Advice needed for sick squirrel

[Diggie's Friend]

You could try a homeopathic remedy found effective to open the abscess to drain it. 8x (Gunpowder) homeopathic remedy has antibiotic properties. There is a stronger formulation (30C) which as noted is at the lower end of the higher doses used by wildlife rehabbers for stubborn infections. Having this as part of the arsenal to counter ill health conditions in squirrels can lend significant support towards healing and restoration.

These links are for reference on homeopathic remedy use in wildlife.

https://www.ewildagain.org/homeopath...-tips-wildlife

https://www.ewildagain.org/wildlife-...y-is-different

[supersquirrelgirl]

Mo is a real beauty, love the photos. I have had a number of squirrels with similar looking skin injuries/issues and they tend to get better on their own. It can be a real challenge to treat them but it's always worth trying.

Hi Tomcics,

Mo says thanks for the complement. She is 3rd generation of the squirrel family we let stay in the attic over the winter many years ago. Her momma was really cute and big. Mo's kids are all around here and look just like her. Hard to tell at times who is who. Mo's shoulder bump started about a year ago got really big over last summer. I believe its an abscess not tumor. Gave her antibiotics in walnuts but she didn't come everyday. Since then Mo (now Dr Mo) has done her own incision/draining several times but it seems to grow back. She looks good now but its not totally gone yet. Hoping it resolves on its own soon.

SSG

[supersquirrelgirl]

You could try a homeopathic remedy found effective to open the abscess to drain it. 8x (Gunpowder) homeopathic remedy has antibiotic properties. There is a stronger formulation (30C) which as noted is at the lower end of the higher doses used by wildlife rehabbers for stubborn infections. Having this as part of the arsenal to counter ill health conditions in squirrels can lend significant support towards healing and restoration.

These links are for reference on homeopathic remedy use in wildlife.

https://www.ewildagain.org/homeopath...-tips-wildlife

https://www.ewildagain.org/wildlife-...y-is-different

Thank you DF. I will review the information.

I started Mo on AB (clavamox) back in the summer but since she did not come everyday, it was not total effective. Was going to switch to Cipro AB but Mo rejected all my nuts and became very suspicious. I tried adding honey and nutella but no luck. Mo has done her own incision by chewing and/or poking by claws for draining. Unfortunately, it heals up before it completely drains. I tried to touch once and she looked at me with WTH are you doing ?? She looks good now so lets see how it goes.

SSG

[Diggie's Friend]

The only thing you need to do with homeopathic remedies is not to give it at the same time as dosing with anti-biotics, leaving 3-4 hours between the treatments. Placing just a droplet of the dissolved homeopathic pill on a small piece of organic walnut works well to get it to the wild squirrel you want to dose.

[supersquirrelgirl]

The only thing you need to do with homeopathic remedies is not to give it at the same time as dosing with anti-biotics, leaving 3-4 hours between the treatments. Placing just a droplet of the dissolved homeopathic pill on a small piece of organic walnut works well to get it to the wild squirrel you want to dose.

Hi DF,

Made a few attempts with antibiotics (AB) masking the taste under various cover. Nothing worked. Squirrel stopped taking all my nuts and started screening all food I gave her. At first, I did clavamox AB nuts that worked since it tastes like vanilla. Second was bactrim AB but total rejection. Last try was cipro AB (horrible taste) but a clear no-go. At this point all AB are no-go.

Read both reference links you provided and understand the general point. I really need to reread a few times to fully comprehend the treatment. I certainly like the one droplet since that easy to hide. I'm not a Vet so need to be 100% sure I will not harm the squirrel in any way.

Thank you for exposing me to this idea!

SSG

[Diggie's Friend]

I'll send you a PM

[Diggie's Friend]

I inquired about the use of Homeopathic remedies with our then vet many yeas ago, who assured me that HR are safe, as well as no issue to use with AB, just not to dose at the same time of day as the AB.

Homeopathic remedies which are, 'Nano particles', which work differently in the boy than do meds. In Casey's ("wild again") wildlife rehabber webpages, she gives an overview of a severe case with infection and abscess in a squirrel, that AB first used, failed to resolve The attending veterinarian then recommended consulting with a homeopathic veterinarian on what Homeopathic Remedies they recommend in this severe case for the squirrel. Homeopathic Remedy (200C), "Gunpowder' given improved the condition with the first dose; and with the second dose not given the same day, made further progress in support of healing, ultimately saved the squirrel's life.

Veterinary Homeopathy article: See case heading: "A squirrel's stubborn abscess" https://hpathy.com/veterinary-homeop...gainst-wounds/

(30C) HR, "gunpowder" is used for smaller wildlife, to open and drain abscesses in less severe life threatening cases. This H-remedy also was long time back (Civil War) to have an, 'antibiotic like effect' against infection.

https://www.amazon.com/Gunpowder-30C.../dp/B0006PKN1U

This remedy is best dosed 3 times a day. That said, this may not be able to supportable in a wild squirrel. Having used 30C homeopathic, 'gunpowder' once a day for a wild squirrel with a large stubborn abscess, which prior over a week's time was not show to have drained well; I saw the abscess open and drain in 48 hours; and this not just the once, but each time this H-remedy was given as needed.

[supersquirrelgirl]

I'll send you a PM

Got it. Thank you!

[supersquirrelgirl]

Mo came today after missing a few days due to road work and landscapers around her area. Honestly, I did not recognize her at first. She looked great and ran/jumped around like high energy squirrel. I think she's on the hunt to rumble with rival Suzie again. I'm very pleased on her condition. (I just hate the road crossing!)

For now, I'm going to standby and monitor her condition as she seems to have it under control. (Dr Mo has done many incisions & drain procedures over the last few months. I give her a B+ now.)

SSG

[supersquirrelgirl]

If she is across the street, you might want to try going to her if there is a place to sit and wait.

If she is hungry and feels safe with you, she may well come to you.

There are quite a few wilds that are used to me feeding them in my yard who will run in my direction if they see me when I am out on a walk. A few weeks ago, I was several blocks away (maybe 250 yards in a straight line) when a squirrel stopped on the sidewalk about 50 yards away. It obviously recognized me, as it then hopped up on a fence post to wait. Good thing I always have pecans in my pocket!

Hi Olorin19,

I remember you suggesting to go to Mo across the street to feed her. Well I'm happy to tell you it finally worked. I followed her home across the street and waited at the curb. She came back and I was able to give her several whole walnuts. Mo would take each nut back to her stash hiding place and come back for another. She repeated it many times. I could see in her eyes a total excitement that it was really me at the curb with walnuts.

Wanted to thank you for the encouragement!

SSG

[olorin19]

Hi Olorin19,

I remember you suggesting to go to Mo across the street to feed her. Well I'm happy to tell you it finally worked. I followed her home across the street and waited at the curb. She came back and I was able to give her several whole walnuts. Mo would take each nut back to her stash hiding place and come back for another. She repeated it many times. I could see in her eyes a total excitement that it was really me at the curb with walnuts.

Wanted to thank you for the encouragement!

SSG

Great news!

There is something amazing about the relationship that can develop between a person and a wild squirrel. Some wild squirrels have that ability to develop trust with us to a much greater extent than others.

I have been feeding the squirrels in my back yard for twenty years, and it never ceases to amaze me how when I go outside there are squirrels that run right up to me, others than stay where they are at a distance, and others than climb up on something. So depending upon the squirrel, I am a friend, a possible threat, or something in between.

I have been feeding a wild named Mama Squirrel for five years now. She is very easy to recognize because she lost her middle finger on the right front paw almost four years ago from a serious injury. And what saved her is that she had developed enough trust during the preceding year that even badly injured she was able to come to me to get clavamox via pecan often enough to recover -

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...ured-front-paw

[supersquirrelgirl]

Great news!

There is something amazing about the relationship that can develop between a person and a wild squirrel. Some wild squirrels have that ability to develop trust with us to a much greater extent than others.

I have been feeding the squirrels in my back yard for twenty years, and it never ceases to amaze me how when I go outside there are squirrels that run right up to me, others than stay where they are at a distance, and others than climb up on something. So depending upon the squirrel, I am a friend, a possible threat, or something in between.

I have been feeding a wild named Mama Squirrel for five years now. She is very easy to recognize because she lost her middle finger on the right front paw almost four years ago from a serious injury. And what saved her is that she had developed enough trust during the preceding year that even badly injured she was able to come to me to get clavamox via pecan often enough to recover -

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...ured-front-paw

Hi Olorin,

Read your Mama thread start to finish. What a great success story. You (and wife) really save Moma's hand giving AB and the dedication to her. Mama trust you much more after giving her nuts for weeks when her hand/fingers hurt....its a bonding moment. Mama story reminds me so much of Ms Mo here. We have helped so many wild foxes over the years. Many still come back and sit right next to us and chatter. Not sure what they are saying but it sounds friendly.

In Mo's case, I gave 1.5x dose because she only came once per day. Unfortunately, she did not come everyday so not sure how effective the AB was. In the end, Mo chewed or punctured her abscess herself (Dr Mo). She looks great today and comes over daily even though she moved across the road.

SSG

[supersquirrelgirl]

Update for Ms Mo for April/2024

We are back home now from traveling 3 months. One of the first squirrels to come see us was Ms. Mo. She was tapping on the back door window. She looks so happy to see us and we are too!



Honestly, she looks great with very minor scarring on her left arm from doing multiple I & D procedures. (giving her a A+ now) She has put on some weight and walking, jumping, climbing like a confident squirrel again. I'm beyond happiness.



Rewarding her with a whole walnut that she likes to spin for quality control then runs off to bury it across the road. I wish she would move back to the woods on this side of the busy road. On a recent walk in the woods, I found a neighbor who attached three big owl decoys to their fence. No wonder the squirrels are relocating away.



To Everyone on TSB who has given advice and comments in this thread, I sincerely Thank You and Appreciate it so much. In my opinion, Ms (Dr) Mo is alive and recovered 99% based on your help. She's approaching 6 years old soon so not bad for living in the wild with lots of challenges. She continues to cross the road and come see us daily (sometimes multiple times per day). She is no longer the boss of the woods and avoids conflict with others. She is the queen of her area across the road.

Thank you again to TSB,

Mr. SSG (Michael)

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Update for Ms Mo for April/2024

We are back home now from traveling 3 months. One of the first squirrels to come see us was Ms. Mo. She was tapping on the back door window. She looks so happy to see us and we are too!

Honestly, she looks great with very minor scarring on her left arm from doing multiple I & D procedures. (giving her a A+ now) She has put on some weight and walking, jumping, climbing like a confident squirrel again. I'm beyond happiness.

Rewarding her with a whole walnut that she likes to spin for quality control then runs off to bury it across the road. I wish she would move back to the woods on this side of the busy road. On a recent walk in the woods, I found a neighbor who attached three big owl decoys to their fence. No wonder the squirrels are relocating away.


To Everyone on TSB who has given advice and comments in this thread, I sincerely Thank You and Appreciate it so much. In my opinion, Ms (Dr) Mo is alive and recovered 99% based on your help. She's approaching 6 years old soon so not bad for living in the wild with lots of challenges. She continues to cross the road and come see us daily (sometimes multiple times per day). She is no longer the boss of the woods and avoids conflict with others. She is the queen of her area across the road.

Thank you again to TSB,

Mr. SSG (Michael)

Thank you so much for the update on Dr. Mo, Mr (?) SSG! I hope Mrs SSG is OK! Mo looks tremendous! I just wish that she would confine her territory to yours and avoid that road she crosses to get to y'all! Please stay in touch on TSB!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[TomahawkFlyers]

That second photo. What a beautiful smile on a handsome kid. That's no illusion - that's one happy squirrel, clearly elated that you are back and with him again!

Jamie

[Charley Chuckles]

🙌🥳

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Sam,

Both Ms SSG and Mr SSG (me) are doing great. Ms SSG is busy with Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) mission. I have been the main person on TSB postings since she is busy with rabbit stuff. (Its still her account.)

Thank you for nice words on Mo. I'm thrilled beyond words! For sure staying on TSB but we do travel alot so some blackouts.

Mr. SSG

Thank you so much for the update on Dr. Mo, Mr (?) SSG! I hope Mrs SSG is OK! Mo looks tremendous! I just wish that she would confine her territory to yours and avoid that road she crosses to get to y'all! Please stay in touch on TSB!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi TF,

Thank you! Sure is a happy girl. She is 3rd generation from our attic family many years ago.

Hope your mouse rescue is going well.

Mr. SSG

That second photo. What a beautiful smile on a handsome kid. That's no illusion - that's one happy squirrel, clearly elated that you are back and with him again!

Jamie

[TomahawkFlyers]

Hi SSG,

mouse is now a rip-roaring medium-sized mouse. He moved into his three level condo last night and has been exploring ever since. He's shy of humans, us included. He eats like a horse and is getting a fine diet.

and we have something in common. Our Tomahawk Flyers journey started with a colony of 18 in the attic 3 1/2 years ago. The kids have flourished ever since (in the trees and in their purpose-made indoor habitat ever since. Small world!

Jamie

Hi TF,

Thank you! Sure is a happy girl. She is 3rd generation from our attic family many years ago.

Hope your mouse rescue is going well.

Mr. SSG

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi SSG,

mouse is now a rip-roaring medium-sized mouse. He moved into his three level condo last night and has been exploring ever since. He's shy of humans, us included. He eats like a horse and is getting a fine diet.

and we have something in common. Our Tomahawk Flyers journey started with a colony of 18 in the attic 3 1/2 years ago. The kids have flourished ever since (in the trees and in their purpose-made indoor habitat ever since. Small world!

Jamie

Hi TF, good work on the mouse rescue!!

Small world indeed. Here's a picture when we finally pushed out the squirrel family from the attic in April/2014. (We let them all stay through the cold winter months.)



There was 4 squirrels - the squirrel on the top leading the exit to the roof is Ms. Mo grandmother. One of the 3 squirrels on the column wall is Mo mother (Ms Vee). Mo was born about 4 years ago. We now have several 4th gen litter squirrels from Mo here. I'm sure the neighbors don't appreciate our squirrel friendly yard. Oh well - what can I say!

Mr SSG