Adult Wild squirrel with a head injury - Now having seizures!

[Duckman]

We have an adult wild mama squirrel, who came in with a head injury. After 2.5 months, we were thinking she could probably go into an enclosure in the near future, because she was doing so well. I don't think she would ever be a candidate for release, but she could be one of the squirrels that could help teach our babies about how to be wild! Tonight though, I came in to feed two new pinkies that came in earlier and saw her having seizures. I have given her molasses but after 30 minutes, is hasn't done anything to help her. I have included a link for where the video of her is at. Please let me know what else I can do to help. Thank you! :grouphug

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JPbdcP3mG4&feature=youtu.be

Duckman!

[Spanky]

I could not pull up your video link, I get the message "This video is unavailable. Sorry about that". Maybe it is flagged at "private"?

[Duckman]

Try this link instead.

https://youtu.be/9JPbdcP3mG4

[LR]

I'm hoping that the reason I haven't seen either of you back on is because you are using PM or phones. Praying for this Momma and her survival.

[Duckman]

I'm hoping that the reason I haven't seen either of you back on is because you are using PM or phones. Praying for this Momma and her survival.

I don't quite understand the question. We have been here but not as regular as usual due to Babies and taking care of the Refuge. :poke

[stepnstone]

Have you considered a short term of predisone to get the seizures under control or is that not an option?
How is she doing now at this hour?

[Duckman]

I haven't done anything except the molasses. I could run her on a short term. She is still twitching but not nearly as bad as she was. She isn't foaming at the mouth either.


Have you considered a short term of predisone to get the seizures under control or is that not an option?
How is she doing now at this hour?

[LR]

Duckman posts. Sparky replies. Duckman answers. Then nothing for a few minutes. Was hoping maybe y'all were having a phone call trying to figure out how to help her. 😁 Glad to hear it's maybe calming down some for her....

[Duckman]

I am also taking care of pinkies and have to work in the morning, so catching snips of sleep in between. She is resting (she is so exhausted), but is still not right. I am getting some Prednisone in the am, and am hoping that will help her.

[island rehabber]

Duckman, it can't hurt to try a bit of liquid Magnesium as well -- sometimes it will stabilize seizure activity and has worked for my Owena and several other squirrels here. If liquid is not an option, almonds are a good source.

[Mel1959]

Dr. Emerson’s recommendation for stopping seizures short term are Valium and prednisone. Don’t use metacam for seizures. Diastat is a Valium (diazepam) gel that can be administered rectally. Versed (midazolam) can also be used to stop seizures. Don’t use prednisone if the seizures can be the result of MBD. Prednisone will lower the serum calcium level. Combine with calcium supplementation instead.

Seizure medications long term, Keppra appears to be the first choice, it has fewer side effects and lasts longer. Prior to keppra use phenobarbital was used. Increase the dose till seizures stop.

Activity of prednisone is dose dependent. At a lower dose it is anti-inflammatory (*0.25-0.50 mg/kg) *usual dose. At higher dose, prednisone is immunosuppressive (1-2 mg/kg)

Prednisone is anti-inflammatory for central nervous system tissue. Metacam is anti-inflammatory for non-nerve tissue. For brain trauma and spinal cord injury...PREDNISONE...PREDNISONE...PREDNISONE. If the suspected cause of a seizure is infection a good antibiotic is Chloramphenicol. It’s broad spectrum and has excellent penetration to the brain.

This info was taken from a handout sheet from Dr. Emerson’s lecture. I hope it helps.

[muggsy'sgm]

Mild "freezing" seizure issues have also been found to be controlled through the use of CBD, the non-psychoactive part of cannabis. Muggsy, a grey, has been a bit of an experiment using it; whilst working with a manufacturer, that is. It's been miraculous, though.

(Charlotte's Web is one company that produces pet versions of medicinal hemp, and CannaPet is another)

I'm not sure the dosing when seizure activity is as you've described...because sometimes CBD can be administered at a bit higher dose than the maintenance dose. This can be done before or after super stressful activities/occurrences.

[SophieSquirrel]

I have a seizure girl coming into my family that is on a steady diet of phenobarbital and has been for some time. According to her caregiver it is working and there have been no seizures. She is going to Dr E fist thing and I wonder if Dr E is going to suggest a change in therapy.

[Jen413]

That is so hard to watch. Poor Momma. I pray you can find a solution to help her manage the seizures. :Love_Icon

[Duckman]

Sadly, Momma Squirrel has passed. The more I read, the more I think she may have had a Brain Aneurysm. Very hard when she was doing so well over the last 2.5 months and then to find her like that. Godspeed Wild Momma :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

So sorry, Michael....rest in peace sweet Mamma :sad

[LR]

Rest up in the arms of Angels and play in the tall trees sweet Momma....💖

[Mel1959]

I am so sorry, little momma. :Love_Icon

[cava]

I'm so very sorry. She felt your care and love.:Love_Icon