Uncoordinated movements + shaky + tends to bite - baby squirrel around 6 weeks old

[Minali]

Hi !

Around 10 days ago we found this baby squirrel fallen on the ground with a patch of blood in between its tail and rear leg.

I applied betadin, the wound got healed. But the fellow had some difficulty passing stool. There were times when a tiny piece of stool was just emerging from its back and stayed there for a while.

Apart from that it’s behavior was normal - and I gave him milk.


Since two to three days his behavior has been strange and yesterday it was alarming.

His movements are uncoordinated, crawls all over - back and forth - instead of walking, head is tilted to a side, shakes its head frequently.

Wonder what can I do to help the fellow.

With this newest development it still drinks milk. Tend to bite me in an unusual way.

[Charley Chuckles]

:Welcome
Do you know how old the baby is, does he have Any hair?
What kind of milk are you giving him?
It's possible he could have had head truma but we would need more info.
How is he doing today?
Is it possible to post a picture of him?
I know it will help others determine what is going on.

Hang in there others will be here to help:grouphug

[Mel1959]

Yes, please a little more info. I see you’re in Sri Lanka. Do you have access to any steroid medicines like prednisone? Are there vets there that will treat a squirrel?

Head trauma can manifest itself several days after it has happened due to swelling. Steroids like prednisone are anti-inflammatory and can help with this. If you can get this medicine please let us know and someone can advise you on dosing.

Him having difficulty passing stool can be the result of an internal injury or dehydration. Offer some slightly sweetened water between his normal feeding times.

Please tell us what milk you are feeding.

[Minali]

Hi !

Thank you so much for getting back.

Yesterday I noticed a lump like swelling near the tail where it had the injury, with a scab.

I dipped its bottom part in mild warm water with condis in it.

The scab came off and there was puss in it which I gently squeezed out.

I have been applying betadin and soframycin - like twice a day since yesterday.

And I dipped him in warm water with condis today as well.

The wound seems to be in order now. But every time he is pooping and peeing- I’m worried that the wound will get infected.

Regarding milk - I switched to fresh milk since yesterday.

Up until yesterday- I was giving him powdered milk.

Compared to yesterday and day before - I can see that his situation has not got worse.

He sucks milk, can even hold the dropper while drinking.

He nods and rotates the head quiet frequently- which is something he can not control. But then again the condition has not got worsened.

Though he poops, the tummy looks bloated.
I give him milk 3 times a day. ( 3 - 4 ml of milk a day )

I allow him to suck and don’t give force fully either.

Will give him some sweetened water - if that helps.

Regarding his age - should be like 6 weeks.

Regarding steroids- Prednisolone is available. The problem is most vets here don’t treat wild animals. But I’ll try to get hold of some one who does and get instructions on administering steroids. I hope the tablets won’t make him feel worse.

I don’t mind if he dies - just can’t tolerate his suffering.

He is just too small.

Btw I kept him in the sun too for a little while hoping that it will do him some good.

Thank you again for getting back to me.

[CritterMom]

Please look through this site - it has a world of info on palm squirrels and raising babies, correct formula, age benchmarks, etc: http://rehabbersden.org/index.php/36-pages/pricing-table/simple/261-hand-rearing-and-rehabilitation-of-orphaned-palm-squirrels-funambulus-sp-revised-contd