Please help

[Mlacann1]

I have just taken in a very young grey squirrel. Fellow ED Nurse I work with found fallen from meat in tree. Mother didn’t come back next day either. Sibling was killed by her dogs. I offered to take in and find rehab.
Trying to she the little fella he’s around five weeks I think. Eyes still closed but I think nest opening. Was very weak and dehydrated.
Made hydration fluids. Offered first few feedings. Perked up. Now taking esbilac formula while waiting for delivery from Fox.
Called a rehab place near me couldn’t take right away. Waiting for
call back.
He’s peeing now. Nice clear urine. No stool yet.
I think he has spinal cord injury. His back legs are limp, just dangle. He pulls himself around well. I want him to have a chance. Help me please!

[Mlacann1]

He’s 121 grams

[Spanky]

Do you have or can you get Prednisone? Methylprenisilone? Dexamethsone? (In order of preference)

[Mlacann1]

I do have prednisone at home. It’s 5mg tabs I believe from a recent script for myself.

[Spanky]

Perfect, give me a few minutes and I will send dosing info in a private message.

[Spanky]

Dosing sent in a PM.

Do not give him any NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Meloxicam) while on the Prednisone. He can get Tramadol for pain management if needed (and available).

If there are any questions, please ask them.

Here is a link to a baby squirrel care primer, it is about 6 pages long. Thank you for helping this little hurt boy.
https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

[Mlacann1]

Thank you! I just gave him first dose. He went from 121 grams yesterday to 126 today. One eye is opened now. Thank you so much for your help. Praying he recovers.
There is a rehab about 90 minutes from me in Roseville,MN. Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. I just want to make sure he isn’t euthanized.

[Rock Monkey]

Can you post a picture of him?

To reduce the risk of aspiration, it is best to feed him with a one cc slip tip syringe, preferably with an o-ring since these type slide more smoothly.

Here is a video about good feeding technique which is the best way to prevent problems like aspiration pneumonia, which, unfortunately is all too common with baby squirrels cared for by humans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLjRlzTOGHY&ab_channel=squirrelsandmorellc

[Rock Monkey]

I just want to make sure he isn’t euthanized.

Some places will demand that you leave that decision up them if you leave the squirrel with them. The more time the squirrel will require, the greater the likelihood that they will euthanize it. Some places point blank euthanize all grey squirrels on intake.

Hopefully, over time he will regain more and more use of the back limbs, thanks to the natural healing ability of young squirrels and the prednisone.

Any disability increases the chance of euthanization.