Rehabbed squirrel came home with head tilt, loss of balance, etc. Please help

[Bubsy]

Hello! We rescued an Eastern Gray Squirrel last Spring...Bubsy ❤️ We instantly fell in love. He is our angel and a part of our family.

Bubs has been coming back weekly for a treat ever since he went ‘wild’ (walnuts are his favorite!). It’s been such a joy to watch him grow and thrive in his natural environment!

About two weeks ago I noticed that when eating he would stand tall, look up, and tilt his head to the left... sometimes staring into space before regaining his balance.

On Friday he stumbled when running down our porch stairs. My heart sank! On Saturday he willing went back into his old setup (stainless steel cage with a wooden squirrel house). It’s like he knows he will be protected, cared for and loved here!

I currently volunteer at a local bird shelter and have access to an avian vet (she has not treated squirrels before). She recommended Piperazine to deworm. I’ve also been using food grade diatomaceous earth to get rid of any mites and/or fleas.

Bubsy is drinking and eating. He’s active around the cage, but his balance is definitely off, especially when he’s eating.

It breaks our hearts to see him like this! I called local animal control and there have been zero cases of raccoon roundworm in our area and surrounding areas. There are no bite marks, no lesions, no scabs, and no rash. However, he is missing a patch of hair under his left eye and under his left armpit. The exposed skin looks healthy (it’s not even red).

I am aware this could be a million different things. The best case scenario would be an ear infection. We are willing to do anything at this point to help our little guy!!

ANY & ALL ADVICE WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED!! THANK YOU ❤️

(I do have a video but I’m having trouble uploading it. Here is a picture taken yesterday. Isn’t he darling?!?!)

[TubeDriver]

He is very cute and it is touching that he came back to his release cage to be safe and to get some help from you.:great

I will just throw out a few things that you might consider:

1)These symptoms could be from a head injury (fall). He might just improve with time. Lots of folks here have had success treating TBI with pred (even though this is not recommended in humans anymore).

2)The Piperazine should allow elimination of any ascaris worms in the GI tract but I am not sure it would have any effect on worms that had migrated to the brain? But certainly worth a try. I would collect and inspect his poops for any dead worms, eggs etc. If there is any question, having your vet perform fecal test.

3)Can you examine his ears for any discharge or unusual smell?

Is he stable, getting worse or improving at all? Hopefully, others here might have some ideas as well.

[Bubsy]

Thanks for the quick response!

1)TBI with prednisone?
Is there an exact dosage that’s best for a 1lb male?

2)I’m not seeing any worms or eggs in his fecal matter. His droppings fall to a tray located under the grate on the bottom of his cage. But, they are so small I wasn’t aware worms and eggs would be visible.

3)His ears both look the same - dark pink, with no discharge. I can’t smell anything - I’m probably not getting close enough to be able to, though

Bubs seems to stable. He’s not getting better, but doesn’t seem to be getting worse. He still losses his balance and tilts his head to the left a lot.

I’ve been researching like crazy the past few days, desperate to find help and am having trouble coming across a similar case to ours. There is a lot about this “Raccoon Roundworm.” I did come across something on this site that I’ll have to find again.

Is there any way we can find anything more specific out through bloodwork (and/or fecal)?

I’m willing to try anything to get Bubsy back on his feet and healthy again!! ❤️❤️❤️

I have an 11sec video of Bubs eating, too but am having trouble uploading it :/

[redwuff]

Raccoon roundworm is very deadly. Pretty quickly also. The fact that he hS not gotten worse is a positive. Tubedriver had an excellent writeup.

Your boy is darling!

[Mel1959]

Videos have to be uploaded to you tube or another site like it and the link posted on your thread. Do you have access to prednisone or dexamethasone? Someone on here can help you dose it if you do and can post the strength of the medicine.

I had a release that suffered head trauma and a long course of prednisone made a huge difference. I hope your boy gets better quickly.

[Bubsy]

Thank you! He’s my first experience with a squirrel and I was hooked instantly!

Bubsy has been like this for at least two weeks *that we noticed* ... we got him secure about four days ago and I first noticed the head tilt and balance issues about ten days before that. It doesn’t seem to be getting worse or better at this moment. However, I’m sure neurological problems take time - if that’s his condition.

I’ve read a ton of different articles on raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis). Some made me think every squirrel out there has it, while others said it wasn’t common, etc.

Assuming the worst, I was terrified that this is what he has. I wasn’t aware it how quickly the disease would kill :(

Does anyone have any recommendations on what medication (and proper dosage for 1lb) I could try? Prednisone?

I truly appreciate your insight!!

[Bubsy]

*** YES, I can have access to both prednisone and/or dexamethasone ***

I volunteer at a bird rescue so we actually have medication for tiny little finches all the way up to large hyacinth macaws. The weight of a squirrel fits right in :)

Ideas on administering the drug(s), too would be great! Bubsy is sooo picky when it comes to food. He doesn’t like peanut butter or honey. He flipped the water over (with the dewormer) multiple times whilst simultaneously giving me the stink eye, lol. His little antics make me just love him more!! But, of course, I also want him to get better.

You all are wonderful!!

[Bubsy]

Here’s a video of Bubsy from yesterday. Today he was the same. He tilts to the left, back a little, then straightens out. It’s mostly evident when he’s eating.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_Roe57O88Lk

[TubeDriver]

I can help with dosing pred but I need 1) the strength/type of prednisone (pill or liquid and amount/strength), 2) how much you have and 3) an exact weight would be good. I can dose him at 1lb (454g) which would be ball park right but a real weight would be better.

As far as raccoon worms are concerned, what can happen is that if they get in a human or squirrel host, they can't complete their lifecycle. So the larvae burrow around into organs, in some cases the brain. They sort of die and become encysted (encased) and our immune system attacks them as invaders which causes inflammation and surrounding tissue damage. The Piperazine will kill/paralyze any remaining worms so they can be excreted and preventing this process from continuing any further. I am not convinced he has round worms but it will not harm him to treat for them.:great

He seems a little off in that video but certainly not severely compromised, I hope be will get better with time (and maybe a pred trial).

[HRT4SQRLS]

Wow, that is a great video. :grin2 Bubsy is really enjoying his food.

Hey, I’d like for you to check something. Check his teeth and the roof of his mouth. I have seen a squirrel lean backwards to eat when their lower incisors were overgrown. The overgrown bottom incisors would hit the roof of the mouth when they ate so they would lean backwards. Sometimes overgrown incisors will puncture the palate.

This might not be the problem at all but you want to rule it out. The fact that you notice the problem more when he is eating is suspicious for a tooth issue.

[Bubsy]

Sounds like a good start! I will be in touch with the vet tomorrow about Prednisone AND I will also check his teeth :grin3
What do you think is easier to administer- pills or liquid? I should have access to both.
I do have a weight machine (in grams), too. I think I can get a semi-accurate or accurate weight depending on how long I can get Bubsy to stay still.

[HRT4SQRLS]

We always give meds in a liquid form. We compound the pills to make a liquid. With the weight of Bubsy and the mg of the pill we are able to accurately dose meds.

We usually have access to pills but a liquid can be diluted as well.

Earlier you asked how we give meds. We dose so that the volume is low. The appropriate dose is pulled up in a 1cc syringe and it is blasted in the corner of their mouth. It’s over before they know it. If the taste of the med is bland they don’t fight you BUT if it’s nasty they will fight you on subsequent doses.

[Bubsy]

Good morning,

It seems as Bubsy has taken a turn for the worse overnight.

He’s really, really wobbly - tilting not only on the left, but also to the right side as well (and falling backwards).

When Bubs was eating breakfast he had to lean on something to stay balanced.

My heart is breaking. I am still willing to get the liquid pred if anyone thinks it will help.

As difficult as it is I do believe that there is no greater gift than for a pet parent to ensure that their baby’s last days are comfortable.

Does anyone have any suggestions in case Bubsy’s suffering gets out of control? If I can’t help or slow his illness I want to ensure a peaceful end-of-life experience. We are all devastated over here... writing this makes it really real

[redwuff]

So sorry to hear this. I had a transient squirrel come through my yard a while back. He would sit on his hind legs and eat. While eating he would gradually fall backwards, not fighting while he felltill he met the ground. Have you seen Bubsy do this. In the video he looked really bright eyed, does he still today? I don’t know what was wrong with that squirrel in my yard, but I will search other rehabbers to see if they have a clue.

[redwuff]

Good morning,

It seems as Bubsy has taken a turn for the worse overnight.

He’s really, really wobbly - tilting not only on the left, but also to the right side as well (and falling backwards).

When Bubs was eating breakfast he had to lean on something to stay balanced.

My heart is breaking. I am still willing to get the liquid pred if anyone thinks it will help.

As difficult as it is I do believe that there is no greater gift than for a pet parent to ensure that their baby’s last days are comfortable.

Does anyone have any suggestions in case Bubsy’s suffering gets out of control? If I can’t help or slow his illness I want to ensure a peaceful end-of-life experience. We are all devastated over here... writing this makes it really real

Most vets will do a humane euthanasia for wildlife. So hard to think about this...

[Bubsy]

Thank you, redwuff.
He WAS bright eyed yesterday and he’s still active today. Just really, really off balance. My husband and I both left in tears today. It was just difficult to see the change. Maybe he will stabilize. Oh I hope so!!
I’ve contacted the vet this morning for prednisone.
I also have another video, but I need to wait until my step daughter is home from school so she can put it on YouTube.
I really appreciate the support from TSB! Not many people that I know understand our love for Bubsy ♥️

[missPixy]

couple of things:

1) have you been able to check out his dental situation?

2) have we completely ruled out ear infection?

the fact that he's still wanting to eat makes me not believe it's yet time for euthanasia~~ he clearly still wants to live.

is he dehydrated?

[Bubsy]

☑️Ears look clean
☑️Teeth look normal (not overgrown)
☑️He’s drinking water consistently... not too much & not too little. I’m home most of the time so I’m able to monitor him.
☑️He’s eating well, too

My plan is to try everything I can and hopefully not euthanize ♥️

I’m waiting on the vet for the prednisone. Any additional advice is much appreciated!!

[TubeDriver]

This is just my opinion, but there is NO way I would euthanize that squirrel with those mild balance issue symptoms. He might be able to make it out there even with some slight deficits and as long as he gets no worse, even a slight improvement would probably be enough IMHO. Give him more time to heal and to adapt and lets see how he responds to treatment. Remember, some head trauma due to a fall is probably more likely than Baylis Ascaris.



☑️Ears look clean
☑️Teeth look normal (not overgrown)
☑️He’s drinking water consistently... not too much & not too little. I’m home most of the time so I’m able to monitor him.
☑️He’s eating well, too

My plan is to try everything I can and hopefully not euthanize ♥️

I’m waiting on the vet for the prednisone. Any additional advice is much appreciated!!

[Trooper]

Although the paper I attached here is 6 years old since it was issued, it comes full of correct information about Baylisascariasis procyonis 'round worm' or 'raccoon round worm' disease.

I researched this parasite for two reasons:

First, I get daily visits 24/7 and 365 days of the year from raccoons singletons, elderly and complete families. Luckily they have not made any parts of my property their latrine, which is where this disease really starts full force.

Second, I have had 4 wild squirrels which we called "Neuros" in the beginning, because we thought they had some sort of neurological disorder, injury from fall or fight, etc. The symptoms were all too close to each other to consider falls, as every fall would be different and one would expect different neurological behavior afterwards.

But all my Neuros behaved the same way, running on grass or flat surfaces on a sideways, arched path, similar to a crab walking in the sand sideways; looking up and into sky with wobbly head movements, missing target when jumping or overshooting a destination point when trying to stop. These are the more marked visible behaviors.

Since I called and got assigned a specialist from the CDC (Center for Disease Controls), I received several papers and notices about how to prevent, clean, kill these special roundworms, which apparently not even bleach can do. The recommended CDC method to sanitize a place where there is a raccoon latrine is digging soil 12 inches deep, remove in sealed bags and torch with propane flames the leftover soil to kill any left eggs. There is no chemical disinfectant, sterilizer, oxidizer known to health officials that can kill or dislodge these sticky eggs.

The attached is a very condensed report on baylisascariasis, endorsed by the Center for Food Security & Public Health, the Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics, Iowa State University, OiE and the USDA.

Trooper's dad

[Bubsy]

THANK YOU- you’ve helped me feel much better!!

I work with two vets at the rescue I volunteer at. One wasn’t so compassionate and really gave me no hope - hence the fear. The other vet has been much more responsive AND empathetic. I will be working with only this vet moving forward.

Hopefully I’ll be able to get the prednisone ASAP ♥️

[Bubsy]

The detailed raccoon information is helpful, Trooper. Thank you.

We actually had a random squirrel visit our back porch last month that presented similar behaviors that Bubsy is now demonstrating.

Specifically “looking up and into sky with wobbly head movements.”

We don’t live on a lot of land and there is no raccoon latrine on our property. But, we do live across the street from vacant, overgrown tree filled land. And, skunks and raccoons occasionally come through our property at night (they scavenge the bird/squirrel leftovers). Our dog vigorously lets us know when anything is passing through.

These roundworms sound like a nightmare!!

[Bubsy]

Ok, I just picked up the meds for Bubs!

PREDNISONE 5MG/5ML SOLN

Let’s say 1lb for now. I’m hoping to get an exact weight soon.

I’ll attach an image, too

[TubeDriver]

Can you tell us how much of the solution there is? Try to get an exact weight tomorrow and I will send dosing. :great

Bubs is lucky to have you in his corner!:clap



Ok, I just picked up the meds for Bubs!

PREDNISONE 5MG/5ML SOLN

Let’s say 1lb for now. I’m hoping to get an exact weight soon.

I’ll attach an image, too

[Bubsy]

Looks like 32ML full ...
I’m the lucky one ♥️
I’ll do my best to get a weight

[Bubsy]

Got Bubsy’s weight! It is between 567-572 grams (movement). Take in to account the bag weighed in at 5 grams before he stepped on the scale and he’s holding a small piece of apple.
***I also dissolved about 200 grams of Vit C in a liter of his drinking water. I read that might be helpful?
THX AGAIN FOR THE HELP!!

[TubeDriver]

Great will send PM shortly.



Got Bubsy’s weight! It is between 567-572 grams (movement). Take in to account the bag weighed in at 5 grams before he stepped on the scale and he’s holding a small piece of apple.
THX AGAIN FOR THE HELP!!

[TubeDriver]

Dosing directions sent, there should not be any issues with Piperazine and prednisone together. Let us know how things are going with him as he gets through his trial of prednisone.:great

[Bubsy]

Bubsy had his final dose of prednisone yesterday morning 😃 I was successfully able to administer the medication first thing in the morning - when he was most hungry.

I also put a drop of apple cider vinegar in his water every day.

HEALTH UPDATE & QUESTIONS...

I was originally under the impression that Bubs had not gotten any worse, but better even. His balance issues, however, still present. Some days are worse than others. Today - 24hrs after his last dose of Pred - he was especially wobbly and falling off of perches, etc. The worst I’ve seen him since he came home presenting neurological difficulties.

*I am assuming that inconsistency is common with Neuro Squirrels (some good days mixed, with some bad days)? Is this assumption correct?

*As Bubs is still presenting symptoms, what is suggested moving forward regarding the best care for my little prince? I’m concerned because, again, sometimes he does fall and/or seems to struggle on occasion jumping/moving from the top of his house to a perch, for ex.

THANK YOU!! TSB was a tremendous help in getting him this far. In fact, I think you all really played a huge role in saving Bubsy’s life and I can’t thank you enough!!

[Mel1959]

How long was the course of prednisone?

[TubeDriver]

I am going to move this thread into your original thread so there is continuity and for background info.

[Bubsy]

22 days of Pred:
8 days, full dose - every day
8 days, full dose - every other day
6 days, 1/2 dose - every other day

[Bubsy]

Also - to note...

Bubs is still living outside. He’s in a stainless steel cage that is 4ftx3ft. He’s located on our porch right in front of a window. He also has a wooden box - hanging about a foot from the top of the cage - where he naps and sleeps (found EGS home dimensions online).

I remove any remaining food out every night as to prevent the brazen raccoons from visiting. The cage is very secure, but the raccoons scare him :/

I’ve kept Bubsy outdoors in hopes to rerelease him one day. But, his head tilt is still consistently present. I just want him to be happy.

Any recommendations on cage, living outdoors vs indoors... maybe it’s too soon to determine??

(BTW - I do have a 5lb dog that has spent the last 4 weeks staring at Bubs, LOL. Sometimes they stare at each other through the window)

[TubeDriver]

I would give him more time, see how he does after he has been off the pred for a while. Head injuries can take a considerable amount of time to recover from.

Enrich his cage environment with perches so that he can jump and regain skills.

Definitely keep your dog and Bubsy apart, that is critical!

It is good that he is afraid of the raccoons, they will happily rip Bubsy's head off..... just for the fun of it! Make sure that cage is 100% raccoon proof, raccoon are very clever.

I think you have done a great job, now a little time is needed to see how his recovery goes. He may not ever be at 100% but hopefully he will recover enough that he can get back out there in time.:great


Also - to note...

Bubs is still living outside. He’s in a stainless steel cage that is 4ftx3ft. He’s located on our porch right in front of a window. He also has a wooden box - hanging about a foot from the top of the cage - where he naps and sleeps (found EGS home dimensions online).

I remove any remaining food out every night as to prevent the brazen raccoons from visiting. The cage is very secure, but the raccoons scare him :/

I’ve kept Bubsy outdoors in hopes to rerelease him one day. But, his head tilt is still consistently present. I just want him to be happy.

Any recommendations on cage, living outdoors vs indoors... maybe it’s too soon to determine??

(BTW - I do have a 5lb dog that has spent the last 4 weeks staring at Bubs, LOL. Sometimes they stare at each other through the window)

[Bubsy]

Sounds like a great plan! Thank you!!

My little pup just looks at Bubs through the window.

Cage is solid and cage doors are triple locked at night. A top lock, a hatch on the side, plus a carabiner for extra safety. It’s a lot but I don’t trust those raccoons.

His house has a small entrance hole, too. He’s protected and snug as a bug :)

Bubs doesn’t spend a lot of time on his perches *yet* ... he is most active when he runs around the bottom of his cage. He also chews on wooden blocks, etc.

[Mel1959]

If you continue to see a decline while off the prednisone then you might want to begin it again. I had a released squirrel take a fall and have head trauma. She had a head tilt and wobbled. The vet prescribed prednisone, but also gave a shot of dexamethasone and hypertonic saline. At the end of the daily dosing I was told by the vet that if I was seeing improvement to continue the daily dosing instead of beginning the weaning off process, so I did. She ended up being dosed daily for at least 3 weeks and then I tapered off over the course of about two more weeks. She made a complete recovery.

After her fall I brought her into the house and began handling her again because i didn’t want her to become wild if she was going to be non releasable. She initially took her fall around the beginning of August 2017. I kept her inside until April of the following year. She still lives in a nest box in our side yard and has had two litters of babies. :serene

[Bubsy]

Mel1959 this is an incredible story!! It’s amazing that she made a full recovery. What a blessing to watch two litters as well!! How absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

I am definitely continuing to see a decline in Bubsy. No question about it.

It’s heartbreaking to watch him climb down the side of his cage and flip off backwards or sideways, trying to straighten himself.

His head is tilted and he even falls when he’s grooming himself.

He always greets me when I visit his cage and I can tell he doesn’t like it when I have to leave. He hops on the side of the cage and watches me go. He’s such a sweetheart.

Bubsy also seems to really enjoy head scratches - sometimes he’ll press his head against the cage bars to get an even closer scratch. It’s so endearing! It’s like when he was a baby before his release.

TubeDriver - what do you think about continuing the prednisone - daily - again? 1/2 dose or full? OR should I wait a bit longer?

Thank you again!!

[Mel1959]

Nancy in New York has had great results with combining Gabapentin along with the prednisone. Just a suggestion if you can get or have Gabapentin. If not, I have a 100mg capsule I can send you.

I will refer back to Tubedriver since he originally helped you, for his input.

[Bubsy]

Mel1959 Thank you!
I actually have a few 100mg capsules of Gabapentin!! I take it - it works well for nerve related stuff. I’ll see what TubeDriver suggest and go from there 🙏🏻🤞🏻

[TubeDriver]

Mels suggestion is a good one. The one question is whether to go directly into trying the Gabapentin (or Gabapentin/pred combo) immediately, or wait a bit before trying it?

The advantage to starting ASAP is continuity of care for nerve/trauma issues. The disadvantage is not having a real baseline, I would like to see how his level of impairment/overall functioning is after this last trial (two separate pred trials so far)? Without a current baseline, we really don't know how he truly is?

If he seems stable or slightly improved, I might hold off. If he suffers a setback off the pred, I would definitely consider starting GP and or pred again. No right or wrong here, just two options to consider.:great



Mel1959 Thank you!
I actually have a few 100mg capsules of Gabapentin!! I take it - it works well for nerve related stuff. I’ll see what TubeDriver suggest and go from there 🙏🏻🤞🏻

[Sqwirl]

You can also try supplementing with Acetyl L Carnitine. It is GRAS and is sold as a supplement at most places where vitamins and supplements are available. It's shown excellent results for treating rodents with spinal injuries and TBI, but the results in humans are less dramatic. The dose that I have seen used in research is at least 50 mg/kg, but that is high enough to cause digestive problems, so watch out for that and reduce dosage if you see anything going wrong in that department.

[Bubsy]

I was able to compile footage of Bubsy demonstrating a variety of different symptoms throughout the day. The clip is about 2 min. long (the last secs are head scratches to end on a positive note). Everything on this video is from today (beginning from morning & ending early evening).

I did see real progress at the start & throughout the duration of Pred. so I’m very hopeful that this is not a parasite taking control, but a neurological problem that has the potential to get better.

Is this video a good baseline? I’m happy to do anything needed. Does Bubs present like other neuro squirrels?

I appreciate so much everyone taking the time to give advice & watch Bubsy’s symptoms!!

BUBSY SYMPTOMS 5/5/19 : VIDEO LINK

https://youtu.be/itMb4ZKhikg

***Just to note: 90% of the time his head is tilted to the left

[Sqwirl]

Did you exclude an inner ear infection and ear mites? I adopted a dog who came with ear mites, and shortly after I got him he developed similar symptoms. The mites had been biting on him long enough to cause inflammation that went into his semi-circular canals (which control our balance) and that caused an infection in his inner ear and semi-circular canals.

He was an old dog, so the vet basically said to euthanize him, but I insisted that they check his ears before I would agree. His symptoms were similar but a good deal more severe than what I am seeing here. They also developed very suddenly, like literally overnight. I was right about my guess, and he was treated with prednisone, antibiotics, ear rinsing and a long term treatment with revolution. Ear mites are notoriously difficult to get rid of even with revolution. He is fine now, and just turned 19, if you can believe that. He had 4 more years of great health in him and only recently started declining.

Do consider supplementing with ALCAR, like I was suggesting. There is around 20 years of lab experiments showing excellent results in treating rabbits, rats and mice for spinal and neural injuries. It would almost certainly work as well for squirrels.

[TubeDriver]

If this is his standard behavior off all meds, than yes, this can be considered baseline. If you saw significant improvement while on pred (both times) but a worsening after stoping the pred, then I would consider a lower strength, longer term dose (~ month duration).

Treating with Revolution (a single drop orally of Kitten Revolution) is also a worth a shot.

Bubsy has not had a seizure as far as you know?





I was able to compile footage of Bubsy demonstrating a variety of different symptoms throughout the day. The clip is about 2 min. long (the last secs are head scratches to end on a positive note). Everything on this video is from today (beginning from morning & ending early evening).

I did see real progress at the start & throughout the duration of Pred. so I’m very hopeful that this is not a parasite taking control, but a neurological problem that has the potential to get better.

Is this video a good baseline? I’m happy to do anything needed. Does Bubs present like other neuro squirrels?

I appreciate so much everyone taking the time to give advice & watch Bubsy’s symptoms!!

BUBSY SYMPTOMS 5/5/19 : VIDEO LINK

https://youtu.be/itMb4ZKhikg

***Just to note: 90% of the time his head is tilted to the left

[Bubsy]

Sqwirl what a wonderful story about your dog! 19 years is incredible & such a blessing ❤️

Bubsy’s ears look okay, no redness or inflammation that I can see.

Bubsy came back to us on April 6th, looking as he does in the current video...

✔️He was treated with Diatomaceous Earth for 7-10 days orally & topically (dry) upon arrival for mites, fleas, parasites, & ticks.
✔️He was on Piperazine from April 6th-April 10th to treat potential worms.
✔️He had only one round of Prednisone April 11th-May2nd.
✔️I also give him a drop of apple cider vinegar every day (as a natural antibiotic).

I never saw Bubs have a seizure. I watch him quite often, but of course not 24/7.

I DEF saw significant improvement the one time Bubsy was on Pred. I’m sure I can get more prednisone if needed. I can also stop at a pet store to grab Kitten Revolution today (if I can find it locally) if you think that might help?

I currently have in house:
✔️Piperazine - plenty
✔️Prednisone - 20 ML
✔️Gabapentin - 100mg *human* capsules)...

[Mel1959]

I watched the video. My girl never did circles, but that’s a classic neuro issue. She did the head tilt, head bob and had nystagmus. Tubedriver, do you think a combination of prednisone and Gabapentin would be worthwhile, since she has it?

Is this the cage Bubsy is currently in and the current set up of it? If so, I think you should pad the bottom of the cage and cover up those pieces of wood with the padding. In his unstable condition you don’t want him falling on anything that could cause further trauma.

[TubeDriver]

He has already been treated with the Piperazine right? If so, probably no need to repeat that again. Unless your vet thinks a second trial might be needed?

Revolution will kill off most ear mites, ticks, fleas so it is probably worth it to give him.

I think it is probably worth a shot trying a longer trial of pred since he seemed to do so well on it. We can help you with dosing, but need to make sure you will have enough for the a longer trial and the taper at the end.


He certainly moves quickly and seems otherwise healthy. The head tilt, circling and balance issues are a concern and I think you are right to keep him safe in a cage for now. I would want to see at least a 50%+ reduction in these symptoms before considering releasing him IMHO.



Sqwirl what a wonderful story about your dog! 19 years is incredible & such a blessing ❤️

Bubsy’s ears look okay, no redness or inflammation that I can see.

Bubsy came back to us on April 6th, looking as he does in the current video...

✔️He was treated with Diatomaceous Earth for 7-10 days orally & topically (dry) upon arrival for mites, fleas, parasites, & ticks.
✔️He was on Piperazine from April 6th-April 10th to treat potential worms.
✔️He had only one round of Prednisone April 11th-May2nd.
✔️I also give him a drop of apple cider vinegar every day (as a natural antibiotic).

I never saw Bubs have a seizure. I watch him quite often, but of course not 24/7.

I DEF saw significant improvement the one time Bubsy was on Pred. I’m sure I can get more prednisone if needed. I can also stop at a pet store to grab Kitten Revolution today (if I can find it locally) if you think that might help?

I currently have in house:
✔️Piperazine - plenty
✔️Prednisone - 20 ML
✔️Gabapentin - 100mg *human* capsules)...

[Bubsy]

Yes, he’s been treated with Piperazine - so I think we’re set there.

I have 20 ml of prednisone left and can get more. Bubsy was at 0.9 full dose and 0.45 taper dose.

✔️How much should I have the vet prescribe (with extra to be safe)?

✔️How much Gab and how should I use the 100mg capsule?

I’m ‘softening’ his cage today (getting some excellent ideas from other threads, too).

Thank you!!

[TubeDriver]

For a 30 day + taper pred, you will want ~45ml of pred at 1mg/ml strength. Get 50ml to be sure. I will PM you further info.

I will have to get back to you with the Gab dosing, I think it will be around 1mg/kg so 1-2 pills is all you need but I need to double check this with a manual that I have at home.



Yes, he’s been treated with Piperazine - so I think we’re set there.

I have 20 ml of prednisone left and can get more. Bubsy was at 0.9 full dose and 0.45 taper dose.

✔️How much should I have the vet prescribe (with extra to be safe)?

✔️How much Gab and how should I use the 100mg capsule?

I’m ‘softening’ his cage today (getting some excellent ideas from other threads, too).

Thank you!!

[Bubsy]

Script was just called in and I’m working on padding the cage now ❤️

[Sqwirl]

Ear mites leave some black gunk inside the ear canal. This is from their poop and also tiny bits of blood from their bites. The ear will produce extra sebum to try and protect itself, and that is what makes the gunk. Sometimes they cause sores on the outer ear, but not necessarily. My dog did not have any exterior signs at all, for example, and he had a severe case that had been going on for probably years.

I get my revolution from here https://www.canadavet.com/revolution-C90.aspx It's generally more affordable than at the vet, and they don't require a prescription to sell it in Australia, which is where it is mailed from. The dose for a squirrel is literally one big drop, so you don't need much and can get the cheapest and smallest one.

Revolution does kill ear mites, but because they live in cartilage it is not as effective as it is for fleas/ticks/mange mites/etc. I think it is because there are few capillaries in the cartilaginous tissue that makes up the ear. So it takes really months to get rid of ear mites with revolution, if that's what's going on.

Revolution is safe and kills a very broad range of parasites, so there is no risk and some potential benefit to giving it. It is dosed once a month if you plan to/are able to repeat the treatment.

[Bubsy]

Sqwirl - I’m on it. Thank you!! It was difficult to find a place to order from at first because most require a vet id.

As Bubsy was released and living in the wild for about 10months, he doesn’t let me hold him. Therefore, getting a really good look into his ear canal is almost impossible. I’m so happy he lets me scratch his head again!!

I’m going to do everything I am able to help this little guy ❤️

[Bubsy]

TubeDriver- I’m picking up more prednisone today.

Just want to make sure I’m correct:

1.0 ml daily for 30 days?

(He was originally on 0.9 ml)

Then taper...

***GOOD NEWS - Bubs is on a Teklad diet now!!***

[TubeDriver]

Hi, I will send you dosing by PM. Don't start with 1ml, that will be a bit too much. Dosing will be similar to what we did before but longer. The Teklad block is pretty healthy so he is getting all the nutrients he needs. Keep offering fresh veggies daily too!



TubeDriver- I’m picking up more prednisone today.

Just want to make sure I’m correct:

1.0 ml daily for 30 days?

(He was originally on 0.9 ml)

Then taper...

***GOOD NEWS - Bubs is on a Teklad diet now!!***

[Bubsy]

Great! I thought 1.0 ml seemed high and maybe I was confused. I’ll wait to hear from you.

Teklad in morning and veggies in afternoon. It’s working well ❤️

When I received the Teklad ingredients list I was impressed! Bubsy probably has a better diet than I do now 😆

[Diggie's Friend]

Beyond treating with meds, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) in rats treated with vitamin B-12 Methylcobalamin, was found to lend support to lowering pain and promoting healing.

For wild adult squirrels that have not been on a rodent block diet, give two needle-drops from a 1 cc (1 ml) syringe onto soft food, or if the squirrel is able to hold a nut, onto a small piece of walnut, one drop each AM and PM meals.

Once on the rodent block diet reduce to 1 needle drop daily.

https://www.amazon.com/Trace-Minerals-Liquid-Ionic-Supplement/dp/B01MCYXPDB

[Bubsy]

Thank you, Diggie’s friend! I ordered the B12 supplement you recommended and will use it along with the medication.

Is B12 a healthy permanent supplement or to be used only during this time of healing?

[TubeDriver]

Check PMs. :great

[Diggie's Friend]

Do not give it at the same time as you give him meds, wait to give it in between his med doses.

With rodent block diet give 1 needle-drop of the B 12 Ionic with trace minerals on his food daily. Do not use the dropper that comes with the bottle. Make sure not to lay the syringe down, save you place the syringe on a clean paper towel so it doesn't contaminate the needle.

Recommend you do a practice run by drawing up a tiny amount of the B 12 liquid to get the feel for the amount of pressure it takes to push out just one drop. Place the needle over the bottle to put in a few test drops, then put back what is leftover.

[Bubsy]

Regarding B12 - “in between doses” means...

If I give Bubsy prednisone in the morning I can administer the B12 in the afternoon?

Thanks!!

[Diggie's Friend]

Yes, a few hours apart.

[TubeDriver]

Any updates on Bubsy?:dono