Help!

[Rhonda Bishop]

Help! I recently recived a baby flying squirrel estimated to be about 5 weeks old he has been doing awesome eating, using bathroom etc. today I went to stimulate him to go pottty and he made the awful squeaking noise at first I thought he may be constipated but now I have noticed he has a small sore right below his penis that seems to be cause great pain when touched which is causing him not to use the bathroom can some one pleas help me find away I can make him go and heal the sore

[ALittleNutty]

Oh poor little fellow. It would be helpful if you can post a picture. Yeah I know trying to hold one still enough for that is a challenge. :) He may be self suckling or it may be something else. Warm water soaks and a little apple juice in between feedings will help loosen things up a bit. Coconut oil on the area will keep things moist and it also has some slight antibacterial properties.

[Rhonda Bishop]

I took a picture trying to figure out how to upload it lol it's a very small sore but is red all around it it's not scabbed over so I figure he got it recently also if I don't have coconut oil on hand is there anything else I could put on it?

[ALittleNutty]

A tiny bit of antibiotic ointment is fine too. I suspect he may be trying to self suckle and missed. Just try to keep a close watch and see if that is what he is doing. Sometimes we have had to wrap the area or make a "diaper" to discourage that. Is there anything in his container that might have a sharp edge that he could have injured himself on?

[Rhonda Bishop]

I have tee tree oil will that work? And no only thing he has in there is a home made pouch and a rice sock for heat also do I need to dilute the apple juice?

[ALittleNutty]

Tea tree oil is fine to use. I would start off with a 50/50 mix of apple juice and water. Extra hydration of even plain water in between feedings would help but some don't like it so the apple juice usually works to get them to take more.

[Rhonda Bishop]

I finally got him to poop took a little time but so glad he went I was starting to get worried thank you for all your advice it helps a lot I tried the apple juice and water and he seems to be passing stools a lot easier and his tummy isn't has hard

[ALittleNutty]

Yay for :poop:poop:poop That should have him feeling a lot better. He may have irritated himself due to the constipation.

[Rhonda Bishop]

I'm so relived poor guy acted like he was in so much pain but he is acting much better now up moving around a lot better. Do you have any tips on how to keep this from happening again?

[ALittleNutty]

I'm so relived poor guy acted like he was in so much pain but he is acting much better now up moving around a lot better. Do you have any tips on how to keep this from happening again?

What type of container is he in? A plastic tote will help keep the humidity levels up. You can also add a damp sponge inside a small jar with holes poked in the lid. Just make sure it's not something he could easily tip over and injure himself. A rock in with the sponge would help weigh it down. Extra hydration in between feedings helps too.

[Rhonda Bishop]

Right now I have him in a card board box till I can get something different

[Nancy in New York]

I have tee tree oil will that work? And no only thing he has in there is a home made pouch and a rice sock for heat also do I need to dilute the apple juice?

NO to TEA TREE OIL!!!!!!!
Rama Mama used this on one of her squirrels and it made him "neuro" I believe.
Let me find the link.

[Rhonda Bishop]

Omg I already put it on him do I need to get it off!

[ALittleNutty]

Right now I have him in a card board box till I can get something different That's what's wrong. Cardboard sucks the moisture out of the air. Here is what I use up until they are big enough for a cage. 278838 You can get them at the dollar store for under $5. This is my small tote for pinkies but it's a great size for flyers too. I think it's about 8 inches by 11 inches at the top. You can poke holes in the lid with a hot screwdriver or if you have a cordless drill. Just poke from the inside out so any rough edges will be on the outside.

[Nancy in New York]

Omg I already put it on him do I need to get it off!


Tea Tree Oil Toxicity for Pets



Tea tree oil contains various types of chemicals called terpenes. These are the chemicals that make the oil effective against bacteria and fungi. They are also the toxic agent. Terpenes are rapidly absorbed into the body whether taken orally or on the skin. This means topical application of concentrated oil can result in the same toxicity as accidental oral ingestion. Given the tendency of pets to groom, especially cats, the toxicity risk of topical applications is amplified.



Symptoms of toxicity vary depending on the dose of terpenes ingested. Minor symptoms like drooling or vomiting may be found with mild doses of oil. Animals with moderate illness may appear weak, have difficulty walking, or seem partially paralyzed. Severely ill animals have life-threating symptoms like tremors, seizures, greatly reduced level of consciousness, or coma. Symptoms follow 2 to 12 hours after exposure.

[ALittleNutty]

NO to TEA TREE OIL!!!!!!!
Rama Mama used this on one of her squirrels and it made him "neuro" I believe.
Let me find the link.

Sorry Nancy. I know it is used orally and did not know about Rama Mama's squirrel.

[Nancy in New York]

Treatment for Tea Tree Oil Toxicity in Pets



There is no antidote for terpenes. Treatment is based on the level of toxicity. Mild illness may only require skin decontamination with dish soap bathing. Inducing vomiting is not recommended. The neurological effects of the terpenes, as well as the thick quality of the oil, increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia if vomiting is induced.



The effectiveness of orally administered activated charcoal in binding terpenes after oral ingestion of tea tree oil is unknown. Vomiting control with medications is necessary before administering activated charcoal. Activated charcoal should not be given to pets with severe symptoms due to the risk of aspiration of the charcoal liquid.



Skin decontamination and support therapy with intravenous fluids is the standard treatment. Vomiting, muscle tremors, and seizures are treated with medications as needed. Treatment may be necessary for up to 72 hours after exposure. Terpenes are toxic to the liver so the use of liver protectants like SAM-e and silymarin (milk thistle) for two weeks is also recommended.

[Nancy in New York]

Sorry Nancy. I know it is used orally and did not know about Rama Mama's squirrel.

Yes, it was J.D. MARX--I'm going to direct Stosh to this thread, so
he can explain what they did.

[ALittleNutty]

Omg I already put it on him do I need to get it off!

Yes, I would wash it off. I am reading more on it and 100% tea tree oil is what is the problem. Vets use it but only very diluted versions. Just rinse him off with a lot of water mixed with a teeny drop of Dawn or mild dish detergent and rinse very well. Dry him thoroughly and keep him warm.

Rhonda I am so sorry I gave you the go ahead on it. :embar

[Nancy in New York]

Rhonda I am so sorry I gave you the go ahead on it. :embar

Had I not read/heard about little JD,
I never would have known it could be potentially toxic either.
:hug

[Rhonda Bishop]

That's what's wrong. Cardboard sucks the moisture out of the air. Here is what I use up until they are big enough for a cage. 278838 You can get them at the dollar store for under $5. This is my small tote for pinkies but it's a great size for flyers too. I think it's about 8 inches by 11 inches at the top. You can poke holes in the lid with a hot screwdriver or if you have a cordless drill. Just poke from the inside out so any rough edges will be on the outside.

Okay I will run to our DG and get one thank you!

[Rhonda Bishop]

Okay thank you both I have washed it off with dish soap and water I didn't put very much on it so I hope he don't get sick I will keep a close eye on him and keep you guys posted

[ALittleNutty]

Okay I will run to our DG and get one thank you!

That's exactly where I get mine. It will work a lot better at maintaining his hydration levels. Glad to hear you got him cleaned off. Again I am so sorry.

[Rhonda Bishop]

It's okay we all make mistakes just glad some one informed us both that it wasn't safe

[ALittleNutty]

It's okay we all make mistakes just glad some one informed us both that it wasn't safe
Thank you. I've added the info to my notebook of things not to use. Yes, Nancy in NY saves the day again.

[Rhonda Bishop]

Update on baby Buck he is doing much better not showing any symptoms of getting sick he is using the potty and eating well belly has went back to normal found some coconut oil to put on the sore spot and got him put into a plastic container instead of cardboard box 😊

[ALittleNutty]

Update on baby Buck he is doing much better not showing any symptoms of getting sick he is using the potty and eating well belly has went back to normal found some coconut oil to put on the sore spot and got him put into a plastic container instead of cardboard box 😊
That sounds great!

[stosh2010]

I JUST this morning saw the PM from Nancy in NY-- and this thread.
YES--we believe that JD's seizures are reated to his exposure to Teatree oil. However we really dosed him, and on large areas of his body and the oil was left on for a while, before we realized that it needed to be completely rinsed off. I would not ever use it again, as little JD still----has occasional seizures and is on daily meds to control them....
I think --as this is at least the second time a member has used this highly powerful oil--that a warning sticky--with medical info on dangers and treatment--should be generated.

[Mennome]

I'm not an experience member, but I can attest that ANY essential oil must be used with extreme caution. I would advise NOT to use an EO's on squirrels (or cats). (Credentials: I've studied EO's, PennFoster Natural Pet Cert., and am currently in my 2rd year of Dr. Christopher's Herbalist School.) Please be careful. It would be better to create a salve from calendula flowers for healing sores/raw areas. If

Sorry to crash in on this thread. :embar

Mennome

[CritterMom]

I'm not an experience member, but I can attest that ANY essential oil must be used with extreme caution. I would advise NOT to use an EO's on squirrels (or cats). (Credentials: I've studied EO's, PennFoster Natural Pet Cert., and am currently in my 2rd year of Dr. Christopher's Herbalist School.) Please be careful. It would be better to create a salve from calendula flowers for healing sores/raw areas. If

Sorry to crash in on this thread. :embar

Mennome

You are quite right. Things like coconut oil and emu oil are fine but the tea tree oil is VERY strong!

[stosh2010]

I just re-read JD Marx's thread during his initial time of seizures:
Here is the time line--and symptoms to be ALERT for---
__________________________________________________ ____________

Mar.--18 applied TeaTree Oil to multiple scabby areas on JD's belly and legs....( we thought he had mites ) and didn't rinse it off for 36 hours.
Mar. 20 -- starts to salivate often & profusely, slimy spit down the sides of his mouth
Mar 22 seizures while sleeping, and some during the day-more salivation
Mar 24-- starts to ZONE-out--actually in a trance. From awake to unconscious in less than a minute--Still not sure WHY.

278866278867278868<<< click on pics
Mar. 27 --Connection to TeaTree Oil is determined. Cleanse recommended with Milk Thistle-- 3 time a day (Tube Driver gave us dose )
April 15--- drooling has subsided.

___________________________________________
Below is Ramamama's description of JD's symptoms---

____________________________________________
March 26:



Going to try to answer some questions which were asked on this Thread.

I got several samples of JD's urine on white tissue. After several pee sessions, the
tissue still looked quite white. Just around the edges where the urine had dried did
it appear just a tiny bit of a mark. Not much smell as apposed to when we first got
him...... the smell could knock down a horse.

I have paid closer attention but I do not see him all the time. This morning after I fed
him and began to stimulate him he was zoning. He started doing some jerks and then
his tongue began moving oddly in his mouth..... when he becomes very zoned I can't
stimulate him to get any response so there is no peristalsis.... no peristalsis - no poops.
So I have to wait until he comes to a bit, I was calling to him before but maybe I should
not try to rouse him......... if it is a seizure. Shortly after his zoning and tongue movement
I saw all around his mouth many many tiny bubbles; it was the beginning of the slime.

I stopped what I was doing...... now he was a little more awake, so I wiped off his mouth,
then tried to continue stimulation. It is becoming harder; because when he zones I can't
get any results.... and I have not been able to get him to move his bowels without stim....
He will pee sometimes when we let him run on the bed BUT......... it isn't enough...
So he has to be stimulated at present.

Being more aware, after reading posts from TSB members, I have watched JD closer. This
evening, after feeding him at 4pm, rather than leaving right away to clean up, I stayed and
watched him.... at first I thought he was going to go to sleep...... he seemed a little restless,
like he was looking for just the right spot, but then he would stop in the strangest positions,
his eyes would half close and his head begin to go downward. Then JD went to the front
screen on his box { stosh cut a hole in the front of the box to let in some air } He put his front
feet up and held on to the screen, like he was going to look out; then his eyes half shut, he
head began to slowly fall backwards, and the slime slowly oozed out of his mouth. Just a little
but it was there. Then he took hold of the top cover, the mettle that covers his box and did the
same thing in several places........ then back to the front screen.
I called Stosh on my cell hoping he would see JD do these things but he did not get here in time.
But he did feel the slime that was on JD's mouth.
So, this was the first time I actually watched JD while the slime appeared..... but usually when ever
I wake him to feed him, it is there. Not always but most times.

How do squirrels act when they have seizures. I thought they would go stiff...... he is not
stiff.....

I fed him at 4PM.... it is now 5:20 here .... I just checked on him and the entire bottom area of his
chin and throat is covered with the slime.

???? what to think ???? what to do ????

I removed all the fleece in his box except one piece, for night time, and replaced them with soft
thin cotton. It was 95 plus degrees today... I felt it was just too hot for fleece esp since all the adults
stayed on their branches (refused to go into their nest boxes) until just about 15 mins ago.





MARCH 29--today was a good day , not too much salivating
...but he is doing a new "pass-out" routine. i placed him on the bed where he plays...and he took a few steps...lied down on his belly...his eyes half closed...two seconds later he shifted to the left about 15 degrees, followed by another shift to the left, and then completely on his left side...where he closed his eyes completely and was "OUT".
I waited half a minute, aroused him to an upright position to play, but he walked off and repeated the same 4 steps to going to sleep---- FAST !
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________

Also--do to continued seizures--it was recommended to start a daily magnesium treatmen.t--
and with TSB's guidance, he was given the proper dosage---which he continues to get-every day.

[stosh2010]

TSB needs an.............UPDATE report....please
How is the little one doing TODAY ?

------------any symptoms of trouble?

[stosh2010]

Sept. 29,2016-

TSB needs an.............UPDATE report....please
How is the little one doing TODAY ?


------------any symptoms of trouble?

BUMP--------------------------BUMP----------------------------
How is your little friend ??>>??>

[stosh2010]

Sept. 30, 2016
BUMP--------------------------BUMP----------------------------
How is your little friend ??>>??>


It's been several days --and no UPDATE posts---
I am hoping that means GOOD NEWS>>>>>>

Please put me/us/TSB at ease with a FOLLOW UP status of you baby BUCK

If you wish---e-mail me some photos of BUCK, and I'll gladly post them HERE for you...My Pleasure......

stosh@jpcfl.com

Put TSB baby Buck in the message line of your e-mail
THANKS.