Possible broken spine at base of tail

[Binkers mom]

One of my releases... I believe it's Mr. Fussy pants... from last summer showed up this week and his tale is not working.. It is laying flat and and does not move at all.. He drags it around I believe he may have broken his spine at the base of his tail. I have seen him climbing in the trees but his face looks like he is in Pain. He appears to be able to use his hind limbs OK although he has a "scooching" posture...He just showed up now at 12:30 and I put a bowl Of water And fruit and vegetables, seeds and nuts out for him and hes very hungry ... eating quite heartily. He showed up when everybody else was done for the morning indicates he is avoiding interacting with other squirrels.. He is always with Mr. Wonderful but Mr. Wonderful Has been showing up for the Early breakfast. Is there anything I can do for him besides supportive care with food and water? I don't think hes someone I could actually catch easily. Thank you for your help

[CritterMom]

Oh dear, poor baby. I wish you could catch him and give him a round of prednisone. If the spine isn't actually severed he could possibly regain some movement. It isn't really anything you can do with him in the wild, as the dosing and timing of the doses is pretty specific. If that isn't an option, I would just try to pack him with as much food as he will hold so he goes home and sleeps instead of foraging around.

You will need to keep an eye on him - if the tail is indeed "dead" there is a good chance he is going to begin mutilating it. If that happens, amputating it would be the only real recourse. Hopefully he still has some feeling and he can hold onto it.

[RockyPops]

I had a wild momma with a similar injury. I know hers was caused by a fall as I witnessed it. She would walk and try to run with a hunched up rear end and a dragging tail with no life in it.

I treated her with ibuprofen once a day on a pecan half for about a week. Then once every other day for a few days. About half an hour each dose you could just see her perk up. She got where she could chase other squirrels and eventually got back to about 90 - 95% mobility.

Her tail, starting at her butt, started regaining life very slowly. It got back to normal about half way back then stopped healing. Then she chewed it off at the half way point. It promptly healed over and she was almost as good as new.

She went on to have babies later and continued to dominate my yard but she did seem a little slower and limited in her territory defense.

Oddly enough, she fell again about a year later (I believe) and ended up passing from her injuries this time. Fortunately, her three babies were weaned and she had already left their nest box.

If you medicate her, someone here can dose ibuprofen for you. You use liquid Infant ibuprofen I think. And i think I had calculated (crudely) that the dose was an amount about the size of a small English pea for an adult gray squirrel put into the grooves of a pecan half. Of course you must be able to make sure she gets the pecan. The meds gets gummy pretty quick and are not bad to run.

Be sure to get INFANT ibuprofen and check strength and dosage with others on this board before dosing baby.

Good luck and keep board posted on progress. It may help others with similar problems.

[Binkers mom]

Thanks..if someone can PM the dosage...I will try it.
How did you put it on the pecan so she would eat the medicine?
No sign of FP today. Was a quiet day in the yard....weird.

[Binkers mom]

Ahhh...I see you explained it...sorry..not getting sleep...2 sick dogs:(

[CritterMom]

Dosing sent by PM.

[Binkers mom]

Update:
My little buddy Mr. F P showed up this morning and he was hungry. He took and ate a walnut half with liquid infant ibuprofen and peanut butter. I hope it helps him feel better.
Then, he came to me for 2 almonds, 1 peanut and left with a pecan.
He was around with the other squirrels and holding his own...and eating sunflower seeds with them. He knows to sit by me and eat so no one will bother him with his giant bodyguard looking out for him.
His weight looks good...he was moving better in the rear legs....and climbing trees. The tail is completely useless..fur is flat and lifeless....he's dragging it around...but the short fur from approximately 1 inch from his body to the beginning of the tail was puffed up...with would indicate health.
Poor baby, of course , I was closest to him...probably because he was so sick when he was found: coccidia, uti, pneumonia...he needed alot of TLC...spent alot of time together and he was the only one from that group who would play with me. I really hope 🙏 he will be ok.
Thank you for your help!

[Binkers mom]

I saw a Mr. FP this morning and he got another walnut half with a dose of Infant ibuprofen. He seemed to be more active and I thought I saw a little more lyft at the base of the tail.

[CritterMom]

Oh good. I hope this continues!

[Binkers mom]

So Mr. FP showed up today and got another dose of infant ibuprofen on a walnut half With peanut butter. He looked like he was in rougher shape than yesterday but it was very cold yesterday. I also noticed his penis looked very red and a little enlarged. I'm wondering if he has some kind of infection... Possible urinary tract?

[Binkers mom]

I got another dose of ibuprofen infant into Mr. FP today.. Hes looking good hes a little more feisty with the other squirrels. I got a look at the inside of his hind leg... all the Fur was gone with scabs . Who knows what happened to him??? But hes alive and seems to be having a good appetite and holding his own ... I do see the Fur on his tail standing up now about 3" from the base of his tail which is more than it was last week so maybe the hair follicles and the skin Are getting nerve supply. I had his medicine ready and I called for him and he came right up to me and took it from my hand get from my hand so maybe hes feeling a little more confident. He's such a cutie pie I hope hes gonna be OK.

[Binkers mom]

Very concerned😟. ..saw Mr. FP today ( its been 2 days since he last sighting) and he is moving and climbing but definitely slower than the other yard squirrels and doesn't lift his hind end up as high.... He looks to be losing weight.... And I got a look at his under belly and it looks bad....the skin on his testicles was red and raw...he is missing fur and has scabs on the skin between his hind legs.
Not sure what to do for him...I have some antibiotics and my vet said he would work with me for meds.
I have cefpodoxime 200mg tablets...clindmycin 300mg capsules..both from Jan 2022... also amox/ k clav 875-125 tab...but expired 4/20 (as been in refrigerator)
Thanks for any advice🙏

[Binkers mom]

Very concerned��. ..saw Mr. FP today ( its been 2 days since his last sighting) and he is moving and climbing but definitely slower than the other yard squirrels and doesn't lift his hind end up as high.... He looks to be losing weight.... And I got a look at his under belly and it looks bad....the skin on his testicles was red and raw...he is missing fur and has scabs on the skin between his hind legs.
Not sure what to do for him...I have some antibiotics and my vet said he would work with me for meds.
I have cefpodoxime 200mg tablets...clindmycin 300mg capsules..both from Jan 2022... also amox/ k clav 875-125 tab...but expired 4/20 (as been in refrigerator)
Thanks for any advice��

[RockyPops]

Can you post a video of him moving around. The closer the better.

[McCarthy]

I'd catch him, help him heal, watch him, and likely declare him a NR.

Losing weight + chronic wounds + having to compete with healthy squirrels for food + moving slower = low survival chance

Squirrels in the wild are ruthless, he won't be able to keep up. I see it every day.

[Binkers mom]

That's what I thought would be the next step.
Just saw him and his penis is red a swollen. He looks bad.
I have never recaptured a release so any tips on how to do it with the least amount of trauma to the squirrel??? He will come up and take food from my hand.
Then, do I keep him in the house...outside?
I have a Martin flyer cage that I use with the babies once they out grow the hamster cage and plastic bins.
It is 4ft by 3 ft by 2 1/2 ft. And Mr. FP was raised in it.
I also have small plastic dog crates and a hamster cage.

[McCarthy]

That's what I thought would be the next step.
Just saw him and his penis is red a swollen. He looks bad.
I have never recaptured a release so any tips on how to do it with the least amount of trauma to the squirrel??? He will come up and take food from my hand.
Then, do I keep him in the house...outside?
I have a Martin flyer cage that I use with the babies once they out grow the hamster cage and plastic bins.
It is 4ft by 3 ft by 2 1/2 ft. And Mr. FP was raised in it.
I also have small plastic dog crates and a hamster cage.


I would place the Martin flyer cage outside and attach a thin rope to the door of the cage, in a way that you can pull the door shut from several feet away, maybe even from indoors and through a cracked open window. Start feeding him close to his old cage, then start placing the treats inside the cage, a bit further inside and not too close to the door. When you pull the door shut you have to be dedicated and quick. If you do it slow, chances are he will get away, or he may get hurt, and he may distrust the cage after.

He may even go inside the cage on his own while stand next to it, just close the door.

I'd bring him inside for now so that he doesn't see nature, wants to get out all the time, and goes nuts.

Make sure he has a proper nesting box inside the gage, with a hinged roof if possible. He may want to go hiding in the first days.

In the long run I'd build a larger, wooden cage, if he can't get out for 2 to 3 hours on a daily basis and roam a room or your house. Mine is 4 by 3 but 8 feet tall.

Since you are living in NJ, I'd keep him inside. This should also calm him down. If the cage would be outside, he may heal up, wats to get out again, gets in injured again, and you may have an endless fiasco.

That being said, if his spinal issue resolves entirely you may give it another chance with a soft release. But based on what you describe, I wouldn't count on it.

[Binkers mom]

Update on Mr. FP, I just captured him this morning and got him into the house into the Martin flyer cage.. He is very p***** off but I but I was petting him with a toothbrush which is what I used to do and he seemed to be enjoying it he calmed down enough to eat a walnut with some infant ibuprofen on it and some antibiotic. I put soft cloth on all the surfaces so he would not further damage his genitalia which is very Red raw and swollen and the skin on his testicles is scraped off. I have squirrel bites coming from Henry's healthy Pets. His weight is pretty good but we've had some very cold wet nights And he will get a chance to warm up and stay dry. So now any ideas or suggestions?

[CritterMom]

What antibiotic?

Give him lots of places to hide - big piles of fleece that will be soft. If you have any of the stuff he had in this cage before his release, put that in there. They absolutely remember and it will have comforting memories for him. It would be great if you could wipe his wounds down with diluted betadyne but I doubt he will cooperate with that yet. Just being warm and dry and not beaten up and not having to drag his wounds will help. Go slow with him - the toothbrush thing is a great idea.

[Binkers mom]

He was very comfortable climbing on the Martin cage outside and I had the hamster cage on top of it. He comes when my husband whistles and then I lured him over and tossed a pecan in the hamster cage.... When he went in I closed the door.
We then moved the Martin cage inside and filled it with all of his stuff.... He's got his cozy cube and hammock and fleeces and I put cloth over all the surfaces.. Hes got a bowl of water a bowl of vegetables and some rodent block. Then I transferred him over....he definitely recognized everything. The antibiotic is amox/clav 875-125. I used this on Tex when he showed up with massive wounds and it worked well.
Shaved a very small amount and mixed it with peanut butter... his penis is unrecognizable and the skin on his testicles is almost off...poor guy....
My vet said he would give me antibiotics....what would be best? My post from 4/12 has the other antibiotics i have clindmycin and ??? Can't remember...
I have Surgical betadine....any tips on handling him...
He attacked the toothbrush but then enjoyed the scratches on his neck.
What about fleas or parasites? Food/ calcium?
He needs time to settle but the fact he ate that nut and walnut w/ medicine on it while waiting in the hamster cage seems like a good sign...if he was completely stressed I don't think he would eat.
Question: if his tail doesn't recover...would it be better off amputated so it isn't weighing him down?

[McCarthy]

You guys are doing a good job.

He will need time to settle and calm down. Does he have a nesting box in that cage?

Once the wounds have healed a bit, I'd consult a local vet on his tail and any other issues he may find.

Can you take and upload photos of his wounds?

[Binkers mom]

I put the soft cozy cube in the cage with flannel cloth inside...he grew up in that and it is soft and more accessible... He is calming a little....he knows my voice and lets me pet him a little through the wire with a toothbrush....just worried about the stress he is having. He looks tired. Going to let him relax for a while ....another cold wet night coming so he will be more comfortable inside at least...
I will try to get some pictures...thanks for the help and support.

[CritterMom]

I put the soft cozy cube in the cage with flannel cloth inside...he grew up in that and it is soft and more accessible... He is calming a little....he knows my voice and lets me pet him a little through the wire with a toothbrush....just worried about the stress he is having. He looks tired. Going to let him relax for a while ....another cold wet night coming so he will be more comfortable inside at least...
I will try to get some pictures...thanks for the help and support.

Put a blanket over the cage giving him one side to look out. That way he isn't having to "protect himself" from attack on all sides. It will help him to settle down if he doesn't have stimuli from all sides.

The amoxicillin clavulanate is a good option...but I am not a big fan of the "shave a little off" dosing. Can you guesstimate his weight? I have trouble because the gray squirrels here in northern New England are huge. My last boy was right about at 2 pounds. The guy I have now is only 670 and I call him my "demi-squirrel" but he would be big by Florida standards! If you can give me a fair guess I can come up with a much more accurate dose.

[Binkers mom]

Thank you! Any help is welcomed...I am dealing with my sick dog as well...he has cancer and needs alot of care and may not have much time left...and it's an extremely difficult time so my head isn't totally clear.
I will attempt to get a weight...if i were to guess...1 1/2 lbs - 1 3/4 lbs..... to clarify the amount : its a very light dusting covering about 1/4 " diameter circle...

[CritterMom]

I just sent you dosing for 1.5 pounds - that is close enough. I have had folks from NJ up here to visit and they were amazed at the size of our squirrels so I doubt he is much bigger than that.

I'm so sorry about your dog.

[Binkers mom]

Thank you so much. Mr. FP is now in his cozy cube he is peeking out and taking food from me and eating it. He had a piece of cucumber and and I will not have with ibuprofen.. Hopefully my Henry's blocks will be here soon. I have some HT block's ice meered peanut butter on going to see if he'll eat that.
We have another cold night with rain coming at least he'll be dry And warm he seems a little less stressed now.

[Binkers mom]

Update on Mr. FP. He made it through the night He ate a little bit this morning He ate some sunflower seeds and a couple of grapes but he hasn't touched his Vegetables. He did get his antibiotic and infant ibuprofen. He is comfortable in the cozy cube And showing nesting behaviors. But the best news.... It looks like his testicles and penis have improved tremendously overnight ... He came out to get a pecan Climb on the cage and I was able to see what's happening under there and it looks like it's healing!! He then proceeded to go to his water bowl and get a big drink of water before coming up and taking the nut from my hand through the door. Hes also letting me scratch him with a stick And even rolled over for a Scratch On the neck and belly so I'm hoping I'll be able to handle him pretty soon. I have Henry's blocks coming and revolution On its way. I think we got him inside just in time last night would have been very rough on him. The tail Has not shown any improvement.

[Binkers mom]

I was able to pinch test his tail when it was out of his cube while he was resting and there was no response from the tip to the middle:(.... the rotted skin on his penis and testicles have fallen off and I tried to up a pic of what's going on there now....ouch!! It almost looks like part of his testicle is protruding out.
I moved him to another cube with fresh clean bedding.

[Binkers mom]

Pic 2

[Binkers mom]

3

[Binkers mom]

Pic

[Binkers mom]

Update: 5th day inside....his energy level was the best today...last night he ate the best so far ( veggies- bok choy, baby arugula, butternut squash, watercress, sugar snap peas are his fav-, HHP wild bites and 2 nuts at end of day. He is drinking and is urinating ok...poop looks ok.
The skin on the testicles looks improved and the tissue on the penis looks healthy but has a way to go to regenerate. Giving probiotics....mixing calcium in with avocado. Still doing antibiotics/ infant ibuprofen.
He was up and active this morning( for the first)....previously he needed to be coaxed out.
He has lost weight and some fur.
I have been brushing him with the toothbrush and was able to pet his backend/ haunches with my hand. He ventured out of the cage today for the first time and after 7 minutes made a beeline to the window to get out:( ☹. While on top of cage I touched and moved his tail - it had NO RESISTANCE No Feeling :( .
He was able to climb and jump....on the curtains looking for an escape route..he was climbing ok out side too.
I still can not pick him up...but when I can he needs a bath for his bottom half. He did scratch my hand up nice...but hasn't made any attempts to bite...yet.

[McCarthy]

You both are doing great, considering the circumstances. I'd get him / build him a larger cage soon. Try to keep him away from any windows.

Is he still dragging his rear?

[Binkers mom]

He drags his tail only....its useless. But he was climbing all over the cage and the room pretty good..
Are you suggesting the large cage for outside or inside.

[CritterMom]

Since at this point you don't know if he will be able to return to the wild, I would not let him be outside and I agree with McCarthy - I wouldn't give him access to windows to look outside. Is there a TV you can leave on?

If he has to be a captive boy, he needs to tame down and not having the stimulus of seeing outside will help that. If in the future he is able to go out, he will quickly wild back up. The taming down is the longer process so I would accomplish that now.

A "dead" tail is a real detriment outside. It will drag through the snow and get wet and freeze, get caught and possibly get yanked right off, etc. If you amputate, he won't have his blanket to keep him warm out there anymore. Plus, you know how they double the tail back and lay it along their back and up over their head? From above, to hawks, that tail looks just like a gray branch. He won't have that. Having a shortened tail is doable, but no tail at all in a cold climate is a real issue.

[Binkers mom]

I will need to do a better job squirrel proofing the room. It will definitely be a process in him taming down. I will keep the shades down...but he is very capable of getting around....he was climbing and jumping from branches on trees and running along the fence line before he came in.
So, the question remains...what will happen to his tail? I don't believe it will regain any use. Will he chew at it ?
Should it be left as is or removed ( if that is even possible ..all things considered.
Do you think I will eventually be able to handle him?
Thank you

[CritterMom]

I think you need to hold onto him for a bit and just observe. First, you need to figure out WTH happened to his genitals. Why was he dragging them? I am wondering if he has some issue with his back from the original injury that is causing him to not walk normally. Needless to say, that would be a terrible issue for him and would kill him eventually. Also, I think that you need to see what happens with the tail. If the tail still has a blood supply, he will keep his fur; if the blood supply is gone or going, he will lose it. If he still has a blood supply he will need amputation but maybe not right up to where it is broken. If the genital thing turns out to be an anomaly - might he have been attacked by another male during mating violence? - he could have a short tail but not a gone tail. It would have to be short enough that it doesn't drag behind him because of the snow/ice issues.

We had a member here some years ago with a totally wild male that became paralyzed that she took in. It took time and patience, but Magnus became a real sweetheart, spent a lot of time in his mama's lap and became a snugglebug. He was NOT a squirrel raised by her and released like Mr. FP is - he was wild. I would say don't push things hard, give him goodies and brush him with his toothbrush and he will likely come around. Hopefully he can go back outside again but I think you need to just give this time to determine exactly what is happening with him.

[Binkers mom]

Ok thanks so much.
I do see patches of fur gone from his tail and the parts I felt were cold.
He loves to be groomed with the toothbrush.
When he is in his cube I talk to him and the tap the cube 3x with the toothbrush and he knows what that is and doesn't attack it. I put it inside his cube with him and he closes his eyes and lifts his chin and arms so I can get all over. I try to do more at night when he is more settled down. But he was letting me brush him when he was out today and I was touching him with my hand for the first time.
Yes , there is a tv in the room he he seems to like spa music.. He did not want a stuffy toy around..no way no how.
I wonder if the weight of the dead tail is dragging is hind end down??? He was climbing the cage and curtains really well and he hangs upside down so he has full use of his hind feet.
And yes if he was outside he probably wouldn't last long...especially if flies/ maggots got into those wounds
Thanks for the encouragement🙏☺😊

[McCarthy]

I have watched squirrels in the wild for 3 decades, at times very extensively like these days. I have never seen a squirrel without a tail. Once the tail is gone, they have several disadvantages, and they won't last. They still may be able to climb, but in a fight or when being chased, they won't have the balance needed to evade or dominate. Balance issues also cause falls from trees. They also use their tail to look bigger in order to intimidated both competing squirrels and predators. Without a tail they will look like an easy prey and get attacked more frequently. Survival of the fittest really takes effect here.

Since he can't lift the tail anymore, the constant weight is now leveraged and pulls his behind down, and consequently his private parts get dragged all over the place. I think the tail needs to be amputated in order to prevent chronic wounds and infections. And without a tail he will be a NR.

If you have patience, he will come around. Many NRs realize that they need constant support.

[Binkers mom]

Mr. FP wanted to come out of his cage today. He explored the room a bit then He was relaxing on top of the cage... so I brushed him with the toothbrush and petted him a little and he got his first dose of Revolution. The hamster cage is on top of the Martin flyer cage and he goes in and on top of it sometimes. There is a soft cloth for him to lie on.. Tv is on and he likes the Spa music Channel.
His testicles look like they are healing...no open sores or oozing. The tip of the penis is still in the healing process. No outward signs of infection.
His fur appears to be growing in where it fell out. I think the stress of injury and life change may have contributed to that. He appears to be putting weight back on.
I have been mixing HHP calcium in with his avocado.
I also have HHP vitamins which I mix in with avocado and he ate one serving on Saturday. He is also getting probiotic. Stools look normal...brown and firm.
He is grooming himself better. He doesn't seem as upset/ nervous but still cautious. He is making attempts towards us sniffing etc. Overall, decent progress for 1 week. I think he is being extra good because he knows I am very sad...my beautiful dog passed away in my arms on Sunday.

[McCarthy]

Mr. FP wanted to come out of his cage today. He explored the room a bit then He was relaxing on top of the cage... so I brushed him with the toothbrush and petted him a little and he got his first dose of Revolution. The hamster cage is on top of the Martin flyer cage and he goes in and on top of it sometimes. There is a soft cloth for him to lie on.. Tv is on and he likes the Spa music Channel.
His testicles look like they are healing...no open sores or oozing. The tip of the penis is still in the healing process. No outward signs of infection.
His fur appears to be growing in where it fell out. I think the stress of injury and life change may have contributed to that. He appears to be putting weight back on.
I have been mixing HHP calcium in with his avocado.
I also have HHP vitamins which I mix in with avocado and he ate one serving on Saturday. He is also getting probiotic. Stools look normal...brown and firm.
He is grooming himself better. He doesn't seem as upset/ nervous but still cautious. He is making attempts towards us sniffing etc. Overall, decent progress for 1 week. I think he is being extra good because he knows I am very sad...my beautiful dog passed away in my arms on Sunday.

I'm sorry to hear about your dog.

Maybe Mr FP coming into your life is a godsend.

That progress is awesome! Keep it up.

Feel free to post more photos, we are all suckers for squirrel images. :grin2

[Binkers mom]

Pics

[Binkers mom]

Pic

[CritterMom]

Once you get the Henry's blocks, please put the brakes on those sunflower seeds. They are REALLY bad for developing MBD. The Henry's blocks are made with actual bits of nuts in them, so they are usually pretty popular with everyone.

He is looking a lot more comfortable about being in the house.

I am so sorry about your dog. :grouphug

[Binkers mom]

Ok will do. He doesn't get them every day....was a treat to bring him out that day. That room and set up is exactly where he grew up. He was watching TV with me last night. Had him out until he decided to go to bed.
He is still scratching alot...he got 2 drops of Revolution between his shoulder blades yesterday...and was going to change his cube/ bedding materials out today for a clean one today.
Thank you.

[sundoesshine]

So sorry about your dog, hopefully he's up there pain free, and watching out for you helping Mr FP now.
What adorable Mr FP pics, so good to see he is settling in a bit more. Boy, is it me or does that tail seem extra long.
Your "he likes the Spa Music Channel..." just cracked me up.

[Binkers mom]

Thank you for the condolences about my dog. I'm wrecked over it. He was an amazing guy. I had to post a pic of him.💔💔💔

[Binkers mom]

Pic

[CritterMom]

Thank you for the condolences about my dog. I'm wrecked over it. He was an amazing guy. I had to post a pic of him.💔💔💔

Aw, he is beautiful - a border collie. When you live with one you always know that you are the second smartest one in the house. One of my neighbors had one and he always had the same very concerned look on his face when their kids were out on the lawn - like he couldn't BELIEVE the humans would be so irresponsible but thank GOD he was there. I am so sorry.

And regarding Mr. FP, he is lounging on his cage watching TV. I am thinking he is coming around to being inside quite nicely! My Zeke is not nearly so highbrow - he quite prefers ID. When I get him out I always ask him if he wants to come in to my room to watch people kill each other. :shakehead

[Binkers mom]

Thanks, he was my champion agility dog...even competed at Westminster Masters Agility in NYC 4 times...he loved the cheers from the crowd ! All the attention! He was awesome.
I tried Law and Order and action movies but Mr. FP huffed and went to bed. That giant mage of Bensen and Stabler didn't work for him. Cooking shows caught his attention though.
Here is baby Mr. FP.

[Chirps]

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That is one of my favorite poems, even though it is so sad. Sorry for the loss of your dog. We said goodbye to our border collie mix on Dec. 4, and I still find myself looking around for him.

[TubeDriver]

So sorry to hear about your sweet pup. :grouphug

[Binkers mom]

Update: Mr. FP is doing ok in spite of his dead tail.
He doesn't like the HHP wild bites now but the HHP healthy blocks he will work on...may need to order picky eater blocks.
His tail fur seems to be "alive" and puffs up from where his tail attaches to his body - 3 or 4 inches.
The testicles look healed and sealed up...the tip of the penis is still red and abnormal...have a pic
He is active, getting stronger and exploring the room...climbing and jumping very good...which presents new challenges. He wants to get to the high areas of the room. I can totally pet him but haven't picked him up and he hasn't climbed on me yet.
No sunflower seeds and only 1 nut before bedtime and HHP calcium and vitamins in avocado + HHP veggies/fruit.
At this point...any thoughts as to what is going on with his penis? Any possibility of it healing to a somewhat normal condition?
Thanks

[Binkers mom]

Loves his grooming sessions..also started playing with stuffed toys

[Binkers mom]

Update on Mr. FP,
He is very active, running and climbing. His diet has been supplemented with HHP calcium, HHP vitamins & minerals mixed into avocado....he waits for it like clockwork! The fur on his tail is now " alive/active" more than halfway !!! And the tail seems to have more " lift and support" at the attachment area on the spine. It isn't as floppy.
I can definitely feel a bump on the spine about 1/2 inch up from his sacrum on the right....maybe where the injury to the spine occurred.....been massaging his back and tail.
Unfortunately, the skin covering is penis is gone...urethra/penis is exposed for about 1/2 inch. Testicles all healed.
I bought a hand puppet that we play with....and thinking of new things to enrich his environment.
Thanks again for all your help!

[Binkers mom]

Update on Mr. F P, aka Peepers.
He is doing well...almost 8 months now. He has a room to himself and runs around quite easily. He is climbing, jumping around and moving well despite his tail being paralyzed. He grew in his winter grey fur, and his tail bushed out too! His tail fur is growing in nicely and he can fluff up about 2/3 of his tail fur when excited so blood and nerve supply is there. No bald spots and I clean it as well. He has grown fur over his testicles. I didn't think that would happen since they were so badly damaged. Honestly, didn't think he would make it but he did! We finally bonded and he climbs on me, rummages my pockets, plays with the hand puppet and other toys. He is actually a pretty nice guest, not very destructive, enjoys grooming time and treat time. He bit hard enough to make me bleed for the first time last week, but I think it was just a tender spot in my thumb and he hasn't bit since. Not bad for 8 months!!

Question about an odd behavior of a yard squirrel who may be a former release.
We refer to her as Stoney, because she ALWAYS carries a stone in her mouth. She will "exchange " the stone for food. By that, I mean she leaves it at the feeding station outside when she takes a nut or on the back porch when she takes food. I have never seen this before in all the years feeding the squirrels.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Happy Holidays😊

[Binkers mom]

This thread can probably be moved out of the emergency post as things are ok now:grin2

[CritterMom]

Aw, I'm glad he is doing so well. The boys really start to calm down and get loving once they 1-1.5 years old. Just spend lots and lots of time with him.

Stoney is amazing! I have seen "gift giving" behavior with corvids (crows and ravens) and otters are known to have favorite stones they carry around with them - but they USE those stones to open shellfish so it is sort of like carrying a swiss army knife. Does she retrieve her stone after she gets her treats or eats from the feeder or does she leave it and find another stone?

[Binkers mom]

Stoney leaves her stones behind. We thought it might be she is making a trade or exchange...but it's strange how she always carries a stone Around in her mouth. She appears to open nuts just fine.

[XRumerTest]

Hello. And Bye.

[Chirps]

Update on Mr. F P, aka Peepers.
He is doing well...almost 8 months now. He has a room to himself and runs around quite easily. He is climbing, jumping around and moving well despite his tail being paralyzed. He grew in his winter grey fur, and his tail bushed out too! His tail fur is growing in nicely and he can fluff up about 2/3 of his tail fur when excited so blood and nerve supply is there. No bald spots and I clean it as well. He has grown fur over his testicles. I didn't think that would happen since they were so badly damaged. Honestly, didn't think he would make it but he did! We finally bonded and he climbs on me, rummages my pockets, plays with the hand puppet and other toys. He is actually a pretty nice guest, not very destructive, enjoys grooming time and treat time. He bit hard enough to make me bleed for the first time last week, but I think it was just a tender spot in my thumb and he hasn't bit since. Not bad for 8 months!!
Aww, so glad he is doing well! Thanks for being such a great Squirrel Mom!



Question about an odd behavior of a yard squirrel who may be a former release.
We refer to her as Stoney, because she ALWAYS carries a stone in her mouth. She will "exchange " the stone for food. By that, I mean she leaves it at the feeding station outside when she takes a nut or on the back porch when she takes food. I have never seen this before in all the years feeding the squirrels.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Happy Holidays😊
Back when I had recently joined TSB and was exploring the site, I came across a thread where someone described this exact behavior. No idea where it is, but the person said a squirrel would bring a small rock and leave it on the windowsill? and take what was left there for it. It may have been a small candy bar? I forget.

When I started getting to know my wilds better I saw a small stone left on top of one of my feed cans a couple of times, not long after reading that post, but I never saw who left them, or saw anyone carrying a stone, and haven't seen any stones in suspicious "exchange" places for some years now. But I do like the idea of some squirrels at least having a sense of "fairness" in wanting to make an exchange, if that's what they're doing. Maybe it's just a vestige of a behavior like pack rats exhibit?

[Binkers mom]

Thank you!
Mr. Fussy Pants is certainly living up to his name. He is Fussy about everything but he is pretty sweet and playful later in the day. Morning is still crazy time. He always has Harlan Teklad( this is the only brand other than Henry's that any of my rescues would eat) rodent block in a small bowl to snack on...A.M. he gets 2 HHP wildbites, fresh veggies and 1 friut ( apple or grape) avocado with calcium added. P.M. 1 HHP and a piece of HHP peanut stix and veggies, 1 fruit, avocado with calcium. Also, 2 nuts in the shell during the day - I hide them on me or in the room to keep him busy. The main concern his the exposed tip of his penis. I put antibiotic on it if it looks more reddish pink than normal pink.
Yes, we find the stone leaving behavior so interesting!!

[CritterMom]

Aw. Hey - if he is eating 3 HHBs plus the Teklad, cut OUT the additional calcium. He is getting PLENTY from his diet already, and too much is not a good idea either. The HHBs are like a food and a supplement combined and have everything they need vitamin and mineral-wise with 2 a day. That is 2 CONSUMED so most of us do 3 to account for all those crumbs!

[Binkers mom]

Ok will do. Thank you!
Question:
Even if he leaves a lot of crumbs behind from the HHB Will he still be getting the proper amount of nutrition.
Also, he doesn't eat the Harlan every day, I keep track of it.

[Binkers mom]

Just saw the answer, lol, sooo many crumbs.
He is pretty lean, definitely not overweight.
Should he be getting anything else? For parasites....for example.

[Binkers mom]

Happy New Year to everyone.
I have a new problem with Mr. FP, the underside of his tail keeps getting wounds. I have tried to wrap it but have been unsuccessful with keeping the bandage on. I put antibiotic appointment on it daily. But he is very difficult to catch and bites very aggressively when I do catch him . I don't know if hes chewing on his tail but it's getting worse. I can put antibiotic on it when hes eating because he doesn't feel a thing on his tail. And now I've had to wipe it down with diluted Betadine because it's starting to bleed more. Any tips would be very appreciated. And tips on handling too.
Thank you.

[Binkers mom]

LOST ALOT OF BLOOD. Mr. FPs tail looked better last tonight...but today it opened up and I saw alot of blood. He is acting lethargic and not interested in food. I managed to get triple antibiotic ointment on a vet wrap and cover the portion of the tail. The area in question is the last 3rd of his tail that he is dragging around it has worn thro the skin.
I am not sure what to do for him at this point. I have him in the cage all the surfaces are covered with Soft fleeces. His paralyzed tail has clearly become an issue since he is experiencing blood loss from the open wounds.
I did not want to stress him too much today because he is clearly debilitated And I have never seen him like this since he recovered from his initial injury.
I'm thinking to keep him contained in his cage covered and quiet until he can recover from the blood loss. At this point I think too much handling would be very bad in terms of stressing him in his weakened condition. I don't know I'm at a loss at this point. It seems the tail really has to come off.

[Charley Chuckles]

It sounds like he's chewing, see if you can catch him in the act.
My CC had to have his docked as he would not leave it alone.

[Binkers mom]

I have not caught him in the act, but this morning I saw him fussing with it. It was a bloody mess.
I don't know if he can feel pain. I pinch test the tail from tip to base and he has no reaction.
His cage is covered,, shades down so its dark and in his cage, went to sleep. I would guess he lost about 2- 3 teaspoons of blood.
It looked like a crime scene...poor guy.

[CritterMom]

Perhaps gabapentin? We have seen it used before for "phantom pain" in paralyzed limbs before... This is something you will have to search out though - can't buy OTC. Do you have vet access?

[Binkers mom]

I have gabapentin. My dog that passed was on it...100mg capsules. Have tramadol, Trazadone. No vet access for anything major but vet said they would sell me meds.

[Binkers mom]

I just checked in on him....of course the bandage is off....but he let me pet his head then he came out and started to eat a hhp rb....he looked a little brighter

[Charley Chuckles]

Glad he's feeling better.
If you have a weight on him an admin can PM you the dosing for gabapentin👍

[Diggie's Friend]

I don't know if you can put a cone on him; but I would encourage you to try with help of course; for someone has to hold him while it is being secured.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?40466-Making-an-E-Collar

[Binkers mom]

He is really grumpy but he ate all his RB and avocado, and some healthy veggies and a grape and 1 almond..... Confining him to the cage has helped to stop the bleeding. Saw some scanning up....Have not seen him chewing on his tail today. It may well be from him dragging it - its the part that always contacts the ground. I covered , as many as possible, the hard edges in the room with towels and fleece. He has a little support at the base. I tried to get a hold of him to wash the tail and try to weigh him and WOW he chomped on me....IDK how you guys do it...he is quite strong and wiggles free.
This Martin cage is tough to access him in, I may need to get something smaller without shelves. So I have a better chance a catching him.
Any pro tips on handling??? These adults are a whole different ballgame then the cute little babies. Thank you

[Charley Chuckles]

Even leather gloves they can chomp though, I have used welding gloves to move a squirrel but they are cumbersome so using them to medicate etc is very difficult.
Wish I could be of more help I know where your coming from 👍OUCH 😳