Taz again

[sqrlnut]

Hi Everyone,

At the risk of posting squirrel porn, the two areas I have circled in the picture are very hard. Not his testicles but those two areas on each side of his anus.

He is eating, drinking, somewhat peeing (but seems to be straining a bit again) and pooping, but those two areas seem rock hard. Are those some kind of glands? I called the vet to get him in again, but she has to call me back. Like I said he is eating and active, but seems a bit stressed. One thing he does love is a good groin massage, it seems to calm him and hopefully move things around in there to get his system going.

Hoping the vet will see him again soon. Taz's regular vet is out till next week, but his wife should see him for me.

Taz shows no signs of pain in his belly or groin, I can massage him all day and it just makes him close his eyes and relax.

Help on the areas that are hard would be appreciated. Thanks!

[CritterMom]

Yes - those are glands that produce sort of a stinky, oily substance that they rub all over branches, etc., to territory mark. An old member with a vet that didn't know what they were doing had surgery done to remove them because he didn't know what they were (!) They look like little cashew halves.

I would imagine that it can get backed up - perhaps it can be expressed like anal glands??

[sqrlnut]

Yes - those are glands that produce sort of a stinky, oily substance that they rub all over branches, etc., to territory mark. An old member with a vet that didn't know what they were doing had surgery done to remove them because he didn't know what they were (!) They look like little cashew halves.

I would imagine that it can get backed up - perhaps it can be expressed like anal glands??

That is what I thought as I used to work for a vet years ago and we saw it in dogs a lot. Hmmm, should they be so hard and kind of large? I'll have to look through the other thread as I think Diggie said something about that recently. Not sure if they can be expressed? Thanks!

[sqrlnut]

The vet called me and we decided to do another x-ray to see what has changed, but we are going to have to mask him down for the x-ray. It will likely be later next week before we can get it done. She did send me the original x-rays, but I never got them. She is going to resend them, so hopefully I can post them.

Other than that, he just had bedtime snacks and a good groin massage. I loved all over him and he is happy tucking himself into his nesty box right now :)

[sqrlnut]

Taz slept well and was up at 4am. He did pee a decent amount and pooped very well. He ate some Henry's and I left him with all his breakfast items. He is picking away at everything and I will miss him all day! :(

[CritterMom]

Think really long and hard about the sedation. The older an animal is, the higher the likelihood of issues with anesthesia. It may be a good idea to discuss this with your vet. I would spend the intervening time working to see if you can get him to relax and be still for an x-ray if you are there - and see if your vet will allow you to do that. An x-ray isn't going to tell you anything detailed - it will see the lumps but only surgery will give you details...

[TubeDriver]

Perhaps some long, warm baths would help to soften things up and expel any buildup? I would say use epsom salts but not if he might drink it?

[JLM27]

Try hot soaks before anesthesia. He could die from it, whereas hot baths are non-life-threatening.

[Diggie's Friend]

For anal gland impaction warm compresses may help a bit, but if the glands are enlarged and heavily impacted as you describe, then surgery would be needed to remove the build up. According to the vet that did this procedure to remove the waxy build up (impaction) of these same glands in an older male squirrel, unless all of the impaction is removed, it won't resolve the problem. The vet said they were surprised at so much being in the glands, with many strips of the waxy substance removed; not sure if the glands weren't removed or not.

With anesthesia there is always risk in putting a squirrel under. Our squirrels were older, one 7 and one 9 1/2 put under for just a few minutes to draw blood, which took about 5 min. ; one grossly obese, both woke up quickly. Both of our vets drew the blood from the jugular, yet others use the leg or tail vein. With an older animal it may be needful to take it from the tail.

If you have him put under, just be sure to relate your concern that the the blood draw would be done right upon your squirrel being up under, and then x ray to follow so that doing both won't cause a delay on the part of the vet to get the blood draw done while he is under.

[sqrlnut]

Thank you, everyone. I am concerned about the anesthetic too. I thought another x-ray would help us determine any changes. Attached is the first x-ray from late June this year. We did this one without the anesthetic and it was really tough and the doc got tagged by Taz.

He had anesthetic a little over a year ago for a nail that grew around and was hitting his pad. He did fine then, however he is even older now.

I didn't discuss blood work with the vet so that was not on the agenda, just a quick x-ray. I'm just trying to do what is best for Taz because otherwise I'll just have to nurse him along with things like you guys suggested, warm baths and massages, oils and drops.

He has been sipping cranberry juice and taking the pumpkin seed oil the past few days. I had gotten out of the habit when he was doing so well and I should have kept it up.

I guess if the x-ray isn't going to determine anything that can be fixed, I should not put him through it. I just feel so helpless not doing anything and having to watch him struggle. Though right now he is peeing and pooping better, eating and drinking well and Loves to play. He is climbing and gets around his room pretty darn good for not being able to see.

The pycnogenol extract should be here tomorrow so other than that, I will just have to nurse him and keep his struggles to a minimum as best I can with the oils and drops, etc.

Any other thoughts are welcomed :Love_Icon

[Diggie's Friend]

Good using the Pumpkin seed oil, but don't overdue it is a high source of plant fat after all. With anesthesia one of the key issues has been found to be allergy to the anesthesia, yet since he has had this done more than once that doesn't appear to be an issue for him.

I thought to amend what I wrote prior, as anesthesia would be needful in order to squeeze out the waxy build up, which is needful for this condition from what I was told from the other squirrel that had it, for it stopped him from being able to eliminated well, and wasn't getting better before the intervention.

I would definitely do soaking, perhaps put a drop or two of the PSO on the area so it doesn't dry out too much afterwards. Keeping the areas soft may prevent possible ruptures. I would ask your vet about this being a potential problem if the gland isn't opened and cleared.

[sqrlnut]

Good using the Pumpkin seed oil, but don't overdue it is a high source of plant fat after all. With anesthesia one of the key issues has been found to be allergy to the anesthesia, yet since he has had this done more than once that doesn't appear to be an issue for him.

I thought to amend what I wrote prior, as anesthesia would be needful in order to squeeze out the waxy build up, which is needful for this condition from what I was told from the other squirrel that had it, for it stopped him from being able to eliminated well, and wasn't getting better before the intervention.

I would definitely do soaking, perhaps put a drop or two of the PSO on the area so it doesn't dry out too much afterwards. Keeping the areas soft may prevent possible ruptures. I would ask your vet about this being a potential problem if the gland isn't opened and cleared.

I only give him the 1/64 teaspoon per day of the PSO. The thing is I'm only guessing his glands are impacted. I'd say they are slightly bigger than a cashew and very, very hard. The very, very hard part is what makes me think they are impacted. How would we go about squeezing them?? That's what concerns me :(

[sqrlnut]

Good using the Pumpkin seed oil, but don't overdue it is a high source of plant fat after all. With anesthesia one of the key issues has been found to be allergy to the anesthesia, yet since he has had this done more than once that doesn't appear to be an issue for him.

I thought to amend what I wrote prior, as anesthesia would be needful in order to squeeze out the waxy build up, which is needful for this condition from what I was told from the other squirrel that had it, for it stopped him from being able to eliminated well, and wasn't getting better before the intervention.

I would definitely do soaking, perhaps put a drop or two of the PSO on the area so it doesn't dry out too much afterwards. Keeping the areas soft may prevent possible ruptures. I would ask your vet about this being a potential problem if the gland isn't opened and cleared.

Also, are those glands considered anal glands like a dog?

[sqrlnut]

Look what I found...

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-48735.html

In part from Trooper's Dad!!

"Also, boys eastern gray squirrels have two marble-sized glands on either side of their anus, where they store a serum, waxy secretion they will usually excrete through their penis after copulation with a female, to plug their vagina and prevent any other male that may encounter her from being successful as well. This is mother nature's way to assure preservation of one genes. Non releasable males sometimes get these glands obstructed, infected or just plain full of this serum, and they will need to excrete the waxy substance through urination."

This explains the wax coming out during urination!! Yes?? No?? I think so!! I didn't realize the wax plugs come from those glands!!

Marble sized is about what they are now, but again, they are very hard, so they must be impacted??

[Diggie's Friend]

I agree they are impacted. The vet removes the compacted material of course under anesthesia.

As for soaking in warm water and giving your boy a drop on these areas that is fine.

If I recall correctly, the vet that did this procedure had to open up the gland to get the impacted gunk out, as it wasn't coming out quickly or well otherwise.

In doing an exam to check this out, even so he is blind, he may be able to see shadows, keep his head under the covers (a towel ok to use for this venue above him and below wrapped so that the opening on the side facing you), which dampens the sound as well. Put the fold on your side, and with one hand pressing down on the front open of the towel so he can't get out that way, and your other hand over the back and his head and shoulders gently but firmly holding him down, so he can't back up either. For if his feet are put in contact with the metal exam table this will support him getting away from you, for the pads of the feet that are like rubber tires give him much traction.

While you wait talk to your boy in a lower slower tone as to not relate your concern for him to him by using baby talk in a high voice that excites. Then when the vet comes in he can just lift the towel to do the exam while you hold your boy in place. Be sure to let your Vet know your plan ahead of your arrival at the clinic, so the exam can be done quickly.

In regards to anesthesia, if your vet uses a box for anesthesia, have a towel be put over the box immediately upon putting him in it, so that he can't see any light; this supports him to feel like he is safe in a nest instead of hitting the inside walls to try to get out.

During any procedure under anesthesia it is needful that heated towels and a heat lamp be provided during the procedure, and an incubator afterwards in recovery.

If you can post the first x ray in a format that I can view would be helpful. It may not be needful to take an x-ray since he had one recently.

If you and your Vet agree to have them attempt to remove the build up in the glands, best to do that another day; for testing the blood is important to do prior to a procedure that may require surgery so that any other conditions that might be revealed in his blood would be known going into the procedure; also important not to add more time to him being under anesthesia.

[Trooper]

Hi everyone: those marble or hazelnut sized glands on either side of a male eastern gray squirrel are called "mating plug glands", also known as a copulation plug, sperm plug, vaginal plug, sement or sphragis and are used to store a sebaceous/waxy/gelatinous secretion used in the mating of some species. It is deposited by a male into a female genital tract, such as the vagina, and later hardens into a plug or glues the tract together.While females can expel the plugs afterwards, the male's sperm still gets a time advantage in getting to the egg, which is often the deciding factor in fertilization.

When the plug fails, is the situation where a female has several squirrels babies whom have different fathers. The mating plug glands are not unique to squirrels, other species including several primates, kangaroos, bees, rats, reptiles, rodents, scorpions, mice, and spiders. The mating plug plays an important role in sperm competition and may serve as an alternative and more advantageous strategy to active mate guarding. In some species, such a passive mate-guarding strategy may reduce selection on large male size. Such a strategy may be advantageous because it would allow a male to increase reproductive success by spending more time pursuing new female mates rather than active mate guarding.

The glands on squirrels are supposed to feel to the touch like a hard shelled hazelnut. In that condition they are neither impacted nor inflamed and unless one notices the male squirrels trying to "suck" his penis (pardon the explicit language) consistently, it should not be a cause for concern. Incidently, when the glands become full they will try to "suck" it empty or at least to lessen the pressure. Attached are pictures of the waxy material from my Trooper. Sometimes this waxy/gelatinous substance will be left after male squirrels urinate and after a while it may - in warm weather- melt down to mix with the urine, making it appear as a greasy oil slick afterwards or when one tries to clean it.

Hope this helps explain the function and its usefulness.

Trooper's dad

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___

I agree they are impacted. The vet removes the compacted material of course under anesthesia.

As for soaking in warm water and giving your boy a drop on these areas that is fine.

If I recall correctly, the vet that did this procedure had to open up the gland to get the impacted gunk out, as it wasn't coming out quickly or well otherwise.

In doing an exam to check this out, even so he is blind, he may be able to see shadows, keep his head under the covers (a towel ok to use for this venue above him and below wrapped so that the opening on the side facing you), which dampens the sound as well. Put the fold on your side, and with one hand pressing down on the front open of the towel so he can't get out that way, and your other hand over the back and his head and shoulders gently but firmly holding him down, so he can't back up either. For if his feet are put in contact with the metal exam table this will support him getting away from you, for the pads of the feet that are like rubber tires give him much traction.

While you wait talk to your boy in a lower slower tone as to not relate your concern for him to him by using baby talk in a high voice that excites. Then when the vet comes in he can just lift the towel to do the exam while you hold your boy in place. Be sure to let your Vet know your plan ahead of your arrival at the clinic, so the exam can be done quickly.

In regards to anesthesia, if your vet uses a box for anesthesia, have a towel be put over the box immediately upon putting him in it, so that he can't see any light; this supports him to feel like he is safe in a nest instead of hitting the inside walls to try to get out.

During any procedure under anesthesia it is needful that heated towels and a heat lamp be provided during the procedure, and an incubator afterwards in recovery.

If you can post the first x ray in a format that I can view would be helpful. It may not be needful to take an x-ray since he had one recently.

If you and your Vet agree to have them attempt to remove the build up in the glands, best to do that another day; for testing the blood is important to do prior to a procedure that may require surgery so that any other conditions that might be revealed in his blood would be known going into the procedure; also important not to add more time to him being under anesthesia.

[Diggie's Friend]

Thanks for all the good info!

The concern is for reason Taz is straining to poo, which indicates that something is causing him not to be able to eliminate stool normally.

The prime suspect appears to be these glands, this based upon another male squirrel that had difficulty eliminating stood normally for reason of these glands having being enlarged.

Whether the cause is actually the glands, constipation from insufficient fiber in his diet, or another cause, that is preventing him to eliminate stool normally,

needs to be determined by a veterinarian.

[Trooper]

Thanks Diggie's Friend. I did not read all posts, failing to realize the issue was bowel movement related. I cannot add anything to that, other than to say when Trooper is in the mating season (and you'd know because he paces from window to window in his indoor lair), his plug glands become enlarged, probably the result of a hormonal trigger to ready him for mating.

In those instances over the past 7 years, he never showed bowel movement abnormalities. Having said that, the glands could be impacted or infected and then all bets are off and only a vet can tell.

I hope a vet can get to see him ASAP.

Thanks,

Trooper's dad

[Diggie's Friend]

For (1 mg.) dosage for Pycnogenol liquid by Organika, 1 drop from the dropper included with the bottle, or the more accurate measure of 2 drops from a ml syringe,

(0.05 ml ) (1 mg.) dose daily for maintenance dosage; noted to contain (20 mg.) PYC in (1 ml.).

I found another study in rats on Pumpkin seed oil; apparently it is also 'hepato' (liver) protective, offering protection from liver injury by certain kinds of toxins.

(1/64 Tsp. internal) daily.

Also included in my squirrel diet is Milk Thistle seed extract that also has hepato-protective properties, countering alfatoxins and mycotoxins to prevent liver damage.

2 drops from a ml syringe daily (1 drop AM & 1 drop PM) with meals for maintenance dosage.

https://www.amazon.com/Oregons-Wild-Harvest-Thistle-Supplement/dp/B00J9MKEUG/ref=sr_1_sc_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1536339987&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Milk+Thistle+seed+elixer+Oregon%27s+Wild+ Harvest+low+alcholo

[Trooper]

For those with an inquisitive mind and time to read, I attach these papers on research of this subject.

Trooper's dad

[sqrlnut]

For those with an inquisitive mind and time to read, I attach these papers on research of this subject.

Trooper's dad

That is exactly the wax I am seeing.

Thank you for all the gland info. I’ll have to read those papers tonight.

Going back a bit, he did seem to have trouble pooping for about a day but he is past that now. So, if the glands are hazelnut-sized and hard, and he is not having trouble going to the bathroom, then he should be fine?

I’ll print out those papers now and read them over.

Thanks!

[Diggie's Friend]

Yes, if he is ok and continues to not have any issue passing stool.

Isn't there is still the concern as to what the dark spot on the x-ray is looking like now?

[sqrlnut]

Yes, if he is ok and continues to not have any issue passing stool.

Isn't there is still the concern as to what the dark spot on the x-ray is looking like now?

If the glands are fine, then perhaps I am just worrying too much. He is eating and drinking and peeing and pooping. Now that I have a better understanding of the glands and wax being expressed during urination, then it seems he is pretty normal for a 14 year old blind squirrel.

Yes, I am concerned about the dark spots, did you see the x-ray? I attached it again, just in case. If you can't see it, try using google chrome or I can email it to you off the board if you p.m. me.

But I can't see surgery being an option, no matter what the dark spots are. And to find out what they are a sonogram would probably be needed.

It's looking like I should just nurse the little guy along and stop worrying so much :hug

[Trooper]

If the glands are fine, then perhaps I am just worrying too much. He is eating and drinking and peeing and pooping. Now that I have a better understanding of the glands and wax being expressed during urination, then it seems he is pretty normal for a 14 year old blind squirrel.

Yes, I am concerned about the dark spots, did you see the x-ray? I attached it again, just in case. If you can't see it, try using google chrome or I can email it to you off the board if you p.m. me.

But I can't see surgery being an option, no matter what the dark spots are. And to find out what they are a sonogram would probably be needed.

It's looking like I should just nurse the little guy along and stop worrying so much :hug
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________________
Hi Sqrlnut: is your boy 14 years old???? My, my, my you've got my respect. Way to go!! I am so glad to see they can get to be that age and in good health. In your case, I hear he is blind, an additional kudos.

I work in the medical industry (da Vinci Robotic surgery) and I see x-rays at work right and left. I am no expert by any extend, but if your are referring to the dark spots on the center of the radiograph, resembling circular blobs, those are air pockets or gas in the intestines. Remember that a dark spot or area in a x-ray means the beams have struck the detector (or x-ray film) with greater strength after passing the body, and since air slows the beam the least, the film or detector appear dark (just like any area outside the subject's body).

If on the other hand you were concerned about a tumor or mass in his body, it should appear with a "whiter" coloration in its shape than the rest its surroundings (closer to the white you see on his bones).

Maybe I am missing the point, but my inexperienced knowledge of reading x-rays films says "I don't see anything that looks 'drastically' abnormal". I can however have the film viewed by my colleagues at work and see if they see anything alarming. But a vet that knows the anatomy of squirrels would be your first and best bet to have a certified assessment.

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

Trooper's dad

[SammysMom]

I have read that during mating season, defecating can be more difficult for males. Is it possibly seasonal?

[Diggie's Friend]

Correction from my previous post: MTS dose (1 drop) from ml syringe given every other day for maintenance.

Noted on label: (1 ml 1000 mg. = approximately 40 drops)

[Diggie's Friend]

Trooper wrote:

I work in the medical industry (da Vinci Robotic surgery) and I see x-rays at work right and left. I am no expert by any extend, but if your are referring to the dark spots on the center of the radiograph, resembling circular blobs, those are air pockets or gas in the intestines. Remember that a dark spot or area in a x-ray means the beams have struck the detector (or x-ray film) with greater strength after passing the body, and since air slows the beam the least, the film or detector appear dark (just like any area outside the subject's body).

If on the other hand you were concerned about a tumor or mass in his body, it should appear with a "whiter" coloration in its shape than the rest its surroundings (closer to the white you see on his bones).

In that case this would be very good news it is not indicating a possible cancer.

Strange that the vet would say it was likely a tumor. I read had that dark spots may indicate an infection; good to know it isn't always that either.

Trooper: Sqrlnut wrote that her boy becomes uncomfortable when eating squash. Rather odd reaction, save he is constipated, then causing his bowel to move which can be uncomfortable as most all know when this happens, which resolves constipation.

Any thoughts?

[sqrlnut]

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________________
Hi Sqrlnut: is your boy 14 years old???? My, my, my you've got my respect. Way to go!! I am so glad to see they can get to be that age and in good health. In your case, I hear he is blind, an additional kudos.

I work in the medical industry (da Vinci Robotic surgery) and I see x-rays at work right and left. I am no expert by any extend, but if your are referring to the dark spots on the center of the radiograph, resembling circular blobs, those are air pockets or gas in the intestines. Remember that a dark spot or area in a x-ray means the beams have struck the detector (or x-ray film) with greater strength after passing the body, and since air slows the beam the least, the film or detector appear dark (just like any area outside the subject's body).

If on the other hand you were concerned about a tumor or mass in his body, it should appear with a "whiter" coloration in its shape than the rest its surroundings (closer to the white you see on his bones).

Maybe I am missing the point, but my inexperienced knowledge of reading x-rays films says "I don't see anything that looks 'drastically' abnormal". I can however have the film viewed by my colleagues at work and see if they see anything alarming. But a vet that knows the anatomy of squirrels would be your first and best bet to have a certified assessment.

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

Trooper's dad

Oh, yes, he is about 14 by now. He is blind from cataracts coming on the last year or so. He's just about as sweet as can be.

Air pockets does make sense. But he does have a lump in his abdomen that we can feel. It's near his bladder and the Dr. said that's what the dark spots are, however, it doesn't seem to match what we feel. And like you said, it should show up whiter rather than darker. The lump does not seem to bother him in any way at all. And though I thought is was getting bigger, I can say it really isn't. Since it appears to be near his bladder, that is why we thought he was having trouble peeing and perhaps had a UTI. I did the Sulfatrim for two weeks and it helped a lot. I believe the Dr. said Sulfatrim doesn't kill the bacteria but rather keeps it from growing till what is there dies off.

I can massage him up and down and all over and he shows absolutely no signs of pain. He doesn't wince or react no matter what I do to him. He just loves being handled and massaged all over. Especially his 'undercarriage' :grin2

He loves to climb and play all over my lap, arms and shoulders. He loves when I sit with him while he eats his Henry's or snacks on his patio table. He still manages to get himself all around his room and knows what routes to take to get where he wants to go. Honestly, the little guy is amazing.

If his glands are normal and the wax expression through urination is normal and the lump in his belly is not bothering him, and he is eating, drinking and going to the bathroom ok, then I think I'll just love the little guy for the rest of his days.

Thank you so much for all of your help :)

[sqrlnut]

In that case this would be very good news it is not indicating a possible cancer.

Strange that the vet would say it was likely a tumor. I read had that dark spots may indicate an infection; good to know it isn't always that either.

Trooper: Sqrlnut wrote that her boy becomes uncomfortable when eating squash. Rather odd reaction, save he is constipated, then causing his bowel to move which can be uncomfortable as most all know when this happens, which resolves constipation.

Any thoughts?

I've just been giving him all fresh (greens) veggies and fruits, mostly on the list from Henry's website. He eats his Henry's biscuits twice a day and crunches monkey biscuits throughout the day too. And he has been sipping the organic cranberry juice as well. Other than that, I give him a piece of pecan or almond or walnut as a treat here and there. And I've got him back on the PSO.

And don't forget, we can feel a lump in his belly, that's why the vet said a tumor. As I wrote to Trooper, what we feel doesn't seem to match what we see. That is why I was considering an x-ray with sedation. But the lump is not growing from what I've been feeling. Craziest thing!

[JLM27]

Give him some watermelon.

[sqrlnut]

Give him some watermelon.

I usually do, but it's getting mushy this time of year. He likes things fresh and crisp :grin2

[sqrlnut]

It went from 90s and humid to cold and rainy overnight. Taz hunkered down with all fresh stuffins :grin2

[Diggie's Friend]

There is another possible cause for this lump know as bladder 'Diverticulum'. a large balloon-like pouch that is forms from the bladder to the exterior of the normal bladder structure caused by the rupture of diverticula in the bladder due to an infection that is 'common to mammals'. This condition in turn can promote bladder stones. You don't want to use ibuprofen for inflamed diverticula, as this can increase bleeding. This condition is subject to reoccurring infections which may require repeated ABs. Check with your vet on this as a possible cause of the lump.

https://radiopaedia.org/images/2791407 (in human)

https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/urinary/c_ex_rt_urolithiasis

Here is a photo of this in humans; can't presently locate one in rats. The diverticula sometimes are cancerous, but not always.

http://www.netvet.co.uk/rats/urinary-tract-health.htm


Prevention of urinary problems in rats

Prevention is always best done by making sure that the habitat is kept very clean and if a rat has an infection it should be kept away from others. Rats as they grow older often become less able to clean themselves and so elderly male rats should be inspected often to make sure that their penises have not developed a waxy plug which will make passing urine more difficult and bladder distension and possible reflux of urine into the kidney more likely. This can be cleaned away with a dampened cotton bud. Due to other conditions, rats occasionally suffer from diarrhea and if they do, it is important to keep the whole back end clean; if the rat is feeling under the weather with any other condition, the opportunistic bacteria could easily infect the urinary tract and the animal would have few resources with which to fight it off successfully.


http://diverticulitiscuredathome.com/bladder-diverticulitis-treatment/

In humans:


Bladder diverticulitis usually doesn’t need any treatment, unless any problems arise due to the formation of pouches. The treatment can help to resolve the problems like bladder stones, tumors, recurrent infection or reflux that are associated with diverticulitis. The condition can be controlled by managing the symptoms. There may require a long-term medication treatment. In case of recurring infection, antibiotic therapy is recommended. To resolve urinary obstruction, the treatment aims at relief of obstruction and possible removal diverticulum. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the pouches. Both open and laparoscopic options are available for bladder diverticulitis surgery. The surgery may be difficult due to inflammation of chronic infection of diverticula. In patients who cannot undergo an open surgery, the diverticulum should be treated by enlarging its opening into the bladder.

[Diggie's Friend]

Be sure to keep up the support of the pre-probiotics with Pet Flora by "Safer Medical", as this is an essential part of a healthy diet.

[sqrlnut]

Be sure to keep up the support of the pre-probiotics with Pet Flora by "Safer Medical", as this is an essential part of a healthy diet.

Yes, I have this for him too. Thank you :Love_Icon

[sqrlnut]

"Prevention of urinary problems in rats

Prevention is always best done by making sure that the habitat is kept very clean and if a rat has an infection it should be kept away from others. Rats as they grow older often become less able to clean themselves and so elderly male rats should be inspected often to make sure that their penises have not developed a waxy plug which will make passing urine more difficult and bladder distension and possible reflux of urine into the kidney more likely. This can be cleaned away with a dampened cotton bud. Due to other conditions, rats occasionally suffer from diarrhea and if they do, it is important to keep the whole back end clean; if the rat is feeling under the weather with any other condition, the opportunistic bacteria could easily infect the urinary tract and the animal would have few resources with which to fight it off successfully."


I will say the little fellow couldn't be more clean. He still cleans his face and paws and fluffs his tail all the time. I check him for wax build up about 100 times a day and wipe him with a warm cloth as needed or not needed because I fuss over him so darn much :gigg I keep his stuffins changed every other day or so and love on him every extra second I have :glomp

He sips organic cranberry juice as well.

[Trooper]

Hi Sqrlnut;

I quickly read all the posts, and let me clarify a few things about the lump you feel on Taz. My Trooper has two "fatty tumors" under his right chest, just above his diaphragm that show and feel like a big blob of fleshy tissue but it is not hard when you press with two fingertips (this is one of the test my vet taught me to assess if it could be malignant, in which case it should feel hard like a fresh snow pea). Also is you press on it as noted above and the squirrel shows any sign of pain, it too would be reason for concern, as malignant tumors hurt a bit when pressed.

As far as what I read from your vet indicating that the round blobs on the x-rays could be tumors, if I read the post right, I think he/she is misinformed on squirrel anatomy. Attached are two old squirrel anatomy dissection diagrams. One for ground female and the other for tree male squirrels. Both subspecies show the bladder at the end of the body, almost near the anus (one marked "Urinary Bladder' and the other "bl".

The supposed tumors or lumps referred to in the x-rays are in front of Taz testicles and in the mesentery liver-stomach area, so they could not be a bladder tumor/mass. Also as I noted, masses or higher densities formations should register on an X-ray as a whiter coloration not almost black. Sorry if I seem insistent, but knowledge is power and I hate you worrying for the wrong reasons.

Trooper's dad

[sqrlnut]

Hi Sqrlnut;

I quickly read all the posts, and let me clarify a few things about the lump you feel on Taz. My Trooper has two "fatty tumors" under his right chest, just above his diaphragm that show and feel like a big blob of fleshy tissue but it is not hard when you press with two fingertips (this is one of the test my vet taught me to assess if it could be malignant, in which case it should feel hard like a fresh snow pea). Also is you press on it as noted above and the squirrel shows any sign of pain, it too would be reason for concern, as malignant tumors hurt a bit when pressed.

As far as what I read from your vet indicating that the round blobs on the x-rays could be tumors, if I read the post right, I think he/she is misinformed on squirrel anatomy. Attached are two old squirrel anatomy dissection diagrams. One for ground female and the other for tree male squirrels. Both subspecies show the bladder at the end of the body, almost near the anus (one marked "Urinary Bladder' and the other "bl".

The supposed tumors or lumps referred to in the x-rays are in front of Taz testicles and in the mesentery liver-stomach area, so they could not be a bladder tumor/mass. Also as I noted, masses or higher densities formations should register on an X-ray as a whiter coloration not almost black. Sorry if I seem insistent, but knowledge is power and I hate you worrying for the wrong reasons.

Trooper's dad

Hi Trooper's Dad!

Wow, that's interesting where the bladder is in a squirrel, I'll save those pics to share.

We played so much tonight, he was in super good spirits and had a blast climbing my shoulders and sitting on my lap doing sniffy sniffers. Taking off and doing laps around his room and finding his way back to me. Lots of full body massages, hugs and kisses. And like I say, he shows absolutely no signs of pain no matter what I do to him. I massage his font legs and paws, back legs and feet, back, chin, ears and undercarriage. He loves it all! I'm working in all his supplements and he is eating good.

I would have to say the lump in his abdomen is not hard, firm perhaps, but not hard. I don't like to disturb it, though it certainly doesn't seem to bother him.

Hope Trooper is well! Give him a scritchie from us!

[sqrlnut]

Just a quick note to say hi! Been busy and spending so much time with Taz. He is doing good, eating, drinking, peeing, pooping and playing very well. He is my Heart :Love_Icon

[Sottinger]

Adorable 😍

[sqrlnut]

Pwease turn off dee bacuum kweaner, mees twyin to go night night! Fank youse!

[HRT4SQRLS]

I was thinking about you today Taz. Happy to hear you're doing well.
Now if they would stop with the noise. :grin2

[dr3am]

I am in love with Taz!

I had a love like yours for 10 years and miss him every single day! You are so blessed :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[sqrlnut]

I am in love with Taz!

I had a love like yours for 10 years and miss him every single day! You are so blessed :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

Thank you. So many people don't get it because they have never had a squirrel. It is a love like no other as you well know :hug :Love_Icon

[sqrlnut]

I was thinking about you today Taz. Happy to hear you're doing well.
Now if they would stop with the noise. :grin2

He is a trip. I'm off work till next week. He was up early just scooting all around his room. He ate well and I gave him lots of scritchies. He is napping till probably 2 or so, as that seems to be his schedule :gigg

[sqrlnut]

To all my friends who post on here,
To me you are so very dear,
So I'm popping in to say,
Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Love,
Taz :)

[CritterMom]

Oh, Taz, Happy Thanksgiving! You look like a million bucks!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Glad to hear that you're doing well Taz.
I worry when I don't hear from you. :tilt

Hope you and mom had a blessed day. :Love_Icon

[JLM27]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[island rehabber]

Hope your day was as wonderful as that pic of you above! :Love_Icon

[sqrlnut]

Hi Everybuddies! Me squirrel lady got meez a comb from dee drug store! I LOVE IT!

ps - My brother said I was nuts for "playing barber shop" with Tazzy :grin2

[sqrlnut]

Greetings Everybuddies! I hope everyone is having a Great Holiday Season with your family and fuzz-butts :Love_Icon

Just wanted to post some pics of Tazzy over the last several days/week or so. He is doing excellent and I am thankful he is doing so well. He is a total Love and I've been spending sooooooooooo much time with him. Taz is a gentle soul that just wants to know he is loved, and he is! Oh, and he LOVES his hair combed! He will sit as long as I am running the comb over him :grin2

Here he is eating his "brecky." His appetite is very good and his bathroom habits are normal. Not too many issues with the wax, though I do catch him from time to time doing "boy stuff." Otherwise he is a happy, healthy, lovable little guy.

[sqrlnut]

He still climbs up his ramp to the door shelf to get my attention when I am in the kitchen. He knows his limits and how to get back down. He doesn't seem to have any issues with balance, strength or agility. He is just cautious in what the attempts to make sure he can do it :dance

[sqrlnut]

As you can see, he does eat very well :gigg

[sqrlnut]

For some reason, he decided to shred his nesty box. In all the years I've had him, he has only shredded one or two other times. Shirl was the shredder, I called her Sherry Shredder, she shredded so much. But not Taz. However, the other day he began shredding and ended up with what looks to me like Mickey Mouse, I thought maybe he wanted to go to Disney :grin2

[sqrlnut]

And finally, what squirrel doesn't love a good ear scritchie at bedtime :serene

[CritterMom]

Oh Taz, you little cutie! I see you have a toupee on - no, no, it looks real, honest!

[JLM27]

Pretty Taz! Happy New Year!

[HRT4SQRLS]

And here I thought you were going for the bad boy look sporting your little Mohawk. :grin2 Taz you are just a doll.

Tell mom you were just putting AC ducts in the box. It really does look like Micky Mouse. :thumbsup Maybe mom can get some branches for you to chew.

[sqrlnut]

And here I thought you were going for the bad boy look sporting your little Mohawk. :grin2 Taz you are just a doll.

Tell mom you were just putting AC ducts in the box. It really does look like Micky Mouse. :thumbsup Maybe mom can get some branches for you to chew.

AC ducts for sure, I think I had it too warm in his room. The squirrel room is an addition on my house and it can get chilly in there. I think I had the heat up too much as it was pretty toasty in there for a few days. I've since adjusted the heat to take the chill off but not be so toasty :great

Taz is such a sweet little guy. I think mostly because he is blind and can be dependent on me for comfort and snuggles. Either way, Im all in for him. He is my life :grin2

[sqrlnut]

Much Love and Happiness to Everybuddies in 2019!!!!!