MBD

[Rocky102014]

My 3 year old squirrel has this and I am doing the calcium plan I found on here. My sister said she thought she read something about giving him infant ibuprofen for pain. Does anyone know of this and if so how much? He weighs 1lb 10.8 oz.

[stepnstone]

My 3 year old squirrel has this and I am doing the calcium plan I found on here. My sister said she thought she read something about giving him infant ibuprofen for pain. Does anyone know of this and if so how much? He weighs 1lb 10.8 oz.
Calcium plan? You are referring to the MBD protocol I presume?
Yes infant Ibuprofen can be given, I will send you dosing for administering in a pm.

I do need to ask why you suspect MBD in a 3 year old and what kind of diet she/he has been on
since MBD is diet related.

Edit: You need to check your calculations again before I can dose Ib for you.
Squirrels are weighed/dosed by body weight in grams. 1 pound 10.8oz is 759 grams.
Are you sure you have the weight correct? That would be one huge 3 year old squirrel!

[Rocky102014]

Hi,

My name is Cheri and I own a grey squirrel that is 3 years old. His name is Rocky and our cat brought him in when I think he was about 3 months old. He had no marks and didn't look like the cat hurt him, but when we put him outside he was totally paralyzed. 3 days later I found the forum saying MBD. Once we started giving him the calcium he started moving. His front arms are paralyzed, but he has been health and happy for almost 3 years. Someone recently told me he didn't have MBD that our cat did injury him. I really don't know. He does now have MBD because I was stupid and changed his food with seed. I started him on calcium and my sister thought she read something about he is in pain. Thought she read that we should give him infant ibuprofen. Does anyone know about this. I need help. I can't bare to lose him or see him in pain.

Thanks

[stepnstone]

Hi,

My name is Cheri and I own a grey squirrel that is 3 years old. His name is Rocky and our cat brought him in when I think he was about 3 months old. He had no marks and didn't look like the cat hurt him, but when we put him outside he was totally paralyzed. 3 days later I found the forum saying MBD. Once we started giving him the calcium he started moving. His front arms are paralyzed, but he has been health and happy for almost 3 years. Someone recently told me he didn't have MBD that our cat did injury him. I really don't know. He does now have MBD because I was stupid and changed his food with seed. I started him on calcium and my sister thought she read something about he is in pain. Thought she read that we should give him infant ibuprofen. Does anyone know about this. I need help. I can't bare to lose him or see him in pain.
Thanks
Unlikely it was MBD, more likely the cat did cause the initial Paralysis.
Wish you had found us back then, too late now to turn that around IMO.
As far as having mbd now, are you giving calcium according to the mbd protocol?
How have you corrected the diet? What is she being fed and is she eating rodent block?
Infant Ibuprofen can be given for pain management, we will need a weight preferably in grams to dose.
I will be moving this into emergency for more eyes on it as mbd uncorrected properly is a killer.

[stepnstone]

Now seeing you have two on the same subject I am combining your threads, please keep them in one place so we can better help you address all concerns
without having to jump back and forth trying to answer the same questions / concerns.
Please check the weight again for Ib dosing.

[Rocky102014]

I read to give 600mg for the first dose. Then 100mg every 4 hrs for 3 days. I mixed tums with peanut butter. I was thinking to maybe giving 50mg every 2 hours. He doesn't like the peanut butter and I have to force it. I just gave it to him and he was mad. I also got he some ensure butter pecan. He hasn't wanted any food yet. This started yesterday. My sister found this board for me. Wish I had found it 3 years ago..
He weighs 1lb 10.8 oz. just tried to weigh him in grams and he won't hold still. Then he bit me kinda hard which he does usually do. 74 gram or 68 grams. I'll have to check a conversion table. Sorry!

[Rocky102014]

W1lb 10.8 oz = 759.7674 grams

[Rocky102014]

That is to heavy for a squirrel? We don't feed him correctly from what I am seeing on here. We feed him deer corn, walnuts, pecans, almonds, lettuce, apples, carrots, acorns(lots) and stupid me started giving him black bird seed several weeks ago.

[Rocky102014]

I weighed him per lb and your right. Only 1 lb. Does that sound more accurate for a grey 3 year old squirrel?

[stepnstone]

That is to heavy for a squirrel? We don't feed him correctly from what I am seeing on here. We feed him deer corn, walnuts, pecans, almonds, lettuce, apples, carrots, acorns(lots) and stupid me started giving him black bird seed several weeks ago.

You definitely have set him on the road for MBD BIG TIME! That diet is horrible!
Please, please, please, get him on the correct protocol for mbd treatment asap! I'm really scared for your squirrel!
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?17680-Emergency-Treatment-for-MBD-(Updated-3-31-09)

Here is the link to the healthy diet and how he should be eating and should have been eating;
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

I will send you dosing for Infant Ibuprofen for a 1 pound (453grams) squirrel in a pm .

[Rocky102014]

Rocky was weighed agained at 457 grams. Did you find the dose for infant ibuprofen?

[stepnstone]

Rocky was weighed agained at 457 grams. Did you find the dose for infant ibuprofen?

Getting ready to send pm now, hold tight....

[Nancy in New York]

W1lb 10.8 oz = 759.7674 grams

Can you post a picture of your squirrel just to make extra sure that the weight is
correct, I saw below that you amended it. I just took one of mine to the vets for
a tooth trimming and they said she needs to be on a diet, she weighs 850 grams. :eek :hidechair

[Rocky102014]

Yes I will send a picture if I can figure out how. I'm new to all this.

[Nancy in New York]

Yes I will send a picture if I can figure out how. I'm new to all this.

I'll pm you my email and you can send it to me that way, and I will post.

[Rocky102014]

294119

[Nancy in New York]

294119

OK he's a little on the chubby side. Can you get one of him front the front?
How about from the side showing his tummy better.
That's where my girl holds her weight in the tummy. :shakehead
Gorgeous tail by the way.

[Rocky102014]

294120

Sorry, he started peeing when I picked him up. Lol

[Nancy in New York]

OK that's a good shot. He looks heavier than a pound but not as heavy as
I think you originally stated at 759 grams.
He really has beautiful fur.
Don't handle him too much, he's probably sore. :(
BUT I do appreciate the belly shot.

[Rocky102014]

Rocky is doing so much better since my sister found this board. I thank god she did, because my husband and I are so attached to him after 3 years. He is drinking water from a syringe and ate one pecan. He has not wanted anything to eat. We tried an apple, carrot and banana. I am giving him butter pecan ensure which he seems to love. I did have the grams wrong last night because he wouldn't hold still. Definitely need to get my squirrel advise on here to correct his diet. We are going to try some infant ibuprofen because he seems to be hurting.

[LR]

Does your scale have "tare" on it? The only way I can get a good weight on Ruby any more is to put a deep bowl on the scale, push tare button ( it brings the scale back to zero ) and put her in the bowl to weigh her. Someone on the board suggested this method but I can't remember who it was....

[Nancy in New York]

Rocky is doing so much better since my sister found this board. I thank god she did, because my husband and I are so attached to him after 3 years. He is drinking water from a syringe and ate one pecan. He has not wanted anything to eat. We tried an apple, carrot and banana. I am giving him butter pecan ensure which he seems to love. I did have the grams wrong last night because he wouldn't hold still. Definitely need to get my squirrel advise on here to correct his diet. We are going to try some infant ibuprofen because he seems to be hurting.
You do know that you will have to cut out nuts while he is recovering from MBD, correct? :tilt
How much calcium have you given today?
This is a LONG process it can take months for him to fully recover, and sometimes they
never come all the way back.
IF you start seeing improvement still continue as per the protocol, and most importantly the
diet.
stepnstone had a little girl fully recover from MBD after he found the board.
It was because of her that he stuck around, and then went on to become a master rehabber.:w00t

[stepnstone]

He is a big handsome boy and I do think I detect a little smile in that picture... :Love_Icon

[Rocky102014]

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup
He is a big handsome boy and I do think I detect a little smile in that picture... :Love_Icon

[Rocky102014]

You do know that you will have to cut out nuts while he is recovering from MBD, correct? :tilt
How much calcium have you given today?
This is a LONG process it can take months for him to fully recover, and sometimes they
never come all the way back.
IF you start seeing improvement still continue as per the protocol, and most importantly the
diet.
stepnstone had a little girl fully recover from MBD after he found the board.
It was because of her that he stuck around, and then went on to become a master rehabber.:w00t
I give him 100mg every 4 hours. When will he eat and any ideas what he might eat? Or should he stay on ensure and water for now, if so for how long?

[Rocky102014]

Do you only give 600 mg a day for 3 days and then only 100mg a day after that? Or how do you know to add or cut back on the calcium?

[Rocky102014]

Yes my scale has a tare on it, never thought about putting him in a bowl. What an awesome idea!! Thank you for your advise.

[Rocky102014]

I feel I need more suggestions on the protocol for MBD and diet during the process. We ordered some squirrel blocks and should have them by Monday. Any ideas as to what I can give him as he is being very picking and not really hungry. Baby food and if so what?

[Rocky102014]

Feeling helpful, Rocky ate a small piece of Apple just now! :)

[Nancy in New York]

I give him 100mg every 4 hours. When will he eat and any ideas what he might eat? Or should he stay on ensure and water for now, if so for how long?

Take a look at this link.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?48986-TUMS-ALERT!!!&highlight=tums
It talks about the tums and how the label has changed.
You will need to give your squirrel *600 mg of ELEMENTAL calcium,
so make sure you know the elemental calcium on the tums you have.
*I just looked at the MBD Protocol and now I'm seeing 500 mg of calcium daily.

Did you order any blocks from Henry's.
Mine LOVE the picky blocks. Since your little one is used to
nuts I suggest you get those. He only needs two a day along with
his healthy veggies from the food pyramid below. It's flat rate shipping
whether you get one pack or 10 and whatever else you may find.
These have no preservatives so keep them in your freezer and take out
2 the night before so they thaw. I put mine in a little zip lock bag.
https://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/
Print this out and keep it on your refrig. That's what most of us
do until we get it straight. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WBwrFLT/0/98b5eed6/O/i-WBwrFLT.jpg

[Rocky102014]

How many days can I give Rocky infant ibuprofen and how many times a day?

[Rocky102014]

We ordered the picky eater block 2 days ago. Should get it tomorrow. He definitely does better when the calcium is given every 2 hours. He gives me lots of kisses after he gets the calcium. He's loving all the extra attention.

[stepnstone]

How many days can I give Rocky infant ibuprofen and how many times a day?
You can give Ib every 4 hours as needed, my vet suggests 3-4 days not exceeding 4.

[Rocky102014]

I was told that squirrels can't have nuts if they have MBD. Why is that?

[Rocky102014]

I need help. Rocky is feeling better and fighting me all the way on the calcium pills. We have been giving it to him several different ways. With peanut butter, mixed with butter pecan ensure or mixed with grape juice. He is totally refusing it and becoming very angry with us. He is even trying to bite us. He is refusing to eat because he was use to the diet we had him on for 3 years. Which I was told was a really bad diet. I'm worried.

[island rehabber]

I was told that squirrels can't have nuts if they have MBD. Why is that?

Very simple: MBD is caused by low levels of calcium in the blood so the body leeches even more calcium out of the bones in order to try and maintain the proper level. The bones become brittle and painful, and can break. NUTS contain high phosporous and low calcium --- the more nuts they eat, the lower their blood calcium goes and the worse the MBD becomes.
Nuts to a squirrel with MBD is like sugar to a diabetic. NOT good.

He will not starve himself to death. Keep following the MBD protocol to the letter, and your squirrel will recover from this. If you lapse and give him what he wants, he will die. I'm not kidding. Sorry to be a downer.

[Rocky102014]

Thanks for the information. Important to know. He is doing much better thanks to you. Getting more active and moving around his cage.

[Rocky102014]

Rocky likes the squirrel block for picky eaters. I'm still concerned about him not moving much. Sleeps a lot and wants to stay curled up in a ball. He does get out of his bed to move into a smaller enclosed house that has pieces of newspaper in it. I guess I feel he should be more stable by now.

[Nancy in New York]

Rocky likes the squirrel block for picky eaters. I'm still concerned about him not moving much. Sleeps a lot and wants to stay curled up in a ball. He does get out of his bed to move into a smaller enclosed house that has pieces of newspaper in it. I guess I feel he should be more stable by now.

First get the newspapers out. Some of the ink used can be dangerous to squirrels.
Also he needs to have something with traction to give him more stability.
Which tums are you using? Look at this thread and you can figure out how much
ELEMENTAL CALCIUM your little one is getting. This is the number you should be
concerned about.
If you are giving tums, read that part towards the end and it will explain.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?56252-How-to-Read-a-Calcium-Label&highlight=

Please double check Rocky's weight.
If he weighs more than a pound which I think he does, we may
need to increase the calcium. BUT we also have to make sure
that he is getting enough of the Elemental calcium.
Are you still following the MBD protocol?

[Rocky102014]

I weighed him again and he is 473 grams. I talked to Lynn at Herny's earlier today. Believe we decided ro give him 300mg a day for the next few days. Have not been able to get him to eat his second squirrel block yet today. If he doesn't eat it, should I give him extra calcium?

[Rocky102014]

I did find the tums with elemental in it. Found the dose near the bottom of bottle reading 300 mg per tablet with elemental. Our concern is that he may have a spine injury. Lynn said to give it time and he may get better. He is moving more and doing his cute squirrelly sounds with lots of kisses. Praying for a full recovery.

[Nancy in New York]

I did find the tums with elemental in it. Found the dose near the bottom of bottle reading 300 mg per tablet with elemental. Our concern is that he may have a spine injury. Lynn said to give it time and he may get better. He is moving more and doing his cute squirrelly sounds with lots of kisses. Praying for a full recovery.

Hmmmmmmmm if it's a spine injury, I wonder about starting Prednisone or Gabapentin and Metacam? Do you have access to any of these drugs?

[Nancy in New York]

I weighed him again and he is 473 grams. I talked to Lynn at Herny's earlier today. Believe we decided ro give him 300mg a day for the next few days. Have not been able to get him to eat his second squirrel block yet today. If he doesn't eat it, should I give him extra calcium?

I personally wouldn't worry about giving him additional calcium,
other than what you are already giving, if he just missed one block today.

[Rocky102014]

I have gabapentin capsules in 100 and 300 mg.

[stepnstone]

I weighed him again and he is 473 grams. I talked to Lynn at Herny's earlier today. Believe we decided ro give him 300mg a day for the next few days.
Never heard of any Lynn at Henry's. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/expressions/confused-shrug-smiley-emoticon.gif
You must be referring to Leigh. (pronounced Lee)
She and her husband own and run the business.

[Rocky102014]

Your right! I'm bad with remembering names. Lol.. She is awesome!!

[Nancy in New York]

I'm sure that we must have gone over this, but is it possible that he could have taken a fall?
Many times when these little ones have MBD their back legs give out.
Just wondering if this is one of the reasons he is not moving much.
Have you tried applying light pressure on his spine going up, and his legs?
Just wondering if you will get any sort of pain reaction.

[Rocky102014]

I have been rubbing him softly all over and he likes it. He's not acting like anything hurts. He seems to only want to sleep a bunch and stay curled up. He has a good appetite and loves me to hold him like a baby. Plus he wants me to scratch his face and ears. My husband said he did lift his head over his bed an hour ago. This is good that he was able to do this.

[Rocky102014]

Rocky still not moving much, but when he was in my lap I went to open a piece of candy and he got excited. He started moving his head in all directions. Seems that he can move , but chooses not to much. Hopefully he just needs more time to heal. His back legs are strong. He prefers to stay laying on his back curled up. I made him lay on his stomach in my lap. Any suggestions what's going on with him? As I said before, his appetite is good.

[cava]

You do know that you will have to cut out nuts while he is recovering from MBD, correct? :tilt
How much calcium have you given today?
This is a LONG process it can take months for him to fully recover, and sometimes they
never come all the way back.
IF you start seeing improvement still continue as per the protocol, and most importantly the
diet.
stepnstone had a little girl fully recover from MBD after he found the board.
It was because of her that he stuck around, and then went on to become a master rehabber.:w00t

Nancy relayed that MBD treatment can take months. You've mentioned improvement, correct? What exactly are you giving him in a 24 hour period. Food, calcium, fluids, etc? This will help us make sure he's getting the appropriate things for recovery.

[Rocky102014]

He gets 300 mg calcium a day then a rodent block. Water and sometimes grape juice if he refuses the water. Fresh corn on the cob, grapes, lettuce and another block. The last two days he has not wanted the second block. Maybe I shouldn't give him anything between blocks? He did go on my should and curled up around my neck. I lifted his head over his bed and he did stay up and look around. I believe he can do somethings, but does'nt want to quite yet. I believe he will heal, but like you said it will be a slow process. He won't eat the broccoli so I thought I would try some cauliflower. His poop is white and I hate that. Leigh at Henry's said to keep him at 300mg for a few days. Today will be day 3. So should I drop 50 mg a day for two weeks starting tomorrow?

[cava]

If Leigh has been advising you up to this point, continue to follow her directions. I understand about the poop. Have you considered offering formula in a dish to supplement him in case he doesn't eat his solids?

[Rocky102014]

No formula, but was giving him some butter pecan ensure. We stopped it a few days ago. Can or should I give him the ensure? He just ate some pumpkin seeds while laying on his side. When I started putting the container back, he spun around and got on his back legs. Then he put his head on the top of his bed and started moving his head around looking for something different to eat!!!! I'm am so excited and feeling more positive! My husband and I so appreciate all the advice all of you have been giving us. I know we have a long way to go for a full recovery, but I'm feeling with all your help we can do this. Thank you all so very much!!:w00t:w00t:w00t

[Rocky102014]

Rocky is not eating from a dish at all. He has been laying on his side since this all started. I have hand feed him and using a syringe for his liquids. Although after his new movements, I do believe he may be eating from his dish in a week.. :blowkiss

[Rocky102014]

I'm so EXCITED that I just CAN'T hide it !!! :tramp:tongue3:bunny:thumbsup3:rockin

[Nancy in New York]

Please please take a look at this document.
It gives the calcium to phosphorous levels of some foods.
Your goal is to achieve a ratio of 2:1 Cal. to Phos.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?15397-Food-Data-Chart-Update-Calcium-to-Phosphorus-Ratios

The corn has a ratio of 1:0:44.5
The pumpkin seeds a ratio of 1:27

[cava]

I hate to break it to you but...

2. The next step to curing MBD is to fix the diet:




Remove ALL seeds, nuts, corn, and treats, including stashes.​



I'm not so sure Ensure is good for him either. I think Fox Valley 20/50 would pack a healthier punch while offering hydration. I'm sure the Butter Pecan Ensure is delicious but he's in a bad spot due to being fed dangerous food items. I would suggest you replace this human food.
(Other members who have treated MBD, please correct me if I am off base here)

294549

[Rocky102014]

So for awhile, blocks only? Not sure how much food he should or needs in a day. He weighs 473 grams. We had found something on the Internet sometime ago that suggested pumpkin seeds. Blocks and veg that he will eat. NO corn!! He should need anything except water, right? Or because he has MBD, does he need some other liquid? I was believing the blocks and water would be enough.

[Nancy in New York]

So for awhile, blocks only? Not sure how much food he should or needs in a day. He weighs 473 grams. We had found something on the Internet sometime ago that suggested pumpkin seeds. Blocks and veg that he will eat. NO corn!! He should need anything except water, right? Or because he has MBD, does he need some other liquid? I was believing the blocks and water would be enough.

Oh no he can have much more than just block and water.
The block is only a supplement meant to be given with healthy veggies.
For NOW we need to cut out treats. That will not be a permanent thing, but
for now no treats.

Feed from groups 1 and 2 freely and from group 3 in limited amounts.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WBwrFLT/0/98b5eed6/O/i-WBwrFLT.jpg

[Rocky102014]

So you guys say he won't starve himself. Remember, Rocky was on a very poor diet and now we are changing his life of 3 years to a totally different diet. I'm sure for now he will probably only eat the blocks and peanut butter with calcium mixed in it. Will still keep trying the veg. (Broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce) each day. I can tell he wants more food, but he is fighting the new diet. Happy that he at least seems to like the block. As he heals, I'm sure he will start eating the Veg.

[Nancy in New York]

So you guys say he won't starve himself. Remember, Rocky was on a very poor diet and now we are changing his life of 3 years to a totally different diet. I'm sure for now he will probably only eat the blocks and peanut butter with calcium mixed in it. Will still keep trying the veg. (Broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce) each day. I can tell he wants more food, but he is fighting the new diet. Happy that he at least seems to like the block. As he heals, I'm sure he will start eating the Veg.

I know people say that they won't starve themselves, but thank God, I have never had to try.
I would really worry if he isn't eating much of anything and you see his weight decline.
I don't know how people do this, but I know it's a must from all that I've read about MBD. :(

[cava]

I only suggested the formula because some adults like it and it would be nutritive and if he likes it then you'd be assured he's getting more calories, especially if he is boycotting healthy food. You could add a touch of full fat vanilla yogurt for taste and it would be healthy for his gut too.

Just a suggestion. I think I would try just about anything if I was watching him be super picky. Sometimes it only takes one thing to get an anorexic animal to eat and things can take off from there. Best wishes for your little muffin.:hug

[TubeDriver]

Just stick with the 300mg per day of calcium and try to get him to eat his two blocks. The calcium will stop the MBD process but he wil lhave a long way to go in order to recover.



I weighed him again and he is 473 grams. I talked to Lynn at Herny's earlier today. Believe we decided ro give him 300mg a day for the next few days. Have not been able to get him to eat his second squirrel block yet today. If he doesn't eat it, should I give him extra calcium?

[Rocky102014]

I do welcome any suggestions. Definitely don't like seeing him eat less. He is sick and of coarse at the beginning he wasn't eating at all. He has improved more each day and we want him eating the way he should be. Unfortunately, we don't know how he is feeling and how much he should be eating when he is not himself. Want him to get all the nutritional foods he is suppose to have. If you remember, the first week he didn't eat any solids. He has started eating the blocks the last few days. I can tell that he seems to want something else because he has started watching me eat and acts like he wants what I have. This is a good sign that he is feeling better. Will keep pushing the veggies each day after he eats his morning block and hopefully he will eat the second block. He has not wanted the second block the last two nights. This does concern me, but even though he hasn't eaten the second block, he has improved in active and movement.

[Nancy in New York]

I do welcome any suggestions. Definitely don't like seeing him eat less. He is sick and of coarse at the beginning he wasn't eating at all. He has improved more each day and we want him eating the way he should be. Unfortunately, we don't know how he is feeling and how much he should be eating when he is not himself. Want him to get all the nutritional foods he is suppose to have. If you remember, the first week he didn't eat any solids. He has started eating the blocks the last few days. I can tell that he seems to want something else because he has started watching me eat and acts like he wants what I have. This is a good sign that he is feeling better. Will keep pushing the veggies each day after he eats his morning block and hopefully he will eat the second block. He has not wanted the second block the last two nights. This does concern me, but even though he hasn't eaten the second block, he has improved in active and movement.

Try giving him a little piece of avacado without the peel or skin.
It's in the group 3 because it's high in fat, and right now it may taste good.
Try some Arugula and dandelion greens.
Also give a couple of sugar snap peas. Again, they are on the 3rd group because
of the sugar content.
Just a little something that may perk his interest every so often.

[Rocky102014]

Thanks Nancy, not sure if everyone remembers that Rocky is paralyzed in his arms and paws. His equilibrium in the back is a little off too. So Rocky does not move around a lot like most squirrels. I'm thinking he probably doesn't eat as much as a normal squirrel because he is not as active. Can't say for such because I don't know how much a normal squirrel eats. I can say that 2 blocks a day is about all he can eat on a normal day for him. When he does get fully well, I'm not sure if he can eat 2 blocks plus veggies (plus all the other things you guys have posted). There are days he does eat more (before he got MBD) What are your thoughts on this?

[Squirelmomma]

I am unfamiliar with MBD. What is this condition? and how can i prevent it in my baby squirrel Peanut?

[Rocky102014]

I'll let the rehab people explain this. Don't give him any bird seed like I did. If you read all of this post, many people have posted the diet your squirrel should be on so they won't get this. It's a lack of calcium which make their bones brittle and cause them to become paralyzed or even death.

[Rocky102014]

Update on Rocky, he is showing improvement and even gets excited when I take him outside to his treehouse. Moving more each day. As all of you guys have said "he has a long road before complete recovery". My picky eater has not made this journey easy.

[Nancy in New York]

Thanks Nancy, not sure if everyone remembers that Rocky is paralyzed in his arms and paws. His equilibrium in the back is a little off too. So Rocky does not move around a lot like most squirrels. I'm thinking he probably doesn't eat as much as a normal squirrel because he is not as active. Can't say for such because I don't know how much a normal squirrel eats. I can say that 2 blocks a day is about all he can eat on a normal day for him. When he does get fully well, I'm not sure if he can eat 2 blocks plus veggies (plus all the other things you guys have posted). There are days he does eat more (before he got MBD) What are your thoughts on this?

island rehabber had a little squirrel Krista that was very compromise from birth.
She basically could only scoot around on her side by pulling herself along the cage.
She too was PICKY, but not only picky, even with the things she loved, she did NOT eat a lot.
(I know this because I babysat her a couple of times a year for a few months.) :)
Maura and I were always amazed at how little it took to sustain her little body, but then again,
she was "compromised" and not a lot of movement.
Like you said, since Rocky has some paralysis and doesn't move a lot, this may be why he
doesn't eat much.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?36547-Krista&highlight=Krista

[Rocky102014]

Because I only gave him deer corn twice a day and nuts a few times a day, I never really noticed how little he ate. All the new food and care is going to take time for Rocky and I to get adjusted to. Rocky is starting his third week of treatment for MBD. He still will only ear one block in the morning. Think I will try to crush up the block with a pecan in the evening and see if he will eat it. Just seems with the one block and the balls of peanut butter mixed with the calcium is a lot for him right now. Maybe his appetite will improve as he does. Rocky is moving better and seems more like himself , but he is not fully healed yet.

[Nancy in New York]

Just remember to keep him well hydrated. If they aren't well hydrated
they seem to lose interest in food, and they become lethargic.
Glad you are seeing some improvement.

[Rocky102014]

So Nancy, what ever became of Krista? I read a bunch about her and got tied of reading? Very cute squirrel. Reminds me of Rocky when we first got him. Lot of baths because he was totally paralyzed at first. Took awhile for him to trust me. I made a dome around his stairs so he wouldn't fall off the sides. Had to use very thin clear plastic from a picture poster frame. This way his paws wouldn't get caught in the wire. Also put the plastic around the whole cage. His arms don't move so when he scoots around the side of the cage his paw would get stuck.

[Rocky102014]

Yes on the hydration. I give him as much as he thinks he can drink. He definitely is improving, but not as fast as we would like. Praying still for a full recovery. He did get mad at me earlier because I stopped petting him so I could change the tv channel. Lol :grin3

[Rocky102014]

Here's a picture of Rocky enjoying his new bed with our dog Tasha. We had to get him his own because he kept going into Tasha's bed. Tasha did not like that one bit. 294753

[Rocky102014]

Need some advise. Rocky is eating pretty good as far as I can tell for him. He can move from his bed to his smaller house in his cage. I still have to hand feed him and use the syringe for water. He is still sleeping a lot. Seems he only wakes up for me to feed him. He is stronger and moves a bunch when I put him in my lap. He does this only because he wants back in his bed to sleep. Should I be concerned? He has only been on the calcium for two weeks. By the protocol for MBD it says to drop calcium to 100 on third week. My concern is that I may over dose him or under dose him. This is tuff!! I just want to do wants right for him.

[Nancy in New York]

So Nancy, what ever became of Krista? I read a bunch about her and got tied of reading? Very cute squirrel. Reminds me of Rocky when we first got him. Lot of baths because he was totally paralyzed at first. Took awhile for him to trust me. I made a dome around his stairs so he wouldn't fall off the sides. Had to use very thin clear plastic from a picture poster frame. This way his paws wouldn't get caught in the wire. Also put the plastic around the whole cage. His arms don't move so when he scoots around the side of the cage his paw would get stuck.

Krista passed one day. Just out of the blue, no warning.
island rehabber came home and found her gone. :boohoo

[Rocky102014]

Update on Rocky: For the first time today since we found out he has MBD, he got out his bed and ate from his bowl. :great:w00t:wahoo:multi:alright.gif
Last night was the first time he stayed awake for a few hours! Rocky is coming back! Thank you all for your help and advice. Although he is now not wanting the block at all. So PICKY, but I WILL WIN! :rotfl:strong.
:thankyou:thankyou:blowkiss:serene

[Nancy in New York]

Update on Rocky: For the first time today since we found out he has MBD, he got out his bed and ate from his bowl. :great:w00t:wahoo:multi:alright.gif
Last night was the first time he stayed awake for a few hours! Rocky is coming back! Thank you all for your help and advice. Although he is now not wanting the block at all. So PICKY, but I WILL WIN! :rotfl:strong.
:thankyou:thankyou:blowkiss:serene


What a great update.
Slow and steady and you and Rocky will win this one! :woot

Try this.
Take a couple of blocks and put them into a food processor.
To that, add a couple of pecans.
Then add some dry fox valley formula.
Blend that together until it's fully ground up.
After it's blended add a touch of baby organic applesauce,
just enough to make it stick so you can shape it into a ball.
Make them a little larger than a marble.
Put them into the refrig and let them get cold, roughly about
4-5 hours.
I have put them in my freezer and served them that way too.
Hope this will entice Rocky to eat his blocks.

[Rocky102014]

What a great idea Nancy! I really appreciate all the great ideas you guys are giving me. :Love_Icon:thankyou. I'm somewhat frustrated with Rocky when he refuses the different foods we try. Going shopping soon to find different veggies I thing he may like.

[cava]

I've read it's a long process but you're journey has really highlighted the day to day of getting an MBD squirrel back on track. Thanks for sharing!

[Rocky102014]

It is a long process and you all warned me about it. I almost gave up and was thinking of putting him down. Thankfully someone on here (can't remember who) advised me to wait because older squirrels with MBD take longer to recover. They were right and I know we still have to do the calcium for awhile and his bones will take sometime to get stronger. I'm so happy I could climb a tree! :jump

[Rocky102014]

Rocky is still fighting the blocks. I did put in applesauce and he almost ate half of one. He is also fighting the calcium with peanut butter. Want a mess he is. He has lost weight. He was I believe 473 grams and now about 469 or 470. Is this okay? Now I'm worried about his teeth. I have not seen him chewing on anything to file them down. What should I do? I read things on here where others trim their squirrel's teeth. I have never had to do this.