Tazzy - Self-mutilation

[sqrlnut]

Taz just started doing this in the past week. He did it last week and it cleared up. Now he did it again today and it's worse than last time.

I have been giving him a warm soak once a week to clean up his fur in his groin area. I fill the bathroom sink with warm water and dip him in up to his belly for a minute or so. No soap or anything and I clean the sink real good and rinse and wipe it out before I fill it up. I've been doing it before he started this self-mutilation thing, but now I'm concerned I'm doing something wrong. Or should I give him another warm soak?

He is fine otherwise, eating well, bathroom habits are fine, alert and oriented and playful. Also, he does express wax, so I don't think he is plugged up.

Is there something I should do to help him with this issue. I don't know why he is doing it :( He's got to be sore, the poor little guy!

[CritterMom]

Is that soreness around his penis? I am having trouble figuring out what I am seeing.

I would wash that area several times a day with a diluted solution of betadyne and water (about 20-25 drops betadyne in 1/4 cup water) to stave off infection. I would also get some silvadene cream for it. The place everyone orders from (it is usually prescription only) is here: https://www.mountainside-medical.com/pages/search-results-page?q=silver+sulfadiazine. All of these are the same med, just different sizes and brands.

If he continues to go after it, he is going to need to be collared to prevent it. The problem is that as the wound heals it itches and they go after it. I have some collar ideas that aren't too intrusive if it comes to that.

[HRT4SQRLS]

You can also put a paste of table sugar on that to shrink the swelling.

[Diggie's Friend]

http://ratguide.com/health/urinary_renal/urolithiasis.php

A diet high in mean urine pH will promote the formation of (calcium phosphate) bladder stones from calcium loss it causes from a diet too high in alkaline urine prompting food sources.

What is noted by Veterinary sources as the cause is bladder stones, which abrade the lining of the bladder. Also possible is diverticulum (large bladder polyp that can take up much space in the lower abdominal cavity. Cancer is also noted to be associated with the symptoms. Abdominal x-ray is recommended, as is changing the diet to lower the mean urine pH that supports the dissolving of the stones promoted by alkaline urine that causes (calcium phosphate) bladder and kidney stones to form

UTIs promote the formation of Struvite stones. Treat for UTI if present, as it often accompanies this condition that if left untreated results in an ascending infection to the kidneys leading to mortality.

To lower the mean urine pH you acidifying the diet, not to promote it being overly acidic, but just slightly acidic, that is the norm for tree squirrels found to be (6.4) in research, with a range of (6.2 and 6.8) for tree squirrels cared for in captivity. This will increase calcium retention and reduce calcium loss, which diets that promote alkaline mean urine pH are known to promote according to veterinary science.

Older squirrels need to be supported with diets that support a higher ratio of calcium to phosphorus (2.6 :1) (Ca:P) than that which is the optimum mean urine pH for juveniles and younger adults squirrels. Raising good fats by adding in healthy seed oils is also recommended to support the urinary tract health of rodents.

(Foods Alive Chia oil - smaller bottle available) (Seed Oil Co. Pumpkin seed oil - smaller bottle available on Amazon.com)

Lowering the phosphorus uptake of the diet can be done by raising calcium using Calcium citrate, either from (Frontier Naturals) or (NOW brand). [I](Should you need help to figure the amount to add if you use the HHB diet you can PM me).

Also needful, is to lower phosphorus intake in the diet by eliminating those foods that does not have a positive in Ca:P ratio from the diet {sweet potatoes, yams, and other tuberous root foods}, that are very high in sugars (baked and raw) which also contribute to higher calcium loss into the urine. Instead, feed plain organic low fat yogurt (no sugars added). Use a source like Green Valley organic Lowfat Lactose free yogurt, not Greek yogurt, that is too high in protein. Do not feed a diet that has more than 14 % protein total including the block, as higher is too hard on older kidneys to handle regulating.

If you are feeding raw greens and vegetables that promote alkaline urine, you need to blanch the baby greens (90 sec.) and boil the stalked and root vegetables before feeding them, as this lowers their pH, which does much to support a healthy diet that doesn't promote bladder and kidney stone formation.

Add Pycnogenol liquid (by Organika), as this source has been found to promote kidney and urinary tract health in rats, and tree squirrels.

https://villagevitaminstore.ca/products/org-liquid-pycnogenol

[sqrlnut]

Is that soreness around his penis? I am having trouble figuring out what I am seeing.

I would wash that area several times a day with a diluted solution of betadyne and water (about 20-25 drops betadyne in 1/4 cup water) to stave off infection. I would also get some silvadene cream for it. The place everyone orders from (it is usually prescription only) is here: https://www.mountainside-medical.com/pages/search-results-page?q=silver+sulfadiazine. All of these are the same med, just different sizes and brands.

If he continues to go after it, he is going to need to be collared to prevent it. The problem is that as the wound heals it itches and they go after it. I have some collar ideas that aren't too intrusive if it comes to that.

Yes that is soreness around his penis. I got betadine and will get him cleaned off. Reading what Diggie wrote, I'll reevaluate his diet again.

[sqrlnut]

http://ratguide.com/health/urinary_renal/urolithiasis.php

A diet high in mean urine pH will promote the formation of (calcium phosphate) bladder stones from calcium loss it causes from a diet too high in alkaline urine prompting food sources.

What is noted by Veterinary sources as the cause is bladder stones, which abrade the lining of the bladder. Also possible is diverticulum (large bladder polyp that can take up much space in the lower abdominal cavity. Cancer is also noted to be associated with the symptoms. Abdominal x-ray is recommended, as is changing the diet to lower the mean urine pH that supports the dissolving of the stones promoted by alkaline urine that causes (calcium phosphate) bladder and kidney stones to form

UTIs promote the formation of Struvite stones. Treat for UTI if present, as it often accompanies this condition that if left untreated results in an ascending infection to the kidneys leading to mortality.

To lower the mean urine pH you acidifying the diet, not to promote it being overly acidic, but just slightly acidic, that is the norm for tree squirrels found to be (6.4) in research, with a range of (6.2 and 6.8) for tree squirrels cared for in captivity. This will increase calcium retention and reduce calcium loss, which diets that promote alkaline mean urine pH are known to promote according to veterinary science.

Older squirrels need to be supported with diets that support a higher ratio of calcium to phosphorus (2.6 :1) (Ca:P) than that which is the optimum mean urine pH for juveniles and younger adults squirrels. Raising good fats by adding in healthy seed oils is also recommended to support the urinary tract health of rodents.

(Foods Alive Chia oil - smaller bottle available) (Seed Oil Co. Pumpkin seed oil - smaller bottle available on Amazon.com)

Lowering the phosphorus uptake of the diet can be done by raising calcium using Calcium citrate, either from (Frontier Naturals) or (NOW brand). [I](Should you need help to figure the amount to add if you use the HHB diet you can PM me).

Also needful, is to lower phosphorus intake in the diet by eliminating those foods that does not have a positive in Ca:P ratio from the diet {sweet potatoes, yams, and other tuberous root foods}, that are very high in sugars (baked and raw) which also contribute to higher calcium loss into the urine. Instead, feed plain organic low fat yogurt (no sugars added). Use a source like Green Valley organic Lowfat Lactose free yogurt, not Greek yogurt, that is too high in protein. Do not feed a diet that has more than 14 % protein total including the block, as higher is too hard on older kidneys to handle regulating.

If you are feeding raw greens and vegetables that promote alkaline urine, you need to blanch the baby greens (90 sec.) and boil the stalked and root vegetables before feeding them, as this lowers their pH, which does much to support a healthy diet that doesn't promote bladder and kidney stone formation.

Add Pycnogenol liquid (by Organika), as this source has been found to promote kidney and urinary tract health in rats, and tree squirrels.

https://villagevitaminstore.ca/products/org-liquid-pycnogenol

Thank you, I do have the oils and calcium citrate powder and all of your measurements for them.

[sqrlnut]

You can also put a paste of table sugar on that to shrink the swelling.

I will try that too. Thank you.

[Diggie's Friend]

Please send me the amount of block you are feeding daily, I may need to adjust the amounts.

[sqrlnut]

Please send me the amount of block you are feeding daily, I may need to adjust the amounts.

He hasn't been eating his Henry's as well the past week or two, but after all is eaten and crumbs are cleaned up, I'd say 1 1/2 Henry's per day. He also eats zupreem monkey biscuits and that's about 2 a day, depending on how much he leaves behind. Other than that, he eats a bit of apple, a 1/2 grape, sometimes some carrot, maybe a blueberry, maybe some spring mix, he picks at all his fruits and veggies in small amounts. And a bit of nut or so with his oils and calcium, but I have been lax on the oils and calcium daily. He does hide monkey biscuits and seems to be crunching on them quite often.

He is quite active, lovable and alert without a doubt. Pretty spry, if you will.

[Diggie's Friend]

Ok, do you have the Calcium citrate from NOW brand or from Frontier Naturals?

Be sure to blanch those greens, otherwise it will continue to support calcium loss and the increase in calcium phosphate bladder crystals.

In the bladder, these crystals/stones aren't not stone-like, but have the form of a mass disassociated very tiny crystals.

Struvite from UTI, that aggregate into a stony mass replete with sharp crystals, are far more of a concern as far as blockage of the urethra. Keep a sharp eye out for him straining to urinate.

[CritterMom]

Why have you been having to wash his groin? Has he been soiling himself?

SOMETHING is causing him to mess with this area. If he has been wetting himself it is possible that there is a UTI brewing in there.

[sqrlnut]

Why have you been having to wash his groin? Has he been soiling himself?

SOMETHING is causing him to mess with this area. If he has been wetting himself it is possible that there is a UTI brewing in there.

We went through the UTI last July, he was on antibiotics for 2 weeks and appeared all clear. It seems he has a wax build up issue at times as well, but he always expresses it. The soiling (the past few weeks) I felt was coming from the wax build up and expressing it while peeing. At 14 years old and blind he is most active when I am with him and usually pees pretty good on my old ratty sweatshirt as well as expresses wax at times.

Trying to get a urine is impossible. I went through that last year as well and the veterinarian finally agreed to give me the antibiotics without a sample. At his age, when it's time to pee, he pees.

I did the sugar paste tonight for about 10 minutes, then rinsed him off really well. I also cleaned him with betadine, then swabbed him off with a clean, damp cotton ball.

He is sleeping in his nesty box now and in hindsight, he may not have been picking himself at all. I'm going to get his diet back on track. Get those oils in daily.

Here he is tonight after I got him all cleaned up. He does very well despite his age and site. He eats Henry's twice a day, about 1 cube each time when all is said and done. He eats monkey biscuits 2 or so a day, most are half eaten out of the 4 or so a day that I give him. He picks at his fruits and veggies, things are crumbled about so it's hard to tell exactly how much of what he eats, but he picks at most everything.

Thank you so much :Love_Icon

He's still damp in the pics, my poor baby.

[sqrlnut]

Ok, do you have the Calcium citrate from NOW brand or from Frontier Naturals?

Be sure to blanch those greens, otherwise it will continue to support calcium loss and the increase in calcium phosphate bladder crystals.

In the bladder, these crystals/stones aren't not stone-like, but have the form of a mass disassociated very tiny crystals.

Struvite from UTI, that aggregate into a stony mass replete with sharp crystals, are far more of a concern as far as blockage of the urethra. Keep a sharp eye out for him straining to urinate.

Swanson calcuim, from the link you sent me last year. I only got him things from the links you sent. I will be watching him close but he doesn't eat much greens at all, even if I blanch them.

[Diggie's Friend]

.
Is so, sorry about the Swanson; to be honest, this source is a real bear to reduce to the amount needed to supplement the block diet for older tree squirrels, as it requires many repeated divisions, that are frankly laborious to provide daily. I fear that with this source you would soon give up on using it; I know I would, which is why I chose the Calcium Citrate from Frontier Naturals noted on the bag that 1000 mg. elemental calcium that is equal to 1 (1/2) Tsp. measures.

Frontier Naturals source has made measuring relatively easy to use in my own research diet, be it daily, or for a recipe, without having to hand divide the powder as sources, that only supply a serving measure for humans not a Teaspoon equivalent. The only challenge is to place a piece of surgical tape on the bone of each of the spoons till you learn what the measures are from the largest to smallest measures in order equal to 1/4, 1/8. 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64 Teaspoons.

The Swanson C. citrate doesn't need though to go to waste, as you can use it for yourself, or on walnuts for the wilds as we do daily using this same source.

https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Measuring-Spoons-smidgen/dp/B0009X1P9S

https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Calcium-Citrate-Powder/dp/B000UYA1T6

Consider adding a drop of either of the oils to his daily greens, they have a nutty flavor and aroma to them, that may appeal to him. Try each one at a time to see which one he prefers.

[sqrlnut]

I have mini teaspoons and most everything you told me oils and calcium (I believe) was 1/64 teaspoon. That is what I have been giving him 1/64 teaspoon of oil and 1/64 teaspoon of calcium. I give each thing separate throughout the day. I do have to crush the tiniest bit of nut with it or he won't eat it. He's spoiled ;)

[sqrlnut]

.
Is so, sorry about the Swanson; to be honest, this source is a real bear to reduce to the amount needed to supplement the block diet for older tree squirrels, as it requires many repeated divisions, that are frankly laborious to provide daily. I fear that with this source you would soon give up on using it; I know I would, which is why I chose the Calcium Citrate from Frontier Naturals noted on the bag that 1000 mg. elemental calcium that is equal to 1 (1/2) Tsp. measures.

Frontier Naturals source has made measuring relatively easy to use in my own research diet, be it daily, or for a recipe, without having to hand divide the powder as sources, that only supply a serving measure for humans not a Teaspoon equivalent. The only challenge is to place a piece of surgical tape on the bone of each of the spoons till you learn what the measures are from the largest to smallest measures in order equal to 1/4, 1/8. 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64 Teaspoons.

The Swanson C. citrate doesn't need though to go to waste, as you can use it for yourself, or on walnuts for the wilds as we do daily using this same source.

https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Measuring-Spoons-smidgen/dp/B0009X1P9S

https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Calcium-Citrate-Powder/dp/B000UYA1T6

Consider adding a drop of either of the oils to his daily greens, they have a nutty flavor and aroma to them, that may appeal to him. Try each one at a time to see which one he prefers.

I have mini teaspoons and most everything you told me oils and calcium (I believe) was 1/64 teaspoon. That is what I have been giving him 1/64 teaspoon of oil and 1/64 teaspoon of calcium. I give each thing separate throughout the day. I do have to crush the tiniest bit of nut with it or he won't eat it. He's spoiled ;)

[sqrlnut]

Tazzy is looking better today. Swelling gone down and just a little pink. Working on his diet :)

[Diggie's Friend]

Sorry about the Swanson Cal. citrate source is not one that can be used for this present application, though it was the cheapest source I could recommend at the time for the purpose of adding just a small amount of C. Citrate to his diet, in a conservative measure I chose to recommend in view of all the had going on at the time with the UTI, and that dark spot on his x ray. I will send you the amount for the Swanson product if it will help to support getting the source from Frontier Naturals, that is needful to use to provide both accurate and easy measures using the mini measuring teaspoon set in support this dietary Ca:P ratio adjustment.

The self mutilating of his groin area is indicative of the presence of bladder stones, a condition described on Ratguide.com (see link below)

http://ratguide.com/health/urinary_renal/chronic_progressive_nephropathy.php


Pain becomes present when a stone or stones produce an increase in hydrostatic pressure and distend the renal pelvis (hydronephrosis). Pain may seem sudden and appear to move downward from loin region towards the bladder or, in males, the testicle. This type of pain is often termed renal colic. When stones block a ureter, acute colicky type pain is noticed. The rat may have and urgency to urinate, to lick at genitals, or to nip at self due to pain. Little if any urine may be passed and drops of blood may be seen due to the stones abrasive action when the urine is attempting to pass out through the urethra.


To accomplish this adjustment to his diet it is needful to lower his block intake to 1 (1/2) portions daily, and adding a specific measure of calcium citrate from Frontier Naturals Calcium citrate powder that teaspoon measures work for, since this source has a noted teaspoon measure for a serving of 1000 for humans, it is easily reduced using Tsp. measures to the targeted amount needed to raise the total calcium measure in the diet. This multi-pronged approach, that is according to veterinary and laboratory science knowledge, is the best I know of that can be supported with your boy's health condition.

Reference:




To read more on this condition and how it is caused:

http://ratguide.com/health/urinary_renal/urolithiasis.php








,

[HRT4SQRLS]

Tazzy is looking better today. Swelling gone down and just a little pink. Working on his diet :)


Happy to hear that. :grin2

[sqrlnut]

Thank you everyone! Taz is doing very well. I caught him doing "boy stuffs" tonight and I believe that attributed to the redness and swelling. He looks good now and I'm keeping a good eye on his diet.

Here are few from last night :gigg