I Need Advice.

[dextersmom]

I received a call this morning regarding a squirrel that fell from a tree and may have broken his legs.When I arrived the caller had captured him and wrapped him in a blanket. I took him home and warmed him from the shock,and gave him ibuprofen for the pain. When I felt he was relaxed from the pain meds I began filling up an eye dropper of the powdered esbilac (the correct one) He started off finishing 3 eye dropper fulls. I have been repeating this every 2 hours for 13 hours so far,and his eating has increased. The white towel has blood stains,I carefully looked for wounds and found where the blood was deriving from,his penis area. At this point I cannot weigh him,I am to afraid of hurting him. So how did I give him the ibuprofen without knowing his weight? I had to wing it. I only filled the tip of the eyedropper,and his last dose I gave him a bit more,just a bit. I am aware that bones heal,but bleeding from him private parts I need advice on what to do. I have antibiotics,I am thinking of starting him on it,but will await for your advice & guidance.

[stepnstone]

I received a call this morning regarding a squirrel that fell from a tree and may have broken his legs.When I arrived the caller had captured him and wrapped him in a blanket. I took him home and warmed him from the shock,and gave him ibuprofen for the pain. When I felt he was relaxed from the pain meds I began filling up an eye dropper of the powdered esbilac (the correct one) He started off finishing 3 eye dropper fulls. I have been repeating this every 2 hours for 13 hours so far,and his eating has increased. The white towel has blood stains,I carefully looked for wounds and found where the blood was deriving from,his penis area. At this point I cannot weigh him,I am to afraid of hurting him. So how did I give him the ibuprofen without knowing his weight? I had to wing it. I only filled the tip of the eyedropper,and his last dose I gave him a bit more,just a bit. I am aware that bones heal,but bleeding from him private parts I need advice on what to do. I have antibiotics,I am thinking of starting him on it,but will await for your advice & guidance.

Not sure I understand.... Is / was the blood coming from around his penis area or from his penis?
Is he still bleeding?
What makes you suspect broken legs?

[SophieSquirrel]

I see you are in Cedarhurst, NY, that's not far from Island Rehabber and she will have vet resources. Also possibly Dr Heidi Hoefer from Island Exotics in Huntington Station, NY - not sure if she treats wildlife but she did surgery on a Prevost's Squirrel for me in the 1990's at the AMC NY so she is capable.

[island rehabber]

hi dextersmom. Blood from the penis area, if from a tear or puncture wound, can sometimes be due to males fighting over a female during a mating chase. They will attack each other Right There in an effort to eliminate the competition. These genital attacks can be so severe as to be fatal, as I sadly found out more than once. My suggestion is that he go to Volunteers for Wildlife in Locust Valley ASAP for evaluation by their expert rehabbers and vets on call. They are a terrific resource on the Island. I can give you a few other names by PM if that doesn't work, but I strongly encourage you to go there with him. It's less than an hour from you. :)

http://www.volunteersforwildlife.org/


(http://www.volunteersforwildlife.org/)

[dextersmom]

Thanks so much,I am calling now..

[dextersmom]

His right back foot is swollen,and tucked under,he has used his upper body to pull himself away from me yesterday. Today bleeding is stopping

[Mel1959]

What’s the status of your little guy? Did you take him to the place IR suggested?

[dextersmom]

Thanks for asking, I tried calling yet no one picked up. So being the control freak that I am, I talked to my inner self saying "With me he will be under 24 hour care,oppose to being in a vets office over night without being supervised",so I rolled up my sleeves and downed 2 posts of coffee. He is doing so much better.He is no longer in any pain. So I stopped the meds.His Penis area is no longer bleeding,his nose was a bit swollen,that is now down,his left leg is now beginning to tuck under him, yet they are still not operable at this time. Although I still not have weighed him I can say he has gained a nice amount of weight. He is still on formula but now has doubled his intake. He ate a grape and some avocado,and he washed his face. He will not eat the Henrys block but he will :) I have given him 2 baths,being he urinates on himself. So that's where we are holding now. I am under the belief that the bones will heal by them self,if that is not true please guide me on what to do. Thanks again for asking..

[cava]

Please get a weight on him and we can help you dose pain meds. You'll need meloxicam (Metacam) OR infant ibuprofen. If you already have meloxicam, what strength is it? Thanks for helping him! Good job keeping him clean and dry. Urine sitting on the fur/skin can do a number on an immobile animal.

Also, I didn't understand--is he eating blocks?

[dextersmom]

Hi Cava,He is not eating blocks,only a grape and drinking every 4 hours esbilac powdered milk (the correct one). and I will get a weight on him later today. He is no longer on pain meds but your right a weight is important for dosing correctly. Thanks and I will ascertain all later..

[island rehabber]

dextersmom I will PM you the number of another extremely knowledgeable rehabber in Westbury LI.

[dextersmom]

I tried to weigh him but to no avail,he keeps jumping off the scale. I will continue trying. I definitely fattened him up,but still no movement from his hind legs.I tried calling numerous rehabers but with no luck,their numbers have been changed. Does anyone know how to handle a broken bone?

[dextersmom]

I'm trying to upload a pic of his legs. I have the uv light on him figure it will help the bone healing proceass.

[dextersmom]

Is this picture depict broken legs? He still is not using them,eating well,and sleeping all day. Awaiting on a vet in my neighborhood to call me back,heard he may do me a favor..Until than he is drinking,urinating,and defecating fine,sleeping all day.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Looks more like a spinal injury than broken legs. The only way to know is an X-ray.

[dextersmom]

If it is indeed a spinal injury is there no cure? I will keep him for the rest of his life in need be,

[LR]

Please, put this squirrel back on pain meds for awhile! If his legs ARE broken OR his pelvis is fractured pain may be the reason he is "sleeping"/holding still so long at one time.

To weigh him :

Find a plastic rectangular container that is as wide or wider than he is and taller than he is that has a lid.

Put it on your scale with the lid on it and tare the scale. This will bring the scale weight back to zero.

Take the lid off, put the squirrel in and put the lid on. Put the container with the squirrel in it on the scale. This will give you the squirrels weight.

Make sure beforehand that your scale is set to measure in grams.

It only takes him being still for a couple of seconds to register a weight. Do not leave him in the container for any extended period of time. If the seal is working properly the container will run out of oxygen quickly....



Another way to weigh him is to use a piece of fleece. Weigh the fleece. Bundle the squirrel in it and lay him and the fleece on the scale.. read the weight and subtract the weight of the fleece.

[LR]

HRT is right. Could be spinal injury too. And she is right about the xray being the only way to tell for sure what is happening. I have two non-release squirrels. Jake has not had xrays yet,Ruby has. Ruby does not have any fractured/ broken bones but she does have two disks that have ruptured/ been displaced allowing vertebrate to pinch together. I tell you this to help you undertand that there are many reasons a squirrel might not be able to use his legs but especially to underscore the idea that all of them are painful...imagine yourself in any of these situations with no pain meds.

A non shut off heating pad placed under where he is sleeping may also be helpful.

[Chickenlegs]

Is this a juvenile or an adult squirrel? Good advice from everybody. To weigh I'd go with the fleece--little movement of injury site. I can send Meloxicam if needed. Heat is soothing, and absolutely keep him clean. Urine scald is evil. A vet is this little ones best bet to determine the outcome of his injury. If you have HHB, Maybe grind them and make some boo balls to get him to eat. If permanently disabled and older, he may or may not take to life as a pampered NR. You're giving him time and care and that's the chance he needs. Thank you.

[dextersmom]

You guys are brilliant! With your fabulous guidance I was able to weigh him. He weighs 466 grams. I was able to see the vet yet he refused to x ray him. He just gave me his opinion that he has a spinal injury. He pressed on his back feet and the little guy didn't move. Personally, I am not 100% convinced. I will use your wonderful guidance and I feel and hope he will pull out of this. He is not only adorable,but innocent,he looks at me with such trust. I do not want to let him down. I will begin the pain meds once you let me know the exact amount and the time frames when I should administer them(every 4-6 hours?) He is not fully grown for he does not have his bushy tail yet,so I would say around 3 months.Looking forward to hearing from you,and a Huge Thank you..

[LR]

The meloxicam that chickenlegs offered would be great for him.

[island rehabber]

You guys are brilliant! With your fabulous guidance I was able to weigh him. He weighs 466 grams. I was able to see the vet yet he refused to x ray him. He just gave me his opinion that he has a spinal injury. He pressed on his back feet and the little guy didn't move. .

Bless you for your perseverence, dextersmom. I'm afraid I agree with your vet that this is a spinal injury, as it is all too common in squirrels when they collide with cars or fall from trees. If it is indeed a spinal injury it will go one of two ways. Most commonly, he will succumb to his injury and pass within 48-72 hours as organs shut down one by one. In rare cases the squirrel will survive the injury but be paralyzed forever; if you plan to try to tame and keep him you will need to really work with some of the keepers of paralyzed squirrels here on this Board if you want to give him any kind of quality of life. Let's take each day as it comes. Just wanted to give you a realistic idea of what you're facing.

[LR]

Well, this is day five? Maybe things will be ok.

Did the vet say why he didn't want to xray him?

[dextersmom]

The vet stated that there was no need after his pinch test. He came across as a no it all and I felt maybe he was correct and therefore I didn't pursue it.

[Mel1959]

Do you have any meloxicam (Mobic)? If not you might send chicken legs a private message and take her up on her offer to send you some.

[dextersmom]

I have, she is a real Great Soul. She is sending me some..Bless her and All of you!

[dextersmom]

Just hitting base to let everyone know that he is eating, drinking a little, but he is still burrowing himself and sleeping. The only time he awakens is when I pick him up to hydrate and feed him. He is urinating and his poops are fine (a dark brown). Even on his pain medicine he will sleep. So I cant say he is sleeping due to pain. Any advice regarding to his sleeping all day? Also, I do believe he is paralyzed as there has been no improvements in his back legs since I had him. After researching another rehabber, that rehabber came up with a hypothesis that certain bacteria that is found in the stool can cause paralysis. With help it will be temporary. That will be my next move. Until then, what do you make of him sleeping all day?

[TubeDriver]

He is badly hurt, in pain (even with the meds), probably in a bit of shock, and could possibly have some head trauma as well. Sleep is generally a healing process so it may not be a bad thing for this little one right now. How is his tail? Any movement?



Just hitting base to let everyone know that he is eating, drinking a little, but he is still burrowing himself and sleeping. The only time he awakens is when I pick him up to hydrate and feed him. He is urinating and his poops are fine (a dark brown). Even on his pain medicine he will sleep. So I cant say he is sleeping due to pain. Any advice regarding to his sleeping all day? Also, I do believe he is paralyzed as there has been no improvements in his back legs since I had him. After researching another rehabber, that rehabber came up with a hypothesis that certain bacteria that is found in the stool can cause paralysis. With help it will be temporary. That will be my next move. Until then, what do you make of him sleeping all day?

[cava]

Let him rest as much as he requires. The times you get him out for cleaning, hydrating, feeding and cage bedding change will be enough
activity for now. He will become more active as he heals.

[dextersmom]

There is no tail activity at this time, and thank you I will take both of your advice.

[SophieSquirrel]

The fact that he is still alive is a good sign. When my "Lady" first came in she was cold, dehydrated and had a severe spinal injury. For weeks I had to express her bladder. By following the same course as suggested in this thread she gradually regained partial use of her legs and now shuffles. Rest, restriction of movement, and Meloxicam are about all you can do at this time. The best diagnostic tool is a handheld dental X-ray unit that can reveal incredible detail. I'm not sure getting the exact diagnosis will come with some treatment solution from any vet other than what you are doing. You probably have an NR paralyzed or partially paralyzed squirrel and all you can do at that point is give him the best possible life. Surrendering to a rehabber will most likely result in euthanasia. Most of mine came from fellow rehabbers who do not have the time to care for special needs, and in most states like NY euthanasia is the mandate for NR's. You are doing a great job and I am sure he appreciates your kindness and loving care.

Sophie's Dad

[dextersmom]

Thank you Sophies dad for your kind words. Being you have cared for a paralyzed squirrel can you tell me what your routine is like caring for him. What is their life span? He is a biter,never have I had to wear gloves,,now I do, A few times he bit both my thumbs so hard I thought I needed stitches. I never realized how much I need my thumbs..lol Still no movement in legs or tail. I am messaging his legs,and feet trying to add circulation,but nothing.I bathe him under the bathroom faucet twice a day.He seems to like the warmth. I have the heating pad on low,and I change his bedding twice a day,after his bath.He ate half a corn on the con today,and drank more milk today than other days.I would like to hold him more than I do . I want him to feel safe, yet I have a fear he will bite me again,I have to work it slowly.,so for now, I only hold him when he's being fed like 7 times a day,and during his bath,and messages.He's a full time job.When I'm not with him,I'm worrying about him,and I have 15 other animals that I tend to,but I love what I do,and I love how I feel doing it..

[LR]

Now your getting the idea honey. Actually, if you stop and think about it, you are actually handling him more often than most non-releases are. You are right about just taking it slow. Give him another couple of weeks and you will swear that he is not the same squirrel that bit your thumb....

[island rehabber]

He's a full time job.When I'm not with him,I'm worrying about him,and I have 15 other animals that I tend to,but I love what I do,and I love how I feel doing it..

All can say is it sure looks like this little boy is going to be with us for awhile, and he is the luckiest boy in the world to land in the loving arms of this mamma ! :bowdown :Love_Icon

[SophieSquirrel]

Thank you Sophies dad for your kind words. Being you have cared for a paralyzed squirrel can you tell me what your routine is like caring for him. What is their life span?

When Lady arrived she no use of her legs whatsoever. Aside from having to express her bladder and a UTI her care was pretty straight forward. She was young when she came in and I basically raised her. Your little one is a lot older and grew up a wild squirrel. All he knows is one day is he was running in the trees and now he can't move and this towering person is caring for him. The biting reflex is a fear response and will calm down over time as he realizes he is in not danger. Everything you are doing is spot on and the best thing for him.

One thing I want to mention if you ever have to go for medical care tell them it was a Guinea Pig that bit you or a nail puncture, never a Squirrel. I would not worry about getting a zoonotic disease other than bacteria that gets into the wound. Keep Mortons fine sea salt on hand and immediately soak the bite in hot water and sea salt to kill bacteria and cleanse the wound. If it's a real bleeder direct pressure first to stop the bleeding then salt soak. If I had a dollar for every squirrel bite I have had over the years I would be wealthy by now. Even my first Sophie who was a absolute doll chomped clean through my finger joint during Cold Laser Therapy with Dr. Diaz. There was so much blood I thought that Diaz was going to faint. Again it was a fear thing since the laser generated an uncomfortable feeling on her spine.

As far as life span it can vary like any other squirrels. They are susceptible to UTI's and intestinal motility issues depending on what part of the spine is injured. Fresh Cranberries as a prophylaxis helps to keep bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder. A course of SMZ/TMP would clear up a UTI if it occurs. You have many first class experts on here to advise and help. I got some great life saving advice about my Dwarf.

Yes it's a full time "job" and it's in your blood. As I write Lady is in my lap looking up at me for attention. It's all worth it!

PLS put up some photos of your boy! The only one I have seen is the one of his tail and hind legs.

Sweet Lady

297487

[dextersmom]

Oh my gosh she's Adorable!!! I bet you can't stop kissing her. Thanks for all your advice,and I will do the salt soaks if it occurs again. Great news today. He ate an entire Henrys block (the big cut one). I will continue to keep everyone up to date..Thanks everyone,

[dextersmom]

Today was a breakthrough. He ate 2 large Henrys blocks,lettuce,and cauliflower,drank his milk,Sooo happy! Im seeing the light that he will make it. Now will be working on the legs,spine.and tail,not looking so good today,but there's always tomorrow.

[TubeDriver]

Yea, way to start the New Year!:dance:great



Today was a breakthrough. He ate 2 large Henrys blocks,lettuce,and cauliflower,drank his milk,Sooo happy! Im seeing the light that he will make it. Now will be working on the legs,spine.and tail,not looking so good today,but there's always tomorrow.

[Chickenlegs]

I’m just tickled your boy is doing so well. Once he’s healed—and that can take a good six weeks, you’ll be better able to do some physical therapy to keep muscle tone and give him range of motion. You’ll also be able to tell how well he’s adapting to his new life. Right now he’s fragile—physically and mentally. Your tender care will take away his fear and give him a reason to live. Hopefully his personality will be adaptable enough to cope with captivity. Might want to keep the gloves on for awhile. Give him lots of ear skratches. He can’t do that for himself anymore and ear skratches are certainly trust builders. Might start with stroking his head from behind his nose to the crown of his head between his ears.There’s an accupuncture point there that calms.