Sherid50
07-15-2018, 08:51 PM
Hello Fellow Squirrel Lovers,
I have a red squirrel, approximately 4-5 months old, who appears to have MBD. He's been lethargic for weeks, started getting his claws caught in fabric while climbing, started to loose hair in small patches, and went down on his back legs. The day he stopped using his back legs, we learned about MBD and gave him 800mg elemental calcium carbonate (tums, no vitamin D). He probably got 600mg down. He seemed to be responsive and had more energy the next day and even started to use one leg the following day. He's been taking approximately 275-400mg elemental calcium carbonate per day and split into 3-4 doses each day. Today is the 3rd day following his first treatment and he started to regress. He's had less energy today and started periodically dry heaving. It looks as though he's going to throw up, but doesn't. It eventually resolves and then he goes back to sleep.
- How unusual is the dry heaving and how can I fix it?
- Am I giving the right dose of calcium? Why is he regressing?
- Is the calcium carbonate the most digestible form for squirrels? Should we try something else?
- I've read conflicting information on additional minerals for MBD. Some suggest a supplement with 150mg magnesium. Some recommend vitamin D. What is the best?
- He's also had spasms develop since we starting giving calcium carbonate. Is this unusual? What can I do to fix it?
- Is there anything else I'm missing?
I love this little guy so much and can't stand the thought of losing him. You advice is most appreciated.
Thanks!
Meghan
I have a red squirrel, approximately 4-5 months old, who appears to have MBD. He's been lethargic for weeks, started getting his claws caught in fabric while climbing, started to loose hair in small patches, and went down on his back legs. The day he stopped using his back legs, we learned about MBD and gave him 800mg elemental calcium carbonate (tums, no vitamin D). He probably got 600mg down. He seemed to be responsive and had more energy the next day and even started to use one leg the following day. He's been taking approximately 275-400mg elemental calcium carbonate per day and split into 3-4 doses each day. Today is the 3rd day following his first treatment and he started to regress. He's had less energy today and started periodically dry heaving. It looks as though he's going to throw up, but doesn't. It eventually resolves and then he goes back to sleep.
- How unusual is the dry heaving and how can I fix it?
- Am I giving the right dose of calcium? Why is he regressing?
- Is the calcium carbonate the most digestible form for squirrels? Should we try something else?
- I've read conflicting information on additional minerals for MBD. Some suggest a supplement with 150mg magnesium. Some recommend vitamin D. What is the best?
- He's also had spasms develop since we starting giving calcium carbonate. Is this unusual? What can I do to fix it?
- Is there anything else I'm missing?
I love this little guy so much and can't stand the thought of losing him. You advice is most appreciated.
Thanks!
Meghan