Please pray for my Snickers

[Snicker Bar]

This morning she had the worst seizure yet. After the convulsions stopped, I held her well over an hour, waiting for her to either wake up, or pass. After about 90 min she became alert enough to be placed back into her cube to sleep. As far as I know, she’s been doing well on her dose of Keppra and almonds, up until the last couple days. I found her dazed and confused ( likely just had one) night before when ai came home from work . Yesterday, her head tilt ( mild) has come back. She’s also barely eaten in two days.
Per ( the only??) experts in our area, she is supposedly on the maximum dose of daily Keppra for a 1000 g rodent . I once ( months ago) E mailed Dr . Emerson when all this started, but she may have had many other urgent things on her plate ; I didn’t get a reply . Are there other DVM’s folks here recommend; or , should I try her again?? I’m more than willing to pre pay for a consult fee. I don’t want to lose her without exhausting all options; but , I am prepared to do the humane thing at any time should things decline rapidly. At present, she is resting quietly and doesn’t seem to be in pain or distress.

Thanks for any input; from those who know this Dr. Emerson , or any others I could try.

Marie

[TubeDriver]

I’m sorry to hear about Snickers. :(


Don’t have any real answers for your questions, but if she has not been eating for a couple days, she may not be drinking. Both these conditions can lower seizure thresholds. Try to hydrate her, maybe give her a little pedialyte.

If she is not eating, try some baby foods. Some of the flavors she might like, you can buy a 12pac of various baby food jars and see which ones she likes.

:grouphug








This morning she had the worst seizure yet. After the convulsions stopped, I held her well over an hour, waiting for her to either wake up, or pass. After about 90 min she became alert enough to be placed back into her cube to sleep. As far as I know, she’s been doing well on her dose of Keppra and almonds, up until the last couple days. I found her dazed and confused ( likely just had one) night before when ai came home from work . Yesterday, her head tilt ( mild) has come back. She’s also barely eaten in two days.
Per ( the only??) experts in our area, she is supposedly on the maximum dose of daily Keppra for a 1000 g rodent . I once ( months ago) E mailed Dr . Emerson when all this started, but she may have had many other urgent things on her plate ; I didn’t get a reply . Are there other DVM’s folks here recommend; or , should I try her again?? I’m more than willing to pre pay for a consult fee. I don’t want to lose her without exhausting all options; but , I am prepared to do the humane thing at any time should things decline rapidly. At present, she is resting quietly and doesn’t seem to be in pain or distress.

Thanks for any input; from those who know this Dr. Emerson , or any others I could try.

Marie

[Snicker Bar]

Thanks; going to try apple and pear baby food/block/banana mash .just back from store. I may try to call Emerson clinic and just see if they would let
me pay over phone, for a phone consult.

[Nancy in New York]

I'm so sorry to read this.
I know how scary seeing these little ones seize can be.
Send SophieSquirrel a pm. He is a wealth of information concerning
vets from different states.
Prayers for your sweet Snickers.:Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh, I hate to hear about Snickers. Of course things like this always happen on a holiday weekend. :(
All you can do is try. If you can't get through... :dono

There is another vet in North Carolina that is an exotic animal vet. He has been used by members. I do know that he has done consults in the past. His name is Dr.Dan Johnson.
This is a link to his practice. On the contact page is a form that can be filled out and submitted. https://avianandexotic.com/about-us/
Maybe he would respond... don't know... :dono
I don't know if he has treated seizures or not but I guess you could ask. He is highly respected. Let him know that you're a colleague. It might help. :tilt

Poor Snickers. I know that her seizures are due to neurological damage but I wonder if calcium would help. Her almonds for magnesium are high in phosphorus and might be causing her serum calcium to be low. I have NO idea about this but in my reading the metabolic balance between calcium, phosphorus and magnesium is critical so I wonder if the almonds might have a positive and negative effect at the same time. Just a thought.

[Snicker Bar]

Thank you so much for the references; I will contact SophieSquirrel and submit the form; and try the Emerson Hospital. We just have so few here in MS that do exotics; and even fewer that deal with wildlife, other than for hunting .
She is drinking at least; just won’t eat unless it’s a nibble of pecan . Got her right beside me; and I empirically increased her dose( by a drop) of Keppra. Maybe some answers or at least some improvements in appetite by tomorrow, hopefully.

Gosh, never thought about that, concerning the almonds- I’ve added them to everything she eats ; I’ll stop that right away!

Thanks again :)

[SammysMom]

:Love_Icon

[SophieSquirrel]

Thank you so much for the references; I will contact SophieSquirrel and submit the form; and try the Emerson Hospital.

Snicker Bar,

I have sent you a PM with Dr. Emerson's personal cellphone. Here is the Email for Dr. Ridgeway in Long Beach, CA - ridgedvm@aol.com and Dr. Hoefer in NY: ievc@mac.com. Here the on-call number for Dr. Lennox (Indy). There is a recorded message about how to reach Dr Lennox after hours 317-879-8633 She is a top exotic vet and treats squirrels. Try Dr. Natalie Antinoff's (Texas) Emergency number: 713-693-1111

How far are you from Memphis - specifically Cordova Tennessee?

Have you ruled out MBD, low blood sugar, old/recent head injury? Did your local vet that prescribed the Levetiracetam (Keppra) rule out other causes by blood work via Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)? This requires ventral/dorsal artery sampling under anesthesia and shows Glucose, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Blood Urea Nitrogen, Albumin and total protein.

Sophie's Dad

[LR]

Praying for Snickers and for you. Hope you are able to figure out what the problem is soon!

[Chickenlegs]

I’m so sorry to hear that the evil seizures are back. There is a vet in Laural Maryland who many of our members trust. I don’t remember the clinic but it’s open 24/7. I know someone will give you the contact info.

[Snicker Bar]

Thank you for so many options, phone numbers. Surely one of them will work . Today I’ve started with Dr . Emerson ; I offered to pay etc. for a consult during her regular office hours... but asked if she could , maybe answer my Keppra question ( is it her preferred drug? Dosage?)

Today after the tiny increase, she had stayed seizure free, and had eaten a couple boo bars made with Henry’s Wild Bites. I’m definitely backing off the almonds.... She is drinking voluntarily. I’m not sure about trying to stick her myself.... We have the iso, the masks.... but I would die if I killed her from stress.

We are very close to Cordova- if there’s a specialist there? Who I could trust to do the blood tests. Or , I will gladly drive to Fla.

Th aks for carie and concern, and so many options. If I don’t hear from Dr. Emerson,,I will try the next office listed ( Lennox I think):)

[SophieSquirrel]

We are very close to Cordova- if there’s a specialist there? Who I could trust to do the blood tests. Or , I will gladly drive to Fla.

Dr. David Hannon is in Cordova. I have not worked with him but he is highly respected in the zoo circuit and has extensive wildlife experience. I was given his name from a contact at the Knoxville zoo when dealing with a Prairie Dog issue. Call him, give him your credentials, and ask if he would let you work side by side to diagnose and treat your squirrel. If you let him know you will use the knowledge to treat in your area I am sure he will extend a professional courtesy. Transporting a squirrel into TN is legal as long as you don't plan on staying. Use Aphis form 7001 or similar state dept of health form to certify health and carry it with you when you cross state lines. You can download it here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/forms/ct_aphis_forms

Here is his website, contact info and impressive associations: http://aeavs.com/about/dr-david-hannon-dvm-diplomate-abvp-avian/

Avian & Exotic Veterinary Service
555 Trinty Creek Cove
Cordova, TN 38018

Phone: 901-624-9002
Email: info@aeavs.com

Copied from website

Dr. David Hannon is a 1993 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. While at Auburn, he served as the Student Medical Director for the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center, and he interned at the Knoxville Zoo, Knoxville, TN, and the Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA.

Dr. Hannon has practiced small and exotic animal medicine in the greater Memphis, TN area since June 1993, and served as the primary veterinarian for Lichterman Nature Center from June 1993 until its Wildlife Resource Center was closed in September 1998. He is an active MEMBER of the following organizations:

American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) – Diplomate
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA)
Memphis/Shelby County Veterinary Medical Association (MSCVMA – Board MEMBER 1997-present, President 2000)
MEMBER
Association of Avian
Veterinarians (AAV)
Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV)
Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV)
American Association of Zoological Veterinarians (AAZV)
American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians (AAWV)
National Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Association (NWRA)

[Diggie's Friend]

Snickers Bar, what foods do you feed?

[stosh2010]

My CREW all drink Coconut water daily. Maybe your local supermarket may have it in a can? Coconut WATER not the coconut milk. It is clear and a little sweet. Gotta keep the fluid intake going.>>>Maybe try offering some crushed TUMS in water --by syringe-- to boost the calcium...??
Long Distance Prayers.....................

[Snicker Bar]

This Dr . Hannon sounds like the best option and so close ! Thank you SO much, I will contact him per E mail immediately; but also good to know he’s close enough to get to if things get any worse.

Doggie’s Friend , she is PICKY :( !! She does eat Henry’s , but only the Wild Bite formula, in the form of the Boo Ball recipes ( Milk replacer , baby food, nuts , ground block and coconut oil- baked NOT chilled ��). Aside from that: almonds, a bit of fruit , and sweet potato . I offer sooo much more ( greens, veggies) but not eating them. The only other plant she likes is red clover blooms, and sometimes Dandilion leaves.

I will look for the coconut waterr, we have a Kroger thank goodness, so there’s hope besides the Piggly Wiggly . She likes the oil in the bars; maybe will take the Tums. I will try anything that may help. She’s mostly slept again today but going to rouse her one last time for Keppra and fluids.

If only I knew 20 yrs ago these critters would steal my heart; the externships I could have sought after... Our extent of Wildlife Education was, “Don’t do anything!! It’s illegal!” ��

[SophieSquirrel]

there’s hope besides the Piggly Wiggly

Ha Ha - Piggly Wiggly! I'm a vegetarian and went to one in GA once. NO meat free options to be had there! Felt like stepping back in time into an IGA Supermarket from the 60's

[Diggie's Friend]

I hope you don't mind my analysis of the diet you are using. For though it isn't uncommon for those with squirrels to sue this presently it isn't a diet that support an even bloodsugar level, nor pH either.

Magnesium needs to be added to the diet, as this mineral serves to inhibit seisures. Magnesuim glycinate works for this purpose.https://www.vitacost.com/kirkman-buffered-magnesium-bisglycinate-powder.
On Stevia in rats: http://www.stevia.net/safety.htm The alternative source is Magnesium citrate that can have a stool loosening effect iftoo much is given; then reduce the total of the measure by 1/64 Tsp and wait 2 to 3 days for the stood to firm up. If still soft reduce the measure again by 1/64 Tsp. and continue till it firms up.

Sweet potato is high in carbs, not what your squirrel should have wtih this seisure issue. Instead bake only squash; the most available whic is acorn or butternut. In addition include a whole milk yogurt or Kefir. Green Valley produces a Plain whole yogurt and also a low fat version that is "Lactose Free".

It is important you don't include any source that adds processed sugar that isn't naturally occuring sugars in the source. Instead, include in the diet organic fresh tree fruit, no more than 1/4 Tsp of one choice daily. With only the acception of banana, leave the exotic fruits alone, and feed only one choice daily of the common North American fruits, like peach, apricot, orange, pear, tangerine.

Feed the low sugar berries, either cranberry, or Huckleberry unsweetened. The latter has a better taste; "Oregon Mushroom" carries this wild sourced berry, that is high in polyphenols and anthocyanians, that counter the development of diabetes, evening blood sugar levels. . Feed up to 1/2 Tbsp. daily.

https://greenvalleylactosefree.com/product/lactose-free-yogurt https://greenvalleylactosefree.com/product/lactose-free-plain-yogurt

Other sources that lend support to blood sugar include: Pycnogenol from "healthy origins". Also include Pet Flora from "Safer Medical", a pre and pro biotic that provides soil based organism as adult squirrels consume in the wild in support of digestion and degradging of anti nutrients in the food, lending needed support to the immune system that 80-% of lies within the digestive tract.

For fats include Organic "Foods Alive" Chia oil, https://www.amazon.com/Foods-Alive-Artisan-Cold-Pressed-Organic/dp/B007788AZA
You could add this instead of a recipe up to 2 drops a day on immature chicory leaf, that is more accepted than the darker Asian cabbage leaves taste wise to squirrels, and healthier as far as it is not "goitrogenic" (does not cause mineral absorption to be decreased).

Also include organic Pumpkin seed oil (Oil seed company of Oregon) Amazon.com carries also.
https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Seed-Oil-Grown-Oregon/dp/B00Z8BRCDO/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1514736413&sr=1-4&keywords=organic+pumpkin+seed+oil

The pitcher water filtering system by Aquasana retains minerals but removes heavy metals and up to 99% of bad bacterias, is recommended to support a healthy state.

Feed organic "baby" chicory leaf; it is non goitrogenic and contains a positive ratio of calcium to phosphorus in its immature form. Dandelion immature leaves are fine also if organic.

No Clover it is a calcium deminealizer.

[Diggie's Friend]

stosh2010 wrote:

My CREW all drink Coconut water daily. Maybe your local supermarket may have it in a can? Coconut WATER not the coconut milk. It is clear and a little sweet. Gotta keep the fluid intake going.

Sounds good for a tropical tree squirrel; cocowater is a pure and heatlhly source!

For Snickers Bar: Be sure to also include a pre/pro biotic, aka: synbiotic that provides soil based organisms, and Fulvic and Humic acids that contains minerals, in support digestion, and the immune system, of which 80 % of is found in the intestinal tract. This soruce contains the same good bacteria found in the body of mammals that comes from the soil. Tree squirrels have been observed to pull up to chew on the soil around the roots of grasses which contain good bacteria and minerals as part of their diet. Amazon.com carries this product: Pet Flora from "Safer Medical'. Include:1/64 Tsp. daily with meals; adding this and mineral and vitamin supplement sources into the yogurt works well.

https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Flora-Spectrum-Prebiotic-Probiotic/dp/B073G9K4XV/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1514739886&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=pet+flora+120+capsules&psc=1&smid=A2XUOVLOF1KYDU

[Snicker Bar]

Yes, the Pig is usually overpriced and not good quality; except for Blue Bell ice cream !

This analysis is wonderful Diggie’s Friend; thank you for taking the time! My only concern is how to get her to eat these things:( She is still very anorectic today, but was alert and active for the first time this am; running and grunting like she does when she’s hungry. But everything I offered was turned down, with exception of half piece of pecan needed to occupy her while squirt the Keppra ( she won’t take the goldfish anymore). Sent husband for tums and coconut water and some of the other items listed. It was just my understanding, if they ate the Henry’s food, all was well and balanced? She won’t eat it plain though ; but, just hoped even if hidden in a bar or boo ball, it was sufficient ?

I still haven’t heard from Dr. Emerson but truly understand, being holiday. I going to go ahead and E Mail Dr. Hanson in meantime; and see who comes through . Just wish she would eat ; this isn’t like her at all. Only wants to hide, sleep.

[Snicker Bar]

Just saying ( tried to add per edit) I’m I bit overwhelmed by your knowledge Diggies Friend! You must be a nutritionist!!
Would it be possible, maybe give me a rescue menu for “squirrel dummies”; I guess, if she won’t willingly eat anything, is there a gruel you would recommend, I could try and syringe to her ( if she would even let me ?? I don’t want to stress/induce more seizures, but don’t want her to get any weaker.) And are the Tums/other supplements safe if I don’t know her blood work at this time? Just give me the shotgun survival mix you would try , until tomorrow or Tuesday ( Or hopefully starts eating on her own)
Calling the ER number for Cordova Dr . tomorrow if she doesn’t willingly take in anything by tomorrow ��

[Diggie's Friend]

I hope to put that up soon on the board, just a few details to wrap up first. If you need more info just PM me.

If a picky eater is common. Getting a whole diet that is balanced with the foods the forms that they naturally desire, which are good sources of protein, fats, and not excessive carbs, can change this.
I'm concerned though, as she may have some teeth issues; for wanting to eat and making food sounds is what my girl did with back teeth issues she had likely from MBD. Can't say for sure, but an exam and an x-ray shows if this is the case as does a blood test. Just keep her warm, and don't forget to feed her a couple of hours before you take her in, as this supports bloodsugar levels during stress, especially wtih magnesium in a close ratio to calcuim in the whole diet.

Calcium carbonate is better than tums if you can get pure powder without additives. Yet if have a problem better to use what you have than nothing. There are more absorbable sources than Calcium carbonate now available. One was tested against C. Carbonate, tested in rats was found to be superior to C. carbonate in supporting bone mineralization. Basically it is made from Calcium carbonate bonded to two organic acids which is what makes it more soluble, able to offer support beyond C. Carbonate from what has been journaled by researchers. Not a new form, but one that has been out since 1980.

No degree in nutrition, but a background in animal science in college; I decided afterr having raised a litter of squirrels, one that wasn't release that lived to over 11 years of age, to learn more about nutrients and anti nutrients in foods that were being fed to them. I spent most of my time reading about bone health in rats , and the wild squirrel diet, and thought to attempt to successfully compose a non block organic whole foods diet for NR cared for in captivity. So far the squirrel that has been on this diet for some years now, that was once obese, has lost the excess weight, increased in energy and activity level, and is the picture of health to our present knowledge. Going on nine now, she loves her food, gone in 60 sec. Send me a PM and we can chat about what might help get your girls appetite up and going. Giving your girl an initial dose of MBD treatment to see if it prompts her appetite may be prudent.

[Snicker Bar]

Well , you need to be commended on your knowledge base ! If I ate as healthy as your squirrels must, no telling what I could do...

I’ll be checking our local health food store tomorrow for an oil you mentioned, and the powder. As of last night, she has started eating ( not enough) at least the Henry’s wild bites.. just the min daily though. And a piece of avocado. She also had the gumption to prepare a new nest (for the ice age that has hit our region) between our bathroom door and wall. Has slept ever since! But rousing her soon for water and fresh foods .

Also great news!! Got a reply and confirmation on the proper dosages for Keppra in a squirrel ! So relieved; and God Bless that woman... and everyone here as we begin a new year of adventures with these sweet little creatures 😊

[HRT4SQRLS]

So glad to hear you received the Keppra dosing confirmation. :thumbsup

[Diggie's Friend]

Thing is, it isn't my squirrel, but belongs to another member here. Our last girl pass ten years ago last November.

The form I was speaking of is CCM powder by NutraBio; it has no additives. As yet I haven't done a full work up for a whole diet for this source, as there hasn't been the need, save for use for MBD treatment, as it was found to afford greater mineralization in the bones in weanling rats compared to Calcium Carbonate. My present diet has been tested with Calcium Citrate paired with magnesium citrate, is the one the squirrel has been on now for over five years.

There is just one thing to be mindful of when using citrate forms, vs. inorganic mineral forms, that is use filtered water, not tap, as chlorine and other heavy metals is chelated by citrates. Once these bad forms are removed then citrates work very well to support metabolic and bone health. The foundation of good health is clean water with healthy mineral content.

This company offers a very good system for addressing water quality in our diets and that of our animal companions. The member, that uses my diet, has an Aquasana pitcher system that they use for their family including their squirrel. It leaves in the good minerals, and removes the bad ones. This is an online comparison of what this system does and others.

http://www.waterfiltercomparisons.com/pitcher-water-filters-reviews/?kwid=76759691389932x1228154534328803x279195079

[Snicker Bar]

Believe it or not.... we have this very system! We were on well water, but I use this for humans and our pets ( the well water STINKS! Smell like sulfur🤢)