Originally Posted by
TomahawkFlyers
Hey, Mg1987. I'm watching all of this unfold; and, while there are never any guarantees about anything in this life, it seems to me that there is a lot going for you and your squirrel right now. Yes, your little guy is suffering. Your squirrel is in what will likely be the toughest spot in his life. You are suffering too - and that matters. A lot. It shows you to be a kind, caring, and compassionate soul to whom the welfare of others, regardless of species, is of great importance. Let's start with that?
If your squirrel happened to be in the trees right now, suffering from this problem, he'd be dead. The illness would have taken him, or he would have been easy prey for a hungry predator. So, first and most important, he has you.
Second, you have come to a place where the collective knowledge about squirrels is concentrated and accurate. You have received information that just might have saved your squirrel's life. To go along with that, you have, and will continue to receive, emotional support from people whose empathy has been hard won. Support for your squirrel. Support for you.
Third, the symptoms you described at the start are indicative of fairly advanced and quite serious MBD. Even with the best of help, things at this point could be going in another direction entirely. You are trying so hard to do the right things and your squirrel knows this. Your attitude toward the situation is, I believe, affecting his, and his progress is the greater for it.
Fourth, you have described improvements that indicate healing has begun. As others have written, recovery from MBD is a long and arduous process. Your reaction to your squirrel's situation, your resolve to ensure a healthy diet, and your message that you are in this for the long term. Again, your squirrel knows this. You are holding fear at bay for him, and he has permission to heal in safety and comfort. Think about this. It is a very, very big deal and is already showing in the progress your little guy is making.
Fifth, paralysis is subsiding, although at a rate that makes it difficult to recognize. It is not in the human experience to easily acknowledge what we cannot see, especially in the midst of crisis.That twitching is a signal that things just might, given time and patience, resolve as you hope they will.
Again, your squirrel has you. Your are providing him a chance of survival and recovery. How lucky you both are to have each other. Regardless of the outcome, he'll stay strong for you just as you stay strong for him. It is natural and appropriate to be deeply concerned.. As would a distressed child, your squirrel needs you to wear your game face and to be that ever-present soul he can always count on. Keep at it - we're rooting for you!
Jamie