Help needed. 10-year old grey sits in almost fetal position.

[Betsy]

Skamper has been hurting again this week. He seems weak and that's likely because he hasn't eaten much. I want to know if there is a point when you should seek to put him to sleep. He does tend to keep himself groomed so I feel like he wants to live. He hasn't wanted to be touched and he cries when I do try to touch or pick him up?

He was x-rayed and vet found a bulging disc in his neck on Christmas eve. He was given prednisone which I couldn't accurately get in him but tried none the less. He sits hunched but almost in a ball position. It is a different way of sitting than before. Any ideas? Thanks

[CritterMom]

Prednisone is a really effective med for a problem like this, but it has to be given very specifically - it can't be done inaccurately.

The hunched over position is pain. He is in pain. That will affect every aspect of his personality and behavior.

What is the problem with the prednisone? Perhaps your vet can help you with that. If you consult with a vet, I would ABSOLUTELY beg and see if he can also prescribe you some tramadol. Unfortunately it is considered an opiod so he may not be willing to, but it can be used in squirrels for pain, and it can be taken with prednisone. You cannot give him ibuprophen or metacam or any other NSAID type pain med with the prednisone, but he can take the tramadol. If he could get the prednisone working on the inflammation from the bulging disc and get the tramadol on board to dramatically reduce the pain he is in, his desire to eat will return too.

[Chirps]

Hi Betsy,

Wow! Ten years! Kudos to you. I don't envy your situation. So hard to know what's best when our fur friends get to a certain point. Hopefully someone will have had experience with this or something similar and can help you get your boy some relief.

[Mel1959]

How’s your baby doing? Have you gotten any tramadol?

The prednisone is a great anti inflammatory and could be very helpful, but it’s important to be consistent with the dosing.