Tilted head rescue- help needed

[Kris57]

Tuesday 8/28 came home to my 8 yr old son holding this little guy on our side walk. He was in some pretty rough shape. Matted eyes, bloody nose, aspirating, dehydrated, lice, full of maggots in his behind so bad I couldn’t tell what was what. Took him inside, cleaned his eyes with a very mild salt water solution. Gave him a bath under running water for 45 minutes and picked out all his extra friends out of his fur. After frantically searching the internet sent my husband to get goats milk, heavy cream and yogurt along with dewormer, pedialyte and syringes. Made him a bed with a plastic tote, heating pad and a couple old T-shirts. First night only gave 5 ccs of pedialyte. Did fantastic! He wants to live! Had nightmares about the maggots all night. Started making calls the next morning. 2 vets wouldn’t even see us, still haven’t got a call back from conservation officer. Finally, last vet had a number for a lady that might know something. Needless to say we have been in contact and may end up being his home until he ready to be on his own. At lunch I gave him 2 ccs of food and supplemented 5ccs of formula. And then sat down with tweezers and a paper towel. Anytime I could see a maggot picked the nasty lil thing out. This is day 5 and all immediate fires have been put out and is putting on weight. He is 148g and would estimate 5.5 weeks. I clean his bottom every time I feed him as his rectum is still very sore as is the other injury beside it directly under his tail ( I will try to include pictures) he gets poop built up and it closes off the rectum. We are working on this...I have been trying to getting him up and moving more because he seems to sleep a lot for his age??? I think. Started noticing a significant head tilt and not sure if it’s mites, ear infection or what...yes, I have read plenty on the raccoon roundworm. He is not going on circles and otherwise seems on the mend.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I would get CapStar immediately and dose him. It will kill any additional maggots.
He might have them deep in his ears. As many as you picked off there are probably more that you didn't see.

[Kris57]

Not sure if these pictures came through

[Kris57]

This was Wednesday

[Kris57]

Today’s bottom

[Chickenlegs]

Did you give him some Capstar? Want to get rid of the nasties and Capstar will send the buggers heading for any available exit. Maggots can eat their way into the abdominal cavity or the brain if not cleared out. NASTY! Are all the maggots in his rectum gone? Damn things grow really fast. The fall that gave him a bloody nose could have given him a head injury. Your love and care will go a long way towads helping him overcome a rough start. He is SO cute!

[Kris57]

I had given him 2 doses of cat dewormer called Prosense? With piperazine but I don’t know if it was enough or broad spectrum enough or even safe for squirrels....

[Mel1959]

Ditto on the capstar, immediately. Do you have access to any prednisone? If he has a head tilt from the fall, I have had wonderful luck with prednisone fixing any neuro problems. If you can’t locate any prednisone you can send me your address in a private message and I will send you some. The duration of treatment is several weeks.

[cava]

I had given him 2 doses of cat dewormer called Prosense? With piperazine but I don’t know if it was enough or broad spectrum enough or even safe for squirrels....

You must be extremely careful giving cat and dog medications to a baby squirrel. The package insert indicates it's for the treatment of ROUNDWORMS, so you still need a capstar. It also shouldn't be used on animals under 2.5 lbs, which that baby squirrel is way under that. How did you decide how much to give this baby?

Please watch for vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors. Vet care is required per the insert if these symptoms occur.

Please, please get a capstar and be very cautious and sure before you medicate off label species and juvenile animals.

[cava]

That is a fox squirrel, probably around 5-6 weeks old. She requires formula still and needs to be housed in a bin with heat supplied. She wouldn't be allowed out of the nest or to run around at this age.

Here's a link for bed set up and feeding instructions so you can be successful raising baby.

https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

This is the formula you need, or Fox Valley 20/50 which can be ordered online at the site above. Kitten formula will starve and eventually kill baby. Do you have cats in the home, since you had feline dewormer? If so, keep get baby in a safe room, free of cats, dogs, small children. She's prey to cats and dogs and needs to rest and recover in a quiet, low stress place while you get her on a feeding schedule and treat her parasite problems.

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[Kris57]

148g to pounds is .326 lbs/2.5 as dosage recommends. .08 grams would be the dosage. Which is about 1/10 of a cc

[cava]

148g to pounds is .326 lbs/2.5 as dosage recommends. .08 grams would be the dosage. Which is about 1/10 of a cc


But it's not indicated for use in squirrels, or for the treatment of tapeworms, fleas or maggots. Package insert: For use in cats or kittens only. Effective against large roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina).

[cava]

BTW, thank you for answering the question. I appreciate it.

[Kris57]

I apologize for my ignorance...

[cava]

No worries, that's what we're here for, to help you do the best you can. Do you need help with feeding or bed set up?

[Kris57]

I feel like the nest is going quite well, he loves fleece. My heating pad has an auto shut off but he is never chilled.

About the Capstar, there is nothing in town! I checked everywhere; Menards, TSC, Runnings, The Pet Place, Walmart and Shopko. What kind would I order? Cat and dog is all I am finding and that for is 2- 25 lbs....

[Mel1959]

The generic version is called Capaction. It is considered a very safe drug with a fairly wide margin of dosage error. I’ve never ordered it so I’m not sure what others recommend.

[Spanky]

TSC should have CapGuard which is the same medication (nitenpyram).

https://www.amazon.com/SENTRY-Capguard-nitenpyram-Control-Medication/dp/B00K0LHAM0/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1535846776&sr=1-3&keywords=capguard&dpID=51cdmvDq7SL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

.

[Mel1959]

I don’t think you can wait on orderingthe stuff. Call YSC and see if they have Capguard that Spanky recommended.

[Mel1959]

Finder says baby has some diarrhea with goats milk formula. I advised to cut back slightly on the amount (7ml) and put a small amount of infant rice cereal in the formula for the next feeding.

[Kris57]

I had been just using to goats milk, heavy cream and yogurt which he had been doing great on until tonight. I have been getting mixed signals about puppy replacer and wasn’t sure what to do. Also, Local vets havent been much help I think they were reading the same online articles as me. In fact, one suggested a match stick in the rectum if he hadn’t excreted by the third day. I talked to a clinic a few hours away that is the acting vet for a zoo. They agreed to consult through email but no one got back to me on Friday.

There is a local lady I have been in contact with and hope to get some Fox Valley from her tonight. I will inquire about the Capstar. She has a new born and may end up taking over his care once he has a clean bill of health.

[Spanky]

You want the Fox Valley 20/50 and not 32/40.

Did you find any nitenpyram (CapStar/CapGaurd)?

All puppy formulas are not the same and there really is only one that is suitable for squirrels and that is the Esbilac. TSC carries Esbilac in my local sore, but it ain't cheap top buy it there. Make certain to get the powdered version, because the pre-mixed liquid is not the same.

The Goat's Milk mixture you are using it typically used only as a temporary formula until Fox Valley (FV) or Esbilac can be obtained. If cutting back the amount being fed and the rice cereal does not resolve the diarrhea, cut out the heavy cream. Many babies have a hard time with the heavy cream!

[Kris57]

Yes, I was able to find Capaction 11.4 mg tablets was all that was available. What dosage? Started on Fox Valley last night and decreased feeding amount to 5 cc and no diarrhea today. YAy!!! He does not seem impressed that I cut back on the amount. Should I still try the instant rice?

[Spanky]

Yes, I was able to find Capaction 11.4 mg tablets was all that was available. What dosage? Started on Fox Valley last night and decreased feeding amount to 5 cc and no diarrhea today. YAy!!! He does not seem impressed that I cut back on the amount. Should I still try the instant rice?
Give 1/4 of a 11.4 mg tablet orally and repeat in 24 - 36 hours. You can mix the other half with 5ml water to flush wounds or other possible areas of maggots topically.

[Kris57]

What about antibiotic? I was given some a vet prescribed for an infant squirrel or is that not necessary or could it interact with nitenpyram? The bottle just says c-sulf/trim 3mg. With a dosage of .5 mg/daily for 7 days.

[Spanky]

I cannot find any interaction information between nitenpyram and bactrim ("c-sulf/trim") because those checkers are or human meds and the nitenpyram is animal use only. Having said that I am highly confident that there will not be an interaction.

If I understand, this is bactrim for a different squirrel.. not that was given to you for this one? I am not sure antibiotics are necessary at this point, but the nitenpyram surely is and should be given as soon as possible. The head tilt could be from maggots in his ears or something, so we want to treat for the maggots right away.. this is the immediate threat. Have you checked his ears for maggots?

[Kris57]

I gave the nitenpyram about a half hour ago. Fingers crossed that this takes care of it. I cannot are any visible maggots anymore, I had removed any I could see. I never saw any near his ears.

[Spanky]

I cannot are any visible maggots anymore, I had removed any I could see. I never saw any near his ears.

I was referring to inside of his ears... that is one of the places the little bass turds migrate. Maggots in ears will usually cause them to begin to seep some fluids... I found this out the hard way on my first rodeo with maggots. I *thought* I got them all only to find a few days later the ears were infested.

The 24 - 36 hour follow up dose of the nitenpyram is to handle any eggs (teeny tiny) that may be remaining and hatch.

[Spanky]

I would mix up that other 1/2 of the nitenpyram tablet in about 5ml of water and flush that would by his rectum. Get it in there pretty good without hurting him.


Matted eyes, bloody nose, aspirating, dehydrated, lice, full of maggots in his behind so bad I couldn’t tell what was what. Started noticing a significant head tilt and not sure if it’s mites, ear infection or what...

The head tilt could be caused by maggots in the ear, mites, an ear infection or trauma (like falling from a tree and bumping his head). The maggots will be taken care of by the nitenpyram. Mites would require another type of treatment (selamectin, Brand Name Revolution).. but at this point I would hold off treating for mites. Mel offerred to send some prednisone, which would be good to have in case the head tilt is from a bump on the head....


What about antibiotic? I was given some a vet prescribed for an infant squirrel or is that not necessary or could it interact with nitenpyram? The bottle just says c-sulf/trim 3mg. With a dosage of .5 mg/daily for 7 days.

..that leaves the antibiotic. Is that the entire information on the bottle? And does it read ".5mg/daily" or night it say ".5ml daily"?

That antibiotic sounds like it is Bactrim (Trimethoprim/Sulfatrim) but I am confused by the "3mg". It might be a good idea to start antibiotics, but more information would be helpful if it is on the lablel so we can make sure we are providing the correct dosing info.

[Kris57]

Here is the bottle. No, it wasn’t prescribed for this squirrel. I got from a lady that has rehabbed 2 squirrels previously but is unable to take this little guy as she recently adopted a newborn baby.

[Chichibean]

I live way out in the country. Not sure about your community but it has been my experience if you can pay a visit to a rural feed store, not a feed store close to town, the people there will have everything you need medically even in single doses. They usually posses the knowledge to accommodate whatever animal you are needing help with. Including capstar and antibiotics. Feeding supplies and specialty items are always on hand. These old timers are a virtual encyclopedia of information. If they don't have something, bubba just past the old oak tree and a right on the dirt road past the white fence has it and would be happy to share.
These old farm supply places a goldmine!

Best of luck and I hope this will help

[Chichibean]

Unconventional method I just last month had to use that works EVERY TIME with eradication of maggots. I had 13 baby oppsiums absolutely covered in them. Eyes ears every opening on them was slap full. Getting them all out by hand on 13 week dehydrated babies would have ment not doing a thorough job on any. After considering the time it would take, not to mention the toll on what was left of their lives I felt I had no other solution.

Maggots like any other animal need to breath. 1.5 -2 mins of no air will cause them to come out.

Feed the baby. Make him comfortable. When he falls asleep slip into a sandwich bag with just his nose sticking out where he can breath. Squeeze out as much air from the bag as you can to expedite the whole process. A minute or 2 later you will be surprised at the number of maggots that actually came outta that little body. They will naturally crawl to the plastic bag so that when you slip it off you can quickly zip it closed and no mess.

You can not get internal maggots out in a less stressful way than this. Any baby needing this has already suffered enough.

All 13 of my oppsiums were chubby active and healthy 3 days later when I gave them to a local rehabber. I have never had the occasion to have baby oppsiums before. My hats off to the people who take care of them. I have never had a more difficult, time consuming, job with babies. I learned so much and have such an appreciation for the professionals now.

[Kris57]

He is pooping regular again! I have been alternating feeding 5 and 7 cc. This seems to be going well. His bottom is healing quite well...another week and you won’t know it was even there. He is grooming himself regularly after he eats! Still has the head tilt...can’t tell if it’s getting better or not yet. I didn’t give any antibiotics as seems to be doing fine without. Once I receive the prednisone I will start that! Thank you for all the advice so far. I truly appreciate all the help! Does anyone have a good site that explains basic squirrel behavior. Want to make sure I Understand his needs.

[Mel1959]

Prednisone went to the post office this morning. Once it arrives someone will help you break it down and dose.

Glad to hear he’s eating well. :dance

[Kris57]

As time goes on his head tilt has gone away. New problem has arisen though he was trying drink milkI noticed he would try to move his head to one side... also when I give him a shelled walnut and sticks to chew and I noticed there was blood. Top left tooth is normal, right is missing. I think he is having trouble with his bottom teeth being so long. Thoughts?

[cava]

Trim those bottom teeth. They need intervention. There is a bunch of info if you do a search and hopefully those who do it regularly will come on and add more advice/how to.

[TubeDriver]

Trimming is not especially difficult to do but err on the side of leaving too much as opposed to accudently going too short.

Using a pencil or chopstick behind the teeth will help to prevent a cut piece from shooting into his throat (also watch your eyes). It helps if you have a second set of helper hands to burrito him for the trim.

Hopefully the damaged top tooth will regrow and the teeth will reset properly!

[Kris57]

I was able to clip the bottom teeth using a small cuticle trimmer. Very quick and easy. He wasn’t thrilled at the time but mostly about the restricted movement. When we were done I was able to look in his mouth a bit more and think I found the problem...his top teeth are aligned on one side. I don’t think there ever was a tooth on the right side... is there anyway to correct this?

[TubeDriver]

That tooth trim length looks good, don't go any shorter. I see two top teeth up there, the alignment looks a bit wonky. I would continue to watch the teeth closely, hopefully they will reset and start wearing correctly.


I was able to clip the bottom teeth using a small cuticle trimmer. Very quick and easy. He wasn’t thrilled at the time but mostly about the restricted movement. When we were done I was able to look in his mouth a bit more and think I found the problem...his top teeth are aligned on one side. I don’t think there ever was a tooth on the right side... is there anyway to correct this?

[Kris57]

Thank you!!! He seems much happier and is very playful until he gets around my husband, the instant he climbs on him he is sound asleep. Do I need to do any filing? I continue to give him sticks from our yard, we have 2 black walnut trees...however, he is not the least bit interested. I have apple sticks and grinding stones on the way and should be here tomorrow.

[cava]

The young ones I rehab love elk antlers (amazon) and I could hear them grind on them before bed almost nightly.