Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 40

Thread: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Petey is a 5 year old ground squirrel. His back legs aren't working very great and he has started having spasms sometimes. He's eating fine and still mostly does okay climbing the sides of his cage.

    He isn't cleaning himself very well though, especially around his squirrel boy parts. I've been trying to clean him with water and a washcloth or qtips when he's asleep enough to let me. This morning I noticed his penis is inflamed and looks like it make have a sore on the side of it. I used a syringe with water to rinse it off since touching it kept getting a reaction from him.

    Any suggestions on how to help that heal?

    And also, just in general.... End of life advice is appreciated...when...how do I know... Etc. I know usually if they're still eating and drinking that's the most important sign. But I know he's getting exceptionally old for a male ground squirrel.

    Thanks!
    Jennifer

  2. Serious fuzzy thank you's to WhistlingPete from:

    Diggie's Friend (05-17-2018)

  3. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Northeast
    Posts
    20,012
    Thanked: 9441

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    I was thinking that the other day when you resurfaced here and it hurt my heart.

    For his sore, and for cleaning him up, I would buy a bottle of Betadyne, or 10% povidone iodine as it is called generically. By all means get the cheaper generic. It will be with the wound care at any drug store. It is the red stuff that looks like blood. Dilute it for use - 20 drops in 1/4 cup water. It will become the color of iced tea - if you want to make up smaller amounts, that color is what you are looking for - and it is very forgiving. Just dab it on his sore 3 or 4 times a day - don't cover it or anything. It doesn't hurt or itch and it dries like water with no residue to make him want to fuss with the area. It is antibacterial and antifungal and it cures almost anything on the skin. It works for you, too, BTW!

    I would also use a bit more diluted mixture of it to wipe him down after you clean him.

    I would increase his calcium intake. How much does he get a day? The back end paralysis and spasms SCREAMS MBD. I would start getting calcium into him pronto. How much does he weigh? He is old but it is also possible that what you are seeing is something fixable...

  4. 3 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to CritterMom:

    SophieSquirrel (05-16-2018), Toddy (05-16-2018), TubeDriver (05-16-2018)

  5. #3
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Quote Originally Posted by CritterMom View Post
    I was thinking that the other day when you resurfaced here and it hurt my heart.

    For his sore, and for cleaning him up, I would buy a bottle of Betadyne, or 10% povidone iodine as it is called generically. By all means get the cheaper generic. It will be with the wound care at any drug store. It is the red stuff that looks like blood. Dilute it for use - 20 drops in 1/4 cup water. It will become the color of iced tea - if you want to make up smaller amounts, that color is what you are looking for - and it is very forgiving. Just dab it on his sore 3 or 4 times a day - don't cover it or anything. It doesn't hurt or itch and it dries like water with no residue to make him want to fuss with the area. It is antibacterial and antifungal and it cures almost anything on the skin. It works for you, too, BTW!

    I would also use a bit more diluted mixture of it to wipe him down after you clean him.

    I would increase his calcium intake. How much does he get a day? The back end paralysis and spasms SCREAMS MBD. I would start getting calcium into him pronto. How much does he weigh? He is old but it is also possible that what you are seeing is something fixable...
    Thanks for all this. I thought it was MBD and I still think it might have been when he came out of hibernation this year since it was so much longer. Ive been giving him a little extra calcium and I talked to Leigh about it too. He's eating two Henry's blocks a day plus a handful of dandelions and munching on rat blocks so if he was deficient it may just not be cleared up yet.

    I haven't weighed him in a bit and he's gained a lot in the last month since he woke up. I'd guess he's around 220g.

  6. Serious fuzzy thank you's to WhistlingPete from:

    SophieSquirrel (05-16-2018)

  7. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    West Coast
    Posts
    3,587
    Thanked: 3398

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Question, has he been neutered, and if so was it before reaching sexual maturity at about a year of age?

    Paralysis can be from osteoporosis due to altering. For males it is an issue if they are neutered before reaching sexual maturity.

    For females it puts them into menopause. Our girl developed degenerative disc disease just 2 years after the procedure which resulted in back spasms.

    We treated it with methocarbomal twice daily. .
    Last edited by TubeDriver; 08-21-2020 at 09:43 PM.

  8. Serious fuzzy thank you's to Diggie's Friend from:

    SophieSquirrel (05-16-2018)

  9. #5
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Quote Originally Posted by Diggie's Friend View Post

    Question, has he been neutered, and if so was it before reaching sexual maturity at about a year of age?

    Paralysis can be from osteoporosis due to altering. For males it is an issue if they are neutered before reaching sexual maturity.

    For females it puts them into menopause. Our girl developed degenerative disc disease just 2 years after the procedure which resulted in back spasms.

    We treated it with methocarbomal twice daily. .
    Petey is a Piute ground squirrel. The oldest females from his type are around 6-7 years and he's one of the oldest known males. I've been working with the biologist who studies them.
    And he was not neutered.
    Last edited by TubeDriver; 08-21-2020 at 09:44 PM.

  10. 3 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to WhistlingPete:

    Diggie's Friend (04-27-2019), SophieSquirrel (05-16-2018), TubeDriver (05-16-2018)

  11. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    West Coast
    Posts
    3,587
    Thanked: 3398

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    WhistlingPete wrote:

    Petey is a Piute ground squirrel. The oldest females from his type are around 6-7 years and he's one of the oldest known males. I've been working with the biologist who studies them.
    And he was not neutered.
    Glad to hear that he is intact. It makes sense about him being elderly as this species is smaller than the Rock and Calif. ground squirrel. I would love to see photos of your boy.

    There is a nerve junction degeneration that is common in elderly rodents, this could be the cause of the paralysis. If he has degenerative disc disease it won't repair it.

    As for treatment for MBD, start with whatever form of calcium you can get today, as prompt treatment is needful.

  12. Serious fuzzy thank you's to Diggie's Friend from:

    SophieSquirrel (05-16-2018)

  13. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    West Coast
    Posts
    3,587
    Thanked: 3398

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    When osteoarthritis occurs in the lumbar spine (spondylosis), degeneration of the intervertebral discs, and narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) result. This degeneration and narrowing can cause nerve root (radiculopathy) and spinal cord compression resulting in weakness of the hind limbs progressing to hind limb paralysis. This condition is seen mainly in male rats.
    For more info read: http://ratguide.com/health/musculosk...oarthritis.php

  14. 2 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to Diggie's Friend:

    SophieSquirrel (05-16-2018), WhistlingPete (05-16-2018)

  15. #8
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Quote Originally Posted by Diggie's Friend View Post

    Thanks for this. It sounds exactly like what's happening. As far as calcium goes, I've already been giving it to him for a few weeks and he eats 2 Henry's blocks a day and dandelions. And nothing that's "bad" for him. I'm not sure there's much else to do nutrition wise.

  16. Serious fuzzy thank you's to WhistlingPete from:

    Diggie's Friend (05-19-2018)

  17. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    1,050
    Thanked: 1652

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    The Piute Ground squirrel (Urocitellus mollis) is similar to the CGS (Spermophilus beecheyi) and the 13 lined GS (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) in taxonomy. I think when we chatted you said he won't eat timothy hay that is normally a Prairie Dog base diet and I believe the Piute is more of a seed eater. Contact Dr. Gena Seaburg kato@spro.net or 425-870-1729 and ask her about the correct Piute diet to prevent MBD. She is THE go-to expert on Prairie Dog nutrition and consults with zoos, vets and PD owners around the world. I learned everything I know about Prairie Dogs from Gena and Lynda Watson. She would also know about Piute's. Ask your biologist friend if he/she knows Gena.

    You don't feed him any dried corn, right? That will damage his gall bladder.

  18. Serious fuzzy thank you's to SophieSquirrel from:

    Diggie's Friend (05-19-2018)

  19. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    East Coast, USA!
    Posts
    20,090
    Thanked: 12516

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Petey is such an interesting and cool little fellow. I almost hope it is MBD because prompt treatment can reverse the symptoms and cure the syndrome.

    Petey
    See my wild squirrel adventures in the thread "Squirtle's yard!":
    https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...quirtle-s-Yard!

    Loving dad to Sir Max, 2017-2018. There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.

    "Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right."
    -Grateful Dead

  20. Serious fuzzy thank you's to TubeDriver from:

    Diggie's Friend (05-19-2018)

  21. #11
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Quote Originally Posted by SophieSquirrel View Post
    The Piute Ground squirrel (Urocitellus mollis) is similar to the CGS (Spermophilus beecheyi) and the 13 lined GS (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) in taxonomy. I think when we chatted you said he won't eat timothy hay that is normally a Prairie Dog base diet and I believe the Piute is more of a seed eater. Contact Dr. Gena Seaburg kato@spro.net or 425-870-1729 and ask her about the correct Piute diet to prevent MBD. She is THE go-to expert on Prairie Dog nutrition and consults with zoos, vets and PD owners around the world. I learned everything I know about Prairie Dogs from Gena and Lynda Watson. She would also know about Piute's. Ask your biologist friend if he/she knows Gena.

    You don't feed him any dried corn, right? That will damage his gall bladder.
    Thanks I'll contact her also. And nope to dried corn!

  22. Serious fuzzy thank you's to WhistlingPete from:

    Diggie's Friend (05-19-2018)

  23. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    West Coast
    Posts
    3,587
    Thanked: 3398

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Do you feed grubworms?

    Camilles Vita-Mealies offers both live and dried mealworms raised on an vitamin-nutrient enriched diet.

    Here is the link. https://vita-mealie.weebly.com/

    Another plant belonging to the same group as Dandelions is Chicory; both the leaf and the root contain a good array of nutrients.

    Baby chicory leaves are low in calcium robbing oxalates, which makes the diet more supportive calcium wise. Arugula, Escarole are also good sources.

    Seeds is the hard part as most are high in phosphorus to calcium, still for the diet to be supported in a healthy ratio there needs to be sources higher in phosphorus,

    so don't be afraid to offer him Oats for example. If he will eat them hydrated that is easier on his digestion. Organic oat groats are available online from Bob's Red Mill.

    With this source I have soaked them over night to saturate them. If you don't soak them chopping them up is recommended as they swell up in the body.

    Then again with ground squirrels this may not be needful. I would inquire of Gena Seaberg on that account.

  24. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    West Coast
    Posts
    3,587
    Thanked: 3398

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill...%2Bgroats&th=1

    https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill...004VLVB5C?th=1

    Edit: 'If you don't soak the groats then chop the grains into a few pieces, as they swell up in the body.

    Then again with ground squirrels this may not be needful. or perhaps feeding the roll oats to feed raw may be a better choice?'

  25. #14
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Yesterday and today petey seems to be doing better in terms of energy and running in his wheel. Tonight when I checked on him though he had a little blood on him. He was cleaning himself which he hasnt done well in awhile but his penis was bleeding a little. I don't think it was bloody urine but I can't be sure. I rinsed off the blood from the penis and disinfected it but i couldn't see a source for the blood. Any thoughts?

  26. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    East coast of Florida
    Posts
    9,781
    Thanked: 12707

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    He could have a UTI. Do you have any antibiotics? If so which ones?

  27. #16
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Quote Originally Posted by Mel1959 View Post
    He could have a UTI. Do you have any antibiotics? If so which ones?
    I don't have any antibiotics. I just posted on fb asking if anyone has any cipro lying around.

  28. #17
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    I realized I do have an antibiotic cream that was for a bunny. It is Silvadene.

  29. #18
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    I've been applying the silvadene which seems like it is helping. I removed his digging dirt and his litter box so he wouldn't be getting those stuck in that area. I think that's all helping. He seems cleaner at least but i worry since that's his main exercise

    Yesterday he fell a couple times while climbing. Everything is well padded now but still. I tried blocking off part of the cage wall so he had to pass through levels but he would push through my barrier enough to get stuck which was much worse than falling.

    This morning as i cuddled him he yawned and i realized he only has one top tooth now. When did that happen, Petey?! I tried to get some pictures....do i do anything about that? Petey dentures?

    Name:  MSGR_PHOTO_FOR_UPLOAD_1527686423659.jpg_1527686444415.jpg
Views: 104
Size:  94.2 KBName:  IMG_20180530_084954.jpg
Views: 103
Size:  120.9 KBName:  IMG_20180530_085118.jpg
Views: 101
Size:  104.1 KBName:  IMG_20180530_084410.jpg
Views: 99
Size:  127.0 KB

  30. #19
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    East Coast, USA!
    Posts
    20,090
    Thanked: 12516

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    Check the length of his bottom teeth. Without a top tooth to help wear the bottom tooth, the remaining tooth can overgrow. If they become overgrown, he will need regular trimmings. Perhaps the missing tooth will grow back in?

    I think You might try some different things in his diet? I am not at all familiar with ground squirrels so take this with a grain of salt. Some people have reported good results with Harlan Teklid blocks. Henries blocks are great and I would continue to give them to him but the HK can be had with higher protein formulations (they have a 14% thru 19% protein versions) and are a complete dietary package. Maybe try 1 HK and 1 Henries per day in addition to whatever else you normally provide? I would bump up Calcium intake too, as we age our bodies process nutrients less effeciently so a diet that was sufficient during our youth may not be sufficient as we enter our twilight years.

    The Silvadene cream is very good stuff (not a typical AB but does have AB effects). The trick is to use the absolute minimum to cover the area, a very light film will work.

    Seeing little Petey sleeping there and knowing how old he is is really sad. They have such short lives compared to us.

    You asked about end of life decisions, when is right? Only you will know when the time is right for Petey. He still sounds like he has some good days ahead of him but there will come a time when a gentle, pain free passing over will be the greatest gift you can give him. If you have a vet that will see Petey, you can talk to them to about painless end-of-life options. Breaks my heart a little to even type this, Petey is such a cool, little fellow. Petey
    See my wild squirrel adventures in the thread "Squirtle's yard!":
    https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...quirtle-s-Yard!

    Loving dad to Sir Max, 2017-2018. There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.

    "Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right."
    -Grateful Dead

  31. #20
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    363
    Thanked: 21

    Default Re: Elderly squirrel issues and possible infection

    I'm still giving him calcium daily alao in case there was some mbd. When he woke up just now and scampered off he didn't use his back legs at all, just drug them behind him. He has started taking his tiny paw and pushing away the calcium like he doesn't want it, where before he was snatching it from me. He still will eat it if I trick him though.

    I'm especially worried because I go out of town tomorrow. My husband is here but then im back for 2 days and we both leave for 8. I have loving people who will help however but they won't know like I do.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •