Ongoing health issues

[threenigma]

Hello all,

I have a young squirrel I found that isn't using it's hind legs. I've made two other threads regarding this squirrel's health issues, so I decided to ask some questions in this new one. The threads can be found here: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?59455-Odd-squirrel-behavior-(help-required)&p=1249401#post1249401 and here: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?59535-Health-problems&p=1250660#post1250660

I started giving this squirrel Prednisone after having it recommended from several people on this board. However, seizures are still present, though they are less violent (no more clawing at the top of it's head and bleeding). However, I had a few questions moving forward;

1. Is the Prednisone only acting as an anti-inflammatory? Does it have any other uses in healing? I'm asking because from what I gather, the treatment using it shouldn't be more than a few weeks. I might be wrong about this, but I was given a time period to give this medication. Should I continue with low dosing?

2. The squirrel has begun losing fur, and so at a rapid pace. He went from clawing the fur off his head to missing some everywhere his front paws were capable of reaching. He seems to have the tendency to rip it off as he is having a seizure.

3. These seizures, probably caused my malnutrition in it's young life, are without a doubt caused by MBD, but is this what is still causing them? I gather treating MBD takes several months, yes?


Thank you for your time.

[Mel1959]

I’m not sure the exact length of time prednisone can be used. I have asked my vet this question and when I get an answer I will post it, as well as the problems that might arise with prolonged use. I will say that I had a squirrel on it for about 3-4 weeks before I tapered off. She recovered from her head tilt.

Missing fur or thinning fur can also be a result of malnourishment. Is this squirrel getting any kind of rodent block or formula? Rodent block should be the basis of their diet, either as it comes from the bag or ground up and made into boo balls.

MBD does take months to completely reverse. You must follow the MBD protocol completely. You should still be administering the calcium at the recommended dosage. Are you doing this? The continued seizures could definitely be from the MBD.

[cava]

This is a friendly reminder that steroids should NEVER be abruptly discontinued, especially when it has been used for this length of time. Be sure to taper down over the course of at least a week.



Prednisone is similar to cortisol, a hormone naturally made by your adrenal glands. If you take prednisone for more than a few weeks, your adrenal glands decrease cortisol production. A gradual reduction in prednisone dosage gives your adrenal glands time to resume their normal function.

source: mayoclinic.org

[threenigma]

I’m not sure the exact length of time prednisone can be used. I have asked my vet this question and when I get an answer I will post it, as well as the problems that might arise with prolonged use. I will say that I had a squirrel on it for about 3-4 weeks before I tapered off. She recovered from her head tilt.

Missing fur or thinning fur can also be a result of malnourishment. Is this squirrel getting any kind of rodent block or formula? Rodent block should be the basis of their diet, either as it comes from the bag or ground up and made into boo balls.

MBD does take months to completely reverse. You must follow the MBD protocol completely. You should still be administering the calcium at the recommended dosage. Are you doing this? The continued seizures could definitely be from the MBD.

I'm making my own rodent block according to some recipes I found here and feed 2-4 pieces a day in combination with Esbilac formula that the squirrel loves. I give the Prednisone mixed with apple sauce because it's much easier to feed. I will be careful about reducing the dosage progressively.



This is a friendly reminder that steroids should NEVER be abruptly discontinued, especially when it has been used for this length of time. Be sure to taper down over the course of at least a week.



Prednisone is similar to cortisol, a hormone naturally made by your adrenal glands. If you take prednisone for more than a few weeks, your adrenal glands decrease cortisol production. A gradual reduction in prednisone dosage gives your adrenal glands time to resume their normal function.

source: mayoclinic.org

Thank you for the reply.