Illinois HELP Underweight Special needs Squirrel

[B&Maple]

Here are some photos of Maple.

[Nancy in New York]

How much yogurt are you adding to the formula.
Yogurt is over 90% water; dilutes all the nutrients, including fat,
and Esbilac is already a bit low on fat.
I would just add a touch of heavy cream instead.

I'm still looking for someone to help you out.
He is just precious.
Did you answer if he is on low heat?
What kind of a container do you have him in?
If you put him on heat, which I think would be beneficial,
make sure the the heating pad is NOT auto shut off and
only under half of the container that you have him in, and
set on low. Put lots of fleece or flannel in as they love to
burrow down into the material.
Grapes should be avoided only because the skin can get
caught in their throat and there is a white part inside the
grape that also causes problems.

[B&Maple]

How much yogurt are you adding to the formula.
Yogurt is over 90% water; dilutes all the nutrients, including fat,
and Esbilac is already a bit low on fat.
I would just add a touch of heavy cream instead.

I'm still looking for someone to help you out.
He is just precious.
Did you answer if he is on low heat?
What kind of a container do you have him in?
If you put him on heat, which I think would be beneficial,
make sure the the heating pad is NOT auto shut off and
only under half of the container that you have him in, and
set on low. Put lots of fleece or flannel in as they love to
burrow down into the material.
Grapes should be avoided only because the skin can get
caught in their throat and there is a white part inside the
grape that also causes problems.

I have been using a full fat all natural Greek yogurt and I really couldn't tell you how much, not a lot because I was a bit worried a dairy product would upset his tummy. We will switch to heavy cream.

He isn't on heat but that's a quick fix. I have him in a spare cage I keep for my rats. I don't know how large it is probably about 30x18x12 he has not had any interest in climbing though. He has lots of fleece and flannel to snuggle up in.(he prefers flannel)

And no grapes, got it. He kind of just licks solid food but don't nibble it very much. He also doesn't drink water I have it in a bottle and in a dish. Is that normal? He will always eat apple sauce when I feed it to him though.

[Nancy in New York]

I have been using a full fat all natural Greek yogurt and I really couldn't tell you how much, not a lot because I was a bit worried a dairy product would upset his tummy. We will switch to heavy cream.

He isn't on heat but that's a quick fix. I have him in a spare cage I keep for my rats. I don't know how large it is probably about 30x18x12 he has not had any interest in climbing though. He has lots of fleece and flannel to snuggle up in.(he prefers flannel)

And no grapes, got it. He kind of just licks solid food but don't nibble it very much. He also doesn't drink water I have it in a bottle and in a dish. Is that normal? He will always eat apple sauce when I feed it to him though.

Many times squirrels that are still taking formula won't take water. We want to keep him well hydrated though so in between feedings, you can give him a little bit of sugar water.
How do his teeth look to you?
It's a little strange that he has no interest in at least trying to eat.
He is just precious.
I have sent out a pm to a rehabber, just waiting to hear back.
Fingers crossed someone can help.

Sounds like you have his little cage just perfect!

[lilidukes]

I honestly don't think this is a spinal injury. From all
you've said I think the lose of movement is caused
from malnutrition.

The pads show good circulation. Lifting the tail is
fantastic. Pee and poop is normal. Lyme disease
from the tick is a possibility or worms from the fleas
could be a factor.

Right now I would push proper nutrition. Maple may
just be too weak to try to walk.

[sid'smommy]

gramyandgrampa close by there ????

[B&Maple]

Many times squirrels that are still taking formula won't take water. We want to keep him well hydrated though so in between feedings, you can give him a little bit of sugar water.
How do his teeth look to you?
It's a little strange that he has no interest in at least trying to eat.
He is just precious.
I have sent out a pm to a rehabber, just waiting to hear back.
Fingers crossed someone can help.

Sounds like you have his little cage just perfect!

He is definitely hydrated. But he loooves apple sauce so were doing that in between. His teeth look fine. They aren't overgrown as far as I can tell. He will sort of lick the food like the lab block, but no eating except for a few little nibbles.

[B&Maple]

So, just now we were playing and I was scratching his tummy and he did some leg kicks. I was so excited so I flipped him over and he does it with both legs. (Like a dog when you scratch their tummies) Is this a reflex? Is it hopeful that he will regain use of his legs?

[farrelli]

Sounds very promising!

[Nancy in New York]

So, just now we were playing and I was scratching his tummy and he did some leg kicks. I was so excited so I flipped him over and he does it with both legs. (Like a dog when you scratch their tummies) Is this a reflex? Is it hopeful that he will regain use of his legs?

Just keep doing what you've been doing.
Moving those little legs is great!!!!!!!!!!!!

[B&Maple]

Hi everyone,

It was suggested to me privately that doing physical therapy might not be the best choice for Maple, as he needs to rest and get healthier as far as nutrition and his possible spinal injury are concerned before we do anything like that.

Does anyone has any suggestions or experiences about this?

Thanks

[lilidukes]

I have worked with numerous paralyzed squirrels baby
and adult. I have always started using therapy as
soon as they are stable. Generally with in the first
24-48 hours. This is squirrels with spinal breaks. One
had two separate breaks and she walks on all fours
today. Some have walked again and some not. And
who ever needs to give you this kind of info privately
is more than welcome to start a separate thread and
we will debate this issue openly. Would like to compare
notes with them.

Your Maple does not have a spinal issue. Lack of movement
in this case is from being weak. Just some gentle leg
stretches wouldn't hurt him at all. Good nutrition heals
and with the correct diet Maple will be up and bouncing off
your walls in no time.

[Nancy in New York]

I have worked with numerous paralyzed squirrels baby
and adult. I have always started using therapy as
soon as they are stable. Generally with in the first
24-48 hours. This is squirrels with spinal breaks. One
had two separate breaks and she walks on all fours
today. Some have walked again and some not. And
who ever needs to give you this kind of info privately
is more than welcome to start a separate thread and
we will debate this issue openly. Would like to compare
notes with them.

Your Maple does not have a spinal issue. Lack of movement
in this case is from being weak. Just some gentle leg
stretches wouldn't hurt him at all. Good nutrition heals
and with the correct diet Maple will be up and bouncing off
your walls in no time.

island rehabber has also worked with squirrels like this.
I believe the info above is excellent first hand advice.
I am pretty sure too that once Maura got instructions from her
vet that she too did quite a bit of PT (once stabilized) on Krista,
but I will direct her to this thread.
I think that lilidukes has seen her share of squirrels with disabilities.

I agree when it comes to something concerning a squirrels health
I prefer to do it on open board where you can get the collective opinion
of members who have first hand knowledge.

[SugarBugFerret]

I have been lurking. I just want to throw my 2 cents worth in. My squirrel's name is Skiddil, and she is the first squirrel I have cared for. She came to me last September with a back injury due to her falling out of her nest. I came here to TSB and got fabulous advice, which ultimately helped me help her heal. She had a small bump on her back where I believe the original injury was. She would drag her hind end around while crawling but she did have some reaction in her legs and tail when I would tickle her tummy, just like you have seen with Maple. She was also able to pee and poop normally. Following the information and advice I got here, I gave her INFANT ibuprofen for several days and allowed her rest up (she had banged up her face and nose too). Then I did start doing physical therapy with her hind legs. I would gently push on them until I felt some resistance, then gently (GENTLY) pull her little foot away from her body until I felt a little resistance (being very careful not to pull on a toe). I did this for several weeks, and Skiddil got so much better! It did not take long for her thigh muscles to shrink and atrophy...I thought too that she had little tiny thighs. But it also did not take long for her to get muscle tone back once she started using her legs. I am learning that squirrels can be amazingly quick healers! Today Skiddil is a spunky little girl that uses all 4 legs to run, jump, climb, do back flips, etc. To me she seems a little wobbly still and may never be able to run in the trees again, but she uses her legs to get around just fine in her cage and in my screened porch, and she is a happy little girl! My point is, there is definitely hope for Maple, whether it is an actual spinal injury or just nutrition related. There is no reason to think that he can not make a full recovery (or close to it) with some assistance and time. Thank you for giving this little sweetie a chance. He is beautiful, by the way! Maple

There are several people here that are able and willing to help with dosing of medications if that is necessary.

[B&Maple]

Thanks for all of the advice and relatable situations! Maple is a lot more interested in moving around today. His tail is a lot more puffed out and he loves flipping it around. His movement still seems very wiggly and squirmy, he can get around though in his cage to get to the water bowl or to his nesty area. He still sleeps about 90% of the time though. I really hope he can get all the way better!

[B&Maple]

I made a different thread for posts and stuff about little Maple, because I wanted to have a place update but didn't want to crowd up the help space. He's doing pretty great!

Heeeeere it is: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...71#post1008571

Thanks

[Rhapsody]

I am just reading this now and I have taken care of my fair share of squirrels with movement
issues that were greatly helped with Prednisone 50 mg --I can send a couple of pills for this
squirrel if I can get an address. Please send address to me today and I will mail it ASAP!!

*some one please dose -- Prednisone 50 mg*

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Starting slow and easy is always the way to go not to over stress or make the baby soar.
Lots of loving, touch and nutrition can do miracles