My squirrel suddenly is lethargic, aggressive-avoidant, and constantly squeaking

[Bejo227]

Hello. I have my pet squirrel, Bejo, a plaintain squirrel for almost five years. I'm from Indonesia.

Bejo's behavior suddenly changed overnight: He's avoidant, or even aggressive if we're getting too close to him. He also seems agitated, and refused to sleep. He's still eating and drinking, no noticeable changes in his feces and pee. Just yesterday he's still energetic and jumping around. When I found him this morning, he's very quiet and the behavioral changes I mentioned is already taking place. Just a few hours ago I noticed he's squeaking non-stop and very lethargic, but not the pneumonia click. I immediately took him to a vet and was given some vitamins, supplement, and antibiotics. After I took him home, it was such a hard effort to handling him as he's both very aggresive and avoidant when normally he's so calm, I could even give him a long belly rub. But I managed to give him a dose of his medicine. He's now frantically moving around in his cage -still lethargic, and his squeaking is more often now. He refused to go back to his bed. I decided to take him to his traveling cage and put it my room so I can constantly watch him. He's very agitated and refused to sleep, as this is way over his bed time.

His diet consists of fruit (as Henry's is practically unavailable in Indonesia), mostly avocados, banana, papaya, or other fruits, and greenery like peas and leafy vegetable. At times I give him treat (but in a small amount, a baby rusk) and also small insects. Drink consisted of coconut water or sometimes honey water.

His cage is on my porch, but still covered with roof and totally protected from weather (Indonesia is a tropical country so we have no cold weather here), and another cage, which is outside and usually I took him there during daylight, but not everyday. His bedding consisted of towels or old, thick fabric.

Two years ago I suspected him of MBD and three visit to vet -twice to regular vet and once to exotic vet, he managed to get better quickly. I don't think this time he's having another MBD as the symptoms are quite different compared to his condition now. And as his behavior changes, it is now become notoriously difficult to administer the medicine, I wish someone can give me some advices for this too.

I am quite helpless now as his condition appears very quickly- less than 24 hours and he's constantly squeaking, agitating, and lethargic. And to hear him like that is heartbreaking.

Thank you for the opportunity to become a part of this forum, and I hope he gets better very soon.

[Rock Monkey]

It's good that you have the antibiotic. What were you given, what form is it in, and how were you instructed to give it to him?

The squeaking suggests distress, so does the aggressive behavior.

Is it possible that he ate something which is bad for him? Maybe some food that had gone bad or something toxic?

If he is struggling with some sort of toxin keeping him well hydrated will be important. You would want to dilute the toxin as much as possible.

Look around with a strong light to see if he chewed up something that he shouldn't have.

To cover all bases you might put some plain calcium carbonate in his avocado, in case the MBD is somehow manifesting differently. The fact that he is getting sunlight should help counteract that tendency to get MBD.

[Rock Monkey]

Is it possible that he was stung or bitten by something poisonous?

Keeping a close eye on him as you are doing is a good idea.

[Rock Monkey]

Can you post a picture or two of him? That will help the forum members to assess his condition as well as put a face to the name, generating more interest and sympathy.

Also, do his teeth and nails seem okay, normal? Sometimes the claws will get snagged on something as they move about quickly. Is he avoiding using any one limb or altered the way he moves?

[Bejo227]

It's good that you have the antibiotic. What were you given, what form is it in, and how were you instructed to give it to him?

The squeaking suggests distress, so does the aggressive behavior.

Is it possible that he ate something which is bad for him? Maybe some food that had gone bad or something toxic?

If he is struggling with some sort of toxin keeping him well hydrated will be important. You would want to dilute the toxin as much as possible.

Look around with a strong light to see if he chewed up something that he shouldn't have.

To cover all bases you might put some plain calcium carbonate in his avocado, in case the MBD is somehow manifesting differently. The fact that he is getting sunlight should help counteract that tendency to get MBD.

Thank you for the response! For his last food before the sudden changes, it was papaya and a bit of baby rusk. Then I played with him, nothing unusual, then went to sleep. The very next morning the symptoms came.

About the sunlight, we have a very constant raining so taking him to get sunlight is quite a challenge -mostly it's the dim cloudy weather. It's been like this for more than two months, so probably I will get him the suitable light fixture to simulate the sunlight and to keep him warm.

I will keep him hydrated with honey water (as it's midnight here and that's the only available thing, but tomorrow I'll give him coconut water). Thank you for the suggestion. And about the avocado and calcium, I will do that as soon as possible.

For chewing, I found him multiple times he's chewing his behind legs -no signs of physical injuries.

[Bejo227]

Is it possible that he was stung or bitten by something poisonous?

Keeping a close eye on him as you are doing is a good idea.

Thank you for the reply! I don't think that's possible as both of his cages are either hung (standing 4 feet high from the ground (the other cage).

I can't sleep because he's constantly moving around, squeaking, and now I observe he's also rubbing his head to the towel. Not because of the noise, though, but it's sad and worrying to see him acts like this

[Rock Monkey]

now I observe he's also rubbing his head to the towel. Not because of the noise, though, but it's sad and worrying to see him acts like this

Have a close look at his teeth. A photo of his teeth would also be helpful. He could have cracked a tooth or a tooth may be pressing on the roof of his mouth or there could be odontoma.

[Rock Monkey]

Do you see any swelling on his head? It might be helpful to quickly look at a few old photographs to see any changes.

[Rock Monkey]

Also, which antibiotic did the vet give you?

Just note, that in order to see any new posts on this thread you will need to refresh your screen.

[stepnstone]

His diet consists of fruit (as Henry's is practically unavailable in Indonesia), mostly avocados, banana, papaya, or other fruits, and greenery like peas and leafy vegetable. At times I give him treat (but in a small amount, a baby rusk) and also small insects. Drink consisted of coconut water or sometimes honey water.

I would not rule out mbd, this diet alone can not replenish the calcium his body uses and requires.
Mbd is very painful! The symptoms you describe avoidant, aggressive, agitated, squeaking, right
down to chewing on his hind legs indicates mbd and he is in pain.

https://henryspets.com/what-is-metabolic-bone-disease/

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?17680-Emergency-Treatment-for-MBD-(Updated-3-31-09)

[Rock Monkey]

When you treated him previously for MBD, in what form was the calcium given? Do you have any of that leftover?

[Bejo227]

Can you post a picture or two of him? That will help the forum members to assess his condition as well as put a face to the name, generating more interest and sympathy.

Also, do his teeth and nails seem okay, normal? Sometimes the claws will get snagged on something as they move about quickly. Is he avoiding using any one limb or altered the way he moves?

Thank you for the reply! I wish I could take a still photo of him, but he's moving constantly or burying his head in the bedding. I will post a video if that might helps.

[Bejo227]

Have a close look at his teeth. A photo of his teeth would also be helpful. He could have cracked a tooth or a tooth may be pressing on the roof of his mouth or there could be odontoma.

Thank you for the response! I tried to take a look at his teeth or anything, but he's too agitated to be handled and moving constantly -I will post video, as my photograph attempts resulted in blurry photos. But he does grinding now, I presume it's related to his teeth? Next morning (it's past midnight here) I'll take him to the exotic vet.

[Bejo227]

Do you see any swelling on his head? It might be helpful to quickly look at a few old photographs to see any changes.

Thank you for the reply! Nothing changes in particular to his head region

[Rock Monkey]

Thank you for the response! I tried to take a look at his teeth or anything, but he's too agitated to be handled and moving constantly -I will post video, as my photograph attempts resulted in blurry photos. But he does grinding now, I presume it's related to his teeth? Next morning (it's past midnight here) I'll take him to the exotic vet.

Yes, a video would help. If he is chattering his teeth that is often a warning. It may mean he is angry and wants you to back off. It can be a prelude to biting if you don't give some space. Talk to him in a soothing way. Try to be as relaxed as possible. This should help him to calm down and to remind him of your bond.

[stepnstone]

Thank you for the response! I tried to take a look at his teeth or anything, but he's too agitated to be handled and moving constantly -I will post video, as my photograph attempts resulted in blurry photos. But he does grinding now, I presume it's related to his teeth? Next morning (it's past midnight here) I'll take him to the exotic vet.

Grinding teeth can also be an indication of pain.
An antibiotic will not treat Mbd.
Replenishing calcium to restore his levels and allowing a
medication to manage his pain is what would be called for.

[Bejo227]

Thank you for all of the responses! It soothe me a bit to know that I'm not all alone now.

I will reply all the questions here, as I am lost track and to make it easier for us to read the comprehensive answers.

About his teeth: He started to grind his teeth an hour ago, or an hour after I gave him the medicine. He constantly look for something to bite, so I put a wooden stick around. But from a quick glance, I don't see his mandibular teeth being too long or anything suspicious. I can't take a look directly because it's impossible now to even touch him.

About his diet: based on the view response here, I started to get suspicious with MBD, as now he's trying to climb, but his behind legs are just hung, almost like a limp.

About his medicine: his previous MBD meds were prescription, so I only given a drip bottle. He got better days after the meds. His current meds (prescribed by a regular vet) were also a prescribed med, so it came in two drip bottles, and I was only told that they're vit + supplements, and also antibiotics. He took the current med an hour ago and he's now FRANTIC. I will attach the link to the video, and you can hear his squeaks and see his behaviour.

About his behavior: he was quite docile, though became aggressive and avoidant if someone got closer. An hour after his medicine, he became frantic as if he's in pain: running around, writhing, squeaking, rolling around. Sometimes he stops but then continues again.

Here's the link for the video. Sorry for the low quality.

https://youtube.com/shorts/IFnACv8hc7Q

Thank you for all the responses.

[Bejo227]

I would not rule out mbd, this diet alone can not replenish the calcium his body uses and requires.
Mbd is very painful! The symptoms you describe avoidant, aggressive, agitated, squeaking, right
down to chewing on his hind legs indicates mbd and he is in pain.

https://henryspets.com/what-is-metabolic-bone-disease/

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?17680-Emergency-Treatment-for-MBD-(Updated-3-31-09)

I will take this into consideration, thank you so much for your response

[Bejo227]

Grinding teeth can also be an indication of pain.
An antibiotic will not treat Mbd.
Replenishing calcium to restore his levels and allowing a
medication to manage his pain is what would be called for.

My brother will go to the closest drugstore now to get some calcium pills. Thank you for the response

[Rock Monkey]

If that is his response to the meds you were given by the vet, they may well have increased the distress. If there is a direct correlation between the meds and supplements being given and his current behavior I would be inclined to discontinue them.

Do they sell Tums where you live?

Or just plain calcium carbonate tablets with no other vitamins added?

[Rock Monkey]

About his behavior: he was quite docile, though became aggressive and avoidant if someone got closer. An hour after his medicine, he became frantic as if he's in pain: running around, writhing, squeaking, rolling around. Sometimes he stops but then continues again.


Did he manifest any of these behaviors prior to be giving the items from the vet?

[Rock Monkey]

About his diet: based on the view response here, I started to get suspicious with MBD, as now he's trying to climb, but his behind legs are just hung, almost like a limp.



The video quality is more than adequate. Thank you.

Dragging the hind legs supports the MBD diagnosis. He seems to drag the hind legs toward the end of the video.

[stepnstone]

About his diet: based on the view response here, I started to get suspicious with MBD, as now he's trying to climb, but his
behind legs are just hung, almost like a limp.


Absolutely mbd!
This is the progression of mbd and it's very serious!
It is very possible the "frantic" behavior you are seeing is seizure activity.
He needs calcium now, and he needs pain management!

[Bejo227]

If that is his response to the meds you were given by the vet, they may well have increased the distress. If there is a direct correlation between the meds and supplements being given and his current behavior I would be inclined to discontinue them.

Do they sell Tums where you live?

Or just plain calcium carbonate tablets with no other vitamins added?

Thank you for the response. I suppose it's related. Currently waiting for the half-time of the meds to see if there's any changes in his symptoms as the meds clear up his system. Unfortunately no Tums in Indonesia. My brother just looked up for the tablets to some pharmacies, but to no avail.

[Bejo227]

Did he manifest any of these behaviors prior to be giving the items from the vet?

He did writhing or perhaps squeaking as I wrote the first time, but to a way lesser degree and frequency. But not with his frantic behavior. As I wrote this right now, he still does the same without any rest period. I turned off the light, he still acts the same

[Bejo227]

Absolutely mbd!
This is the progression of mbd and it's very serious!
It is very possible the "frantic" behavior you are seeing is seizure activity.
He needs calcium now, and he needs pain management!

Thank you for the response! OMG seizure! 😭 I never thought that this is seizure! Unfortunately I couldn't find calcium tablet around as it's midnight and due to covid, only few pharmacies are still open but I couldn't find any tablets there.

I do have some pain meds around: paracetamol and sodium diclofenac but I don't know the dosage or how to administer it as he's unable to be handled now

[Rock Monkey]

I believe there is a recipe for making an MBD treatment from egg shells.

I will see if I can find it.

[Bejo227]

I believe there is a recipe for making an MBD treatment from egg shells.

I will see if I can find it.

OMG thank you so much. I do have some eggs laying around. I hope it works

[Rock Monkey]

https://tiphero.com/eggshell-calcium-powder

Yes, the eggs are a natural source of calcium carbonate and have other minerals incorporated as well.

[Rock Monkey]

https://henryspets.com/emergency-treatment-for-mbd/ These are directions for giving the squirrel emergency calcium.

The site with the recipe for making the calcium from egg shells says that one half of one teaspoon should contain approximately 400 mg of calcium which is important to know in order to give the proper amounts.

Do you have rough idea of your squirrel's weight in grams?

[Rock Monkey]

OMG thank you so much. I do have some eggs laying around. I hope it works

It should work just fine if crushed down into a fine powder, once the prior steps outlined in the link are carried out.

[Mel1959]

Post the strength of any pain meds you have and the approx. weight of your squirrel. Can you get any infant or children’s liquid ibuprofen there? If so, get some and post the strength of what you have. Someone on here can help you break it down and dose it for you.

Time is critical here for giving him the calcium, so please administer some as soon as possible.

A heating pad set on low and set underneath half of his travel cage would be helpful. The heat is soothing for the pain he’s feeling.

[Rock Monkey]

I do have some pain meds around: paracetamol and sodium diclofenac but I don't know the dosage or how to administer it as he's unable to be handled now

I would suggest sending Stepnstone a PM (personal message) for proper dosing and directions on how to administer. You will need to provide the squirrel's approximate current weight.

[Bejo227]

https://tiphero.com/eggshell-calcium-powder

Yes, the eggs are a natural source of calcium carbonate and have other minerals incorporated as well.

Thank you so so much. Going straight to the kitchen. Thank you!

[Bejo227]

Post the strength of any pain meds you have and the approx. weight of your squirrel. Can you get any infant or children’s liquid ibuprofen there? If so, get some and post the strength of what you have. Someone on here can help you break it down and dose it for you.

Time is critical here for giving him the calcium, so please administer some as soon as possible.

A heating pad set on low and set underneath half of his travel cage would be helpful. The heat is soothing for the pain he’s feeling.

As I am writing this now, I am making the eggshell powder as fast as I can.

It's paracetamol 500mg and sodium diclofenac, 50mg. There's no kid in my house, so no liquid ibuprofen

Thank you so much for your kindness

[Bejo227]

I would suggest sending Stepnstone a PM (personal message) for proper dosing and directions on how to administer. You will need to provide the squirrel's approximate current weight.

I will. He's around 250-300 gr, perhaps

[stepnstone]

It's paracetamol 500mg and sodium diclofenac, 50mg

I would not use Paracetamol, it is Tylenol, never recommended for squirrels.

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - ibuprofen and naproxen also belong to this group of painkillers.
It is an extended release tablet and considered more potent than ibuprofen.
I will have to do some consulting for information as to how to breakdown this med for the proper dosing for a squirrel
IF advisable. As soon as I have any info I'll get back to you.

[stepnstone]

I would not use Paracetamol, it is Tylenol, never recommended for squirrels.

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - ibuprofen and naproxen also belong to this group of painkillers.
It is an extended release tablet and considered more potent than ibuprofen.
I will have to do some consulting for information as to how to breakdown this med for the proper dosing for a squirrel
IF advisable. As soon as I have any info I'll get back to you.


I will send you dosing instructions in a private message. (Tsb does not dose on open board)

[Bejo227]

I will send you dosing instructions in a private message. (Tsb does not dose on open board)

Thank you so much for your kindness