Cleft Palate

[ILovePeanut]

Hey guys. So very recently, I've taken in a 2 week old gray squirrel who was being sold in a meat market for food. I noticed during some feedings, milk would often come out of his nose. Now I thought this was simply due to the milk coming out to quickly, even with a very tiny syringe and nipple. Attempted to only allow a small bit out, but the same problem occured. Came to realise that he has an opening in his mouth near the top that simply allows the milk directly into his nose. Any tips on how to feed him with this deformity? He's gaining weight, peeing and pooping normally and all is well besides this. He's always hungry and ready to eat, but I fear that he'll get upper respiratory from the constant issue with his mouth.

[CritterMom]

Dear God, a baby squirrel at a meat market. Sigh.

This sounds like something that will be an issue it's whole life - having liquids passing is dangerous enough - nonstop aspiration pneumonia, but even solids will lodge there and decay and cause infection. I don't know where in FL you are but the best vet around for squirrel teeth/mouth issues is in Port Orange - Sr. Alicia Emerson at Ravenswood Animal Clinic. I would get this looked at.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Could you post a pic of that?

Uhmmm.... Where in FL would this be? That's not legal right! If you were in Thailand or China I would understand but FLORIDA!
An Asian restaurant was recently closed for having a cat carcass in the freezer. They said it was for personal consumption. Yeah... Right!

[UDoWhat]

Thank you for saving this baby. Please turn this meat market in to the authorities. This is definitely against the law. However, they could sell baby squirrel meat. How sad and disgusting.

Thank you again for saving this baby

[Mel1959]

Please contact Dr Alicia Emerson at Ravenwood vet clinic (386)788-1550. Another member had a similar situation where her baby had a hole in his palate. Dr. Emerson stitched it closed.

Please keep us posted.

[ILovePeanut]

A little update for you guys:
He'll be seeing one of our wildlife vets soon, and he's still doing good despite the defect. Thank you all for the quick replies.

[Jen413]

I second what Mel said about Dr. Emerson!! Not sure how big your baby's hole is but my baby had a hole in the roof of his mouth near his molars. She was able to clean it all out and successfully stitch it closed. I drove 8+ hours as have several others who have babies with teeth/mouth issues. I assure you Sammy seeing her was worth every minute driven.