Bottom Teeth dull and receding & top teeth not growing.

[dsprice40]

My Millie will be 7 years old this July. She is a Florida Gray squirrel. Just in the last maybe 2 years Iv noticed she slowly stoped chewing on everything. I keep Oak limbs in the rooms that she is allowed to run free in and Oak and apple wood in her pin. She has pretty much stoped chewing on anything now. Ill try to get a picture of her teeth on here later today. Her bottom teeth look like they are roting to me. They do not look healthy and her top teeth have seemed to stop growing. Her energy levels seem to come and go also. I feed her two Henrys healthy blocks per day along with fresh veggies and fruit with a pecan and pumpkin seeds. On most days she spends more time out of her pin then she does in it. Her pin is 4x4x6 also. Im really worried about her so any suggestions would be great. Thanks

[CritterMom]

The bad news is that you are describing a tooth issue called odontoma. Normally due to trauma (many baby squirrels fall from the nest landing on their face and the dental issues from that can take many years to show up), the teeth begin growing large calcium deposits at the roots of the front teeth, and since the calcium is being directed there it is no longer working to keep the teeth growing out of the gums. The deposits will become larger and larger until they begin to interfere with the sinuses and breathing. Treatment involves removing the teeth, which is a difficult surgery.

That is the bad news. The good news is that the number one squirrel vet who at this point probably does a couple of these procedures a day now and who we have had people drive cross country to see, lives and practices in Port Orange FL.

Dr. Alicia Emerson at Ravenswood: https://ravenwoodvet.net/

It is possible you are looking at something else but either way, teeth require vet intervention. Call this practice.

[dsprice40]

The bad news is that you are describing a tooth issue called odontoma. Normally due to trauma (many baby squirrels fall from the nest landing on their face and the dental issues from that can take many years to show up), the teeth begin growing large calcium deposits at the roots of the front teeth, and since the calcium is being directed there it is no longer working to keep the teeth growing out of the gums. The deposits will become larger and larger until they begin to interfere with the sinuses and breathing. Treatment involves removing the teeth, which is a difficult surgery.

That is the bad news. The good news is that the number one squirrel vet who at this point probably does a couple of these procedures a day now and who we have had people drive cross country to see, lives and practices in Port Orange FL.

Dr. Alicia Emerson at Ravenswood: https://ravenwoodvet.net/

It is possible you are looking at something else but either way, teeth require vet intervention. Call this practice.

Thanks for the timely responce. I will call the vet in the morning. Odontoma will affect her lower teeth also?

[CritterMom]

It can but they don't usually extract them. The problem on the top is that it interferes with their breathing eventually, where the bottoms aren't near the sinuses.

[dsprice40]

I called the Vet and Dr. Emerson will be out of town untill the first of the month. I am supposed to call back Monday the 20th and hopefully they can set me a appointment. I took a couple picture's. There not the greatest in the world. Mill doesnt like me fooling with them. she acts like her bottom ones are sore. I am taking her to the Vet no matter what but I was hoping someone could tell anything by the pictures. On the one that is a screenshot if you can see it there is a pice of skin growing between her bottom teeth. Like her gum is growing between them and its at least half as tall as her teeth. I know its hard to tell but her bottom teeth do not come to a point they are blunt.327200327201327202327204

[CritterMom]

The missing ones on the top are very indicative of odontoma. Since they have ceased growing OUT of the gums like normal because they have instead begun using that calcium to grow the odontoma, they eventually wear down from normal eating. That will affect the bottoms and they may begin to overgrow.

Needless to say, xrays will have to be done to confirm this, but that sure does look like odontoma. Ugh.

[dsprice40]

Its hard to see in the pictures but her top teeth are not missing. They are only about 1/8th of a inch which is very short I know. The nurse at Ravenswood told me I could call back around end of the month and they could set up a appt to see Millie. I will update after We see the vet. Thanks for the help.

[dsprice40]

I have to be in Port Orange to drop my Millie off with the vet at noon tomorrow. I am hopeing it isnt odontoma and is something she will recover with some meds or a dite change. Millie is also haveing a skin issue. She itches at a spot inbetween her front shoulders to where she is getting a couple bald spots. I treat her with revolution for puppies and kittens. One dose every month real close to where she is itching at. I have treated her with revolution for years and never had this happen so I dont belive its the treatment. She has three bald spots all grouped together and there is a small bump in each spot. You wouldnt even know the bump was there without scratching the spots. Anyway if anyone has any ideas on the skin issue please let me know. Of course Ill be asking the vet about it but you can never get enough good advice from knowledgeable people. Also anyone with experience in nursing a squirrel thats had odontoma surgery please let me know what Im going to need and any helpful info in giving her the best chances at a full recovery. Just in case. Thanks

[CritterMom]

Please post when you can!

[dsprice40]

Well she had to have surgery. She has odontoma on both top and both bottoms. They went ahead and took the largest one on top and we have to come back so they can take the other side out. Not sure on the bottoms yet. Millie is doing OK so far. I haven't been able to get her to eat much of anything. I got some info about post op care from the internet so I'm hopeful she will make a full recovery. I asked for some advise on the post op care on this site but got none. Maybe I posted it in the wrong place or something. I suck at online forums. I don't know how to navigate them real good. Anyway any and all advise is welcome. Hope someone sees this. Thanks

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm so sorry just seeing this, prayers to your baby 🙏
I've been though many odatoma surgeries with my kids and other friends squirrels.
I'm assuming you went to Dr Emerson she rocks👍

Get fluids in, I gave FV but if they don't like that maybe mush up avocado with FV powder Just a sprinkle.
I used jar baby food/fruits/ veggies.
I had one who loved boiled egg so I would mush it up add applesauce anything I could get them to eat.
A bit of honey water even syringe to stimulate appetite. It's normal for them not to want to eat make sure to use a probiotic like bene-bac 2 hours before or after antibiotics if she's still on them . Probiotics are good anyway.
Not sure this helps I'm sure I'll think of more....oh squash cooked mashed up keep trying new things.
Prayers 🙏

[dsprice40]

I'm not sure what you mean by FV. After you tell me I'll probably feel like a dummy. I'm going to try the other foods when we get home. They are taking out the Stent this morning so we will head home as soon as we pick her up. I dropped her off about 45 mins ago. I'll sent update this evening. Thank you for the advice. Millie means the world to me. Thanks.

[CritterMom]

FV: Fox Valley squirrel baby formula: https://henryspets.com/fox-valley-day-one-formula-20-50-for-baby-squirrels/

Baby squirrel formula can help a lot when they don't want to eat and their mouth hurts. You can feed it straight, grind up squirrel blocks and make mush with the formula, and lots of other ideas. The nice thing is that it is a pretty complete food - so they are getting the vitamins and minerals they need during the post surgery period.

You can try other things, too. Yogurt may be acceptable - try very hard to find yogurt with at least SOME milk fat that is not made with artificial sweeteners - that is, not "low fat/no fat/sugar free." Find flavors, not plain - you are trying to convince her to eat. My gray squirrel AND flyer both just love Oiko coconut yogurt. Once you find something liquid like that they she will accept, you can start using it to sneak more solid goods into her.

You don't want to just start feeding terrible junk food, but if warming up some formula with a little bit of peanut butter added makes her eat it better than straight, then peanut butter formula it is.

If/when she rejects something that she really should like, try different preps. She may want it warmed. She may like it ice cold - or even frozen! Maybe room temp is better.

The first few days will be scary because she just hurts and hopefully is also kind of dopey from pain meds.

Make sure she is drinking plenty of water, and if she isn't, syringe it into her.

Make sure you get plenty of pain meds and stuff for her from the vet.

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm not sure what you mean by FV. After you tell me I'll probably feel like a dummy. I'm going to try the other foods when we get home. They are taking out the Stent this morning so we will head home as soon as we pick her up. I dropped her off about 45 mins ago. I'll sent update this evening. Thank you for the advice. Millie means the world to me. Thanks.

Sorry I should have said Fox valley I see crittermom did😁

[Charley Chuckles]

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OK NOW WHO'S CONFUSED 🤔

[Charley Chuckles]

Having recently completed a Dual Diploma Program, I must confess it was a noteworthy experience in my educational journey. This program provides the opportunity to gain two distinct diplomas simultaneously, enhancing your interdisciplinary knowledge and giving you a significant edge in the employment market.

Via this program, I have been exposed to diverse domains, aiding my all-round development. It's offered me a expanded perspective on how different domains interact and can jointly achieve better results.

For ones seeking to maximize their scholastic prospects and employment prospects, embarking on a dual diploma program would be an superb choice. You’ll garner a ample understanding of two individual disciplines, which can be vital for job roles that require cross-disciplinary knowledge. It's not only about earning two diplomas; it's about broadening your point of view and boosting your cognitive capabilities.

However, it's appropriate to mention that this program necessitates dedication and endeavor. Managing two degree programs can be a strenuous task, so plan to dedicate adequate time and resources to your academics.

In case you feel stimulated to broaden your horizons with a Dual Diploma Program, I encourage you to study more about it. Work with your study advisors and check out the prospects. The more informed you are, the more appropriate decisions you can make regarding your education. https://k12dualdiplomaprogram5.com

:icontrol

[dsprice40]

I will order some FV for next go around. Thats if we survive this one. They removed her stint this morning and she has slept the whole 6 hr drive home. When I got her out of the carrier at home she had had quite a bit of drainage coming out her nose. I belive her nose is stopped up now though because the hole has opened back up. I stopen at lunch and gave her one of her pain meds and her nasal drops. I have tried to clean her nose out but she will not let me mess with it. She drinks plenty of water all on her own but I cannot get her to eat anything. I tried squeezing some baby food in her mouth useing a syringe and it did not go verry well. I ended up with more on me that made it in her mouth. Then she just rubbed her mouth all over my shoulders. I guess I deserved it so I just stood there till she was finished. Im worried about her not eating and her nose clogging up like it is. Thank everyone for all the advice.

[CritterMom]

I just put up a post to hopefully drive some help to your thread. A lot of people here have been through this, but since you post title doesn't directly reference "odontoma" they likely didn't see it. Just keep checking back.

[Charley Chuckles]

You can use a Qtip just "OUTSIDE" the hole not digging in to remove any crusty stuff, the drops should help keep it open. I know it's a mess to watch. Keep putting in the drops even though it grows back fast I kept using the drops even after it was all fur.
If nothing else keep syringing a little honey water to help appetite and give her strength. I hope she starts to eat soon but we all know how it is when we don't feel well 🙏

[dsprice40]

I just put up a post to hopefully drive some help to your thread. A lot of people here have been through this, but since you post title doesn't directly reference "odontoma" they likely didn't see it. Just keep checking back.

Thank you! I didnt even think about putting odontoma in the title. Im no good at fourms and common sense seems to evade me from time to time.

[dsprice40]

You can use a Qtip just "OUTSIDE" the hole not digging in to remove any crusty stuff, the drops should help keep it open. I know it's a mess to watch. Keep putting in the drops even though it grows back fast I kept using the drops even after it was all fur.
If nothing else keep syringing a little honey water to help appetite and give her strength. I hope she starts to eat soon but we all know how it is when we don't feel well 🙏

I had to wrap her up in a shirt to be able to clean her nose and the top of her head where hole is. I did use a Qtip dipped in warm water and it worked great. I was able to do all morning drops and meds while I had her wrapped up. She did not like it at all and still will not look at me. She actually waddles in a circle so she doesnt have to face me. If I pick her up to hold her she crawls up my shirt and puts her head under my chin.

[dsprice40]

I am going to the grocery store today and getting some stuff that hopefully she will eat. She is drinking plenty of water so no worries there but she has got to start eating something soon. She acts like she is starving and tries to eat but gives up quick. Like she cant get a bite of anything. She will not even lick baby food and I Have tried 10 different flavors. The only think she has eat any of is a mushed up french fry. She cant eat it on her own but I mashed some up and she ate it off my finger. I have tried the same with other foods and had no success. I know fries are not good for her but its got to be better than nothing at all.

[Charley Chuckles]

I am going to the grocery store today and getting some stuff that hopefully she will eat. She is drinking plenty of water so no worries there but she has got to start eating something soon. She acts like she is starving and tries to eat but gives up quick. Like she cant get a bite of anything. She will not even lick baby food and I Have tried 10 different flavors. The only think she has eat any of is a mushed up french fry. She cant eat it on her own but I mashed some up and she ate it off my finger. I have tried the same with other foods and had no success. I know fries are not good for her but its got to be better than nothing at all.
Yes my Conker was not happy with me giving meds but he forgave me 😁
Get some almond butter she may like that, yes I even gave Conker blueberry pancakes and some malted milk I agree something is better than nothing my Charley Chuckles always got a french fri when we left Dr Emerson's🤭🤫

[dsprice40]

I may end up making the 6 hr trip back to Daytona so the Dr can see Millie again. She still will not hardly eat. I have only got het to eat a very small amount of avocado and some peanut butter plus half a crushed up pecan half today. She has drank a cap full of fruit punch body armor 5 or 6 times today. After she eats or drinks a little its like she gets choked and the doesnt want anymore. She sneezes A LOT!! The skin where the stint was bubles when she breathes hard or in her sneezing fits. Her nostral is still weeping a little blood. All she wants to do is hide under the covers on my bed or get in her hanging tent in her pen. She had peed Saturday but as far as I know thats the last time. She pees on a training mat for puppies. She always pees there and poops there for the most part but always pees there. I can not stand not knowing what to do to help her. The Dr was not there today but is going to call me in the morning and I will go from there. Thanks for all the help and I will update tomorrow. Im still trying any and all advice. Maybe Im over reacting.

[dsprice40]

Her skin on top of her head has stoped ballooning when she is breathing but she continues to sneeze of cough one of the two. She eats better than she was and her nose keeps getting stopped up on the side they worked on. She is drinking better also and she has peeed a couple times. Pretty good amounts of pee and not where she is supposed to go but thats ok. The Dr seemed to not be so worried as long as her skin quit ballooning when she breathes so I held off making the trip. Dr. Emerson will be back in office tomorrow so depending on how today goes will depend on how tomorrow goes. The Dr. is great she said I could bring Millie any time she is in office no appt necessary. Just give them a heads up. Can anyone tell me if the sneezing/coughing is normal 5 days after surgery?