Help Injured squirrel

[Medusa]

I need HELP! we release our two rescued squirrels about 2 weeks ago and this past Thursday the male showed up with what looks to be a injury from possibly a fight with another male squirrel. I tried to assess his injuries but all I had time to get was a quick picture of his right ear that had a bit of blood from what looked like a scratch. unfortunately he was very anxious and ran off before I could really do anything. I did spot him the next day with his sister resting on the deck of their tree house but he wasn't looking so great. Then I lost sight of him until today Sunday late evening and he was just moving so slowly and when I did get to him his face was very swollen ad his eye had some whitish gunk in the lower corner. I brought him into the house and put him into his old cage but he wont eat and worst of all he wont take in any fluids. He looks like he is in pain and moving very lethargic. What should I do?! Its near midnight and we just don't have access to any prescription meds just over the counter stuff. Please let us know what is the best course of action?

First picture before he was hurt
second and third picture is from Thursday when he came home injured
last two of sunday evening


Medusa

[Scooterzmom]

I'm so sorry to hear about your boy's injury.

I can see the cut in his ear, and there seems to be swelling around it. My thoght is there may be an abscess there and that must be very painful. The white in his eye could be tears - although I also wonder about infection since ears and sinuses do connect - sometimes sinus infections can cause the eye duct to produce gunk.
Do you have any antibiotics at all on hand? Maybe leftovers from yourself, or friends? Will he let you handle him, to give him hydration by syringe?
If not, then for hydration you may try to offer some watermelon, or pear, or apple pieces., green grapes. You will also want to have him in a very quiet area, and could even cover his cage partly - it will give him more of a sense of security. No drafty area, as he may have a fever.

I hope someone can be here shortly to offer more help. Poor little guy, he's such a sweetheart.

[Medusa]

Thank you for your fast response.


We tried to give him water by syringe but he wont take any, tried apple and pecans and he wont take them either. We don't have any antibiotics but we are looking for way to get any

[Medusa]

he is finally taking fluids by syringe. drank 3 ml of water and 2 of Pedialyte. we called our local exotic animal hospital but they wont take him. We are so helpless. he is in pain. what should we do?

[Chickenlegs]

For the immediare need, Infant Ibuprofen? Only bad thing is if he needs something stronger that’s a NSAID he can’t take them both at the same time. Someone can help dose the Ibuprofen. It will give him some pain relief. Ask friends if they have an AB left over from a prescription. Maybe don’t say who it’s for. Some folks will fork out for a dog or cat but not for a squirrel. I’d send some Meloxicam but won’t be able to get to it right away. Feed stores sometimes have Amoxicillin.

[cava]

How much does he weigh? I can give you a dose of infant ibuprofen (50 mg/1.25ml). You can get it at a pharmacy. If you can't get a weight, we can guess it, but it would be best to have it.

If you have Metacam/meloxicam in tablet form, we can also dose that for you and tell you how prepare it. We just need the strength of the tablet you have. You cannot give both at the same time, so one or the other.

[Medusa]

Thank You for response

We took him to the wild life rehab center. Glad he made it through the 2 hour drive. When we got there he wasn't calm at all, the vet wasn't there at that moment so we couldn't find out about the problem. He did tried to scape a couple of times, at least he still got energy to move around. Just hopes he recovers so we can go get him reunite with his sister. :(

[Mel1959]

The wildlife rehab center said they will give him back? Is that after the vet sees him? When was the vet supposed to be in?

[Medusa]

We asked them if we could get him back with his sister after he recovers and they said yes since he's an adult and already be out in the area and knows his way around the trees. I think the vet was out for lunch when we got there. Now his sister seems depressed. She wont come out of a corner with some stored cushions 'their hiding place'. I offered her water and food, she didn't eat but got water at least she's comfortable there
She was out this morning and kept coming to the backyard door. Soon as I let her inside she went to the cage where her brother was resting. When we took him, we left their small door open in case she wanted out, its a small tunnel through the window, which connected the inside cage and their releasing cage but she stayed in the house when we got back.

[Mel1959]

I’m thrilled to read that they will give him back so he can be with his sister. :Love_Icon I think I’d stay in close touch with them.

[Chickenlegs]

Best we could hope for. Now for him to heal up fast. His sister is waiting!

[Scooterzmom]

So glad to hear he's going to get the care he needs and can come back home. Keeping positive thoughts out for you and praying that all goes well. :Love_Icon

[Medusa]

We are so devastated our little chestnut passed away yesterday at the rehab center