Extreme weakness in the front legs--was almost ready to go live outside

[ignatius]

Hi y'all,

I have a girl born this summer that is all but full grown. She probably would have been living outside already if her brother wasn't smaller (and we didn't want him to be alone).

The last few days she has had extreme weakness in her front paws. She can still move them and use them, but very little, and she will not support her weight at all on them. I have no idea why.

As far as I know she has never been up higher than maybe 8 feet, so I don't think it would have happened from a fall. She also doesn't complain like they're hurt if I manipulate her paws. She has a brother that lives in the same cage and eats all the same stuff, and he is great. Never been better.

Her back legs are just as strong as normal. It's pretty amazing she can get around like she does without hardly using her front paws. She has appetite and energy and is pooping/peeing.

Here's a video that somewhat demonstrates the weakness: https://photos.app.goo.gl/W4DMzcbsEmyBzz3KA

Thanks y'all

[cava]

She looks like she has an injury in the left front arm. Both could be sensitive.

What is their daily diet?

[ignatius]

Mostly nuts now. Pecans, cashews, almonds, and peanuts. Until recently there was goats milk also. She has been making very minor forays outside partially unsupervised.

I can't find any injury on either forearm--she lets me pull them and poke them without trouble.

[CritterMom]

Betcha anything she has MBD (metabolic bone disease. A diet of nuts is almost guaranteed to do this.

Please start the MBD protocol:

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...dated-3-31-09)

This needs to start today - now. Tums are easily found.

[stepnstone]

Betcha anything she has MBD (metabolic bone disease. A diet of nuts is almost guaranteed to do this.

Please start the MBD protocol:

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...dated-3-31-09)

This needs to start today - now. Tums are easily found.

[ignatius]

Okay I'll start with the tums and all immediately.

I guess I waited too long between stopping milk and getting her outside.

[SquirrelDad]

Okay I'll start with the tums and all immediately.

I guess I waited too long between stopping milk and getting her outside.

You've just got to feed her better foods... I am also having some trouble with it and learning what is best for them to eat. It does feel daunting and complicated, but it's easier the more you know and you'll get the hang of it!

[cava]

May be this will help: Feeding example

Breakfast: one block each squirrel(if doing henry's) and healthy veg salad. ( Always access to water.)

Afternoon: block for each squirrel and healthy veg salad.

When out of cage time used a fruit or nut treat as a reward for getting back in the cage.

Henry's are a supplement and are given 2-3 per day. Rodent blocks (for rats) are free fed 80% with veg/wild greens 20% and both diets are occasional fruit/nut.

You can free feed rodent blocks AND ALSO give 2 henry's blocks a day.