would seriously consider starting Clavamox as CM suggested. I have very limited experience in general with squirrels and no idea what is going on with TW so take my comments with a grain of salt. Maybe CM is totally right and a long course of an AB might finally knock out some hidden infection? Or not?

Sara, you know TW better than anyone. I think you are very astute and have shown great judgment so I think you will make the best possible decision for TW!

:grouphugTumbleweed:grouphug

[Sara in NW MS]

I just typed an email to Dr. E with a brief rundown of TW's issues along with what's going on now. I sent pics of his swollen eye also. I hope between the medical history and everything else I gave her... she might be able to help TW. I hope that she can help because I just don't know what else to do for him.
I think starting ABs is the right choice. I don't know if he can afford for me to wait on that.
Thanks to Mel1959, Dr. E has my cell number and hopefully she will call me. Between the text messages from Mel and the email from me, she should get the urgency in this.
He's still not eating and sleeping nonstop. :sadness

[stepnstone]

We can check wit HRT4SQRLS but if I remember correctly, the clavamox CAN be given for 21 days...and it may be a good idea to do that, too.
http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/yes/nod-yes-smiley-emoticon.gif I as well as others (per vet instruction) have had several on ab's for 21 days, clavamox being one.

I hope Dr. E can get back to you soon. :grouphug

[stosh2010]

LONG Distance Prayers --------------for little T.W.

He ( and you ) deserve a few weeks with out any DRAMA.

[little susie]

:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Sara in NW MS]

I'm going to go ahead and give him the clavamox. It's 625mg and he's 421g. I remember to add 10ml of water to it but I don't remember how much to dose him. Can someone please pm that to me? I'll change the meds if HRT thinks we need to.
He's breathing really fast now and he's not doing anything but sleeping. If you wake him up he will stay awake for 5 minutes or so and then go back to sleep. What would cause his breathing to change like this?

[TubeDriver]

Accelerated respiration could be a lot of things. Can you hear any signs of wheezing, cracking, coughing that could indicate fluid in lungs? That could indicate a respiratory infection. Heart function issues can also cause rapid breathing. Sever pain and discomfort can cause this too. Anaphylactic shock? Sepsis? Dehydration and hypoglycemia can also cause this. I think I would start AB, not sure what else you can do?

:grouphug







I'm going to go ahead and give him the clavamox. It's 625mg and he's 421g. I remember to add 10ml of water to it but I don't remember how much to dose him. Can someone please pm that to me? I'll change the meds if HRT thinks we need to.
He's breathing really fast now and he's not doing anything but sleeping. If you wake him up he will stay awake for 5 minutes or so and then go back to sleep. What would cause his breathing to change like this?

[stosh2010]

I'm going to go ahead and give him the clavamox. It's 625mg and he's 421g. I remember to add 10ml of water to it but I don't remember how much to dose him. Can someone please pm that to me? I'll change the meds if HRT thinks we need to.
He's breathing really fast now and he's not doing anything but sleeping. If you wake him up he will stay awake for 5 minutes or so and then go back to sleep. What would cause his breathing to change like this?

I just PM'd Nancy in NY for dosing info----

[Sara in NW MS]

I just PM'd Nancy in NY for dosing info----

Thank you Stosh! :hug

[Nancy in New York]

I just PM'd Nancy in NY for dosing info----

Thank you Stosh, dosing sent! :w00t:hug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Sara, I'm glad you've started the antibiotic for TumbleWeed. Every time TW crashes the antibiotic does reverse the course for him. There is no reason at all to hesitate. He tolerates the treatment well. He has been off antibiotics for a while. I don't necessarily see this as a treatment failure from the course being too short. We know that TW is neuro but we don't know what the physical or physiological reason is. TW might have a physical anomaly in his head from his injuries. If it's some type of physical issue in his head (we'll never know) it might cause flora from the mouth to move to areas where it's not supposed to be. Of course, this could cause an infection. For now, I would look at a 10 day course and reevaluate later. I'll have to confirm but I think the maximum time on Clavamox is 28 days but I see no reason to be thinking of something like that at this point.

I know you remember this Sara but for others that might read this, TW is not a candidate for Baytril/Ciprofloxacin due to it's potential to reduce the seizure threshold. As a neuro we don't want to give anything that might cause seizures.

Poor little Tumbleweed. One more time buddy. :Love_Icon

[Sara in NW MS]

Sara, I'm glad you've started the antibiotic for TumbleWeed. Every time TW crashes the antibiotic does reverse the course for him. There is no reason at all to hesitate. He tolerates the treatment well. He has been off antibiotics for a while. I don't necessarily see this as a treatment failure from the course being too short. We know that TW is neuro but we don't know what the physical or physiological reason is. TW might have a physical anomaly in his head from his injuries. If it's some type of physical issue in his head (we'll never know) it might cause flora from the mouth to move to areas where it's not supposed to be. Of course, this could cause an infection. For now, I would look at a 10 day course and reevaluate later. I'll have to confirm but I think the maximum time on Clavamox is 28 days but I see no reason to be thinking of something like that at this point.

I know you remember this Sara but for others that might read this, TW is not a candidate for Baytril/Ciprofloxacin due to it's potential to reduce the seizure threshold. As a neuro we don't want to give anything that might cause seizures.

Poor little Tumbleweed. One more time buddy. :Love_Icon

Thank you HRT... I'll keep him on the ABs for 10 days then let everyone know how he's doing so we can determine if we should keep him on the meds longer.

[Sara in NW MS]

Accelerated respiration could be a lot of things. Can you hear any signs of wheezing, cracking, coughing that could indicate fluid in lungs? That could indicate a respiratory infection. Heart function issues can also cause rapid breathing. Sever pain and discomfort can cause this too. Anaphylactic shock? Sepsis? Dehydration and hypoglycemia can also cause this. I think I would start AB, not sure what else you can do?

:grouphug

His lungs sound fine, I hear normal breathing sounds when I listen with the stethoscope. :dono
He was given some Motrin in case he was in pain and that was causing the breathing issue.

[TubeDriver]

:please

[stosh2010]

Thank you Stosh! :hug

REMEMBER:
EVERY time you dose---MIX WELL...the solution will settle----
and keep in fridge....tightly capped.

I am not sure if it will last for 10 days or not.... Others will know.

[BCChins]

So glad you started antibiotics. I am also glad you emailed Dr. E.

Tumbleweed feel better soon.

:hug

[Shewhosweptforest]

Thank you for starting the ABs :Love_Icon I really do think TW has something going on in that sweet head of his....I'm not an expert or trained....I just go by experience. When my daughter was young she had chronic sinus infections...it was her tonsils ....the ENT doc said it usually effects the throat... her's went up...she was on augmentin for 60 days :dono they finally removed her tonsils, adenoids and drained her sinuses. The ENT doc did a MRI scan of her head and said he'd never seen so much infection in someone who had been on ABs that long :dono I only bring this up to point out that sometimes infections hang on for long periods...years for her ...and doctors will prescribe long courses of antibiotics. I just feel that something drastic needs to be tried. But that is my humble opinion....I follow my gut and TW just does not appear to have gotten well....he rebounds....but then he crashes again....if he were my baby...I'd continue the Abs for at least the 28 days mentioned, unless he developed some sort of bad side affect.

Sending lots of love and and prayers your way :blowkiss :please

[Mel1959]

Sara, I am so sorry that you keep having to go through this with Tumbleweed. :hug. Sweeper brings up some good points about infections and treatment time. Joey was on multiple antibiotics for 5 weeks this last time. I thought he'd NEVER get off them! It took that long to get the bacteria out of his system, I guess. Interestingly, flora is something Dr. E and I were just discussing today. Because these guys' diet is high in animal/milk protein, which isn't the norm for an adult squirrel, it can upset the balance of their flora. She told me that she wanted me to give Joey bene-bac everyday. You might already be using a probiotic, I wasn't after he finished his abs. When he had his intestinal issues, she asked what probiotics I had. I told her I had one from a feed store for animals, and some lactobacillus acidolphillis capsules. Dr. E said neither of those were good, she recommended the bene-bac. I don't know if this is important, but wanted to share, in case it might be. I sure hope she gets in touch with you tomorrow. She's usually in the office on Fri. doing surgery so you might want to call and leave a message for her to call you. Give that little boy a big kiss for me. :blowkiss. I hope he feels better in the morning. :hug

[Sara in NW MS]

Tw ate 21 ml tonight, not his usual amount but it's more than he has been eating. The swelling hasn't changed so far. The drops came today and he's had a dose already. I hope he feels better soon, all he does is sleep. I've had him on my chest all night just holding him and kissing his head. This makes me feel miserable, I wish I could do more for him. :sadness

[lennysmom]

Oh I know it hurts your heart to see him sick Sara, as it does ours.:grouphug:grouphug I am praying the meds will help him - feel better soon precious little TW.:Love_Icon

[stepnstone]

Poor little Tumbleweed. One more time buddy. :Love_Icon

:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

:Love_Icon:grouphug:Love_Icon

[stosh2010]

FRIDAY---will be a GOOD Day for T.W.------------------ ( it just has to be...)

[Sara in NW MS]

There's still no change in TW. Maybe he just needs longer for the meds to kick in?? He's still sleeping a lot and not interested in eating. I'm getting enough in him to keep him going but I'd imagine the weight will start to drop soon. Ugh, he's been through so much in his short little life. I just hoped his streak of healthiness would have lasted longer.

[CritterMom]

Sara, I know you have been putting warm compresses on TX's eyes...I can't help think this may NOT be the right thing to do - not that it will hurt anything, but I am thinking that he might do better with cool compresses instead. It will certainly be more soothing to him than warm. I would wrap him in one of his blankets with a sock buddy to make sure his little body stays nice and warm and see how cool does on the eyes.

I used to get styes ALL THE TIME as a kid - and cool wet rags always made them feel a lot better and helped bring the puffiness down.

[DarkLies212]

:grouphug

[Sara in NW MS]

TW managed to eat 30 ml this afternoon!!! Well, 6ml of that was water but still. I am so excited! :w00t

He's still very lethargic but I'm hoping that will change once the meds have time to kick in real good. I've tried a cool compress on his eye and it doesn't seem to bother him. I guess I'll keep at it and see if it helps.

Is it normal for him to bring his back leg up to his ear when I barely touch him just below his ear? Is this a sign of an ear issue? He's always had issues with his ears it seems and things start to look better after getting drops but it doesn't take long for him to act like they bother him again. :dono

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[Carol Lynn]

Have the drops arrived??


TW managed to eat 30 ml this afternoon!!! Well, 6ml of that was water but still. I am so excited! :w00t

He's still very lethargic but I'm hoping that will change once the meds have time to kick in real good. I've tried a cool compress on his eye and it doesn't seem to bother him. I guess I'll keep at it and see if it helps.

Is it normal for him to bring his back leg up to his ear when I barely touch him just below his ear? Is this a sign of an ear issue? He's always had issues with his ears it seems and things start to look better after getting drops but it doesn't take long for him to act like they bother him again. :dono

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[TubeDriver]

Sara, I don't think anything is normal with TW's rear leg, that thing has a mind of it's own. But squirrels do scratch their ears and the side of their heads with their leg so he might do that if you tickle/touch him in that area (or if it was bothering him). It is so hard to imagine how TW's somatosensory system integrates with his environment?

A cold compress might help more to reduce swelling. But like you said, keep the rest of him all nice and toasty warm!:hug



TW managed to eat 30 ml this afternoon!!! Well, 6ml of that was water but still. I am so excited! :w00t

He's still very lethargic but I'm hoping that will change once the meds have time to kick in real good. I've tried a cool compress on his eye and it doesn't seem to bother him. I guess I'll keep at it and see if it helps.

Is it normal for him to bring his back leg up to his ear when I barely touch him just below his ear? Is this a sign of an ear issue? He's always had issues with his ears it seems and things start to look better after getting drops but it doesn't take long for him to act like they bother him again. :dono

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[little susie]

Your such a good mama Sara:hug:Love_Icon

[Sara in NW MS]

I hate thinking like this but I feel like little tumbleweed is giving up. He's not doing well at all. His color looks pale, he's lethargic, he won't eat or drink. He's looking really pitiful.
I've been giving him subQ fluids, I also got a little nutrical in him earlier. He's still getting the Clav and probiotics also. :boohoo

[JLM27]

Will he eat any watermelon? Hold him and tell him how much you love him.

[lukaslolamaus]

:grouphugSara:grouphug:Love_IconTumbleweed:Love_Ic on:grouphug
Praying for both of you:grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Sara, Tumbleweed has rallied so many times before. Let's believe that he will do it again. :grouphug

You said he looks pale. Are his gums and tongue pink or white?

[lennysmom]

Sara, you have so much love and devotion to TW and I know it must be so hard on your heart to see him like that.:grouphug Praying for you and sweet little Tweedie, that he will rally back and have a better day tomorrow. I am glad that he has you to hold him close when he's feeling badly.:Love_Icon

[TubeDriver]

Sara, I know TW is a big boy but double check and make sure he is warm. He might need to be on heat if he is weak and has not been eating.

[Sara in NW MS]

His gums have been pale tonight. I thought maybe his blood sugar was low so I gave him some honey. I just rubbed it on his tongue and gums as best as I could. The nutrical has sugar in it too and he got some of that.
I'm not giving up on him but I feel like he's giving up on me. It takes a long time for me to wake him. I finally got him to open his eye but he just looked lifeless while I was holding him even though his eye was open.

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[Sara in NW MS]

Sara, I know TW is a big boy but double check and make sure he is warm. He might need to be on heat if he is weak and has not been eating.

I have him on heat when he's in his bed. I've been holding him with a rice buddy beside him and another on his other side. He feels cooler than normal, I'm trying to warm him with warm blankets too.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Oh Sara....he's tired...and he feels bad :sadness I don't think he's giving up :hug I agree with JLM27 ....love on your lil one....you are his tether :Love_Icon plus it's a win, win ....cuz we all know how much you love snuggling that lil one :grouphug

Is he warm enough? I always worry about his temp :( just try to make him as comfortable as possible until the meds kick in :please I'm so sorry that you and Tumbleweed have these episodes:shakehead I know how much it takes out of you both...I just wish we could get his problems solved and under control....did you ever get to speak with Dr. E? I'll be praying for you both :hug :Love_Icon

[Sara in NW MS]

:sadness I never heard back from Dr E. I hope she calls or answers my email soon.

[Shewhosweptforest]

:great Holding with a rice buddy...just what I'd do too :Love_Icon

He does look pitiful :shakehead it tears at my heart....I can imagine how it's tearing at yours :sadness as I said before...I don't think he's giving up....but he's tired and weak....you will be his strength :Love_Icon

Sara...I would use molasses, if you have it....I thought you've used it before....I think it does better than honey :great and Sara you are doing everything for your baby...he's sooo lucky...and I know he feels your love :Love_Icon

[Carol Lynn]

Oh, Sara, I'm so sorry to hear that little Tumbleweed seems so despondent tonight. I'm praying that he'll rally soon. I know this must be so hard for you. :grouphug

[Shewhosweptforest]

:sadness I never heard back from Dr E. I hope she calls or answers my email soon.

Oh man :shakehead I sure wish she would too :( I really do feel you're doing everything possible....but I'd love to hear Dr. E's opinion :Love_Icon

[Rocky1]

The incubator seems ideal based on the last few posts. I will read this entire thread as soon as I can.

[BCChins]

How much and how often are you SQing him?
Hugs to you both and I will say extra Prayers for you both.

[Sara in NW MS]

How much and how often are you SQing him?
Hugs to you both and I will say extra Prayers for you both.

I gave him 10cc three times yesterday. He also took 24 ml orally. Does anyone know what amount he should be getting per day? I want to make sure when I subQ him that I'm giving him enough but he still seems dehydrated a little.

[BCChins]

I am not sure how much you can give but at least now someone can answer this.

Maybe you could PM the new vet or the one who just graduated and posted on here??

Love you guys

[TubeDriver]

:grouphugTumbleweed and Sara:grouphug

I hope with all my heart that Tumbleweed feels better today.:hug

[Mel1959]

I am so sorry Tumbleweed is still feeling bad. I know you are worried sick. I think the meds need to kick in so he'll start to feel better. You're doing a great job and we all know you are doing everything humanly possible. :grouphug I would call dr. E's office tomorrow and leave a msg. I'm pretty sure she works tomorrow, but may be off Wed. Sometimes it takes a while for her to call back, but be persistent. :hug

[Chickenlegs]

How is that sweet boy today? Love from Iowa and healing prayers that he feels better real soon.:Love_Icon

[Carol Lynn]

Hope the meds are starting to work on little Tweed. I've been thinking about him. :Love_Icon:Love_IconTumbleweed:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

Any word on our favorite fella? Hope he's doing better. :blowkiss

[lukaslolamaus]

:grouphugSara:grouphug :Love_IconTumbleweed:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Shewhosweptforest]

Thinking of our lil fella and his momma :Love_Icon Sending love :blowkiss and prayers :please

[lennysmom]

Hope little Tumbleweed is doing better Sara.:Love_Icon
We are all praying for him and for you.:hug

[Sara in NW MS]

I haven't noticed a change with him so far. He's still sleeping a lot and not eating well. He lost 11g since I weighed him last (Saturday morning). I tried my best to get him to eat today but he refused but I finally got him to take 23ml just a little while ago. I'm still having to subQ him to make sure he stays hydrated.
I noticed he started to lose his hair again. The last time he was like this the same thing was happening. If he's molting right now, would that explain the lack of appetite? Do their hormones go crazy when this happens? I remember very clearly this same this happened to him when he got his winter coat. Well, it doesn't explain the issue with his eye but everything else is the same.
Anyone know about the changes in their bodies when they molt?

[SammysMom]

I know sammys appetite decreases during hus heavy molts. I hope T'weed feels better very soon...:Love_Icon

[Sara in NW MS]

I'm hoping someone can come up with a solution. Tumbleweed's eye isn't as swollen but it stays swollen enough to keep the eye closed for the most part. He was especially fussy yesterday and today and I noticed he kept moving his head over and over again in an odd way. I realized he was rubbing his eye on whatever he was lying on. When I hold him he relaxes and stops fussing as long as I gently rub his eye through the blanket.
This has been going on forever now, we tried the drops but so far they don't seem to be working. He's had warm and cold compresses on his eye. These help for a very short amount of time. A few days ago he wouldn't even lay down on that side of his body and he has never liked to be on the other side so he's having to sleep in odd positions and he's just not comfortable.
Dr E didn't send anything for his eye. I just got the ear drops and metacam in the mail today. He's been on the tobramycin and Clav for weeks now. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Maybe we can't fix his eye but I would really like to give him some comfort.

[lukaslolamaus]

Poor baby. I wished I could come up with an idea to help. It sounds like his eye might be itchy? I have really sensitive eyes, especially during allergy season. Compresses and benadryl are the only two things that make a difference. I hope someone comes up with an idea to give our little :Love_IconTumbleweed:Love_Icon some relief:grouphug

[Shewhosweptforest]

Well lukoslolamaus has a good point.....I wonder if the Benedryl would help :dono
I hope Tumbleweed will start to improve soon :please I would hate to keep bugging Dr. E....but I would :crazy1 :grin3 praying for T'weedie and you and your family :bowdown :Love_Icon

[stepnstone]

Maybe we can't fix his eye but I would really like to give him some comfort.
As do I, hopefully that will happen.:grouphug
Sent you a pm....

[BrickerVet]

Can you post a video of the how the eye moves or a post to one on youtube? Photos are great, but when abnormal motion is involved, it is good to see it. Thanks!

[Sara in NW MS]

I've tried all day to get a good video of his eye but he's not cooperating. Here's a video of him rubbing his eye on his blanket

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T9iNmc956U

And here's a video of him opening that eye but it doesn't stay open for long

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_7QLlZaE6s

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take a look at his videos.

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[lukaslolamaus]

Poor baby :sadness I hope someone can think of something to make that sweet boy more comfortable :hug

[Shewhosweptforest]

Can you post a video of the how the eye moves or a post to one on youtube? Photos are great, but when abnormal motion is involved, it is good to see it. Thanks!

:thankyou :bliss :serene :bowdown :bow :blowkiss

Oh thank you, thank you Doc :please