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Thread: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

  1. #1
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    Exclamation Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    A baby squirrel fell out of a tree, or was dropped by his momma (she was present in the tree) last evening while I was in my yard. The baby was trying to get back up the tree using its front legs when it fell again...but I was under him and caught him in a towel. I let him at the base of the tree, to assess the situation, and he was clearly dragging himself around and unable to use his back legs. Momma squirrel then left. I had to get the baby into a box and bring him inside because there are several feral cats in the area and I didn't want him to die.

    I contacted a wildlife rehabber who had me pinch his legs and tail for a response, which there wasn't any. She then told me he would need to be euthanized.

    Well, that isn't something I could do or want to do. He has so much life in him and is a fighter....climbing the tree with just his front paws tells me he wants to survive. I'm sure some will think it's not possible, but I'm so hopeful that there is someone I can find with experience that can give him a chance. He's drinking, Gatorade because that's what I had on hand and read that is okay in a pinch, and now I'm going to make the sugar and salt mixture I read about on this site. I want to try to feed him so suggestions about what to feed him and when to start trying to feed him would be appreciated.

    He's bright eyed and grips my finger when giving him the bottle...and he's drinking well. Can anyone help, or know someone who helps in my area? Arlington, Texas. I'd post a pic, but can't figure out how to do that from my phone.

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help!

    Thank you for saving this baby; a rehabber will be on soon to help you care for this baby's needs. Can you post a photo of the baby; it will help in determining its age.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    This baby could possibly benefit with a treatment of Prednisone,
    we have seen it work miracles with quite a few injuries such as this.
    I'd ask around family friends and see if you could acquire a pill or two.
    Step-N-Stone
    State Licensed
    Wildlife Master Rehabilitator


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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help!

    Quote Originally Posted by Andie311 View Post
    He's bright eyed and grips my finger when giving him the bottle...and he's drinking well. Can anyone help, or know someone who helps in my area? Arlington, Texas. I'd post a pic, but can't figure out how to do that from my phone.
    Please do not use a nursing bottle when giving a squirrel fluids, they very easily will aspirate the liquid which all too often results in Aspiration Pneumonia (AP). A small syringe (no needle) no bigger than 3ml is much better for squirrels.

    I am not sure of anyone in Arlington, but we'll keep looking.

    In the meantime this little one's best chance may be administration of steroids... prednisone, if you are able to locate that... you will need only a tablet to treat. The prednisone will not fix severe breaks, but often paralysis can be a result of swelling pressing on the nerves and the prednisone will help to reduce the swelling.

    Does he appear to be in pain? One sure sign is if there are white, milky tears in his eye(s).

    Ibuprofen (infants Motrin/Advil) would be better than nothing, but ibuprofen cannot be given with prednisone. While ibuprofen has some anti-inflammatory properties, it is not comparable to prednisone's.

    If you have a kitchen scale and can weigh the baby, the weight is needed for proper medication dosing.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    I'm going to try to find Prednisone from family, and also switch to a syringe...need to find that also. He doesn't appear to be in pain, his eyes are clear and bright. I don't have a kitchen scale, but will work on that also for his weight. I'm still trying to figure put how to post a picture from my phone. Can I upload it from my phone? Seems that it only lets you do a link, URL.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Quote Originally Posted by Andie311 View Post
    I'm going to try to find Prednisone from family, and also switch to a syringe...need to find that also. He doesn't appear to be in pain, his eyes are clear and bright. I don't have a kitchen scale, but will work on that also for his weight. I'm still trying to figure put how to post a picture from my phone. Can I upload it from my phone? Seems that it only lets you do a link, URL.
    I sent you an email asking you to come back to the board.
    Mail the pictures to my email address and I will post them
    when I come back on the board.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Quote Originally Posted by Andie311 View Post
    I'm going to try to find Prednisone from family, and also switch to a syringe...need to find that also. He doesn't appear to be in pain, his eyes are clear and bright. I don't have a kitchen scale, but will work on that also for his weight.

    If you ask for a syringe at a pharmacy they will usually give you a few... if you tell just tell them you are feeding a neonate kitten it will simplify things.

    Kitchen scales can be bought at WalMart for around $15 +/-.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    I figured out how to upload pictures, if you need better ones, I can do that when I get back from picking up my kids from school. That should be about an hour. Thank you all for this help! I don't want to give up on this sweet baby and it's good to know that others feel the same way.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    I'm going to try to find Prednisone from family, and also switch to a syringe...need to find that also. He doesn't appear to be in pain, his eyes are clear and bright. I don't have a kitchen scale, but will work on that also for his weight. I'm still trying to figure put how to post a picture from my phone. Can I upload it from my phone? Seems that it only lets you do a link, URL.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Update: He is lifting his tail in the air! That's a good sign isn't it? Is it still possible he's paralyzed when he is moving his tail?

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    That is a very good sign. Make sure you stimulate his genitals to help him defecate and urinate unless you have seen him do it by himself. The sooner you get the prednisone on board the better chance he has. We need the weight of the squirrel and the strength of the pred. He looks beautiful. There is no need to euthanize if he does not regain use of back legs, but it takes a lot of dedication for his care.

    What formula are you feeding him?
    redwuff
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    Master Wildlife Rehabilitator

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    I'm feeding him Petlac puppy milk replacement, and Pedialyte. He eats, pees and poops like a champ. I haven't found anyone with Prednisone yet😢

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Quote Originally Posted by Andie311 View Post
    I'm feeding him Petlac puppy milk replacement, and Pedialyte. He eats, pees and poops like a champ. I haven't found anyone with Prednisone yet��

    Please don't feed him the PetLac, it causes HUGE problems.
    Here's a thread discussing this. Ignore the suggestion to buy Esbilac formula,
    that has turned out to cause death after death to our innocent babies.
    https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...rmula-Warnings

    Start him on the Goat Milk formula and then order Fox Valley 20/50.
    Let me find the links and I will post them for you.
    Also get him off the Pedialyte. That should only be given for 24 hours.
    Does he appear dehydrated?

    Goat Milk Recipe (Temporary)

    The basic recipe is:

    3 parts goat milk
    3 parts plain (low-fat) yogurt
    2 parts heavy cream
    Add 1 egg yolk for each cup of formula


    Where to order the Fox Valley formula 20/50
    https://www.henryspets.com/fox-valley-formulas/

    You can also order squirrel blocks from this place as well.
    I would get the ones for picky eaters, as those are the only ones
    my squirrels will eat.




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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    I had a young squirrel who came to me
    paralyzed. X-rays showed two separate breaks
    to her spine. But she could lift her tail.
    Brighteyes walked on all fours after months of
    working with her.
    Miracles do happen.
    You can check out Brighteyes story in a thread
    Hit by a car. Started by virgo062

    I wish you all the luck with your baby.
    Scurry Central
    living and loving squirrel

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    I was standing at the pet store looking at the goat milk formula thinking I should get it. I used Google with no help there....dang I wish I had gotten that instead! I will go get the goat milk formula tomorrow. I'll use that recipe tonight...I have all the stuff. Thanks!

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Quote Originally Posted by Andie311 View Post
    I was standing at the pet store looking at the goat milk formula thinking I should get it. I used Google with no help there....dang I wish I had gotten that instead! I will go get the goat milk formula tomorrow. I'll use that recipe tonight...I have all the stuff. Thanks!

    Use the goat's milk that is for human consumption, NOT the Esbilac goat's milk. If you have
    all of the correct ingredients use that now, until your Fox Valley 20/50 comes in.
    The goat's milk formula is only a temporary formula as it doesn't have the proper nutrients/nutriton
    for squirrels.
    Your little one is at the age where he would definitely benefit from the Fox Valley 20/50 formula.
    You can purchase that at Henry's, I gave you the link above.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Hes not dehydrated...so I will stop the pedialite. He's very active and tries to drag himself around to look around. His back legs have started quivering and he puts his tail straight up and wiggled it a little😁

    I didn't want him to overdo it so I let him do that for about 30 seconds and then put him back in his nesting area and he snuggled in under the t-shirt. I saw not to use blankets somewhere so he has old cotton t-shirts.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Quote Originally Posted by Andie311 View Post
    Hes not dehydrated...so I will stop the pedialite. He's very active and tries to drag himself around to look around. His back legs have started quivering and he puts his tail straight up and wiggled it a little😁

    I didn't want him to overdo it so I let him do that for about 30 seconds and then put him back in his nesting area and he snuggled in under the t-shirt. I saw not to use blankets somewhere so he has old cotton t-shirts.

    Oh you can definitely use blankets. I always use tons of fleece (actually they are blankets cut up)
    and I put a pile in for all the babies.
    You probably read not to put squirrels in towels. The problem with towels
    is that they get their nails stuck in the loops.
    What kind of carrier do you have him in?

    That is great news about the tail going straight up.
    I'm thrilled hearing this news.

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    Default Re: Baby Squirrel with paralyzed back legs, need help (Texas)!

    Have you still not located any prednisone? It is the best thing for a spinal injury. Do you have access to a vet? I know Texas is big, but maybe we have a member close enough that they could help out with meds. I see you’re near Fort Worth. We have a member in Fort Worth that could maybe help with meds. Are you willing to drive to get some prednisone for this little one? It’s really his best shot.

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