View Full Version : Wild gray squirrels, symptoms of...WHAT?!
Spikers
01-07-2020, 06:19 AM
I live in WA state. I feed squirrels from my apartment deck. A few months ago one showed up that couldnt keep its head up and would fall over every 2 or 3 feet. It could not keep its grip, and it fell about 20' out of a tree. It would come every 2-3 days to eat, and was obviously getting worse and worse. Then it didn't show up for about 2wks, and I figured it had died. Then it returned, in worse shape than ever. A friend helped me capture the poor little guy, and I took it to a local rehabber. It died three days later. They didn't know what had killed it. I know it suffered for weeks, and watching it broke my heart!
About three days ago, another squirrel showed up WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM!! I don't know what to do for it, or even whats wrong with it. Can anybody help?
Mel1959
01-07-2020, 07:52 AM
It sounds like it could be raccoon roundworm. There are deworming drugs like panacur (fenbendazole) and Strongid (pyrantel pamoate) that can be given for worms, but typically if the roundworm has already entered the central nervous system where it is causing neurological symptoms like what you describe, there is no cure. Euthanasia is recommended.
Do you know if you have a large raccoon population in your area?
The other possibility would be that the squirrel took a fall and is suffering from head trauma. Have you noticed any circling or head listing to one side? If it’s head trauma it can be treated with prednisone but would require the medication consistently for any possible improvement.
Are you in a position to catch this one? There is a TSB member in Washington that might be of assistance.
I hope others will post their opinions. Thank you for looking out for your furry friends.
RockyPops
01-07-2020, 08:00 AM
Only thing I might add is possible poisoning! Is there a business or home nearby that might be having a rat problem?
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