Baby Red Dragging Back Legs

[WilliamH4]

I found a baby Red dragging its back legs. Is this something that might be temporary? I suspect not, but thought I would ask.

[TubeDriver]

It could be temporary. Sometimes some trauma causes pressure on nerves that can resolve as healing occurs. Medications like Metacam, Ibuprofen or Prednsion for example, can be used to relieve swelling.

Can you spot any obvious injuries? Would it be possible to post up a photo so experienced folks here can see the squirrel? Did you catch the squirrel and have it inside? Thanks for helping him!

I found a baby Red dragging its back legs. Is this something that might be temporary? I suspect not, but thought I would ask.

[CritterMom]

Maybe. Do you have or can you get your hands on any prednisone?

Does this baby have ANY feeling at all back there? Pinch the toes and see if there is any response at all.

[WilliamH4]

I'll get a picture. It didn't make any sounds when I picked it up and it's not moving gingerly. Doesn't appear to be in pain. I put it in a release cage with another baby Red (I assume it's a sibling). It's going up and down the inside of the cage using only its front legs. I placed a few pillows at the bottom just in case it falls. I can probably get my hands on some prednisone.

[stepnstone]

I'll get a picture. It didn't make any sounds when I picked it up and it's not moving gingerly. Doesn't appear to be in pain. I put it in a release cage with another baby Red (I assume it's a sibling). It's going up and down the inside of the cage using only its front legs. I placed a few pillows at the bottom just in case it falls. I can probably get my hands on some prednisone.

Prednisine would be ideal...
It has worked wonders for many a baby able to use their legs again.

[WilliamH4]

I thought I might have Prednisone on hand, but I don't. As it's been mentioned a couple of times, I think I'll give that a try first. Can I get it at Walgreens? I assume I need it in liquid form.

[WilliamH4]

Prednisine would be ideal...
It has worked wonders for many a baby able to use their legs again.

That's good news. Gives me some hope it will be okay. I think it's possible I may be the cause of the fall, assuming that's what happened. I extended a ladder to the nest box to give the baby some food and water. I didn't take the ladder down. I think maybe he/she perhaps got on the ladder and slipped. Happened to Emma (a Red living in our yard), but from a much lower height. The babies can't navigate quite as well as the adults. I have moved the ladder now as there may be more babies out and about.

[stepnstone]

I thought I might have Prednisone on hand, but I don't. As it's been mentioned a couple of times, I think I'll give that a try first. Can I get it at Walgreens? I assume I need it in liquid form.

Prednisone is RX, many asthma suffers keep it on hand if you know anybody like that.
I would definitely get the baby on something for any swelling/inflammation it may be having,
the sooner the better.

[WilliamH4]

Never could find anyone with Prednisone. However, the squirrel looks like it's at least regaining use of one of the legs. Hopefully they both start to work. It's amazing how well he/she could move around in the cage even when it was only using the front 2 legs. Is there anything as agile as the Reds? They are amazing. Every time I see a Grey, I think they look lethargic, LOL (by comparison).

[Mel1959]

If you want me to send you some prednisone to try, I can. Just send me a private message with your mailing address and I’ll get them in the mail.

[WilliamH4]

Thank you. Sending a PM next.

[Mel1959]

Prednisone was mailed today.

[WilliamH4]

I now have Prednisone in hand. Can someone tell me how much and/or ratio? I assume diluted with water and administered by syringe?

[TubeDriver]

Yes but we need to know the size of the pill (mg) and we need a weight on the squirrel or at least a photo so we can get an estimate. Once I get this, I will send you exact, step by step directions for treating him.

I now have Prednisone in hand. Can someone tell me how much and/or ratio? I assume diluted with water and administered by syringe?