***Need help ASAP*** Scab and Hair loss 😔

[HeatherEandOreo]

I am needing help...my little Oreo woke up yesterday with hair missing from one of her arms and one legs. After researching, I came to the conclusion that it was most likely lack of calcium/vitamin D. I purchased a light and gave her a little bit of a tums because her squirrel calcium will not arrive for a couple days. Which I also ordered a multi vitamin, healthy blocks etc.
I have been following her diet of what to eat/what not to eat for days. But due to limited/non existent products locally I’ve had to order online. We’ve only had her for 9 days, she was found injured in our backyard and can’t use her back legs. We’ve also been giving her goats milk because she isn’t using either of the 2 water bottles I purchased.
Help us please 🙏🏻💔🐿😔
I also have pictures of her injuries if needed.

[CritterMom]

So this turned up over night? It looks to me as though she is chewing her legs - self mutilation. Is that what I am seeing? If so, it is likely that she has enough nerve action left in her legs that she is having phantom pains, tingling, etc., and is chewing to stop it.

Squirrels are very hard to put an e-collar on because their head and neck are about the same circumference and they slip right off. Some vets use a drug called gabapentin to combat this and administer it after surgery to prevent tearing at stitches.

Gabapentin is a human med and is not available OTC, so if I were you I would ask around - perhaps on FB so you get wider range - and see if you can get some. Several people here can help you to properly dilute and dose it if you can find some.

[HeatherEandOreo]

The main problem is wild squirrels are illegal to have in my area. And the wildlife rescue place basically told me they would put her down because she wouldn’t heal enough to be released. 😡
So.... I am basically doing this on my own. I am going to let her body heal before “someone else” decides she can’t recover. I have bought basically anything and everything she could possibly need or want.
The hair loss started on her arm and a little on one leg 2 days ago. Yesterday the sore appeared. Today/within the last 5 hours the other leg had hair loss/skin issues.

[Spanky]

The main problem is wild squirrels are illegal to have in my area.

Are you near Vancouver, WA? This place is top notch... it would be worth the drive for your little one's sake!
https://squirrelrefuge.org/page45.html

[HeatherEandOreo]

I am going to try to bandage her as much as possible and try to make a cone. We’ll see how this turns out 😬🤞🏻

[HeatherEandOreo]

Are you near Vancouver, WA? This place is top notch... it would be worth the drive for your little one's sake!
https://squirrelrefuge.org/page45.html

Complete other side of the state....like 7-8 hours away.

[HeatherEandOreo]

So anyone have any guidance on vitamin’s/dosage I need to provide her for tonight?
Or what I need to do ASAP?
Thank you everyone for any and all help in advance. I feel helpless for her.

[stepnstone]

So anyone have any guidance on vitamin’s/dosage I need to provide her for tonight?
Or what I need to do ASAP? Thank you everyone for any and all help in advance. I feel helpless for her.

So this turned up over night? It looks to me as though she is chewing her legs - self mutilation. Is that what I am seeing? If so, it is likely that she has enough nerve action left in her legs that she is having phantom pains, tingling, etc., and is chewing to stop it.

Gabapentin is a human med and is not available OTC, so if I were you I would ask around - perhaps on FB so you get wider range - and see if you can get some. Several people here can help you to properly dilute and dose it if you can find some.

I do not believe this situation is due to lack of vitamins or where they would help.
As CM suggested the chewing could likely be due to nerves, Gabapentin is used for nerve pain.
Since this baby has paralyses I would also recommend treating with Prednisone. If this baby has
a chance to regain use or at least partial use of it's legs it will benefit from Prednisone.

Also be aware that urine scald as well as milk scald will cause hair loss and irritation which
requires these areas to be kept clean and dry. Especially with paralyses.

[HeatherEandOreo]

I do not believe this situation is due to lack of vitamins or where they would help.
As CM suggested the chewing could likely be due to nerves, Gabapentin is used for nerve pain.
Since this baby has paralyses I would also recommend treating with Prednisone. If this baby has
a chance to regain use or at least partial use of it's legs it will benefit from Prednisone.

Also be aware that urine scald as well as milk scald will cause hair loss and irritation which
requires these areas to be kept clean and dry. Especially with paralyses.

Thank you for your response! I have been wiping her down semi regularly after she goes to the bathroom and her face when she eats. I also change her bedding/anything wet whenever it’s wet (typically 3-4 times a day). After looking at other post I believe CM is correct also. I am currently making an e collar from directions on another post.
What are your thoughts on medication for her leg? Cream etc. I also have silver and other wound treatment things available.
As for medication, I have tramadol...I may be able to find something else too.

[TomahawkFlyers]

I have Gabapentin. Where to send?

[TinyPaws]

Neurotin is a great medicine for dealing with nerve pain. I also have it. I use it for my RSD. I don't know how it affects animals that take it but one of the side affects is hallucination, which happens to me. Nothing bad so far, but I've had wonderful conversations with wonderful people who were not really there 😂 and one time I swore I just made tuna salad and wanted to know what happened to it. I don't know what king if any hallucinations a squirrel might have. Hugs to your baby and prayers for healing

[stepnstone]

What are your thoughts on medication for her leg? Cream etc. I also have silver and other wound treatment things available. As for medication, I have tramadol...I may be able to find something else too.

Since we suspect she is/has chewed the area the safest application would be a diluted betadine solution. (povidone-iodine)
This can kill germs that cause infection and also promote healthy healing.
You can use Tramadol for pain in general. We would need a weight on the squirrel and the milligrams of the Tramadol to properly dose.

Neurotin is a great medicine for dealing with nerve pain.

Gabapentin
Brand name: Neurontin

[Mel1959]

I have Gabapentin. Where to send?

A member has generously offered to send you Gabapentin. This and prednisone offer the best chance for recovery of your little one. You can send your address to Tomahawkflyers in a private message. Private messages are accessed from the top of the screen under notifications.

Thank you for helping her.

[HeatherEandOreo]

Thank you everyone for your help and guidance! I am going to keep a close eye on her.

[HeatherEandOreo]

I have Gabapentin. Where to send?

I sent you a message, thank you, thank you! I appreciate your help and kindness.