Help with injured squirrel

[Missye1]

I have a 1 year old fox squirrel who has been doing great. Thursday night I gave her dinner and she was running around and climbing her cage. Friday morning I went in to give her breakfast and she is unable to use her back legs. I know it is not MBD. I have raised squirrels for 20 years and never had an issue with their diet and supplements. She is a big girl (obese) and I am cutting back on some of the fatty foods she likes. This came out of the blue. She is bright and alert. Can kick her back legs and lift her tail. But unable to fully use back legs. I heard I can give Meloxicam or Prednisone. I have started the Meloxicam yesterday. She seems more comfortable today but no improvement. Should I switch to Pred? If so what is the dose. Is Prednisone or Prednisolone better for squirrels? I have access to both. Thank you for any advice.

[CritterMom]

Either prednisone or prednisolone will work, but she needs to be off the metacam for 24 hours before you dose her with it. We would need her weight in grams and the size in milligrams of the pred tablets. YOU wil need a 1cc or smaller syringe to dilute and dose per our instructions.

I would always suggest pred for something like this. Often it is a nerve being pressed on by swelling that is causing the issue and pred is such a powerful anti inflammatory that it will bring the swelling down faster that just about anything else.

[Missye1]

Ok she is 1088 grams (2.4 lbs). I have 5mg Prednisone and 5mg Prednisolone. I do have an assortment of all size syringes including 1ml.

[Missye1]

Update: My baby has been off the Meloxicam for well over 24 hours now. She is starting to get more uncomfortable. Still eating and drinking well. No improvement in legs. Would really like to get her on something to make her at least more comfortable. Feel bad for her.

[CritterMom]

I have sent you dosing via PM. Please ask if you have ANY questions.

[Missye1]

Thank you so much for the help. I will get her started on the pred and hope to get my big girl Joy back to her normal self.

[Missye1]

Ok quick update on Joy. She has been slowly improving since starting the prednisolone. She is kicking her back legs harder and can now get them under her to sit up. But when she tries to walk she still starts dragging them. She has good strong pulses in both and responds well to touch. I think at this point she might need some physical therapy to strengthen back up. Any good suggestions on exercises that could help?

[Mel1959]

I’m not sure about the physical therapy but you can continue with the prednisolone since you’re seeing improvement. Just remember to taper her off the meds….don’t just stop them.

[Missye1]

Ok. I feel really stupid right now and I hate to bother you guys again, but we have a new issue with Joy. Tonight I went in to give her the dose of prednisolone, dinner, and her little clean up. I noticed she is getting what looks like cellulitis. Since she has not been using her back legs much I have been very careful with her and her environment. Keeping her clean and fresh blankets. I know she has been urinating on herself so I try very hard to keep her clean and try to prevent urine scald. I am very upset with myself that this happened. I work at a vet clinic and have access to just about anything you can suggest. My vet just isn't very familiar with squirrel care but is willing to get what ever I need. So please any suggestions on how to help clear this up quickly before it gets worse for her would be greatly appreciated. Please dont judge me for having her. There is a reason she is unable to be realeased. That is why she is here. I have always been able to rehab and release. But Joy has issues. Is there anything I can do to help with this? And if so she is still taking her prednisolone so I need to know if anything is safe to be given with that. On a good note we are getting small improvements with her back legs daily. Thank you for any advice at all.

[CritterMom]

There are a number of oral abx that can be used for this. SMZ-TMP (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprin) would be easily available - most vets have it as Sulfatrim, already mixed up in a pink suspension. It is also one of the few antibiotics that will work for MRSA. Doxycycline and clindamycin are others that can be used. If pills are supplied, we can break them down for dosing like I did for the pred - just need the size in milligrams of the pills.

It can be linked to poor circulation, and given that she isn't moving the way she should, it is a possibiity. I don't know that I would do actual PT because you don't know where the issue is and could easily cause more problems, but I would do gentle massage - little circles with one finger on her muscles - to help with her circulation.

Ask your vet about this: Prednisone is magical for knocking down inflammation fast, but it also can weaken the immune system and allow for infections that might normally be taken out by the immune system to get through. Vet may suggest that you switch from the prednisone back to meloxicam. You can give him the dosing schedule I sent you - you would need to taper off the pred before starting the meloxicam, not do a hard switch. Vet may decide not to do that or to do so - many vets are leery about steroids, but we have seen more squirrels doomed by vets as permanently crippled do 180's and wind up tearing through the trees that we usually suggest using them. But in a case like this, where she has popped up with a secondary infection, it is something to think about.

Are you certain you are seeing cellulitis and not simply urine scald? It can be pretty red and nasty looking. Regardless of what you end up doing regarding meds, I would also start regularly wiping down the area with diluted betadyne (1/4 tsp. betadyne 10% povidone iodine to 1/4 cup water) and if possible, rubbing the area down with some silvadene cream. The betadyne will stomp on just about any skin infection.

[Missye1]

Thank you so much with your help. You are right about urine scald looking pretty rough. So it could be. I only thought cellulitis because of swelling. I will start using the betadine on that area. And I can get silvadine for it. As far as antibiotics goes, I have clindamycin 25mg/ml available now. If you want me to use something different I can get it this week. Today is the last day of the once a day dose of her pred. She starts weaning tomorrow. So she will be off that soon. Other than this set back she has been doing pretty well and using her legs a little more each day. She seems much more comfortable and happy. Eating well through out this too.

[CritterMom]

Is this a flavored suspension made for the pet trade? I have been doing some googling.

[Missye1]

The bottle says clinda-guard drops (clindamycin 25mg/ml) made by pivetal. It is a veterinary medication. I dont think it is flavored.

[Missye1]

Just out of curiosity, in your experience, how long does it usually take for recovery after these type of injuries? I completely understand there is a chance she might not recover. But just wondering when you know you are at that point. Dont get me wrong, I know everything takes time. And I am fully invested in her. And would do anything for her for as long as it takes. Just wanted to get an idea of when I know she wont be able to walk again. My vet feels she is paralyzed for life. But I am very hopeful she is wrong and am begging Miss Joy to prove it.

[Mel1959]

I’m not certain about the length of recovery with this type injury, but I would guess months. Maybe CritterMom will have a better idea.

I can tell you that I had a released squirrel that pulled a muscle in her shoulder and the vet told me to keep her contained in the release cage for 6 weeks. It took every bit of that time for her muscle to heal and for her to use it correctly.

[CritterMom]

Dosing sent by PM.

I agree that it will take some time, but the fact that she has always had some movement of the legs and tail, and that it has improved with the prednisone is a really good sign. We have seen squirrels that had ZERO hind end movement come back to the point they were able to be released. If you taper her off and it appears that she is slowing down or stopping with the improvements, there is no reason she can't do a second round of the prednisone, either.

Having her drop some weight will help too, of course.

If she gets to the point where she is starting to want to move around a lot you may need to restrain her with smaller caging because you don't want her to re-injure anything.

You say you are sure it isn't MBD. Do you mind sharing her diet with us? And supplementing her with some calcium wouldn't be a bad idea...

[Missye1]

Thank you all for the help. I will follow all the advice given. As far as her diet goes, she gets a variety of mixed fruits, some in smaller amounts than others because of sugar ( apples, oranges, kiwis, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries) She gets mixed vegetables (carrots, peppers, green beans, peas, okra, yellow squash, zucchini, pumpkin, butternut squash) and mixed leafy greens. She does not get these all at once or the same thing daily. I choose a couple fruits, vegetables, and greens for each day. And keep things changed up so she doesn't get the same thing and get bored. She also gets a small amount of seed and nuts. I limited those to a very small amount. She also gets rodent pellots with her meals. As far as vitamins goes, she gets 1/8 th of Pet tabs daily to try and keep calcium going. She has direct sunlight in her room that she can enjoy. She is only caged right now because of her injury. I think I listed everything. I try to give her a good variety. If I am missing anything, I will gladly change it.

[Missye1]

I knew I was forgetting things when I looked at her stash lol. She also gets broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, honeydew, small amount watermelon( I know it has no nutrition, but she likes it as a treat) fresh corn, and whatever else i find fresh at the store. I always buy in small amounts so nothing goes bad.

[CritterMom]

Mostly good except the corn. What pellets are they and how many does she eat? And how much elemental calcium is she getting from the vitamins you are giving?

[Missye1]

She only gets the corn every few days, but I will cut it out all together. The pellots she gets are the picky eater ones from Henry's. I apologize I dont have exact number she gets, I just grab a couple out of bag and give them to her. But I will start counting what she gets. The calcium on the pet tabs says 3.5%. I can up that if you like.

[CritterMom]

So she is eating the Henrys - good. They recommend 2-3 of those a day - I would do 3 for a foxer because they are bigger. OK. Probably not MBD. We have seen so many people who are CERTAIN they are feeding a good diet and then when it is listed, well, not so much! I have learned to ask for particulars!

BTW, next time you order from Henrys, try a bag of the hazelnut blocks. My resident expert tells me they are YUMMY.

[Missye1]

I really am trying to do right by her and her brother. The only reason these 2 are here is because they fell out of their nest as babies during a storm. They both hit concrete and were injured. They did damage to their face and have malocclusion from it. Both their teeth came in the wrong way. They go in every 4-6 weeks to get them trimmed. If I dont the bottom incisors go through their cheek and the uppers go straight back to their throat. So I am trying to give them the best life possible.

[CritterMom]

It sounds to me like you are! What are their names?

Even if the girl doesn't get to 100% perfect mobility, she can still have a wonderful, fulfilling life.

[Missye1]

They are Almond and Joy. Almond thankfully has been doing well and goes in tomorrow for his teeth. I am waiting to take her in for her teeth a little longer. Dont want to stress her when she is like this.

[CritterMom]

They are Almond and Joy. Almond thankfully has been doing well and goes in tomorrow for his teeth. I am waiting to take her in for her teeth a little longer. Dont want to stress her when she is like this.

What great names! I can just hear your neighbors: "Honey, the neighbor is calling out candy bar names again..."

[island rehabber]

BTW, next time you order from Henrys, try a bag of the hazelnut blocks. My resident expert tells me they are YUMMY.


:w00t Yes, last year I had a particularly picky bunch who would only eat the hazelnut blocks -- no others!

[Missye1]

Ok, I am back. :( Joy has been doing pretty well for us thanks to all your help. We did do another round of pred on her, still no luck with back legs. But she is happy, gets around good, and does have some movement with her back legs. We have accepted this is probably going to be her life and are happy to continue caring for her. My new issue is her skin got irritated again yesterday. We were doing so good with no more problems. But this time it got bad. While I was gone yesterday, she chewed up herself pretty good. She is going in to vet tomorrow to see if they can clean up this mess she made. The vet was not sure which antibiotics was safe for her and would work for wounds like this. I can get any medication recommended just need to know which one and how much please.

[CritterMom]

Any of the meds she would use on any other animal - SMZ-TMP, clavamox would both be good for the wounds if she sees any signs of infection. She should have some pain meds, too - metacam is fine; if you do not get any from her, pick up a bottle of infant ibuprophen from the drug store and we can dose it for you.

I would also speak to her about gabapentin. She is likely chewing her legs because they occasionally tingle as paralyzed limbs can; and a lot of people have had good luck using it for "phantom pains" like this.

Pick up a bottle of betadyne 10% povidone iodine and dilute it 1/4 teaspoon to 1/4 cup water, and use that to clean the wounds. It does not burn or sting at all at that dilution and is a wonderful antiseptic and will prevent all sorts of nasties from settling in on the wounds and causing infection. If a dressing is needed, speak to her about Silvadene - silver sulfadiazine cream. Also excellent antimicrobial that doesn't hurt.

[Missye1]

Thank you. I have silvadene cream here. You guys recommended it so we got it for her. We can start that back up. I have Meloxicam 1.5mg/ml and Gabapentin 50mg/ml available. Just need to know dose please. She has been on a diet and is about 900 grams (2lbs) now. I can get a script for SMZ if that is a better antibiotic for her. Just need to know that dose as well please. I will also get the betadine for her as well. Thank you again for everything you do. And also I ordered the hazelnut blocks from Henry's you guys recommended, they love them.

[Missye1]

For the SMZ it comes in 2 formulas. Is it the bactrim one?

[Spanky]

Thank you. I have silvadene cream here. You guys recommended it so we got it for her. We can start that back up. I have Meloxicam 1.5mg/ml and Gabapentin 50mg/ml available. Just need to know dose please. She has been on a diet and is about 900 grams (2lbs) now. I can get a script for SMZ if that is a better antibiotic for her. Just need to know that dose as well please. I will also get the betadine for her as well. Thank you again for everything you do. And also I ordered the hazelnut blocks from Henry's you guys recommended, they love them.

SMZ/TMP is a good choice for skin infections, though Clindamycin is also a good med for skin infections... in this case I would go with the SMZ/TMP. Also keep in mind that the prednisone is decreasing her immune response, antibiotics or not. We'll need to know the strength of SMZ/TMP if you go that route.

Caution: Meloxicam cannot be given together with predenisone.

Silvadene is good, but if she is chewing at herself betadine might be a better option IMO.

[Missye1]

SMZ/TMP is a good choice for skin infections, though Clindamycin is also a good med for skin infections... in this case I would go with the SMZ/TMP. Also keep in mind that the prednisone is decreasing her immune response, antibiotics or not. We'll need to know the strength of SMZ/TMP if you go that route.

Caution: Meloxicam cannot be given together with predenisone.

Silvadene is good, but if she is chewing at herself betadine might be a better option IMO.


I understand she cant have pred right now. She has been off it for a couple weeks now. I just need to know the dose for Gabapentin. And i can get any size SMZ you recommend. Just need to now the strength and dose you want. And also need to know which SMZ. I know one has batrim. Is that the one you want.

[CritterMom]

I understand she cant have pred right now. She has been off it for a couple weeks now. I just need to know the dose for Gabapentin. And i can get any size SMZ you recommend. Just need to now the strength and dose you want. And also need to know which SMZ. I know one has batrim. Is that the one you want.

SMZ-TMP is short for a drug combo of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Bactrim is a BRAND NAME of this drug, Sulfatrim is, also - it is prepared for children in a fruity base and is commonly used in veterinary medicine. I prefer the pill form only because it has a much longer shelf life. The brand name is irrelevant. It is available as a generic so most of what you get will be generic, not the name brand. They are available in "DS" form (double size) which is 800/160mg which is 800mg of sulfamethoxazole and 160mg of trimethoprin, and 400/80mg which is 1/2 the strength of the the "DS" form. If you can provide us with the weight of your squirrel and the milligram size of the pill you have gotten, we can provide you with dilution and dosing info. It doesn't matter the size. The same holds true with the gabapentin. If YOU can get the pills, as long as you can tell us what milligram size they are, we can correctly calculate the safe dilution and dosage for you. All you need to bring us is her weight, the milligram size, and the fact that you have a 1ml syringe with clear markings to dose it with.

[Missye1]

Ok she is about 900 grams(2lbs). Gabapentin I have is 50mg/ml. As far as SMZ, I dont have it, but can get it. Just need to know the size pill and dose you want so i can get it.

[Spanky]

Ok she is about 900 grams(2lbs). Gabapentin I have is 50mg/ml. As far as SMZ, I dont have it, but can get it. Just need to know the size pill and dose you want so i can get it.

Ca you get / ask for the suspension?

[Missye1]

Yes I can get suspension. The doctor I work with is willing to write script for whatever she needs. She is just not familiar with dosing for squirrels. So whatever is recomend can be supplied for her.

[Missye1]

Joy is holding her own. Dr. Was able to clean up wound pretty well. Unfortunately it could not be sutured. It will have to granulate in. So she is getting it cleaned and flushed with the betadine that was recommended. She is taking Meloxicam and Clindamycin. Hope this heals up ok for her.