Advanced MBD?

[Diggie's Friend]

In using PYC from the 30 mg. "Healthy Origins Pycnogenol", to determine the dose by weight of the squirrel, multiply (4 x (?) the weight of the squirrel, then divide by the original wt. for the rats, 220, to get the amount of mg. of PYC .

For example: If the squirrel weighs 400 grams, then multiply the weight 400 x 4 = 1600, and divide the total by 220, which comes to (7.27 mg.)

Next, decide how best to divide the powder to get the closest dose determined for the squirrel which isn't always the same number depending upon the amount determined by weight. In this case, dividing the total powder into 4 equal parts would provide approximately (7.5 mg.) Since a tiny amount is lost in dividing this powder it should come out very close to the amount of this example.

I found that using the waxy side of a piece of butcher paper works well to support dividing the powder of the capsule using a one-sided razor blade, into equal portions.. Once divided, use a scissors to cut the paper in two parts, with the one portion on one side, and the excess portions on the other. From there, put a crease in the paper to funnel the left over powder into a holding plastic container for future use. For the one portion on the other piece of paper, divide it into two parts; include one half with the AM meal, and the other with the PM meal.

Again this amount is just an example, not necessarily what your squirrel's present weight is to use in the calculation. If you need help with this, PM me.

[Spanky]

Thank you DF for the info, I have ordered the PYC from Amazon yesterday and will give it a go when it arrives. I believe I should be alright in determining the correct dose for weight and measuring / separating out the dosage from the capsule. But, should that I change I will indeed reach out to you.

Another thing I find very curious about this girl is her love of dried banana chips (no sugars nor nitrates, banana and nothing but banana). She loves them like they were nuts... I cannot help but suspect there is some nutrient in the banana her body is craving. Any ideas?!?!?

PS Polly's sister Penny is free in the trees, she does visit often... she is happy and healthy living the squirrelly life in the treetops!!!

[Diggie's Friend]

Not surprisingly liking the dried banana chips; concentrating sugars, fats, and protein, which intensifies its flavor and sweetness.
It also may be for the gnawing value it has when dried, like a 'goodie' to a squirrel. There is a mineral that bananas are higher in, magnesium; this could be promoting her desire for the dried banana.

Research in bone health in the rat has recently found that a closer ratio of Calcium to Magnesium (3.3:1) (Ca:Mg) supports greater bone density compared to (10:1) Ca:Mg of the old standard of 1995, used as the, 'control' it was compared to in this same study. Therats were also put into menopause, which lowers estrogen levels to nil; this, says much about the efficacy of magnesium to support bone health in the rats, as estrogen one of the key hormones responsible for supporting the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream.

Raising magnesium in the diet is done in small steps, starting with the lowest increase, raise it after a few days up to the next step, and then the next, and so on till bowel tolerance is reached (loosened soft stool). Then lower the amount down two minimal increases, which will firm up the stool. . I can estimate the amount of magnesium if one particular rodent block is used, as the data on this isn't just noted in percentages, but also in mg. If you happen to be interested in doing this, PM me.

[Spanky]

Polly is simply... amaZING! She is starting to actually use her rear legs funtionally... she is actually "using" them.... I have seen her lift her rear end up on occasion. This girl seems to be on a slow and steady improvement path... did I mention how AMAZing she is! Best therapy is simply wide open spaces (out of cage time).

I hope to get a video if her "running" soon... yes, she "runs" (and I always cry out "Run Polly, RUN!!!").
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And in case you missed it... she lifted her tail up over her back at the 8 second mark. Did I mention this is one AMAZing girl?

(2019 was a tough rehab year... I have been reminding myself there were lots of wins among the heartbreaking loses... this is one big win...)