Adult Fox Squirrel- Showing signs of neuro, leaning to side, head down

[tnballgirl]

I usually have babies for rehab. I was called about this adult female. Family found in yard with forehead down on ground. There is a scrape of missing hair on the left side of her head, no real abrasion or scab. Extremely lethargic. I have xrayed her and I dont see any obvious fractures or dislocations. Spine appears intact, all limbs look normal. Lungs appear normally aeriated, no fluid levels. She appears able to move all extremities and tail, however she does struggle to flip over once on her back or side. I have been able to get her to eat 10ml of kitten replacer at two times about 5 hours apart. I noted a fully formed normal looking poop in the kennel. It has been in the low 40s and possibly upper 30s the last 2 days, so I am keeping her warm, in a small carrier, and dark. Any other suggestions? I saw someone suggested steriods...I have access to a dexamethasone (dexpak).321568321569

[Diggie's Friend]

Poor baby; thank you for trying to help her.

The scrape might mean she has head trauma. Possible concern for Racoon round worm with the flipping over.
She could just be a very old squirrel. Are you able to get urine from her; I ask for you may be able to test to see how her kidneys are doing.

I would consider adding calcium to the formula to bring up the Calcium to Phosphorus ratio; as adults need a higher ratio of Ca:P than do juvenile squirrels;
and older squirrels even more so. Calcium if low would cause lethargy and muscle weakness. Also a droplet of honey on her gums behind her incisors might help her.

[tnballgirl]

I havent seen urine yet, but will try to stimulate her. I don't know how long she was in this condition, so I really haven't been expecting any yet. Just because I figured she was dehydrated. I do have some calcium dust I can add to the liquid.

As far as the bayliscaris goes, everything I have read is pretty definitive that it is a death sentence. So I'm guessing attempts at ivermectin or Pyrantel Pamoate are not options? I was unaware that that was a REAL issue in squirrels until now. I have always had to worm any raccoon babies for 6 weeks before being able to safely handle them and not worry about the worm, but I didnt realize squirrels were so sensitive to it! I work nights and I have brought her to work with me. As I just checked on her an hour ago and fed another 5-7ml of formula, she takes it well, as far as not choking or letting it dribble, but she is getting more pushy about not wanting it. She initially would just lap it as I would drop it in the side of her mouth now she licks it faster but will turn her head as if to say "stop". She seems to "maybe" be a little stronger.

The people who found her did not have her in a warm place as the woman's husband told her that "squirrels live outside they dont have to be warm"..... ugh.....

Unfortunately, all of our equipment is automatically synced to a major hospital system, so I am not able to get her head cat scanned to look for a bleed. (those were the good ole days)

[Binkers mom]

Hi, I also thought head trauma or vestibular / inner ear issues.
I saw you mentioned feeding kitten formula...I was told that it isn't recommended. I have had good luck with Fox Valley 20/50 and Fox Valley ULTRABOOST for the sick babies over 5 weeks - adults.
I have extra if you need some.

[Spanky]

I saw someone suggested steriods...I have access to a dexamethasone (dexpak).

Any chance at all of getting your hands on prednisone? We can try Dex, but Prednisone is what is really indicated here and give her the best chance. Prenisolone wold be second choice... followed by Dex.

If we have to use Dexamethasone, what strength are the tablets? If memory serves there are various paks (6 day, 13 day, etc.) and they have various strength tablets.


As far as the bayliscaris goes, everything I have read is pretty definitive that it is a death sentence. So I'm guessing attempts at ivermectin or Pyrantel Pamoate are not options?

I would dose Pyrantel... I have seen anecdotal stories of success with Pyrantel. However, I am more inclined to think head injury.

Make sure she can move away from the heat if needed... and be aware that heat in contraindicated for head wounds. I'd want to keep her in a small, dark room like a half bath with a space heater for ambient heat versus direct heat with a head wound.

For med dosing, we'll need a weight.

Thanks for helping her.. also, is there any indication that she may be nursing babies?

[tnballgirl]

I CAN get 5mg tab of prednisone.
Will get a weight here in a moment. She ate another 10ml, is still about the same. Does not appear in pain, which is good.

Could this be an old squirrel? Her muzzle is awful grey looking.

The family who found her went out to look for babies. No luck thus far.

1lb 8.9oz weight

[Spanky]

She does appear to be an older squirrel to me...

Do the finders know what a baby squirrel cry sounds like? It helps to stop and listen for these cries when trying to locate babies. If they are older, it could be days before they come out looking for help...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgXnLN9w5BA

[Spanky]

Dosing sent in a PM. You will probably need 4 X 5mg tablets (a total of 20mg) for the entire course (big girl). Hopefully this is not a problem?

[CritterMom]

In the pics you showed, it did not appear that she had developed nipples - even if the babies are REALLY young, the mama's nipples will be developed enough that you can clearly see them through the fur - they look like buttons on a double breasted suit. But the angles weren't great - what does her belly look like to you?

[Diggie's Friend]

She appears to be a cross of the midwestern fox squirrel from the white marking on the face that isn't from age, but genetics. Perhaps a bit larger than the mid western subspecies of the Eastern Fox Squirrel.

As you know, with raising young not much for nuts is included to support the acceptance of the rodent block diet; for otherwise the addition of more phosphorus than calcium in the diet from any source, can tip the (Ca:P) ratio negatively, impacting calcium bone density. Yet with a wild adult wild in poor condition, and perhaps an older squirrel also; enticing the squirrel in to eat a source of protein and fats, can be done by offering a measured amounts of organic pecans or English walnuts (3.5:1) (P:Ca).ratio (Trader Joes organic recommended) with a corresponding measure of calcium supplement to ensure that the Ca:P ratio is a healthy one. Calcium citrate powder is the better form because in adult squirrels the older they get the higher ratio of Ca:P they need. This due to the reduction of calcium bone retention, and the increase of phosphorus retention by the kidneys, that occurs as they age. i'm glad to hep with the calculation for measured volume using mini measuring spoons to support a healthy ratio of this squirrel.

Our yard squirrel friend, Ms. Diggie, with the support of our adding calcium citrate to the nuts lived, 9 years. We used a hand mist spray bottle to support the calcium powder to cling to the kernels.

Also good to offer is soft boiled egg yolk cooled enough to feed. A portion of and mixing in a tiny amount of calcium powder should the squirrel have a problem with it's teeth eating the nuts. Squirrels like to eat this right off the spoon. Organic pitted 'Pom' tree fruits (apricots, peaches, apples bing cherries), along with organic blueberries and blackberries. that they consume in the wild, are excellent energy sources to include in the tree squirrels supported in captivity. Mammalogists note that of al the foods observed in the wild diet of tree squirrels, fruits and berries are consumed second only to nuts over the calendar year. Last year they beat me to getting any, having cleaned out the the last of the ripening fruit in two days.

These high energy sources that would help the squirrel if it can be helped to get back on her feet. is around We do this to support our wild fox squirrels in the yard. I would be glad t help you with the measure if that is something you would like to try to get more nutrients into her.

Recommend using Calcium citrate powder from Pure Bulk USA provides a lower volume measure than the source from NOW Brand. https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/calcium-citrate-powder?ad_id=&sl=Calcium%20Citrate%20-%20Standard&msclkid=25b98a800557118aa93be8d1eec74afc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search%20-%20Products%20-%20USA&utm_term=calcium%20powder%20supplement&utm_content=Calcium%20Citrate%20-%20Standard

Older adult tree squirrels need their diet increased in fat and lowered in protein from what it was when they were younger; for by reducing phosphorus in their diet, it takes the pressure off their aged kidneys that lends support towards extending their function and so their lifespan.


A very healthy source of fat that can be added to a tree squirrel's diet is organic food grade Chia oil (not a carrier oil that isn't fit for consumption. Chia oil contains a higher ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, powerful in reducing inflammation in the body. Recommend Organic Chia oil from, "Foods Alive" human food grade source. This same source was included in the diet of a Southern E. gray squirrel that lived to reach 11 years. Recommended also for horses for founder, a vet friend used it for their older horse, and in days it turned the condition around by significantly reducing the inflammation this condition, that saved its life. It is also a high immune health source that can be added daily to the diet. For this condition, recommend adding 4 to 8 drops daily onto the nuts, which works even better than using water mist to stick the calcium powder onto the pieces.

This vender has a 15% discount presently available. https://www.vitacost.com/foods-alive-organic-chia-oil-artisan-cold-pressed#:~:text=Foods%20Alive%20Organic%20Chia%20O il%20Artisan%20Cold-Pressed%20Description,%20%205%25%20%2011%20more%20 rows%20

This oil can be used to support taking a rectal temperature. With an unused tea bag, filter out a very small measure no more than half of 1/8 Tsp. to prevent waist, coat the tip if the thermometer generously with this oil. Then place, not push, the tip of thermometer against the anus, and gently rotate the edge of the tip just slightly back and forth till the sphincter relaxes and the tip slips into the rectum.

[tnballgirl]

First dose of prednisone given

[tnballgirl]

I think they look....like when dogs have had 3 litters....


In the pics you showed, it did not appear that she had developed nipples - even if the babies are REALLY young, the mama's nipples will be developed enough that you can clearly see them through the fur - they look like buttons on a double breasted suit. But the angles weren't great - what does her belly look like to you?

[tnballgirl]

So....how long does one wait to make a decision about long term status. I am only 3 doses of steroids in, but wanting to know ahead of time what time frame I'm looking at. Do they *typically* resolve if they're going to, in a month....two? If she does not progress, I CAN continue to take care of her as is. I'd just really love for her to show some progress. She DOES seem stronger. Still circling.

[Spanky]

So....how long does one wait to make a decision about long term status. I am only 3 doses of steroids in, but wanting to know ahead of time what time frame I'm looking at. Do they *typically* resolve if they're going to, in a month....two? If she does not progress, I CAN continue to take care of her as is. I'd just really love for her to show some progress. She DOES seem stronger. Still circling.

Any improvement is good, especially this soon (3 doses). Sometimes they resolve by the standard course, sometimes we extend it because they are improving but more slowly. Sometimes they plateau after a few days.... there is a lot of variation. And sometimes they will not improve. Stay the course and keep us updated in case tweaks are needed to the course of steroid treatment.

The only thing that is "typical" is the sooner the steroids are started, the better the outcome generally.

[tnballgirl]

https://youtu.be/FooPGvR8N5o

She is at LEAST strong enough to stand and turn instead of just lean to the side! And she's been trying to groom herself.

Avocado mash is the first thing shes been interested in!

[Mel1959]

https://youtu.be/FooPGvR8N5o

She is at LEAST strong enough to stand and turn instead of just lean to the side! And she's been trying to groom herself.

Avocado mash is the first thing shes been interested in!

Go online to henryspets.com and order a bag of Picky Eater or Wild Bites blocks. They are a good source of nutrition and two per day will provide a balanced diet along with some veggies like sugar snap peas, butternut squash, sweet potato, fresh corn chunks.

[tnballgirl]

I have some squirrel block, not Henrys, but she hasnt been interested in anything until yesterday. And I am leaning towards a jaw fracture or the head trauma is affecting her ability to eat because she has A LOT of difficulty eating. She has been able to scrape off avocado and kind of mash up blueberries in her mouth but it is a struggle. She gets excited at the the smell of a nut, but is unable to eat it.

BUT....she is leaps and bounds better! I attribute it to the steroids! She still circles but is MUCH stronger and is attempting to pull herself against the right sided turn.

[Spanky]

I have some squirrel block, not Henrys, but she hasnt been interested in anything until yesterday. And I am leaning towards a jaw fracture or the head trauma is affecting her ability to eat because she has A LOT of difficulty eating. She has been able to scrape off avocado and kind of mash up blueberries in her mouth but it is a struggle. She gets excited at the the smell of a nut, but is unable to eat it.


Can you examine her front teeth to ensure a) they are not broken or missing and b) they are not overgrown? You can post pics of her teeth here if you would like assistance in assessing if the length of her teeth are appropriate.

[tnballgirl]

Update: Day 6...she seems to be getting wilder by the day. She still has trouble holding and grasping to eat and when she eats any thing of substance she has a dramatic head tremor. I still plan on trying to reimage her skull, but she is getting where she is difficult to hold so, I will need assistance....and I work at a "human" hospital so that will be tricky. Sneaky.

Also posted first 2 videos to show/document her improvement.

Day 1
https://youtube.com/shorts/PdfTVwFSRUA?feature=share

Day 2
https://youtu.be/-BOisutX4BY

Today!
https://youtu.be/W1punAeqXvE

I'm so impressed with the offerings of help and advice and so thankful for the steroid information. I have no doubt that is why she is advancing!

[Spanky]

Her progress is remarkable! You are both doing so well, I am hopeful she'll continue on her path to full recovery!

[Diggie's Friend]

Seeing the latest video, your loving efforts have brought her such a long ways with her motor control significantly having improved!!

Though moving your hand and fingers encourages play that is a good thing; a moving target makes it harder for her to steady herself to get the food on your gloved fingers.

Consider doing each activity separately as would be done with a recovering human.

[Diggie's Friend]

Thanks for explaining about what you were doing was to get her to turn in the opposite direction she circles. Good strategy!

Hope that she continues to improve and she is able to eat food more easily also. Keep up the good work you are doing so well!

[Diggie's Friend]

With her chewing issues try feeding mashed organic riced cauliflower and broccoli.

Boil in wire tea strainer till soft, then mashed with the flat end of a meat tenderizers hammer.

Both frozen riced organic broccoli and cauliflower are available at, "Sprouts Markets".

Add a drop or two of the organic food grade Chia oil from, "Foods Alive"; and a drop of organic food grade pumpkin seed oil to mix into the mash.

These organic food grade cold pressed non denatured seed oils lend a nutty aroma and flavor to veggies that she may not even know you aren't offering her nuts.

https://www.seedoilcompany.com/product-page/organic-pumpkin-seed-oil-for-pets

(never feed carrier oils, which can cause serious digestive issues. Nor essential oils either; as these are lethal.

https://www.amazon.com/Strainer-Mulling-Stainless-Perfect-Infuser/dp/B08FYTWJ62/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=spring+wire+tea+strainer&qid=1650419954&sr=8-4

[tnballgirl]

https://youtu.be/M0pyFPkijRg

https://youtu.be/ddXc-wU8egk

Two new videos. On the first you can really see the whack her head took. And they are misleading because she's become really difficult to handle. She's not got her balance completely, or the complete use of her hands. She's in NO way survivable outside of course, but inside....she's a holy terror! 😁😁

Also, we had a "duck egg incident" and after attempting to move our ducks nest from the area where some predator was having an egg dinner each night, momma decided she really didn't need any of those last 9 eggs.....so guess who has 9 duck eggs in an incubator now?

Thats right. This girl. 🙄

[Diggie's Friend]

Ooh, poor girl. Do you think she might have been pecked by the ducks when trying to get some food?
I've seen pigeons mob nuts to push out a fox squirrel trying get a few pieces to survive.

Happy to see her liking and licking up the calcium and magnesium mixture. :grin3

BN squash is dense in key nutrients, including protein and magnesium and zinc, with a positive (Ca:P) ratio.
Try (1/2 Tsp.) of baked organic butternut squash to see how her seizure activity does?
Baked, mashed, and whipped with a fork; BN squash will easy for her to lick up and chew when spread flat, not in a lump.

Since there it isn't a matter of her not having sufficient carbs now that she is eating the yogurt mixture; feeding corn, which is very high in phosphorus to calcium ratio, isn't advisable to feed because it has a high sugar content, which in head trauma in rodents can increase seizure activity.

Avocado mash, you have been giving with the other sources also; is a very good fruit source for protein, low in sugar content, and has a closer (Ca:P) ratio than that of fresh corn, that is super high.

[McCarthy]

https://youtu.be/M0pyFPkijRg

https://youtu.be/ddXc-wU8egk

Two new videos. On the first you can really see the whack her head took. And they are misleading because she's become really difficult to handle. She's not got her balance completely, or the complete use of her hands. She's in NO way survivable outside of course, but inside....she's a holy terror! 😁😁

Also, we had a "duck egg incident" and after attempting to move our ducks nest from the area where some predator was having an egg dinner each night, momma decided she really didn't need any of those last 9 eggs.....so guess who has 9 duck eggs in an incubator now?

Thats right. This girl. 🙄


Just found this thread. I may have dropped a tear or two at her progress and the love you are instilling.

Any update?

[tnballgirl]

No, she was found in town. No pecking. :)

Pretty satisfied it was squirrel v. Car




Ooh, poor girl. Do you think she might have been pecked by the ducks when trying to get some food?
I've seen pigeons mob nuts to push out a fox squirrel trying get a few pieces to survive.

Happy to see her liking and licking up the calcium and magnesium mixture. :grin3

BN squash is dense in key nutrients, including protein and magnesium and zinc, with a positive (Ca:P) ratio.
Try (1/2 Tsp.) of baked organic butternut squash to see how her seizure activity does?
Baked, mashed, and whipped with a fork; BN squash will easy for her to lick up and chew when spread flat, not in a lump.

Since there it isn't a matter of her not having sufficient carbs now that she is eating the yogurt mixture; feeding corn, which is very high in phosphorus to calcium ratio, isn't advisable to feed because it has a high sugar content, which in head trauma in rodents can increase seizure activity.

Avocado mash, you have been giving with the other sources also; is a very good fruit source for protein, low in sugar content, and has a closer (Ca:P) ratio than that of fresh corn, that is super high.

[tnballgirl]

See new update and video



Just found this thread. I may have dropped a tear or two at her progress and the love you are instilling.

Any update?

[tnballgirl]

https://youtu.be/h1VIyd17Gak

First time we are predicted to have nicer weather for more than 2 days....testing.....

Laid the tall cage down on the side (so she doesn't fall from so far). Watching her to see how she does. Going to put a pecan limb in later if she looks like she can try it. She was climbing the side of the small cage in the house, but was wrapping her whole hand inside the wire to do so, instead of grasping.

I videoed her from a distance and zoomed in and it appears that she is having more dexterity with her right hand than before and she is REALLY grunting anf growing at me. It was quite difficult to move her. She's very strong even with the deficit.

I will add a box for her if it looks like she is doing OK. If not I will transfer back to the smaller enclosure.

[McCarthy]

https://youtu.be/h1VIyd17Gak

First time we are predicted to have nicer weather for more than 2 days....testing.....

Laid the tall cage down on the side (so she doesn't fall from so far). Watching her to see how she does. Going to put a pecan limb in later if she looks like she can try it. She was climbing the side of the small cage in the house, but was wrapping her whole hand inside the wire to do so, instead of grasping.

I videoed her from a distance and zoomed in and it appears that she is having more dexterity with her right hand than before and she is REALLY grunting anf growing at me. It was quite difficult to move her. She's very strong even with the deficit.

I will add a box for her if it looks like she is doing OK. If not I will transfer back to the smaller enclosure.


She is definitely making progress! What are your plans if she doesn't recover enough for a release? Is she biting you when being handled?

[tnballgirl]

I have reached out to a wildlife rehabilitator in the middle of the state who is licensed to keep non-releasables. She has accepted Mable if she is unable to be released safely.

She hasn't bitten but she will claw and fight to get away. I wore a jacket and leather gloves to move her. It was definitely a challenge. I came over the top of her head and covered her eyes with the palm of my hand and then clamped down on the back end of her and did a quick snatch and release. She is very wild.




She is definitely making progress! What are your plans if she doesn't recover enough for a release? Is she biting you when being handled?

[TubeDriver]

She has progressed so far, my guess is that she will continue to improve and hopefully make it back to the trees.

Have you been able to get a good look at her teeth?

[Diggie's Friend]

She definitely is a cross from the genetics of the Southern and the Midwestern Fox Squirrel ssp.(Sciurus n. vulpinus). For not only does has the typical white blaze, but the white tips also.

Likewise hoping she recovers fully to release. She does very well to get around on the ground with her back legs; yet should the palsy in her front legs not fully resolve to where she is stable and strong enough to land jumps, it would lend would to her incurring more injuries and short term survival after her release. There are some groups that support wildlife refuges in the South; I recall one having a southern Fox Squirrel.

[tnballgirl]

I looked at her teeth the first night I had her, when she was super lethargic and almost comatose.
All looked ok. I had intended to re xray her skull, but she is SO squirrely now that that is not an option.
I dont see any injury or issue with her teeth. I think the fact that she has had little grip in her hand, has affected what she is eating.
She cant really hold on to something hard, well enough to chomp it.





She has progressed so far, my guess is that she will continue to improve and hopefully make it back to the trees.

Have you been able to get a good look at her teeth?

[tnballgirl]

I would LOVE for her to go back to being a real squirrel. She is definitely not happy in the cage!
She has not attempted to climb the cage walls yet. Putting pecan limb in there tomorrow to see what she wants to do.





She definitely is a cross from the genetics of the Southern and the Midwestern Fox Squirrel ssp.(Sciurus n. vulpinus). For not only does has the typical white blaze, but the white tips also.

Likewise hoping she recovers fully to release. She does very well to get around on the ground with her back legs; yet should the palsy in her front legs not fully resolve to where she is stable and strong enough to land jumps, it would lend would to her incurring more injuries and short term survival after her release. There are some groups that support wildlife refuges in the South; I recall one having a southern Fox Squirrel.

[tnballgirl]

Yay!!!!

[Diggie's Friend]

Very happy to see has improved to where she can climb. :w00t

Let us know when this pretty girl starts to jump. I would add another branch to test.

[tnballgirl]

And....Mabel is off.....
She was fully recovered, cracking pecan shells and all over the cage.
I opened the door and she TOOK OFF!

Leaving everything there until I 100% sure she isn't coming back.

Thank you all for the help and advice!

You saved her!

[TubeDriver]

Great job rescuing her and giving her a second chance!:great:w00t:dance:clap


And....Mabel is off.....
She was fully recovered, cracking pecan shells and all over the cage.
I opened the door and she TOOK OFF!

Leaving everything there until I 100% sure she isn't coming back.

Thank you all for the help and advice!

You saved her!

[Chirps]

:bliss:bliss:bliss:bliss:bliss


:squirrel3:squirrel3:squirrel3:squirrel3:squirrel3 :squirrel3:squirrel3:squirrel3:squirrel3:squirrel3

[Diggie's Friend]

What an amazing recovery she has had with the support of the intensive care you provided her. :w00t

Would love to see a video of her enjoying life back in the wild.

[tnballgirl]

Will try and get a video....she was hanging around this morning early and then scampered back off. I have in shell pecans scattered again and some scattered corn and seed and of course water, but almost every pecan that I scattered yesterday is gone or cracked!

[tnballgirl]

What an amazing recovery she has had with the support of the intensive care you provided her. :w00t

Would love to see a video of her enjoying life back in the wild.



This morning hanging out in a tree....

[tnballgirl]

https://youtube.com/shorts/eCTzJz4XV9g?feature=share

[Diggie's Friend]

Mabel is one big beautiful foxy foxer; so glad she was able to be returned to her wild home!

The sound she is making is out of apprehension when facing something that they are unsure of as to whether it is safe or not.
It shouldn't though take her long though to get her wild bearings.

Female foxers territory isn't large, they tend to stay close to where they are released,
save they get frightened and run off.

Breeding females require the most amount of protein over all other squirrels. Don't be worried about giving her a half cup or more when carrying young and nursing. We did this for Ms. Diggie who lived in the wild to survive to 9 years of age. As long as you sprinkle on the Calcium citrate powder it won't be an issue for her bone health. Mist the walnut pieces with water; then sprinkle on Calcium citrate by "Pure Bulk'.