Likely head trauma

[Chickenlegs]

She was found in the middle of Cary St. Her finder said she noticed a squirrel that looked like it had been hit by a car but the tail was twitching. She grabbed a towel and after a short chase, picked up the squirrel and when I got home from substitute teaching a class, there was a squirrel in a cardboard carrier in the living room. I took her to the vet and as of last night she had been given something for inflamation and some fluids. “Cary” is a beautiful adult girl squirrel, bigger than Scooter and he weighs 540 some odd grams. On Saturdays the vet closes early so after 11, I called and was told they hadn’t looked at her yet. 2:00 rolls by and someone called and said the vet still hadn’t looked at her today and could I come and get her because nobody would be around to feed her over the weekend. She hadn’t had anything to eat since she was brought in. Oh, she would be on the back porch in a carrier. Sigh. She was in a little cardboard box in a big dog carrier.

Tonight Cary is in a little cage with lots of fleece. I gave her some foods my backyard squirrels like—a piece of apple, a pecan half, some sunflower seeds, a little bit of sweet corn and a block (every now and then my guys seem to like them). Awhile ago I checked on her—the room was dark. I thought she would be asleep. Her eyes were open. I dropped some water on her mouth. Didn’t see her swallow. She can run around, trying to get away—and once she just sat still—she froze. I shined a flash light on her eyes. I didn’t see any reaction. Oh lord I hope this little girl isn’t blind. TSB prayers please.

Cary tonight
Oops. One is upside down.

[SammysMom]

Prayers going up...

[stepnstone]

Poor baby obviously suffered some kind of trauma possibly a concussion, taken here, shifted there, back again had
to have just added to her stress and confusion. I would keep doing what your doing and give her time before trying
to evaluate, concussions also take time to heal. I am glad she found her way to you.

[SophieSquirrel]

What a beautiful girl! She is lucky to have found her way to you. Keep us updated

[LR]

Prayers for Cary.....

[Nancy in New York]

Her whole world was turned upside down, yet she couldn't have
landed in more loving, patient, capable hands.
Bless you for ALWAYS being there for any "fallen" little soul.

[lennysmom]

Oh that poor sweetie, I know she must be terrified. She is blessed to have landed in your care Pat. Thank you for always having a place in your home and heart for these broken little ones and giving them a chance. Many prayers for little Cary.

[Mel1959]

Poor little girl! I’m sure she is beyond confused. Bless you for helping here. Please keep us updated. prayers for Cary

[lukaslolamaus]

Sending prayers Cary

[cava]

Hopefully she was just stunned and will warm up to you quickly. The universe knew you had an opening I think.

Anyway, how is she doing this morning?

[Chickenlegs]

Little girl is hiding UNDER her fleece rather than laying on top. I gave her an almond and a hazelnut. I don’t see either. Yay! As long as she eats. I tried to get a picture but she didn’t want anything to do with me or the camera. I count that as a good thing. Tonight I’ll give her blocks and a piece of apple for hydration. I don’t see her drinking yet. I need to find a bigger—but not too big—cage so I can hang a cube in it and see what she can—and possibly can’t do. I can’t take her back to where she was found so I’m thinking she’ll be with me till spring. Turned bitter cold again and I want to make sure she’s healed before she goes outside. My yard is fairly safe—no red tails—and plenty of trees throughout the neighborhood so if she’s chased off, there’s territory to be had. She’s a pretty girl—and happily, a pretty GROWLEY girl

PS:wonder if I should give her prednisone or meloxicam in the event she has some swelling. Vet didn’t recommend but vet didn’t even look at her yesterday and Friday she got to the animal hospital late. She did get Meloxicam there. Nothing yesterday before I brought her home.

[lennysmom]

I'm glad to hear she has a little more spunk and is eating some. Definitely a step in the right direction. I too thought of prednisone for possible swelling, but I've never dealt with head trauma cases, so I'm not sure if that would be good for her or not. Prayers continue for Cary.

[stepnstone]

PS:wonder if I should give her prednisone or meloxicam in the event she has some swelling. Vet didn’t recommend but vet didn’t even look at her yesterday and Friday she got to the animal hospital late. She did get Meloxicam there. Nothing yesterday before I brought her home.

Personally I would allow her pain med for that very reason at least 2-3 days,
it can also help her to relax and adjust.

[farm mom]

Hi Pat,
Do you have any Dex by any chance? That would be best for the head injury and any traumatic inflammation. If not I would definitely give her some meloxicam for a few days, that also will help with any pain and swelling. Hope she feels better soon and I guess she'll be coming to the gathering...lol