Squirrel Odontoma Surgery

[fanofmothernature]

Good morning and thank.you for reading my post. I have 2 sister squirrels @ 6 yeas of age. One was a runt, Squirmer. Her sister is Chloe.
Squirmer has recently been poorly and I have been treating her for MBD. The usual home remedies and Henry's blocks . They don't care for the blocks but I try to get them to eat at least a little. Anyway Squirmer has decided she is going to chew her front paw off.. I am going in their room now to see what the situation is and will update. I live in Orange City Fl and do have access to wildlife vets but they are booked up plus I don't want to euthanize her. She loves all the pampering. I have videos and pics but can't seem to figure out how to share them. I have read posts about this behavior on the board. Appreciate any care tips you have and I will update what I find this morning shortly.

[Charley Chuckles]

I live in Orange City.
I'm going to PM you👍

[Charley Chuckles]

Also looking for the MBD protocol, it's not just blocks and it has to be done immediately, maybe someone can find it faster than me

[Charley Chuckles]

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?32122-MBD-Treatment

[fanofmothernature]

During morning care I noticed her feet seemed ok but she has a stuffy nose. She is also muck mucking more than usual . My daughter is coming later and we will try to clean that up a bit. She has clean bedding and is sleeping. This past month with her has been worrisome for us and her Sissy.
Very pleased to know I have some local friends on this board. Will update again later. It is siesta time for the girls. I do have her on a heated water bottle, nest lowered etc..

[Mel1959]

For leg chewing many have found Gabapentin to work well. The stuffy nose sounds like an upper respiratory infection which would require antibiotics. Do you have either type of drug?

I’m also in Florida about 2 hrs away. :grin2

[Diggie's Friend]

In addition to the advice on MBD, etc. ; you mentioned that she isn't eating the block.

Some members have found that by adding food grade organic chia oil ("Foods Alive") to the block, their squirrels ate the block diet.

Here's the link to this product. https://www.amazon.com/Foods-Alive-Artisan-Cold-Pressed-Organic/dp/B007788AZA

[fanofmothernature]

Update on Squirmer. Here are some photos of what we are able to take today. She makes a whining sound when we handle her. We were able to clean her nose up a bit and wipe her down. I made her food mushy and fed her with baby spoon. No sign of top teeth. Thanks for your replies. Any mash food ideas. She is still feisty enough to hold up to her name. 😉

[Mel1959]

I think that one bottom tooth needs to be trimmed. Have you taken her to Dr. Emerson in Port Orange for an evaluation? Sometimes when incisor teeth stop growing outward they are growing inward and a sign of possible odontomas. Dr. Emerson is the best squirrel vet around and specializes in squirrel dental issues. I’d contact her office tomorrow and set up an appointment.

[fanofmothernature]

Good news! We were able to get into Ravenwood today and Dr. Emerson got Squirmer taken care of. She had one large odontoma, causing a host of problems. It has been pulled and I guess the other three incisors are being pulled Monday (Any thoughts on that welcomed.). She did very well. Now I have to make sure she gets her medication. We met another family who had had their squirrel done previously and they gave some advice too. For inquiring minds, the cost so far has been $825.00. A a couple hundred more for the following up. It isn't too bad considering we have had 0$ vet bills for 6 years . I will try to get s pictures of her tomorrow.

[fanofmothernature]

Ps. No MBD and her foot was just nasty from wiping her nose with it etc...Her problems all dental related.

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm so happy you got your baby in and all went well.
I'll continue prayers 🙏
Your a great Squirrel mom:grouphug

[Charley Chuckles]

Good news! We were able to get into Ravenwood today and Dr. Emerson got Squirmer taken care of. She had one large odontoma, causing a host of problems. It has been pulled and I guess the other three incisors are being pulled Monday (Any thoughts on that welcomed.). She did very well. Now I have to make sure she gets her medication. We met another family who had had their squirrel done previously and they gave some advice too. For inquiring minds, the cost so far has been $825.00. A a couple hundred more for the following up. It isn't too bad considering we have had 0$ vet bills for 6 years . I will try to get s pictures of her tomorrow.
Question when you say the other 3 incisors will be pulled exactly what does that mean? I'm guessing they do not involve odatomas?

[fanofmothernature]

No odentomas, but this one was so bad she recommended pulling the other 3 asap (Monday) and less worries for the future. I am concerned but I talked to a couple of other people there and they had it done to their squirrels, reassuring us that they still have plenty of little sharp teeth left. She's resting well tonight.

[Charley Chuckles]

No odentomas, but this one was so bad she recommended pulling the other 3 asap (Monday) and less worries for the future. I am concerned but I talked to a couple of other people there and they had it done to their squirrels, reassuring us that they still have plenty of little sharp teeth left. She's resting well tonight.

The upside is you won't have to worry about trimming teeth👍
Squirrels have molars or little teeth like we have so they can chew just not crack a nut .
My Conker has very short lower incisors that do not grow because of odatomas, he still can eat just fine.

[Mel1959]

I’m curious. If it was an upper incisor, was the odontoma large and require surgery, were it had to be extracted through the nasal canal? Is there a portal (little hole) left open on the top of the nose where you are to administer an antibiotic?

How is your girl doing following surgery? I’m glad she will have the weekend to recover before undergoing another procedure. I’m not sure how traumatic simple teeth extractions are for a squirrel. I’m sure it’s nothing like an odontoma surgery.

[Charley Chuckles]

I’m curious. If it was an upper incisor, was the odontoma large and require surgery, were it had to be extracted through the nasal canal? Is there a portal (little hole) left open on the top of the nose where you are to administer an antibiotic?

How is your girl doing following surgery? I’m glad she will have the weekend to recover before undergoing another procedure. I’m not sure how traumatic simple teeth extractions are for a squirrel. I’m sure it’s nothing like an odontoma surgery.
The one she just had done was an upper odatoma and has a port.
You know I was confused on the other incisors being pulled/ removed but I'm wondering if this is a new protocol Dr Emerson is starting. It makes a lot of sense to me being proactive. In the past so many squirrels who get one odatoma will either develop more or already as in Conkers case have odatomas in all four incisors.
So if a squirrel has only one and removing the other four incisors so they never develop issues would be a game changer 🤔 also never have to worry about teeth trimming.
Not sure if this is what's happening here but I'd sure like to find out.
fanofmothernature maybe you can answer this👍
Thank you.

How's your girl this morning 🙏

[fanofmothernature]

Update on Squirmer. Going back today for follow up. I believe she will be removing those other 3 teeth. Squirmer is a small squirrel compared to her sister and couldn't jump well. She is the reason they were not released. However she is mighty in her own way. She does have the little hole and stent on her forhead. It keeps trying to close so that has been a challenge. She received clavamox, metcam (anti inflammatory), besparone for pain. ( potent and makes her very drowsy) an ophthalmic solution is used to keep the nose and Stent hole clean. We also used clean bottle water for her to drink and wipe her wounds.
Smooth jiffy peanut butter has been what she is able to eat. I also have given her a couple of steak fries opened up. Mashed pistachios and Henry's block bits into powder etc.. Another squirrel owner there going through the same was helpful with tips. My daughter and her husband have been coming daily to help give her her meds. Her name is Squirmer for a reason lol.. Going to add a picture. They are a bit graphic so.. Will update again later. Thank you for all your prayers for her . P.S. these pics are day of surgery. She is feeling pretty good and has been sunning herself.

[fanofmothernature]

Good evening. Just a quick update. Little Squirmer from the vet with her second surgery. They only pulled the other top tooth pulled out, the stent, and cleaned her nostrils and the little hole up good. This other top tooth also had an odontoma. They don't want to pull the bottom unless it becomes She is resting for the ride home about 30 minutes.. They want to see her again Saturday for just a recheck.
Cost today $163.00
Next time will probably just be an exam fee.
I am listing the price because it was something I really was concerned about. I hope it helps others to know. If you can get a vet to check your squirrel and keep the teeth trimmed this may be prevented. That said, a captive squirrel lives much longer than most wilds and can get these type of heath issues. . I.may change the title of this post. For future references.

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm so happy your baby is doing so well 🥰
Thank you for the update and I'm continuing prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Oh don't worry about the port closing it's suppose to especially after the tube has been removed.
I still kept putting the drops in until it was completely covered in fur👍

[fanofmothernature]

Hello everyone, here with Squirmer's update! All good news she is recovering nicely. She's eating and busy! Her sissy is like what in the world? 😆 I think.its the metacam (anti inflammatory) that has her going. She gets a recheck Saturday.
The eating picture is Squirmer on the mend and the second is her stealthy sister Chloe. She has been very good while her sister is on the mend. She will be getting a check up soon to make sure she's OK. Will update again soon. Thank you for all the information and support.

[fanofmothernature]

Good morning and thank.you for reading my post. I have 2 sister squirrels @ 6 yeas of age. One was a runt, Squirmer. Her sister is Chloe.
Squirmer has recently been poorly and I have been treating her for MBD. The usual home remedies and Henry's blocks . They don't care for the blocks but I try to get them to eat at least a little. Anyway Squirmer has decided she is going to chew her front paw off.. I am going in their room now to see what the situation is and will update. I live in Orange City Fl and do have access to wildlife vets but they are booked up plus I don't want to euthanize her. She loves all the pampering. I have videos and pics but can't seem to figure out how to share them. I have read posts about this behavior on the board. Appreciate any care tips you have and I will update what I find this morning shortly. (I updated the title of this thread to include odentomas as that was the diagnosis. )

[Charley Chuckles]

That's GREAT news 👍
Look at them sweet darlings 💓

[Chirps]

Oh wow, somehow have missed all the goings on in this thread. Squirmer (and you) have sure been through the wringer this week! Glad to know she's doing well and on the mend.

That last pic of her-- does anyone think she looks a little dwarfy? Her ears look kinda funny, and in another pic her legs looked somewhat short. But I guess if she were on the spectrum you or Dr. E would have picked up on it by now, and you would have seen signs before six years went by.

Here's hoping for a smooth recovery and loooooong life!

[fanofmothernature]

Chirps, you may be correct. We found them as pinkies after hurricane Mathew. Squirmer was always smaller and not a good jumper. We knew she couldn't be released so we kept them both.
Today is follow up day. She has had the top two pulled and the bottom trimmed. Stint has been removed and is healing. We are so grateful for Ravenwood Vet Clinic and that they have small mammal specialist Dr Emerson. We have seen all kinds of little critters coming in while there. Squirmer is doing good today . Hopefully she won't mind the trip.
PS she didn't eat the peanut she found.
Still working on the photo ,video uploading and editing ��

[fanofmothernature]

Our little Squirmer is doing well. She still has her bottom teeth (trimmed) and we will keep watching them until her next check up. She is eating her soft foods and has been drinking her water and having some oat milk too. She is back to squirming and wiggling while she gets her meds. We are so grateful 🙏 Here she is napping in the sun this morning. You can see her little port hole is healing nicely.

[fanofmothernature]

Hello, I am updating on Squirmer's odontoma surgery. She had her final follow up today and she is healing well.

We also took her sister Chloe for a tooth trim and odontoma check . ( She has also been having symptoms) They found that all four incisors have them. So we have to take Chloe back next Friday for surgery to remove just the top two.
Then we will see how it goes from there. Squirmer is starting to do much better now that her pain is gone. I am hoping for the same for her sister. It's unfortunate that I didn't notice sooner. Will keep updating. Heading to nutrition to get soft food ideas. 😋

[fanofmothernature]

Squirmer's sister Chloe is at Ravenwood today getting her top incisors with odentomas pulled. Will let you guys know how it goes. Squirmer is doing very well. She is home alone in their room for the first time ever.

[CritterMom]

Oh good luck! Hopefully she does as well as her sister.

[Tashahaven]

I hope the procedure goes well! Keep us updated on Chloe and squirmer!

[Mel1959]

How’d Squirmer do with the surgery?

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm just seeing this and praying it all went well🙏

[fanofmothernature]

Update on Chloe. She had one top tooth pulled and the other one gets pulled Tuesday. She also has odentomas on the bottom but not as bad so we are leaving those for now. She did well in surgery and taking her meds this morning. Squirmer had made herself comfy in Chloes nest while we were gone lol. Was another $700 something with meds. We had some meds left from Squirmer too. Luckily, my daughter and her husband have generously paid for most of this. We share them as pets. I have provided everything else. All of it has been worth it and we learn more every day. We love those girls. We appreciate all the support and information we get here at the Squirrel Board. ( I would like the change the title of this thread but don't seem to be able to do it? ) #squirrel odontoma surgery

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm so happy it went well 😍
Keep us posted and prayers continued🙏

I believe an admin will need to change title👍

[fanofmothernature]

Good evening and Happy St Patrick's day.
I have sad news, our little dwarf squirrel Squirmer passed away today. I found her in her nest. She was good this morning but.. We talked to Dr Emerson who was kind to call us . We figure it was a sudden blood clot of some sort. Which can happen. She was doing so well... Her sissy is still on the mend and will return to get her other tooth pulled a week from Tuesday. We knew there would be risks but we had to go forward. Her sister knows she's gone. The girls would be 7 in September. Here she is just a day or two ago. I brought the bird seed container in the room for a minute and she jumped in. Silly girl. She was very happy. :sad

[Charley Chuckles]

Oh Teresa my heart just breaks for you 💔
I'm so sorry honey ☹️
Praying for your other baby 🙏
If you don't get much response many members are at the Gathering in Floyd VA for the weekend.
If I can help in any way just let me know:grouphug

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Squirrel! I'm glad, however, Chloe is with you! She will help you through this very sad time, Fanofmothernature!
RIP little Squirmer!
SamtheSquirrel

[CritterMom]

Aw, bless her little heart - that picture is a good way to remember her. I am so sorry. :grouphug

[fanofmothernature]

Today we are taking Chloe to Dr Emerson to have the other top tooth removed. She has healed from the other surgery, but seems to have lost a little weight. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, I will update after.

[island rehabber]

I believe an admin will need to change title👍

Done. :)

[Charley Chuckles]

Today we are taking Chloe to Dr Emerson to have the other top tooth removed. She has healed from the other surgery, but seems to have lost a little weight. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, I will update after.

Sending many prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[fanofmothernature]

Hello, just a quick message to let everyone know Chloe did well and we are heading home. Both her top teeth have been removed. We missed meeting Thumbelina, they were leaving as we were pulling in. We have a recheck on Friday before Dr. Emerson leaves for a trip . Chloe is sleeping for the ride home. Luckily we are only 30 mins away.

[Charley Chuckles]

Best news :dance
So happy 😁
Awww you missed Thumbelina:Love_Icon
Drive safe the crazies are down 😳

[Charley Chuckles]

I have to add this, I've known fanofmothernature since around 1988ish. When she first posted here I had no idea who this person was just realized we lived in the same town, until I PMed her and WOW what a surprise for both of us :grin2 it's been many years since we have seen each other.
Like they say IT REALLY IS A SMALL WORLD 😁
And squirrels always bring us together 🐿️😍

[fanofmothernature]

Update: Chloe is recovering nicely. Still trying to come up with good softer diet menu items for her. She still has her bottom teeth. Picture shows her getting her nose cleaning.. Very important ans squirrels cannot breath through their mouth. Also getting her daily sun bath.

Thanks to all for your support.
Missing our little Squirmer, but we must carry on.

[Charley Chuckles]

❤️Chloe❤️
Thank you for the update I was just thinking of her today🥰

[Mel1959]

I’m glad to see Chloe is doing well. Have you made boo balls for Chloe? I make them with ground Harlan Teklad 2018 rodent block, ground nuts, powdered formula, veggie/fruit baby food and avocado or coconut oil. The texture is much softer than HHB’s. My wilds actually prefer them over Henry’s. :dono:dono. There’s recipes in the nutrition section.

[Diggie's Friend]

Very sad to hear of the loss of your beloved Squirmer; you did all you could do to support her health and recovery. :hug

[fanofmothernature]

Update, checking in with Chloe. She's doing well. Her port is pretty much healed and she is done with her meds She seems lonely without her sister, I have been spending more time with her and she has some other squirrel friends in the yard to watch. * I have been able to easily grind up her Mazuri blocks and add to her food*

[fanofmothernature]

Hi ! Just updating to let everyone know that Chloe is doing good. She just wanted to say hello!

[CritterMom]

Oh, I am so glad she is doing well! Thank you for letting us know.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi ! Just updating to let everyone know that Chloe is doing good. She just wanted to say hello!

Thank you for saying Hello, Chloe! I'm glad that you are doing well! You are a beautiful little Squirrel! Thank you for being such a good and conscientious Squirrel-parent, Fanofmothernature!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Charley Chuckles]

Great news and so good to see you both here😁

[fanofmothernature]

Update 3/7/2024
We took Chloe to Ravenwood for a tooth and nail trim. ( she still has the two lower incisors) Dr. Emerson said she is doing well. Chloe will be 8 years old this September. We met one of the board members there. He was very nice. Critters Flyers ? Something similar. Always enjoy meeting members.
Hope everyone is doing well. I have some catching up on posts to do. Thanks again to you all.

[TomahawkFlyers]

That would have been me. It was terrific to talk with you and learn about Chloe. Jet got a squeaky-clean bill of health from Dr. E, weighing in at 76g and is on his way to a great life with the ne’er-do-wells of the Tomakawk Flyers colony. He behaves like an Alpha. He’ll fit right in.

[FurBabyMom80]

I'm so sorry to hear about sweet Squirmer :hug But glad to hear Chloe is doing so well!!

We are taking our girls to Dr. E on Friday! One may need a tooth trim and the other, our 4-yr old girl Tina, has a suspected odontoma...thank you for sharing your story! We are worried about possible surgery :sniff

[SilviaGTO]

Hi!
First post. My squirrel Skippy had his first odontoma surgery with Dr. Emerson September 18th 2024.
I was told to schedule his next surgery when he healed in 6 to 8 weeks and it was imperative to get it done when he was ready bc his odontomas are large.

I called today to schedule his second surgery and was told Dr. Emerson was no longer with Ravenwood veterinary clinic. When I asked where she was practicing they told me they didn't know. I asked who they were referring her patients to and they had no recommendations. I said thank you and they hung up on me without saying anything.
I have no idea where to take Skippy now for his remaining odontoma surgery.
Does anyone have any recommendations? In Jacksonville, Florida but willing to travel.

Thank you from a very worried squirrel mama

[TomahawkFlyers]

Hi Sylvia,

This is Jamie, the man you met at Ravenwood while you were there to have your squirrels looked after. The people at Ravenwood directed me to this clinic that they say provides medical care for pet (not wild) squirrels within 200 miles of their campus. UF Gainesville, Please see your PM for some other recommended squirrel friendly/safe vets in FL.

Jamie