Front leg paralysis

[JMF2323]

Hello,
I have a southern flying squirrel that seems to have paralysis o f his front 2 legs. He is hopping around on his back 2 legs but will not put any weight on his front 2 legs. Any idea what this could be?

[CritterMom]

Hello,
I have a southern flying squirrel that seems to have paralysis o f his front 2 legs. He is hopping around on his back 2 legs but will not put any weight on his front 2 legs. Any idea what this could be?

How old is he and what is his diet? How long has this been going on? Metabolic Bone Disease normally affects the rear end first, but we need this info to try to help you.

Do you have a vet who will see him?

[JMF2323]

How old is he and what is his diet? How long has this been going on? Metabolic Bone Disease normally affects the rear end first, but we need this info to try to help you.

Do you have a vet who will see him?
He is 8 months old. I feed him Henry's Hi-protein blocks, vegetables, mealworms(I have been feeding him supwrworms for the past 2 weeks) and some fruits and hard shelled nuts. He was fine yesterday afternoon, but when he woke up last night I noticed him hoping on his back two legs, when I took him out of his cage I noticed he will not put any weight on his front legs.

Yes, I am going to take him to the vet tomorrow, it actually seems as if it's his front right ankle that is the problem. I was checking if I could see any problem with his front legs and it seems he doesn't have any pain, I was massaging his front legs and he was actually licking me as I massaged him, so it doesn't seem as if he's in pain.

[CritterMom]

Diet sounds good - don't go too crazy on the worms though. They are very high in phosphorus and can really skew the calcium levels when they have too many.

This sounds like an injury. Does he have an exercise wheel? If so, go over it with a fine tooth comb. Any holes chewed on the platform they run on in the wheel will allow a foot to slip through and since they do about 80mph on those things, it could cause a bad injury really fast.

What type cage is he in? Is it a bird cage type cage - where the places on the corners where one side meets the other often makes a really small opening that arms and legs and tails can slip into - pinch points. They panic as soon as they realize they are restrained and yank and hurt themselves. This is another reason why I like the Critter Nation cages - they are manufactured in such a way that they have no pinch points.

[JMF2323]

Yes he does have a freedom wheel, but he doesn't use it or go in it. His cage is a Congo cage from Exotic Nutrition. How many worms do you suggest I feed him per day?

[Diggie's Friend]

Good question!

I do know that they consume allot of insects in the wild. Protein from sources higher in Phosphorus than calcium is key to supply energy needs.

Dusting the worms (freeze dried) with calcium powder is needful.

Pet Flora from "Vitality Science" NM or "Safer Medical" MT, (on amazon.com) that supports the well digestion of foods, degrading of anti nutrients, and counters bad bacteria, is anti viral, and supplies trace minerals.

Plain organic yogurt can be used to add healthy sources like Organic Chia oil (Foods alive), and Pumpkin Seed oil (Oil seed company of Oregon), to the diet, along with calcium.

[JMF2323]

I do have the vita-min supplement that I add the the worms 2-3 times per week. I read that over supplimenting them can also cause problems, since he does eat his hi protein blocks I figured he should be getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs. Any ways tomorrow I will take him to the vet and have him do all tests to make sure he is healthy and to see what's wrong with his foot. I really want to thank everyone for your quick responses and help.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I don't feed Super worms. I feed two WaxWorms per day.
Super worms are not recommended unless you remove the head. I will NEVER do that. They have strong mandibles and can actually bite. I have even heard they can damage the upper GI tract but I can't confirm that. Also, too many worms like that can lacerated the GI tract with the exoskeleton. I know of a couple that had bleeding from the lower GI tract and excessive exoskeleton was thought to be a possibility. Frankly, I wouldn't use them. Stick with meal worms or wax worms.

Metacam will help if it's inflammation due to injury but your vet will direct you.

Supplementation is not necessary if you are feeding the Henry's block. The only supplementation I ever do is an occasional dusting of calcium carbonate or dusting worms with calcium.

[JMF2323]

I actually read somewhere that superworms were ok to feed them, I guess no more superworms for him. It's actually funny that you say superworms can bite as the first day I fed him superworms apparently it bit him as he jumped on me and dropped the worm, he did go right back in for the kill, now he actually takes a couple of seconds to actually grab it by the head and eats the head first. The reason I am feeding superworms is that all the Petsmart in Miami have been out of Mealworms for the last month or so. I will pick up some waxworms for him tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up!!!

[Diggie's Friend]

Superworms can't bite if they're freeze dried; then you can cut the head of and not be the executioner. :grin3


As far as MBD, since the diet is sufficient it doesn't appear to be the cause. Also it is the hind legs, not the forearms that are noted to go out from MBD, as well from arthritis due to old age.

Stroke, or injury as mentioned prior, can result in damage causing pressure on the nerves due to swelling or misalignment.

You can palpate the upper back very gently with your finger tips to check for swelling and/or tenderness, or wait for your vet to do that.

Does your squirrel move its forearms on its own? Gently touch its paws to see if there is a reactive movement, but don't move them yourself.

If there is movement then they aren't paralyzed, but weak, or perhaps not using due to back pain.

[Diggie's Friend]

You don't happen to feed Brazil nuts do you? If you do have you fed any in the last few days?

[Diggie's Friend]

Sorry about the multiple posts, I forgot to ask how old your squirrel is?

[JMF2323]

He definitely moves his left forearm, but he really doesn't move his right forearm. I just took him out of his cage and gently touched his back and right forearm and I really don't feel any swelling, but I don't know what to look for either and I don't want to stress him out or hurt him. No I don't feed him any Brazilian nuts, I only feed him walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and an occasional peacan. To me it seems as if it's his right forearm foot, I put it against my finger and he doesn't even move it, but it doesn't seem to bother him either as if it would I suppose he would bite me or squeak.

[JMF2323]

He is 8 months old. Please don't be sorry ask as many questions as you need to. I really appreciate the help. I was really freaking out last night when I noticed him hopping on his back legs.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I actually read somewhere that superworms were ok to feed them, I guess no more superworms for him. It's actually funny that you say superworms can bite as the first day I fed him superworms apparently it bit him as he jumped on me and dropped the worm, he did go right back in for the kill, now he actually takes a couple of seconds to actually grab it by the head and eats the head first. The reason I am feeding superworms is that all the Petsmart in Miami have been out of Mealworms for the last month or so. I will pick up some waxworms for him tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up!!!


They can have them but removing the head is the 'safe' way. I'm just not going to do that. :eek Of course, if he removes the head first... go for it. :grin2
Yes, I'm familiar with the shortage of meal worms and WaxWorms in the pet retailers. Apparently it was a national shortage. I checked again on Fri and did find WaxWorms at PetCo. They still didn't have mealworms. They can be ordered online and some reported that the quality was much better than those bought locally. I tried to order them from GrubCo but I needed to be home to receive them and that's not going to happen for me.

[JMF2323]

Here is a picture of him eating a carrot.

[Diggie's Friend]

Camilles Vita-mealies offers organic raised mealies both live and freeze dried. https://vita-mealie.weebly.com/dried-superworm-listings.html

It may be better to get the freeze dried mealies rather than lose many in transit due to the high temperatures,

that would have to be tossed out due to bacterial issues.

[Diggie's Friend]

So it is just the one arm that has no feeling as far as you can tell. I would think if the other arm didn't have pain that your squirrel would use it,

yet if one has pain and the other no feeling it might explain why neither are being used presently.

Let us know what your Veterinarian has to say. Likely they will take an x-ray.

Make sure your squirrel has eaten before you take them to the vet, as stress lowers the blood sugar level which can provoke a seizure.

Bring a small container with either molasses, or maple sugar with you;

a drop of either put onto the gums or inside the mouth just behind the incisors, can help prevent seizures.

[JMF2323]

So the vet couldn't see him today, we have an emergency appointment tomorrow at 8:30am. I went home for lunch and brought him out of his cage and he is not moving any of his forearms. he cant eat his blocks as he picks them up with his mouth and drops them, its like if he's telling me, cant you see I cant eat them. I feel really bad for him!!!! is there anything I can do until tomorrow morning?

I have called every vet in Miami and most of them don't treat squirrels.

[Diggie's Friend]

Flyers tend to like yogurt.

I would try grinding up the block and give it to him in a 1/2 to 1 Tsp. of yogurt; he may be able to eat the block that way.

If you have no way to grind the block, put it between two sheets of computer paper and use a hammer to crush the block to a fine grade

that he can then easily swallow without having to chew it first.

If you can find Stonyfield plain organic yogurt, or another similar product, add just a bit of berry preserves to it,

or get their vanilla yogurt to peak his interest.

[JMF2323]

I did feed him yogurt this morning, I will grind up a block and mix it with the yogurt.

As for the maple sugar when i take him to the vet, should I mix it with water?

[Diggie's Friend]

Sorry, that was supposed to be maple syrup.

[JMF2323]

Got it, I will take some with me to the vet.

[JMF2323]

So, we just got back from the vet, he has MBD. The reason he is not using his forearms is that one of them is cracked and the other is a little bent. The vet says that I have to get him to eat dark green leafy vegetables and that I should start feeding him crickets. He did some xrays and showed me the crack and how the other forearm is bent. He also suggested I get a light for him.

[SophieSquirrel]

OK, so how did the vet determine he has MBD? Did he state the Xrays show low bone density? Did the vet do a blood panel? It's certainly possible and even likely. I see you use blocks so I assume you know of the Henry's diet. What bothers me is a vet suggesting that treatment for MBD is "dark leafy greens" / crickets and not calcium carbonate. I would start on the MBD protocol, follow the Henrys diet, restrict movement due to the fracture (smaller cage) and go to a vet specialist for another opinion including blood panel. Not many can do this properly on a squirrel. Also you don't want a high intensity UV B reptile bulb shining on his eyes. A UV B fluorescent tube high above his cages is safer.

Post photos of your squirrel, his cage, digital Xrays (if you have them), and list his complete diet you have been feeding him to date.


Recommended Vets

Dr Susan Kellerher Deerfield Beach, FL: http://exoticanimalcare.com/

Dr. Santiago Diaz Orlando, FL: https://www.orlandoexoticveterinarian.com/

I am sure you have seen these but I am going to post them anyway

MBD: https://www.henryspets.com/mbd/

MBD Protocol: https://www.henryspets.com/emergency-treatment-for-mbd/

Henry's Diet: https://www.henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/

Calcium Carbonate: https://www.henryspets.com/calcium-carbonate-powder-100-g/

[Mel1959]

SS is spot on about the calcium. I’m surprised the vet didn’t give you liquid calcium gluconate to administer orally. For a flyer maintenance dosing would only be a drop or two. You should begin the MBD protocol with tums calcium or calcium carbonate....no vitamin D included in the calcium.

[SophieSquirrel]

Correction on my last post

I missed the part about this being a flyer - I was assuming it was a gray. I have no flyer experience only Grays/Foxes.

Can anyone with flyer knowledge comment on the MBD protocol and proper diet to prevent MBD?

I assume crickets are a regular part of a flyers diet? I would not go to another vet until some flyer PPL comment on your vet visit.

[JMF2323]

I will start the MBD protocal today as soon as i get home from work. The vet did give him a shot of Calcium. I also asked him about supplementing him with Calcium Carbonate, but he told me that it was not necessary, that he needs a balanced diet. He also told me to feed him crickets as they need the hard exoskeleton that crickets have.


I want to thank everyone for the help and advice!!!

[Diggie's Friend]

Perhaps in this species it hits in the upper body first due to movement being more strongly dependent on this area than in diurnal tree squirrel species?

As for green vegetables, do feed them, but boil or blanch them, for otherwise fed otherwise raw the calcium in them will be lost to the higher ratio of oxalic acid to calcium that they contain. I realize that this isn't what most vets are aware of, yet it has long been established knowledge by the laboratory rat research community all the way back to 1939 when Lohman did a study into the oxalate values of various vegetables and fruits and included a number of studies in rats that bore out the same conclusion that other researcher would conclude in years to come. This more recent study also found that some greens, like Turnip greens provide calcium available to the body, whereas others like spinaches and those plants related to them, don't. Out of the cornucopia of plant food sources there is in this key regard much variety; knowing which sources provide calcium to the body, not just contain high levels of it is needful to provide calcium in the diet of these animals.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3681480

Bok Choy
Turnip leaves
Kales.
Dandelion leaves

These sources are higher in calcium than oxalates, for this reason they provide bioavailable calcium to the body of mammals. One note on these sources, as all belong to the Brassica family, having originated from one plant according to resent research. Brassicas are high in goitrogrens that lower the function of the thyroid gland that is responsible for supporting D3 the body produces that well absorption of nutrients from the intestines into the bloodstream depends upon. For this reason boiling these sources short term is recommended to deactivate the goitrogens that they contain.

Another study found that the immature leaves of various leafy greens contained low to nil oxalates. (see link below)

As you can see from the (exerpt) chart from the study in leafy greens, not all greens are created equal, a some are extremely high in the calcium anti nutrient oxalates. Others including those noted here are low in immature form, but not in mature form. When oxalic acid is high and then higher in oxalic acid than calcium, the source will provide little to no calcium once it has been digested, for upon digestion the calcium and oxalic acid in the leaves that are separated come together and readily bond with one another in the intestines and also in the bloodstream after absorption. These high sources of oxalic acid are known to lower calcium in other foods including that contained in dairy and other foods digested with these greens in a meal.

Immature (baby) leaves of the following also are higher in calcium than oxalates, yet once they mature the content changes from an increase in oxalic acid that makes the calcium they contain though higher in Ca:P non bioavailable. Feeding baby greens of the following not including spinaches and those plants related to spinaches, that though high in calcium content, have a far higher counterbalance of oxalic acid, which leaves 'nil' levels of calcium once they are digested.

These sources in immature form (baby leaves) contain higher calcium and low to nil levels of oxalates.

Baby lettuces
Baby chicory leaves
Baby arugula
Baby watercress
Baby escarole

Blanching for 1 to 1 1/2 min. to reduce bacteria, destroy potential parasites, improve digestibility, and lower pH, is recommended.

Don't forget dairy, Goats milk or goat kefir ever better is a high source of calcium that is very bioavailable. Kefir has the benefit of being the most high in calcium, that is most digestible. Redwood Hills Farms carries goat kefir.

[SophieSquirrel]

I will start the MBD protocal today as soon as i get home from work. The vet did give him a shot of Calcium. I also asked him about supplementing him with Calcium Carbonate, but he told me that it was not necessary, that he needs a balanced diet. He also told me to feed him crickets as they need the hard exoskeleton that crickets have.


I want to thank everyone for the help and advice!!!

Are there any Flyer people who can comment if the Henry's MBD protocol is correct for flyers or if it needs to by modified for their special needs?

You might also want to call Leigh at Henry's and ask her opinion: 540-745-3334 or 321-626-1897

[JMF2323]

I will give Leigh at Henry's a call on my lunch break for the MBD. I will also move him into an aquarium with a screen lid that way he doesn't climb in his cage, I tried to move him to the bottom of his cage but he tries to climb to the top. I will also start to boil his green vegetables, hopefully he will like them boiled as he normally hates them. It really is a surprise that he has MBD as he does eat his Henry's Hi- Protein blocks.

[HRT4SQRLS]

But another question is how many nuts does he eat per day?
The portions of calcium in the MBD protocol are scaled back for a flyer.

[JMF2323]

I only give him 2-3 nuts per week and one little piece of fruit per day. I always have fresh veggies for him and Henry's blocks. I requested copies of the x-rays, as soon as I get them i will post them.

[Diggie's Friend]

It is interesting with the nocturnal squirrel species that they don't get much D3 from the sun. What they get is from the foods they eat that contain D2, the most of which is found in the non toxic lichens, and mushrooms they are known to consume as a regular part of their diets. The flyers and red squirrels will carry mushrooms into the tree canopy to dry in order to preserve this food source that would otherwise quickly decay. Exposed to the sunlight mushrooms may increase in the D2 they contain. Vitamin D2 is available online and is the safer source of vitamin D. D is actually a hormone the body produces with the aid of ultraviolet light that transforms the compound in sebum into D3.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d2-vs-d3

As for calcium MBD treatment and D3, I agree it would overtop calcium absorption at the higher level of calcium consumption. Once the treatment is completed D2 at least be added to the diet in support of maintenance of healthy bones.

D3 is included in my diet just like the rodent block contains at the same level; no issues for MBD, or arthritis have occurred to date with the gray squirrel now 9 1/2 that has been given the D3 for 6 1/2 years.

Recently a newly discovered source of D3 confirmed in a study and by a third party laboratory has found a lichen that produces Vitamin D3. I'm presently trying to obtain a source that can be reduced sufficiently to be used as a supplement in the diet of tree squirrels. Its goes under the name of, "Vitashine".

[HRT4SQRLS]

I only give him 2-3 nuts per week and one little piece of fruit per day. I always have fresh veggies for him and Henry's blocks. I requested copies of the x-rays, as soon as I get them i will post them.

Thanks, that doesn't sound excessive. I give 1/2 almond most week days so that's about 2.5 nuts per week.

[JMF2323]

These are the nuts I feed him

Almonds
Hazelnuts
Walnuts
Pecan- maybe 2 per month

[HRT4SQRLS]

Me too. I prefer almonds but will give the others occasionally. Rarely walnuts.

[SophieSquirrel]

The portions of calcium in the MBD protocol are scaled back for a flyer.

That's what I was thinking HRT4. I would assume that Leigh would know the correct amount for these little guys.

[Diggie's Friend]

It wasn't calcitonin perhaps was it?

Another possible problem may be the parathyroid; in feeding raw broccoli this can be a problem, as of all the sources this one is perhaps the worst, raw that is. Goitrogens impair the function of the parathyroid gland is why. Low thyroid means low uptake of minerals chiefly calcium. This is why boiling these sources that deactivates most all of the goitrogens is needful. Most all for reason that broccoli, which contains a number of goitrogenic compounds that boiling deactivates, yet contains one that isn't deactivated by boiling, which makes this source potentially problematic to include in rodent diets more than once a week.

[SophieSquirrel]

It is interesting with the nocturnal squirrel species that they don't get much D3 from the sun. What they get is from the foods they eat that contain D2.

Sounds like setting up a UV lamp is a waste of of money for a flyer, the key is replicating a proper natural diet. I never though of that - being nocturnal they don't get much if any sunlight. UV lamps might even damage their eyes.

[JMF2323]

Well I spoke to Leigh, she was super nice and helpful!!! I am going to start the MBD treatment as soon as I get out of work. It seems the problem is that when I first got the squirrel he was weaned of of formula way too soon, when I received him the breeder sent him to me with a bag of Peanuts, Sunflower seeds, and some fruits in it. I did call the breeder and let her know that I did not receive the the syringe, she told me that he had already been weaned off the formula. I did try to feed him the formula but he did not want it at all. So that may have been the main cause of the problem.

Here are the x-ray pictures:

[JMF2323]

It's not letting me upload pictures.

[JMF2323]

Here they are:

[HRT4SQRLS]

It's not the best resolution that I've ever seen but I can definitely see the broken bone and the bowed forearm bones.

I think treating for MBD is definitely in order. The food that you received with him is a HUGE red flag. I NEVER feed peanuts and nuts in general are limited. They rarely get a sunflower seed and that's usually just to get pics. That's a trick that someone taught me. If you give a flyer a nut they will grab it and run. Give them a sunflower seed and they will sit right there and eat it. Perfect for taking photos. :grin2

I'm really glad that you posted your situation. This is a great teaching tool. MBD virtually always presents with hindend paralysis. We usually don't even consider MBD when they are down in the front. It makes perfect sense that MBD should be considered for front end weakness or 'down' also because of the brittle bones. The front legs would be more likely to break based on the way they land. We always assumed it is a spinal injury from a fall. We rarely have X-rays to consider. It never crossed my mind that there might be breaks in the front legs.
Thank for the heads up.

[HRT4SQRLS]

By the way, we feed mushrooms for Vitamin D. It's hit or miss with my guys.
I have bought every type of mushroom short of French truffles and I don't think they eat them.
Maybe a nibble and that's about it.
I think I have thrown away about a million dollars worth of mushrooms. That might be a 'slight' exaggeration. :peace

[JMF2323]

It wasn't calcitonin perhaps was it?

Another possible problem may be the parathyroid; in feeding raw broccoli this can be a problem, as of all the sources this one is perhaps the worst, raw that is. Goitrogens impair the function of the parathyroid gland is why. Low thyroid means low uptake of minerals chiefly calcium. This is why boiling these sources that deactivates most all of the goitrogens is needful. Most all for reason that broccoli, which contains a number of goitrogenic compounds that boiling deactivates, yet contains one that isn't deactivated by boiling, which makes this source potentially problematic to include in rodent diets more than once a week.

So do you suggest I boil all green veggies or all veggies?

I feed him broccoli and cauliflower almost every day as those are the veggies he likes, I also feed him cucumber, spinach leaves, carrots, romaine lettuce, yellow squash and some others a couple of times a week.

[JMF2323]

Mushrooms I have also tried many times and he doesn't even look at them, all other veggies I have seen him at least try them, but mushrooms is a definite NO.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I'm not sure that you're aware but another symptom of MBD is seizures.
I would definitely keep the stress level down while he's being treated for MBD.
Stress or other seizure 'triggers' can cause a seizure while they are in a low calcium state. My oldest little guy (soon to be 8) had a seizure history as a baby. It didn't appear to be from diet. Light was a trigger for him. Ever since discovering this, his room has indirect light. I rarely turn the light on in his room. If I do he hides in his cube.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Be back soon. Gotta take mom to MD appointment.

[JMF2323]

Well I just want to thank everyone for you help and and very fast responses. I have learned my lesson, Maximus will be going to the vet once a year from now on, no matter what. Again thank you so much for all the help!!!

P.S. I will definitely keep everyone updated on his recovery

[HRT4SQRLS]

So do you suggest I boil all green veggies or all veggies?

I feed him broccoli and cauliflower almost every day as those are the veggies he likes, I also feed him cucumber, spinach leaves, carrots, romaine lettuce, yellow squash and some others a couple of times a week.



As far as all of the anti nutrients, lectin, phytates, oxalates, etc... it sorta makes my head spin. When I first got into the ‘squirrel thang’ I spent hour upon hours researching diet and mammalian physiology. You would have thought I was studying for a PhD. :tilt

When it comes to my picky little flyers, they didn’t really appreciate all my research and knowledge. Keep in mind this was all for them as I sat drinking Coke and eating chips for supper. Seriously. They definitely eat better than I do. :peace I served their food fresh, boiled al dente and every other way. They were not impressed. Finally I got over all that and just try my very best to feed them a healthy diet, limit the nuts and provide variety.

I follow the Healthy diet. My boys get one Henry’s Picky eater block per day.
Sometimes they get just a half block. They are more likely to eat a half as they tend to hide a full block. They also get Pure Bites dehydrated chicken every day. The assortment of veggies includes broccoli slaw (it also has a few shreds of purple cabbage and carrot in it), butternut squash, acorn squash, kale, avocado, very rarely and very little...fresh corn, sweet potato, and others I’m sure I’m forgetting. They definitely like the hard fall squashes better than the summer squashes. They also get a pinch of dry rolled oats. Occasionally I will substitute a pinch of a granola mix instead of the rolled oats. They usually get a tiny fruit every day. That might be blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, watermelon or orange. They LOVE orange.
They get mushroom daily but rarely eat it. I have tried every kind. Once I bought dried porcini and they actually ate a little. I read that vegetarians will use porcini mushroom in stocks and that it has a nutty taste SO of course, I bought it.
They get 2 Wax Worms a day. I offer Meal worms but they don’t eat them.
For a treat they get 1/2 almond in the morning.

So, in spite of all the rules of nutrition, a flyer will just spit in your eye if it doesn’t suit them. I do my best but they are VERY picky.

One other thing... I have 2 boys. At this time I am babysitting 2 boys for a TSB member. One of my boys loves Fox Valley 32/40 formula. He is the 8 year old. Of the 2 visitors one of them also LOVES FoxValley. You should hear him slurping the formula. It is so cute. :grin2 He is 10 years old. So out of 4, two will take formula even as adults. It would really be good if Maximus would drink formula.

[Diggie's Friend]

That is understandable, in humans it is different, this is what can make this confusing. Just remember that you don't want to miss the anti-nutrients for the nutrients in the diet (forest for the trees analogy), for if the anti nutrients are greater then the nutrients aren't well available even present in the plant source itself.

You may want to consider blanching the nuts, as this removes the skin that is highest in oxalates, as does soaking them in a bit of purified water and yogurt. The acid in the yogurt also deactivates 'phytates' that bind up calcium and phosphorus, making these minerals more bioavailable in nuts and grains.

I was wondering about whether your squirrel got enough nutrition as a suckling. If they don't get enough they can get rickets that results in soft deformed and easily broken bones. Not a typical case of MBD, yet the solution is the same, save vitamin D does need to be included at least D2, preferably D3 once the MBD treatment is completed. In my diet I have included D3 at 400 IU capsules from Pure Encapsulations. 25 IU should work well for your squirrel. You will have to divide it down to this amount of course; a one edged safety razor blade works well for this purpose when you place the powder contents of the capsule on a sheet of paper. Divide the amount in half you hve 200 IU, and then a half in half, 100 IU, and so on till you get down to 12.5, which then the last two half you use to add one each to the AM and PM yogurt daily. Crimp the paper you place it on to use as a funnel to place 12.5 IU into each of the yogurt portions daily.

Just like greens, mushrooms vary; there are summer mushrooms and winter mushrooms; acidic and alkaline. Some are bitter some are tasty!

Oregon mushroom Chanterelles is amongst the tasty kind; you add it by measure to the yogurt, contains minerals, and protein.

https://www.oregonmushrooms.com/p-118-dried-chanterelle-powder.aspx If they are out of chanterelle mushroom powder ask for Yellowfoot, the summer chanterelle.

Tree sap can be fed, but if you get it be sure it is packaged in a carton, not a plastic bottle, for no matter what the kind of plastic you can taste it. The tree sap contains the same compounds that make up Calcium citrate malate, just not as high of course. All tree squirrels consume tree sap, which also contain polyphenols (high anti oxidants). This source also contains natural sugars, but they are very low, not an issue for losing calcium, but have been found to support better absorption of calcium into the bloodstream according to rat research studies.

In the wild it is the tender green shoots of trees and bushes that moreover contain the bioavailable sources of calcium. Yet since these aren't readily obtained sources, it is needful to supply surrogate sources that come closest to mimicking what can supply calcium that in a form that can be well utilized by the body of rodents. The problem with ground greens is that bad bacteria (E. coli, salmonella, etc, roundworms, and other helminthes (with eggs) that are common to the soil that they grow in.

Blanching aka: 'short term boiling', be it for 1 to 1 1/2 for those baby greens, or perhaps a bit longer to bring down the pH of the heavier leaf greens, is how this is accomplished. .

As for the issue of goitrogens in brassica vegetables that is problematic. The funny thing about the brassicas is that unlike what has been assumed about them being different plants, they are genetically from the same source, the mustard plant, some selectively bred as far back as 1400 BC in Egypt. IE it isn't feeding this source in moderation, but in excess when one is fed daily. Limiting brassicas is needful if you don't boil them to deactivate the goitrogenic compounds they contain. Again goitrogen reduce the function of the parathyroid gland and so reduce the production of D3 by the kidneys that support the uptake of minerals into the bloodstream.

If you have more questions you are welcome to PM me; I'm always glad to help when I can.

[Diggie's Friend]

So, in spite of all the rules of nutrition, a flyer will just spit in your eye if it doesn’t suit them. I do my best but they are VERY picky.

I know how it is, I had a picky eater myself, just one, but one was enough! One can only try and hope the squirrel will come round to accepting the food. I think that flyers in particular are picky as not to like cooked greens as they rely upon lichen that is in particularly different in taste.

ps. It looks like I was composing while you were writing also; keep it in mind when reading my above post.

[JMF2323]

Update: Miximus is doing much better. He is using his front legs again, not to full capacity but he's getting there. I must say that the MBD treatment really works fast. I will post a picture once he wakes up.

[Spanky]

Update: Miximus is doing much better. He is using his front legs again, not to full capacity but he's getting there. I must say that the MBD treatment really works fast. I will post a picture once he wakes up.

They can show improvement quickly, but stay on the MBD protocol even if he is doing better. It takes a very long time to rebuild bones! :thumbsup

[HRT4SQRLS]

Update: Miximus is doing much better. He is using his front legs again, not to full capacity but he's getting there. I must say that the MBD treatment really works fast. I will post a picture once he wakes up.

I'm so happy to hear this. :grin2 Be sure to limit his jumping and flying also.
We don't want to test out those brittle bones just yet.
Definitely keep up the calcium treatment. Those bones need the extra calcium.

[JMF2323]

I am definitely keeping him on the MBD protocol. I am very glad he is recovering. I bought him the wild blocks from Henry's and he loves them!!! I am keeping him in his cage so he is not jumping around.