Odd squirrel behavior (help required).

[threenigma]

Hello Squirrel Board!

A number of years ago, I had found several baby squirrels that were abandoned and came to this place to find help. Long story short, those babies were raised and eventually rescued thanks to everyone here. Since then, I've found a few more squirrels that were raised and released appropriately. Recently, however, I found a young squirrel that requires extra help.

About 6 weeks ago I noticed an odd looking young squirrel roaming around. By odd, I meant that his tail wasn't thick, nor bushy at all. It resembled that of a rat's tail, though with a bit more fur. It was quite small, much smaller to be hanging out with the other ones around him, but he seemed to be doing fine. I decided to keep an eye out for him every time I would leave the house.

Not long ago, as the cold temperatures were starting to peak, I came across this youngling on a cold morning after it had rained. He was soaked and barely moving. I took my shirt off and threw it over him to capture him. He wasn't fighting back and was barely moving - looked like he was frost-shocked.

Upon bringing him in my home, I noticed a bit of blood coming from his mouth (though it wasn't fresh, since it had dried). This appeared to be a result of falling from a certain height. Once he had been fed and warmed, he started acting normal, except that his hind legs were paralyzed. From what I gathered online, this seem to have been a result from the fall. He didn't have anything broken, so I assumed it was caused neurologically from brain trauma. I've been giving him some physio to help him gain his motricity back. So far, it has made progress, albeit slowly.

He also had a few days of seizures caused by calcium deficiency (also known as Metabolic Bone Disease, or MBD). These seizures have now been tamed and haven't appeared in 4 or 5 weeks (I've had this squirrel for 6 or 7 weeks now).

Anyways, I've mentioned his history in case anyone can point out some links, because a few days ago he started to do something new and worrying. He suddenly starts to grab his face/snout (though stretching out to around his ears) and twitch sideways. It doesn't appear to be spasms, though the movement is quite sudden and seems to contract the muscles hard. I've read that this could be caused a number of things, the less worrisome being early signs of ear infection, and in worse case a result of brain trauma now developing as he grows bigger.

He's been on a homemade squirrel block diet (from this recipe found here: http://squirrelrefuge.org/squirrelblock.html) since initially feeding him nothing but Esbilac (with added calcium) for the first week in order to drive calcium into him.


I now depend on this community's extended knowledge in order to help this poor creature get healthy. I plan on releasing it once winter subsides (being in the great white north, a winter released would certainly mean death).


To break it down for people looking for future references:

• Squirrel appears odd (abnormal tail growth)
• Appears to have fallen from up high.
• Hind legs paralyzed (progressing slowly)
• Had seizures caused by MBD. No seizures for now over 5 weeks
• Now has new symptom manifested by twitching and face grabbing

I've uploaded images of the squirrel himself, here (He is a bit wet in these, will upload more if necessary):

1. https://www.photobox.co.uk/my/photo/...d=500438611674
2. https://www.photobox.co.uk/my/photo/...d=500438612828

And here are videos showing his odd behavior (I apologize for the length, but I wanted to document as much as possible):

1. https://youtu.be/tObG80M91WM
2. https://youtu.be/MJka3PaZptU
3. https://youtu.be/ZQzO5nXfgJ8
4. https://youtu.be/EXEWRG7fvsM
5. https://youtu.be/H47EzUlFYe4

[cava]

Hi there. I'll admit this is hard to watch. This squirrel could use a CNS depressant. He clearly has brain trauma. Has he has any steroids? You may be correct in assuming he is getting worse as he grows.

Also this recipe, the one you referenced, is no good. Three cups of nuts to 2/3 cups of wheat flour (or rodent block) is entirely too many nuts and will contribute to MBD.

• 3 cups nuts (300g)*
  
• 1 3/4 Cups 100% Whey Protein Powder (Plain or vanilla)(150g) **
  
• 3 Large Eggs (50g each, total 150g)
  
• 2/3 Cup Whole Wheat Flour or ground rodent block (100g)
  
• 2 tsp Vanilla
  
• 2 tsp Aluminum-Free Baking Soda
  
• 1-2 Tbs water
  
• Vitamins***
  
• Total food weight approximately 700 grams or .70 kilograms
  
• (Important for calculation vitamin and mineral supplementation)*** Calcium (3 grams (or 3000 mg) calcium without added Vitamin D, Magnesium 1 gram (or 1000 mg) ,50 IU Vitamin D3 (if no natural or full spectrum lighting provided a minimum of 20 minutes per day) Do not over supplement vitamin D. Serve with foods rich in Vitamins A, C, E & the B vitamins.

I would suggest you start a MBD treatment protocol now https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...-MBD-Treatment.

He needs lots of fluids and healthy calories, he is burning a lot of them. If he will take formula start that again.

Also he is probably overheating with all of the seizure activity/ constant movement. Be sure he has a cage with good air flow and since he has mobility issues, plenty of clean soft space and that he isn't getting caught under blankets. Seizures will cook a brain overtime and the sooner he receives treatment, the better the outcome for him. He may not be releasable by spring, he may need help his entire life. Are you able to take that on? Would you like the help of another rehabber near you?

Diggies Friend will hopefully chime in on some brain healthy oils you can add to his diet.

[TubeDriver]

Thanks for helping him. It is very unusual for a squirrel in the wild to develop MBD. My guess is the rear end paralysis and seizures are from head trauma? His tail is moving around so that is a good sign.

You can still treat for MBD as the treatment is generally safe so no real downsides. Formula would be great for him and help with hydration too.

Many folks here have had success treating head trauma with steroids like prednisone. Can you get a leftover pill of this from a friend or family member?

He looks mangy too. I normally would treat with Ivermectin but I would probably hold off here since it can cause seizures and that is the last thing you want now. Others here might have some suggestions? Poor little bub, he certainly would not have lasted long out there without your care!

[LR]

Is the revolution safe for squirrels with seizures?

[threenigma]

This squirrel could use a CNS depressant.

Would you have any to recommend, specifically?

He clearly has brain trauma. Has he has any steroids? You may be correct in assuming he is getting worse as he grows.

He has not received any sorts of medicine since the local vet refused to take him during his early seizures.

Also this recipe, the one you referenced, is no good. Three cups of nuts to 2/3 cups of wheat flour (or rodent block) is entirely too many nuts and will contribute to MBD.

Upon further review, this recipe is badly detailed/written. I see that it says '3 cups nuts' there, but being from Canada and using the metric system, I've used the gram reference (300g) which is just over 1 cup of nuts in total (1/3 each nut of pecan, walnut and hazelnut). Would a recipe adjusted to what I made be a decent diet? Would replacing the flour part of the recipe with something else be possible? Perhaps non-wheat flour?

He needs lots of fluids and healthy calories, he is burning a lot of them. If he will take formula start that again.

Back to Esbilac only? I give him formula twice a day (morning and before bed).

Also he is probably overheating with all of the seizure activity / constant movement. Be sure he has a cage with good air flow and since he has mobility issues, plenty of clean soft space and that he isn't getting caught under blankets. Seizures will cook a brain overtime and the sooner he receives treatment, the better the outcome for him. He may not be releasable by spring, he may need help his entire life. Are you able to take that on? Would you like the help of another rehabber near you?

I would indeed like a rehabber for this case. This squirrel needs special attention that feels out of my grasp. Would you know any contacts in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). I'm willing to travail a great deal in order to help this squirrel, so distance doesn't really matter. The only issue is border crossing, which will be impossible, considering the animal-border laws.

Diggies Friend will hopefully chime in on some brain healthy oils you can add to his diet.

I have a few follow-up questions;

Does this seem like MBD? He had very bad seizures in the beginning and some were so bad he was very oral about. I've made very highly-concentrated calcium versions of Esbilac by crushing Tum's and other calcium supplements while force feeding in order to get rid of MBD ASAP. He has not shown the initial symptoms, nor seizures in weeks. Could this still be MBD or are these new types of reactions caused by something else? ANd if it is MBD, what has caused it to return suddenly when this diet is what seemed to have pushed off the symptoms?

Also, just for precaution, are rabies potentially an issue? I've read what I could about the subject matter, but remain unsure.

Thank you for your time. It is greatly appreciated.

[threenigma]

Thanks for helping him. It is very unusual for a squirrel in the wild to develop MBD.

He was out and about roaming with other squirrels and very small when I first spotted him. His size and look is what caught my attention. I later found him in distress and brought him home.

My guess is the rear end paralysis and seizures are from head trauma? His tail is moving around so that is a good sign.

I'm fairly certain the first seizures were from MBD. The videos I uploaded are from today, and this behavior is new. I found him being chased at by much bigger squirrels, so I'm assuming any food he found was quickly stolen from him - causing his sickly appearance probably due to early-life malnutrition (hence his undeveloped tail). I'm glad the tail seems to at least be working fine. His hind legs are slowly gaining strength.

You can still treat for MBD as the treatment is generally safe so no real downsides. Formula would be great for him and help with hydration too.

I feed him Esbilac in the morning and at night. He gets home-made rodent block and a few apple slices during the day. I give him as many as he wants, which I hope isn't contributing to his health issues (if anyone could chime in on this).

Many folks here have had success treating head trauma with steroids like prednisone. Can you get a leftover pill of this from a friend or family member?

I'm searched online for this steroid and it appears to be by prescription only (as most, if not all steroids). I'll see if I can manage to get my hands on some. Would there be any other options I should be aware of?

He looks mangy too. I normally would treat with Ivermectin but I would probably hold off here since it can cause seizures and that is the last thing you want now. Others here might have some suggestions? Poor little bub, he certainly would not have lasted long out there without your care!

This Ivermectin is for parasite treatment from what I've searched? Could any of the symptoms that he manifests be caused by this?

Thank you for your kind words.

[TubeDriver]

If you can’t locate prednisone, see about meloxicam? If not, you could give him some infant Motrin drops (50mg/1.25 strength). We can help with dosing but need to know his weight? He is weak and malnourshed, conditions which encourage opportunistic conditions like Demodectic mange. I don’t think any of the major symptoms he has are caused by mange. It will need to be dealt with but I would like to see him first without seizures and regularly eating/drinking/gaining weight before trying Ivermection. Maybe someone else who here has experience with mange and seizures/head trauma will offer suggestions?

He was out and about roaming with other squirrels and very small when I first spotted him. His size and look is what caught my attention. I later found him in distress and brought him home.


I'm fairly certain the first seizures were from MBD. The videos I uploaded are from today, and this behavior is new. I found him being chased at by much bigger squirrels, so I'm assuming any food he found was quickly stolen from him - causing his sickly appearance probably due to early-life malnutrition (hence his undeveloped tail). I'm glad the tail seems to at least be working fine. His hind legs are slowly gaining strength.



I feed him Esbilac in the morning and at night. He gets home-made rodent block and a few apple slices during the day. I give him as many as he wants, which I hope isn't contributing to his health issues (if anyone could chime in on this).


I'm searched online for this steroid and it appears to be by prescription only (as most, if not all steroids). I'll see if I can manage to get my hands on some. Would there be any other options I should be aware of?



This Ivermectin is for parasite treatment from what I've searched? Could any of the symptoms that he manifests be caused by this?

Thank you for your kind words.

[Diggie's Friend]

I would indeed like a rehabber for this case. This squirrel needs special attention that feels out of my grasp. Would you know any contacts in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). I'm willing to travail a great deal in order to help this squirrel, so distance doesn't really matter.

First, thank you for wanting to help this squirrel.
I agree this is a complex neuro condition involved that requires intervention by a rehabber. For the same reason of this case's complexity, I defer to those with repeated experience with neurological issues for meds.

My thoughts:

With such cases things can change and become destablized.

Since seisures were prior, not sure if this could be from roundworm or not, yet for now it isn't counted out.
https://www.thestar.com/news/insight..._backyard.html

This recipe you have posted has a fair to good ratio of calcium and magnesum of 3:1; yet the if stretched past 2 weeks the level of each would be too low. If MBD is involved, then it already is too low, and treatment would be needful. In this case I would include with the calcium protoco,l Magnesium glycinate powder from Swanson. This is a very absorbable amino chelate form of magnesium, so that its absorption won't compete with that of calcium, as it would with magnesium oxide.

Seizures lower magnesium when they occur, and bloodsugar. Hydrating, and increasing both calcium and magnesium is advisable.

During a seisure if you can and right after if you can't, put just a drop of organic maple syrup or dark molasses on the gums.

Even so this may be needful during or right after a seisure to help prevent another, do not add high processed sugar sources to the diet like corn syrup and cane sugar, or artificial sources either. Instead feed baked organic squash, and include organic yogurt with natural and low sugar content from Green Valley, or their Kefir lactose free. Redwood Hills Farms goat whole Kefir is a good source of protein and fats, that are easier to digest. If you use a feeding syringe, you can it with purified water, just be sure it is luke warm when you feed it by syringe.

[LR]

Admin this poster has asked for a rehabber they can take this sqirrel to. They are willing to drive distance if needed. Can we help?

[Mel1959]

I tend to agree that the seizures and hind end paralysis are probably not from calcium deficiency. The head bobbing is a classic sign of head trauma, as is rapid eye movement. I think an extended course of prednisone (steroid) treatment would be his best chance for any type of recovery. The steroids are most effective if given sooner rather than later, but trying something now instead of nothing, is worth a shot.

As for diet, I think you might get more balanced nutrition if you buy a good quality rodent block like Harlan Teklad 2018 and grind it to a powder. Then mix in a small quantity of ground nuts (for flavor), some powdered Esbilac formula and calcium carbonate powder and then bind it all together with fruit/veggie baby food and a little coconut oil. Diggies Friend has recommended some other oils, like pumpkin oil, but I believe they must be ordered online. You want to add just enough baby food and oil to hold the powder together so you can roll it into a ball. Some folks then bake them for about 5 mins at 350 degrees, moving them around so they don’t brown too much, others feed them frozen or refrigerated. Either way, this concoction has a healthy foundation of rodent block and the other ingredients make it more palatable. My dwarf squirrel regrew all of his hair once he started eating Harlan Teklad block.

I think the bedding you have him on might make it difficult for him to maneuver. The blanket with the little holes in the weaving will catch his toe nails. Fleece purchased by the yard is easy to use for the bottom of a cage. I’ve also found fluffy baby blankets on clearance at stores like Ross, Marshall’s or TJMaxx for $2 or $3. I’m not sure if you have those stores, but thought I’d mention it.

There are a couple of member rehabbers in Canada. I hope admin can direct one of them to your thread to help you with this little one.

I also question that this little guy will be releaseable in the Spring. Without some major recovery he may not be releaseable.

Thank you for helping him.

[Nancy in New York]

This was posted by another member in Canada.
Try this place on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/Ecureuil-Land-137686376323278/
I'm not really sure if we have members that could
help in Quebec.

there is a Facebook page Ecureuil Land - they help squirrels, but they operate from Quebec. Still, perhaps, someone will happen to know someone in Ontario. It's worth trying to contact them anyway.

[threenigma]

First, thank you for wanting to help this squirrel.
I agree this is a complex neuro condition involved that requires intervention by a rehabber. For the same reason of this case's complexity, I defer to those with repeated experience with neurological issues for meds.

My thoughts:

With such cases things can change and become destablized.

Since seisures were prior, not sure if this could be from roundworm or not, yet for now it isn't counted out.
https://www.thestar.com/news/insight..._backyard.html

This recipe you have posted has a fair to good ratio of calcium and magnesum of 3:1; yet the if stretched past 2 weeks the level of each would be too low. If MBD is involved, then it already is too low, and treatment would be needful. In this case I would include with the calcium protoco,l Magnesium glycinate powder from Swanson. This is a very absorbable amino chelate form of magnesium, so that its absorption won't compete with that of calcium, as it would with magnesium oxide.

Seizures lower magnesium when they occur, and bloodsugar. Hydrating, and increasing both calcium and magnesium is advisable.

During a seisure if you can and right after if you can't, put just a drop of organic maple syrup or dark molasses on the gums.

Even so this may be needful during or right after a seisure to help prevent another, do not add high processed sugar sources to the diet like corn syrup and cane sugar, or artificial sources either. Instead feed baked organic squash, and include organic yogurt with natural and low sugar content from Green Valley, or their Kefir lactose free. Redwood Hills Farms goat whole Kefir is a good source of protein and fats, that are easier to digest. If you use a feeding syringe, you can it with purified water, just be sure it is luke warm when you feed it by syringe.

Thank you for the recommendations on nutrition. I will update his diet accodingly.

Admin this poster has asked for a rehabber they can take this sqirrel to. They are willing to drive distance if needed. Can we help?

I will reach out to Squirrel Land, located here in Quebec.

I tend to agree that the seizures and hind end paralysis are probably not from calcium deficiency. The head bobbing is a classic sign of head trauma, as is rapid eye movement. I think an extended course of prednisone (steroid) treatment would be his best chance for any type of recovery. The steroids are most effective if given sooner rather than later, but trying something now instead of nothing, is worth a shot.

As for diet, I think you might get more balanced nutrition if you buy a good quality rodent block like Harlan Teklad 2018 and grind it to a powder. Then mix in a small quantity of ground nuts (for flavor), some powdered Esbilac formula and calcium carbonate powder and then bind it all together with fruit/veggie baby food and a little coconut oil. Diggies Friend has recommended some other oils, like pumpkin oil, but I believe they must be ordered online. You want to add just enough baby food and oil to hold the powder together so you can roll it into a ball. Some folks then bake them for about 5 mins at 350 degrees, moving them around so they don’t brown too much, others feed them frozen or refrigerated. Either way, this concoction has a healthy foundation of rodent block and the other ingredients make it more palatable. My dwarf squirrel regrew all of his hair once he started eating Harlan Teklad block.

I think the bedding you have him on might make it difficult for him to maneuver. The blanket with the little holes in the weaving will catch his toe nails. Fleece purchased by the yard is easy to use for the bottom of a cage. I’ve also found fluffy baby blankets on clearance at stores like Ross, Marshall’s or TJMaxx for $2 or $3. I’m not sure if you have those stores, but thought I’d mention it.

There are a couple of member rehabbers in Canada. I hope admin can direct one of them to your thread to help you with this little one.

I also question that this little guy will be releaseable in the Spring. Without some major recovery he may not be releaseable.

Thank you for helping him.

I've managed to find some Prednisone from a pharmaceutical friend. I'll need help with dosage.

This was posted by another member in Canada.
Try this place on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/Ecureuil-Land-137686376323278/
I'm not really sure if we have members that could
help in Quebec.

Thanks for the link. I will contact her.



FOLLOW-UP:

The squirrel's reactions (I hesitate to call them seizures, but I can't be certain) have stopped. I'd like to reinstate that he clearly had MBD-related seizures that stopped shortly after having a high calcium diet fed to him, so I am almost certain that the recent behavior was being caused by something else. Someone mentioned roundworm from raccoons, so I'll keep that in mind.

I'll be receiving the Prednisone late tonight, around midnight. I'll have to get the squirrel weighted, which I'll try to do using a digital kitchen scale if I can trick him into going on top of it with treat lures.

This brings me to have a few important questions:

• What are the recommended dosage of Prednisone for squirrels? I believe I'll be receiving the heavier doses (25mg) of this steroid, and will have to dilute it accordingly to his weight. Could anyone shed light on appropriate dosage? The last thing I want is to overdose the poor animal.
• 
  
• Considering the hind leg paralyses; how uncommon and how critical is this? I'd like to mention that he has gained back some motricity in the legs themselves. The tail is fully functional, and he has twitches in the legs when they are being stressed (like running around or being poked at). I do help the squirrel do physio by holding him up and pushing and pulling on the legs very gently. There is resistance and his claws do contract fairly strongly. This progress is there, but very slow. During a moment of typical squirrel paranoia, he does crawl away on his upper legs, and that very fast, might I add.
• 
  
• The squirrel has been somewhat more "lazy" these days, for lack of better word. I made sure he wasn't lethargic, as he has no trouble getting out and running around once I force him out. I have two theories for this, but I'm am absolutely guessing at this point. 1. It has gotten extremely cold out here in Canada. We're talking -35 Celsius (that's -35F for the Americans ). I have regular squirrels that come feed on my balcony, but they've been hesitant during this cold weather. I wonder if this squirrel can "feel" the exterior weather? Or 2. Being well fed and not having to fend for himself to hardly has caused him to gain a more lazy attitude? Both of these are complete guesses and would like to know more about it.
• 
  
• And finally, I've noticed an increase in the squirrel's smell. His cage now smell much more pungent. It doesn't bother me at all, but I was wondering if this is due to him maturing into adulthood? I don't know if the smell is caused by urine or feces directly, since those two tend to get mixed up together. The age does seem to make sense, but again, I am speculating.

That's it for my questions. I'd like to thank everyone that's helping me figure this out. I'm impressed with the knowledge but even more with the kindness everyone here has. Thank you

[cava]

Responses in your quote:

FOLLOW-UP:


I'll be receiving the Prednisone late tonight, around midnight. I'll have to get the squirrel weighted, which I'll try to do using a digital kitchen scale if I can trick him into going on top of it with treat lurre

You can put him in a box or bowl and weight that then weigh the box or bowl and subtract that to get his weight.

This brings me to have a few important questions:

• What are the recommended dosage of Prednisone for squirrels? I believe I'll be receiving the heavier doses (25mg) of this steroid, and will have to dilute it accordingly to his weight. Could anyone shed light on appropriate dosage? The last thing I want is to overdose the poor animal Once you send out his weight and the strength you get someone will send you a private message describing how to crush and make into an appropriate strength liquid and also how to dose according to his weight.

• Considering the hind leg paralyses; how uncommon and how critical is this? I'd like to mention that he has gained back some motricity in the legs themselves. The tail is fully functional, and he has twitches in the legs when they are being stressed (like running around or being poked at). I do help the squirrel do physio by holding him up and pushing and pulling on the legs very gently. There is resistance and his claws do contract fairly strongly. This progress is there, but very slow. During a moment of typical squirrel paranoia, he does crawl away on his upper legs, and that very fast, might I add.
• The squirrel has been somewhat more "lazy" these days, for lack of better word. I made sure he wasn't lethargic, as he has no trouble getting out and running around once I force him out. I have two theories for this, but I'm am absolutely guessing at this point. 1. It has gotten extremely cold out here in Canada. We're talking -35 Celsius (that's -35F for the Americans ). I have regular squirrels that come feed on my balcony, but they've been hesitant during this cold weather. I wonder if this squirrel can "feel" the exterior weather? Or 2. Being well fed and not having to fend for himself to hardly has caused him to gain a more lazy attitude? Both of these are complete guesses and would like to know more about it.His "laziness" may be due to how sick and the seizure activity. He will need time and care to heal.
• And finally, I've noticed an increase in the squirrel's smell. His cage now smell much more pungent. It doesn't bother me at all, but I was wondering if this is due to him maturing into adulthood? I don't know if the smell is caused by urine or feces directly, since those two tend to get mixed up together. The age does seem to make sense, but again, I am speculating
• I noticed in your videos that he looked wet. If he is peeing and pooping on his own that is great but you MUST change his blankets daily or twice a day and also bathe him. Warm water and dawn dish soap, let him soak or a minute or two, then rinse him off and dry the crap out of him, especially with how cold it is. If he is too hard to handle for an actual bath, you can wipe him down with a warm washcloth, dry him with a towel the best you can and make sure he is in a place where he can't get chilled. Maintaining skin integrity is very important with immobility, he can't groom appropriately. If not handled you the urine and feces on him will lead to hairloss and skin breakdown, which is another problem entirely and very hard to manage with an immobile animal. Bathing and bedding changes should eliminate the odor.

That's it for my questions. I'd like to thank everyone that's helping me figure this out. I'm impressed with the knowledge but even more with the kindness everyone here has. Thank you

[TubeDriver]

[threenigma]

Responses in your quote:

I'll be weighing him shortly. I got the Prednisone, as well as Meloxicam, but I'll be using the Prednisone as this is what was optimally recommended. Yes, I assumed his "laziness" was due to feeling ill. He looks wet in the picture because he urinates on himself. I wash him daily and change his covers at the same time.

I'll get to work immediately. Thank you for your reply.

[threenigma]

Okay, I've just return from the store to buy a number or things, like blankets, washing cloths a small animal bed.

I gave him a bath, because being gone all day, there was an accumulation of feces and have now gotten rid of most of it. It had hardened and after washing it off, it appears that his rectal area wasn't too pleased with the wait. I hope this is nothing more than the common rash, so I'll keep an eye out for that. I'll now be giving a bath before going to work in the morning in order to have him as clean as possible. He'll be washes when I get home, as well as at night before going to bed.

Concerning the baths; this squirrel has bitten before. I have no ill feelings about it since this was a wild squirrel when found and being tossed around like this has made him jumpy at times. He has a habit of simply hiding his face when in fear, surely thinking that if he can't see me, then maybe I can't either. I now use this technique when bathing him. I throw a towel around him and cover his face. The bath doesn't seem to bother him doing it this way. I'd wager that in fact, he seems to enjoy the warm water.

As for grabbing his weight, I'll be doing that shortly. I've just given him a bath and created a new environment for him. He was being kept in a tote, which is far from optimal. I am now using a dog cage I borrowed from a friend (it's for large dogs and actually is a cage, and not a transporting unit). I'll be posting some pictures tomorrow to see if anyone has any recommendations or modifications that need to be done. He's currently hiding and drying under some blankets and I wouldn't want to stress him too much after this ordeal. I'll get his weight in an hour or so, when he's calm and dry.

Thanks again for the support. And please, if anyone has recommendations, please don't hesitate.

[cava]

Both Pred and Meloxicam treat inflammation. Pred is a corticosteroid and meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-infammatory ( NSAID). You should not use them at the same time and if you use one he may require a wash out period where he doesn't get anything before you start the other.

I think the pred will be the winner here so I'm glad you have that to start with. He may drink and pee more so make sure he has access to fresh water at all times. A water bottle he can reach and if not a very shallow dish with rocks in it and water just up to the rocks, not over so he can't face plant and get stuck, etc. It may also increase his appetite, which would be great if you are having trouble getting him to eat. If so, it would be a great time to get him started on healthy foods that will contribute to healing and start good eating habits (blocks, formula, boo balls, hhb's and healthy veggies on the food pyramid, other suggestions given on supplements.)

You might find bedding like pillow cases an easy liner for the cage. I also LOVE cloth diapers for babies, which absorb urine well. Don't use puppy piddle pads, they have poisonous stuff inside and squirrels will chew them.

What are you keeping him in? Does it have good air flow without being drafty? Does he have plenty of light during the day? And is it big enough for him to move away from pee and poo spots after he goes during the day until you do a bedding change? All stuff to think about. Also Chickenlegs has a squirrel with no use of his rear and you can learn a lot from reading through Scooters thread.

[threenigma]

Two things;

The squirrel weight 408 grams /14.4 oz/ 0.9 lbs. I need the dosage required for this weight. I have Prednisone 5mg. This is my priority.
I'd like to mention that my knowledge on chemistry and work around a lab is a bit above the laymans' if this helps appease the fear of mixing a bad solution.

And also, I have taken a few pictures of the cage setup I have. I would love some feedback on what I can do to make it better. Of course, he always has to the chance to get out and roam around the room, alone and safe. His cage is only locked for when I sleep.

Thank you.

[Mel1959]

I’m sorry, I didn’t go back and re-read this thread, but can this squirrel climb? I would be concerned with him getting into the gap between the side and the top of the cage.

[cava]

I agree, you need a pred dose for him asap. (I'm sorry, I don't know that one)

I think the cage looks fine as long as the area is warm (especially after baths) and no dogs or cats or kids are coming near him, which will absolutely impede healing--the stress. I would put a blanket over the top to give him a sense of hiding and security. Just leave the front open.

Since they are tree animals, being on the floor is already stressful for them.

I agree with Mel, even with bum rear legs, they can get up with just arms for escape so secure the top.