Squirrelmaven
03-26-2017, 01:04 PM
I have an 8 month old non releasable Gray of northern (Ohio) captive stock that has developed anemia. Here are the facts - any help would be greatly appreciated:
She may have fallen in her aviary about 3 weeks ago. First noticed lethargy and some difficulty climbing that progressively got worse. She had increasing difficulty using hind legs and tail flaccid with NO movement. Grunting when attempting to walk. Went to Dr. Diaz of Orlando Exotic Animal Hospital and had blood chemestry & xrays. Anomaly noted on spine above pelvis unclear if hairline fracture or just disc issue. NO MBD found in blood chemestry and calcium slightly elevated. Iron levels at 21 when they should be in the mid to high 40's. Diagnosed with severe anemia. Palpation and review of xrays showed no sign of internal bleeding. Fecal showed no parasites (coccidia Etc) and no noticeable blood in urine or stool. Possible systemic problem(??) Prescribed Metacam for swelling, Trimethoprim Sulfa, Epoetin Alfa (Epogen) injections. One time Intramuscular Injection of 100 mg/ml of Iron Dextran in hind leg muscle. Cold laser therapy on lower spine every 3rd day.
Diet History: Fox Valley 20/50 since acquired until solid foods. Tranistioned to Henrys Hi Protein until weaned then transtioned to Adult Blocks. Following Henrys diet as close as possible. Must be working b/c no MBD. The anemia is serious. I don't want to overdose by supplementing iron orally without knowing quantity. Will not eat lab blocks, monkey chow or Zupreem bird even with the Peanut Butter "bake".
Still lethargic & seems confused but slight improvement over the past 2 days. Appetite poor but eats some solids. Back on 20/50 to supplement. Drinking enough water - feces and urination normal. Sleeps a LOT
Any ideas - especially on the Anemia cause and how to supplement to improve Iron level?
Ad this Vet to your list of GREAT Squirrel friendly and Squirrel experienced Vets in Florida: http://www.orlandoexoticveterinarian.com
She may have fallen in her aviary about 3 weeks ago. First noticed lethargy and some difficulty climbing that progressively got worse. She had increasing difficulty using hind legs and tail flaccid with NO movement. Grunting when attempting to walk. Went to Dr. Diaz of Orlando Exotic Animal Hospital and had blood chemestry & xrays. Anomaly noted on spine above pelvis unclear if hairline fracture or just disc issue. NO MBD found in blood chemestry and calcium slightly elevated. Iron levels at 21 when they should be in the mid to high 40's. Diagnosed with severe anemia. Palpation and review of xrays showed no sign of internal bleeding. Fecal showed no parasites (coccidia Etc) and no noticeable blood in urine or stool. Possible systemic problem(??) Prescribed Metacam for swelling, Trimethoprim Sulfa, Epoetin Alfa (Epogen) injections. One time Intramuscular Injection of 100 mg/ml of Iron Dextran in hind leg muscle. Cold laser therapy on lower spine every 3rd day.
Diet History: Fox Valley 20/50 since acquired until solid foods. Tranistioned to Henrys Hi Protein until weaned then transtioned to Adult Blocks. Following Henrys diet as close as possible. Must be working b/c no MBD. The anemia is serious. I don't want to overdose by supplementing iron orally without knowing quantity. Will not eat lab blocks, monkey chow or Zupreem bird even with the Peanut Butter "bake".
Still lethargic & seems confused but slight improvement over the past 2 days. Appetite poor but eats some solids. Back on 20/50 to supplement. Drinking enough water - feces and urination normal. Sleeps a LOT
Any ideas - especially on the Anemia cause and how to supplement to improve Iron level?
Ad this Vet to your list of GREAT Squirrel friendly and Squirrel experienced Vets in Florida: http://www.orlandoexoticveterinarian.com