View Full Version : A wild gray squirrel back two legs are Broken please help (ASAP)
I had a squirrel get attack by a cat and it’s back legs are peralized.
And it survived all night all day and it is Currently 5:36pm and I just
need to now how to help it. It poop and few minutes ago um is that a
good sign it has not eaten anything or drank anything. PLEASE RESPOND
ASAP! And it has Finley ate some cereal and some water and it has survived 3 days going on to 4.
Spanky
07-24-2023, 02:31 PM
It's best chance is with an experienced rehabber... absent that...
If he was attacked by a cat, he will need to be administered antibiotics... that he has survived 3 days is amazing. Antibiotics that can work with cat bites include Augmentin, Cipro, Baytril, Clavamox and many others.
It does not appear that his legs are broken, I am guessing the cat injured his spine. His best chance to have any recovery of the legs is to be administered some steroids... Prednisone, methylprednisolone or dexamethasone.
Human meds are okay, we can help determine proper dosing if we know the medication, the strength and the weight of the squirrel.
Let us know if you are able to locate any antibiotics (if so what) or steroids (if so, what) and we'll try to guide you along.
Keep the squirrel in a darkened, quite room. Provide plenty of water. He looks to be a adolescent which increases the odds of recovery from a spinal injury but time if of the essence.. the sooner meds get started, the better his chances.
If you could provide a pile of fleece, or cotton t-shirts or flannel (not anything with loops like terrycloth dishtowels) he'll bury in and feel more secure.
Thanks for the response. Can I give him Benadryl or ibuprofen? And how do I grab him gently he is scared very easily i leave him alone I only go around him to feed,water and to check on him.
If I am looking at it correctly, his poops look really dark? Could that be a sign of internal injuries?
Spanky
07-24-2023, 04:13 PM
Thanks for the response. Can I give him Benadryl or ibuprofen? And how do I grab him gently he is scared very easily i leave him alone I only go around him to feed,water and to check on him.
We'd rather not give ibuprofen (an NSAID) if there is a chance of administering steroids since ibuprofen and steroids cannot be given at the same time. If steroids are not an option, he can get ibuprofen but that would not help much for his recovery.
If you provide a pile of cloth as I suggested, the next step would be in wrapping him up in a large piece of cloth keeping his eyes covered to reduce fright. We call this "burrito-ing" and it can be very effective. Wearing gloves to help reduce bite damage is also a good idea with wilds.
Check your medicine cabinets, ask family friends and neighbors to see if you can locate steroids or antibiotics... just a pill or two will provide and entire course of therapy for a squirrel.
It’s poop is really dark it’s black It has pooped more but it looks hard. Is it a good idea to clean it of him or leave it. And if it internal will it die? What do we do if it is internal
It’s poop is really dark it’s black It has pooped more but it looks hard. Is it a good idea to clean it of him or leave it. And if it internal will it die? What do we do if it is internal
Clean it off of him…and just watch him as you are doing.
Spanky
07-24-2023, 04:56 PM
It’s poop is really dark it’s black It has pooped more but it looks hard. Is it a good idea to clean it of him or leave it. And if it internal will it die? What do we do if it is internal
Yes, keep him clean.
Antibiotics and steroids would help not only with the paralysis but if there are internal injuries, it will give him a better chance. Many internal injuries, there is little that can be done without professional help (vet).
Tashahaven
07-24-2023, 06:00 PM
Making him comfortable while you are tracking down medicines is important. Giving him a pile of fleece or T-shirt’s he can bury into and feel safe. Is he being kept inside, somewhere warm, dark and quiet?
It appears the shoe box is inside of a plastic kiddie pool. Making sure he is safe, and not exposed is a priority. I just want to make sure he isn’t possibly outside or where another cat or animal could get him.
Have you tried giving any water? Slightly sweetened with honey or mollasses is more readily accepted. I would try to give him some with a syringe if possible. But as he is a wild, I don’t know the protocol, or if it is feasible. Just worried if it has truly been 4 days without water…
Anyone else know how to rehydrate an injured wild?
Poor baby! I hope he can get meds or we can help get him in the hands of a rehabber…
THANK you for taking him in.
It has water in there.it has drank a lot of water and it loves Cheerios. And it is safe. a while back I purchased a cat condo.and I locked it up in there so if it climbed out of the kiddie pool it is still safe. The only problem we have is trying to pick him up. We are looking for some med we can’t find any ☹️. That’s our only problem. I have seen other squirrels over near the cage though and they like make a chirping noses. Is that bad?
Tashahaven
07-24-2023, 07:43 PM
When you say “cat condo” are you referring to a “Catio”? Which is basically a big outdoor enclosure, framed, covered in hardware cloth, and has a roof? Is this where this little one is currently being kept?
If it is outside, even in a cat condo or “Catio” my only concern would be the weather right now. I know in many parts of the country it is excruciatingly hot. I’m not sure about where you are?
But with paralysis my worry would be this little one may not be able to properly moved her body to attempt to dissipate heat and cool down. By “splooting” as it has been generally coined. Also squirrels use their tails as one of their primary sources of thermoregulation, but since she’s paralyzed she can’t adequately cool off with either method.
Is it possible to provide her a safe place inside, away from bright lights, loud noises, other animals?
At least until we can try to find you a rehabber? Or make another action plan to save this darling?
It is in a cat condo it’s in the shade we live in Alabama “Sylacauga” we moved it inside we also live in a neighborhood. Why are other squirrels chirping at it and it chirping back.
How much does it cost to have it helped do u know?
Which meds do u think I should use which is the best to use
Spanky
07-24-2023, 08:22 PM
What meds do you have?
Best would be Prednisone for the spinal injury and baytril (or augmentin) for the cat bite....
Ok I will have to pick up some Prednisone.because we do keep that around the house we ran out a couple of weeks ago. And I have none of that stuff in the paragraph u sent.
How much dies it cost for me to take it to the vet? Do u know?
Ok I will have to pick up some Prednisone.because we do keep that around the house we ran out a couple of weeks ago. And I have none of that stuff in the paragraph u sent.
How much dies it cost for me to take it to the vet? Do u know?
It depends if you have a vet that will see it. Most states will not allow a vet to treat a squirrel. If you have family that you can ask for the meds.
The squirrel is still alive. Just telling you all who are concern.
Thanks for all the help and information.
Spanky
07-25-2023, 10:56 AM
The squirrel is still alive. Just telling you all who are concern.
Thanks for all the help and information.
Any improvement with it's paralysis? If you have prednisone, please post the strength... and if you still have to pick it up (from the pharmacy?) maybe ask for a 1ml syringe (no needle to be able to dose the prednisone; it will be a small amount given orally.
I have not picked it up yet I’m going to I have been keeping a close watch on it though. I will buy it though. Thanks for the size of the Syringe. I will buy it.
Do we have to melt the prednisone?
Or is there a liquid one?
Spanky
07-25-2023, 07:15 PM
Do we have to melt the prednisone?
Or is there a liquid one?
Once you have the prednisone and know the strength, we will provide instructions on exactly how to create a suspension form a tablet along with the appropriate doing infomration.
Ok, thanks do we still need to weigh the squirrel?
Thank you for all your help it is really kind of you to help me save the squirrel. And just FYI he is starting to move around and gaining a big appetite.
Spanky
07-25-2023, 08:07 PM
Ok, thanks do we still need to weigh the squirrel?
Thank you for all your help it is really kind of you to help me save the squirrel. And just FYI he is starting to move around and gaining a big appetite.
Weighing is ideal, but we can estimate the wight if necessary. It has been quite a few days... as more time passes the less likely it is that the steroids (prednisone) will help with his injuries. I just don't want to provide false hope. The sooner the prednisone can get started the better his chances of some recovery... Similar to when a person has a stroke: Time lost is brain lost (or in this case spine lost?).
Is he able to use those hind legs at all?
LittlestMonster
07-25-2023, 09:08 PM
Ok, thanks do we still need to weigh the squirrel?
Thank you for all your help it is really kind of you to help me save the squirrel. And just FYI he is starting to move around and gaining a big appetite.
I've been thinking about this little one all day, hoping and praying for good news. Have you given him or her a name? Spanky is wonderful with his wisdom, and I'm so happy he's advising you.
I just wanted to comment on the "big appetite". Hopefully, I'm correctly posting a link to the sheet with the healthy diet for squirrels. There's lots you can give this little one that will be so much better for him than cereal.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels
Thank you. And his/her name is Cheerios. Lol my dad came up with it because he just loves them I tried strawberry, all different kinds of nits and then I saw some Cheerios in the pantry and gave him some and he is still alive.
No he is not he crawls using his front legs dose not seem to be in pain though. And I’m about to take a shower and head to the store to just FYI trying to find the meds he needs.
I could not find any and so I was looking online there is a 1 mg one is that ok. If not how many milligrams do I need to buy?
Spanky
07-26-2023, 05:15 PM
I could not find any and so I was looking online there is a 1 mg one is that ok. If not how many milligrams do I need to buy?
This is not something you can buy without a prescription, which is why it was suggested you ask family, friends and neighbors. If you are able to locate any of the medications (prednisone, methylprenisolone or dexamethasone), then we will provide very detailed instructions on preparation and administration. I fear the window for this little guy's chances of recovery is almost closed.... I may have misunderstood an earlier post which I thought prednisone was something you could get.
You can buy some Infants Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and that has some anti-inflammatory properties... not nearly as good as steroids, but I suppose better than absolutely nothing. We will provide dosing information for the Ibuprofen if you get it...
I have Advil and ibuprofen.
I’m so sorry about the Prednisone I can buy I online for 30 dollars without it being proscribed
I can buy but it will take some time but I do have those two up top.
And I thought I could get it but I guess not.☹️
I’m so sorry. I hope he does make it though.
He is up and moving around eating,drinking and climbing.
Idk if that is any good sign.
Spanky
07-26-2023, 06:43 PM
I have Advil and ibuprofen.
Do you have liquid ibuprofen (Advil); if so is it Children's or Infants? These are different strengths. Tablets or capsules will not work.
I’m so sorry about the Prednisone I can buy I online for 30 dollars without it being proscribed
I can buy but it will take some time but I do have those two up top.
Can you post the link to where prednisone can be bought on-line? I have never seen that without a prescription (some of the animal sites let you put it in your basket but will require you to provide the information of the Veterinarian for them to contact.
Can you clarify what you mean by "I do have those two up top"... I am not sure what it is you have (or maybe that is Advil / Ibuprofen)?
I have Advil it’s not liquid but the ibuprofen is it’s children’s ibuprofen.
Yes I can send u the site to it hold on.
Well I’m sorry it is not letting me. Idk why but it is online I think u can buy and just have it sent to a pharmacy. Idk.
But I do have liquid children’s ibuprofen.
Also I meant I had none the (prednisone,methylprenisolone or dexamethasone),
Spanky
07-26-2023, 07:21 PM
Well I’m sorry it is not letting me. Idk why but it is online I think u can buy and just have it sent to a pharmacy. Idk.
But I do have liquid children’s ibuprofen.
I will send some dosing instructions for the Ibuprofen; the Children's should be 100mg per 5ml... can you confirm that is what you have?
Yes hold on. And do I need to give it to him tonight or tomorrow? Or does it even matter just as long as it is every 8 hours.
Spanky
07-26-2023, 07:44 PM
Start it as soon as possible.
If you are willing to hand off the squirrel for more experienced help, can you share you general location?
Spanky
07-28-2023, 10:44 AM
Any updates on this little guy's condition?
It is a girl!! Yay! We just found out course we where giving the med she needed and she is covered in maggots and we have been treating her for that hydrogen peroxide I should of said that in the beginning she is in a bathroom tub right know in a hamster home it was given to us by a neighbor.
And a neighbor said to put egg crates down. it’s padding that goes on a bed I don’t know if u now what I mean it’s foam really. But idk if he whould chew it cause she been eating a lot of food and water.
And I just saw it’s blinded in one of the eyes idk hw that happened it’s was not like that? What do we do to treat it or is there no way to treat it?
Spanky
07-28-2023, 01:29 PM
It is a girl!! Yay! We just found out course we where giving the med she needed and she is covered in maggots and we have been treating her for that hydrogen peroxide I should of said that in the beginning she is in a bathroom tub right know in a hamster home it was given to us by a neighbor.
And a neighbor said to put egg crates down. it’s padding that goes on a bed I don’t know if u now what I mean it’s foam really. But idk if he whould chew it cause she been eating a lot of food and water.
And I just saw it’s blinded in one of the eyes idk hw that happened it’s was not like that? What do we do to treat it or is there no way to treat it?
She needs to be treated for the maggots ASAP. There is a medication called nitenpyram (brand names CapStar, Capguard and some others).. it is a very safe and effective treatment to kills maggots very quickly. Both INTERNALLY and topically.
This can be purchased at Tractor Supply and many other stores. Those maggots are a lethal threat to her in her condition.
The maggots can get internal (wonder if that is what is happening with the eye?)... check her ears! She needs to be treated both topically and internally (given some nitenpyram by mouth). If you get the med, we'll send you instructions. These maggots can and will kill her if left untreated.
Ok I will check her ears. And I will buy it do we need a prescription?
Spanky
07-28-2023, 01:35 PM
Ok I will check her ears. And I will buy it do we need a prescription?
No prescription is needed... the label will say it is for fleas and ticks, but it is used "off-label" as a very effective killer of maggots. She has to be miserable with all those maggots feasting on her.
No prescription is needed... the label will say it is for fleas and ticks, but it is used "off-label" as a very effective killer of maggots. She has to be miserable with all those maggots feasting on her.
Oh I bet. Cats or dogs? Which one?
Spanky
07-28-2023, 01:39 PM
Oh I bet. Cats or dogs? Which one?
You can just get whichever is less expensive; we usually use the 11.4mg tablets.
You can just get whichever is less expensive; we usually use the 11.4mg tablets.
Ok thank you.
She is huddled up in a blanket. Right now. So sweet she is letting us give her her meds and put proxied on her. I’m so proud of her.
Praying she lives Survives.
She is very feisty at times. So that is good. She is strong.
Thanks you all for all your help. I could not of done this without u thank you so much.
She has survived a week know. and hopefully the rest of her life. till she is old.
Start it as soon as possible.
If you are willing to hand off the squirrel for more experienced help, can you share you general location?
**** **** ***
Sylacauga, AL
United States
And I am willing to hand him off to some more experienced help.
Just need the location and the price.
Spanky
07-28-2023, 08:20 PM
There is not going to be any costs, we just need to see if we can get her to someone with access to medications, knowledge and vet care that will provide her best chances of recovery.
I'll take her if we can get her here... just need to figure that out or what other options might be....
There is not going to be any costs, we just need to see if we can get her to someone with access to medications, knowledge and vet care that will provide her best chances of recovery.
I'll take her if we can get her here... just need to figure that out or what other options might be....
Ok I will bring her she is covered in maggots my dad said she not going to make it but We will do everything in our power to help it where is this place?
She passed away at 10:35pm Friday July 28
I’m sooo sorry.
She was just covered in maggots in her ear,bottom and legs we washed her dryer her. We gave her meds but we waited to long to. people who read this pls don’t wait so long to help her like I did. Next time Im going to learn my lesson just take it to the vet. It’s worth the drive.
island rehabber
07-28-2023, 11:06 PM
These lessons are so hard to learn sometimes. I am sadly and respectfully moving this thread to All Squirrels Go to Heaven. :sad
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