Head injury

[PrincessPeach]

So I saved a new baby last week. I'm guessing a hawk got a poor grasp on his little head and then dropped him on some asphalt. Day one I wasn't sure if he'd even make it but the little guy had some fight in him so I was hopeful. He had a pretty bad puncture hole in the top of his head (not the only hole but the worst one) and was listing severely. His hole has mostly healed up and he's pulled through but he still has some listing going on. (Head drifting). Most noticeable during feeding (i have to steady his head to keep it from turning) and even more so when he is urinating. His head drifts backwards and to the side during the urination. So much so that he needs help steadying himself. It is way better than it was day one. Anyways I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this and seen it fully go away or atleast go away to the point he can be released or should I just expect to have a new buddy who needs help forever. He is aproximately 6 weeks old now. So I know he'll be here for a while regardless. Just trying to decide what all to build to accommodate him. Also his name is Georgie and he is a sweet pea.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

So I saved a new baby last week. I'm guessing a hawk got a poor grasp on his little head and then dropped him on some asphalt. Day one I wasn't sure if he'd even make it but the little guy had some fight in him so I was hopeful. He had a pretty bad puncture hole in the top of his head (not the only hole but the worst one) and was listing severely. His hole has mostly healed up and he's pulled through but he still has some listing going on. (Head drifting). Most noticeable during feeding (i have to steady his head to keep it from turning) and even more so when he is urinating. His head drifts backwards and to the side during the urination. So much so that he needs help steadying himself. It is way better than it was day one. Anyways I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this and seen it fully go away or atleast go away to the point he can be released or should I just expect to have a new buddy who needs help forever. He is aproximately 6 weeks old now. So I know he'll be here for a while regardless. Just trying to decide what all to build to accommodate him. Also his name is Georgie and he is a sweet pea.

Hi PrincessPeach and Georgie and welcome to the Squirrel Board! PP, thank you for taking in little Georgie and for you concern and care for him! I will start with my usual disclaimer and that is that I am not a Veterinarian so my comments and recommendations are MHNVOs (my humble non-veterinarian opinions) and ideally, the injuries and abnormal neurologic signs should be evaluated by Squirrel friendly and experienced Veterinarian and in this case, x-ray films or preferably a non-enhanced CT would be potentially very valuable! I do realize that in most Squirrel medical cases, utilizing the services of a Veterinarian is unlikely or logistically impossible!

I will give you my opinions on the injury and his current neurological issues toward the end of my post but of most importance right at the moment is to ensure optimal care, protection, hydration and nutrition! Do you have any prior Squirrel raising experience? What are you feeding Georgie?

Toward the end of this paragraph I have pasted a link to a very concise and valid Guide to Baby Squirrel from from the Henry's Pet Website. With all of the information there, it is still a quick read with only 6 pages. The only issue with this Guide is one recommendation for a particular Formula called Fox Valley 32/40. Henry's has not yet revised their Guide to remove this particular formula for use with baby Squirrels but I would recommend simply NOT using this. That being said, it is essential for Georgie to be getting a Squirrel Healthy Formula. I would recommend ordering Fox Valley 20/50 from Henry's or directly from Fox Valley but there is a decided advantage to using Henry's because they have a fixed rate for shipping and they sell far more than formula and you will need some Squirrel supplies and some quality Squirrel (or Rodent) Blocks. Henry's makes their own Blocks called Henry's Healthy Blocks (the Picky variety of these is what I would chose because most of the Squirrels seem to prefer these but the other varieties are fine) and this is a very good choice although other options for Blocks would include Teklad 2018 (I can give you a link to a seller on eBay if you want) or Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet which is available at most pet stores including PetSmart. The most important element of nutrition for Georgie is formula and while awaiting the Fox valley 20/50, I would recommend obtaining Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer POWDER (do NOT get the liquid) and this is also available at most pet stores and even Tractor Supply! Formula should be continued until the Squirrel weans himself which can be as long as 16 weeks (give or take). The amount of formula for each feeding is based upon a daily morning weight of Georgie obtained with a digital scale reading in Grams and the frequency of feedings is based upon a Squirrels age. You will also need several 1cc syringes withOUT needles and preferably with an o-ring plunger seal to ensure safe and accurate feeding (these are available from Henry's but you can probably get some at any pharmacy and your can tell the pharmacist that you have an infant kitten you are feeding as they may not feel inclined to give you the syringes if you mention a Squirrel!).

Here is the link to Henry's Guide; https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

Going to the the presumed incident; a hawk's talons (or even the claws from other birds such as crows) can inflict severe injury and they can penetrate far deeper than just the skin and can enter body cavities such as the chest or abdomen and inflict great harm and to be a bit more specific in relation to Georgie's issued; a bird's claws or talons can even penetrate though the skull and injure the underlying brain directly or by fracturing a portion of the skull and the loose bone fragments can injure the underlying brain! Infection is also a risk although after a week has transpired and Georgie is active, interactive, drinking formula, peeing and pooping normally; infection is probably unlikely at this time. Do have reason to believe that the apparent puncture wound on Georgie's head actually penetrated through the skull? Neurological issues are not just common with head injuries; they are expected! At this time, PrincessPeach, MHNVO would be that this is a wait-and-see proposition with the signs of a head injury. A video would be very helpful and while there are no provisions for directly uploading a video to a post, a link to a video previously uploaded to YouTube is a great option! There is also a Small Animal Coma Scale that is based upon certain parameters of consciousness, brain stem function and posture and based upon what you have described, Georgie's "score" would be between 14 and 18 which is the highest scoring range and carries a better prognosis (how things are likely to turn out) than lower scores!

Another potential issue is the presumptive fall to the concrete. This mechanism of injury in itself carries a very high risk for fractures, spinal and/or head injury and internal injuries! Another reason for my dream of a CT or at least x-ray studies! Again, at this time, I would strongly suggest a very thorough but careful exam of Georgie with the purpose of trying to identify any abnormalities or reasons for concern such as other wounds, misalignment of joints or limitations in range of motion of the joints, misalignments of the spine or extremities which may indicate fractures and abnormal eye movements or eye appearance.

As far as treatment at this time; I would recommend on supportive treatment such as hydration, nutrition, comfort, protection (such no heights as a fall might ensue from instability or development of seizures from the head injury), warmth and the like. I would strongly recommend AGAINST considering the use corticosteroids ("steroids") in Georgie's!

Young animals with head injuries generally may have better odds on making a full functional recovery the adults or elderly animals but I suspect that there will be residual functional problems and possibly the development of complications such as seizures! If you are willing to provide long-term care for Georgie (forever care), that would be wonderful! Thanks again and please provide the answers to my "care questions" keep on with updates about Georgie! Also, please read the Henry's Guide for Squirrel Care!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[PrincessPeach]

Do you have any prior Squirrel raising experience? What are you feeding Georgie?

I do! Georgie is actually my third rescue. My first was a beautiful girl and she was able to be released back to nature thanks to all of the wonderful advice I received here. My second had severe brain damage and was also blind. He and I had several great years together before he passed from a brain aneurism. Georgie is much better off than my second was. But he does show minor versions of the same signs. Such as the head drifting etc. Sadly there are no vets near here who will see Squirrels. I've even tried convincing them to just list the Squirrels as baby kittens lol. From what I'm seeing I'd guess he has minor nerve damage from the puncture to his neck (one arm is a little less coordinated and a little weak) and brain damage from either the puncture to his head or the severe fall. The puncture on his head was oozing a white colored fluid, which I've never seen before which is why I assumed it had punctured through. He's definitely better off than my last buddy though.

To answer your diet questions. He is currently drink Fox Valley and I have managed a nibble of blackberry but he is very uninterested in solids at this time. I have Henry's blocks in my freezer which I will introduce when we finally get to eating solids. And I always make a fresh plate daily for Squirrels that has Squirrel friendly fruits and veggies and one or two nuts in shell and will do that once he gets to eating solids as well.

Also if he needs permanent care I will happily provide it. He is currently living in a pet carrier that hooks on a stroller and is on a fluffy pillow with soft blankets. He can climb the top but it's maybe a foot drop from the top to the blankets and pillows so he can't hurt himself. The lid closes so he can be safe if im out of the room.

Thank you for your welcome and for your information/advice!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Thanks, PrincessPeach! Georgie is a very fortunate Squirrel to have you and obviously you feel the same toward him! Thank you again for your love of this Little Guy! Please keep on with updates about Georgie!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[PrincessPeach]

Thanks, PrincessPeach! Georgie is a very fortunate Squirrel to have you and obviously you feel the same toward him! Thank you again for your love of this Little Guy! Please keep on with updates about Georgie!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Georgie is healing well. There's still minor tilting but it seems to be going away more everyday. I am still noticing some weakness in one.arm but that appears to be getting a bit better as well. I am starting to be concerned with his eating. He's quite happy with his.formula but won't even bother try solids. And he's drinking so much formula I can tell he should be on solids already. Any suggestions to tempt solids? So far I've tried blackberries, blueberries, grapes, various, pecan, walnut, pumpkin seed, acorn, boxwood seed, avocado, mushroom and henry blocks. He won't even try them. He's drinking around 4.5 oz (135cc) of formula a day. My other two were more on solids by the time their appetite got that big. Not sure what to do. If you have any suggestions I'll gladly try them.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Georgie is healing well. There's still minor tilting but it seems to be going away more everyday. I am still noticing some weakness in one.arm but that appears to be getting a bit better as well. I am starting to be concerned with his eating. He's quite happy with his.formula but won't even bother try solids. And he's drinking so much formula I can tell he should be on solids already. Any suggestions to tempt solids? So far I've tried blackberries, blueberries, grapes, various, pecan, walnut, pumpkin seed, acorn, boxwood seed, avocado, mushroom and henry blocks. He won't even try them. He's drinking around 4.5 oz (135cc) of formula a day. My other two were more on solids by the time their appetite got that big. Not sure what to do. If you have any suggestions I'll gladly try them.

Hi PrincessPeace:
I'm glad that Georgie is significantly improving! When you made your first post, you estimated his age at 6 weeks. What does he weigh now and how often are feeding Georgie? Is he still getting what you said was Fox Valley Formula? If so, what formulation is it such as FV 20/50? If Georgie is not getting FV, what type of formula is he getting?

With the presumed fall onto asphalt in mind; please check Georgie's four incisors (the two upper and two lower front teeth) teeth for alignment and gently try to move each tooth slightly to check for whether or not it may be loose (ok, I know this is easier for me to suggest to you than it is for your to do this but---). The fall, especially to a hard surface can result is significant head injuries as we suspect is a major factor currently in Georgie's neurologic issues but there are other very common problems that are associated with head trauma from a fall and they include skull or jaw fractures and fractures or loosened teeth. Loosening of teeth can result from instability of the surrounding facial bones and/or a localized injury to the root region of one or more teeth (which is essentially a fracture as well). An injured Squirrel, even an adult Squirrel with a dental injury or jaw or facial bone injuries will often gladly take the opportunity to drink formula rather than aggravate or provoke discomfort from a dental and/or facial bone injury!

From a general nutrition standpoint, I would like to ask that you discontinue all of the "stuff" that you have been offering to help transition to solid foods with the exception of the Henrys Healthy Blocks (HHBs)! At 6 or even 7 weeks, a baby Squirrel is just getting used to solid food and in where near weaning! The formula should be Georgie's nutritional mainstay and if the fruits, nuts and treats are continued, it is and will affect his ability to absorb and utilize Calcium and this will lead to a dreaded condition called Metabolic Bone Disease! This must be avoided as prevention is far better that treatment of this very serious condition. Here is a link to Henry's Pets MBD information page. Please read that so you will have a better understanding of what this is and its seriousness! https://henryspets.com/what-is-metabolic-bone-disease/

With usual baby Squirrel care, once a Squirrel's eyes are open, most of us introduce HHBs or other quality Blocks such as Teklad 2018 or Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet but for the early introduction to solids; HHBs are by far the best to start with. They are relatively expensive and if a Rehabber has a busy Baby Season, the cost can be an issue and using other quality Block can help with finances. With only one Squirrel to care for, the HHBs may be easier on the pocketbook! When we transition a baby Squirrel. Virtually no baby Squirrel will consume any form of blocks right off and they may ignore them at first and the play with them and then shred them with their teeth and claws but within a couple of weeks, they are usually consuming two HHBs (2 to a maximum of 3 is all the HHBs to give because these are a concentrated full nutritional source)! If during the period of adjusting to also eating solid food (BLOCKS); if you give any other foods or worse yet fruits or nuts; it will be very difficult or outright impossible to get the Squirrel to eat Blocks and often in those cases is to use "tough love" and offer only the blocks and the formula. Eventually, a Squirrel with no history of injury and with normal teeth and facial structures, will eventually be adding Blocks to his dietary intake. It only when a Squirrel is consistently and avidly consuming blocks for at least a week that any other solid foods should be considered and these should NOT be fruits, nuts or other treats (for a captive Squirrel, Nuts are Treats!!). Here is a link to another Henry's page where you can view the Henry's Healthy Food Pyramid. The healthiest foods are at the base of the pyramid (these are Blocks) and as you move higher toward the tip of the pyramid (this where the treats, nuts and fruits are located), the health and nutritional values decrease. Blocks and Formula (for those Squirrels not yet weaned) should comprise almost all of the Squirrel's nutrition. For a captive Squirrel, other than Formula, quality blocks should comprise 80% of their diet! Here is the link to Henry's Healthy Food Pyramid; https://henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/

With the HHBs being available being a most preferred solid food, you can break a piece from a block and crush it and mix it with water, formula, baby food or the like so that it is a paste and try to feed this to Georgie as this may be more enticing as well as easier to eat! Another concern is to check for stashes of HHBs (and other foods you may have provided) as HHBs have no preservatives and will spoil rapidly. I would suggest checking making a thorough check for stashes at least once each day after the last solid food feed of the day.

Thanks again for your love and care of Georgie! Please keep on with his updates!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[PrincessPeach]

I hadn't thought of the teeth being injured. What a smart idea. However I have discovered the root cause if him being unwilling to eat any solids. He can't keep hold of them. His grip is very poor. With one hand it's almost non existent. I've checked them to see his response to touch but it doesn't seem to be bothering him. I'd imagine things more of a neurological problem. As for mbd I am aware and actually have.a supplement to dust all other foods with for him. I do my best to limit Squirrel diets to what can be found in nature where I live as well as the blocks. I also provide bone for him to nibble and he has a spot on top of a cat tree to lay in the sun and het some calcium and vitamin d that way too. I managed to get him to nibble some food today but I had to hold it to his mouth like with his formula. He has a head tilt still and he tends to have a hard time steadying it and then he can't seem to get a good grasp on anything with his hands. Hoping he continues to mend but realizing he may be my friend long-term. His teeth are good. He likes to nibble my hand when he wants his formula lol.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I hadn't thought of the teeth being injured. What a smart idea. However I have discovered the root cause if him being unwilling to eat any solids. He can't keep hold of them. His grip is very poor. With one hand it's almost non existent. I've checked them to see his response to touch but it doesn't seem to be bothering him. I'd imagine things more of a neurological problem. As for mbd I am aware and actually have.a supplement to dust all other foods with for him. I do my best to limit Squirrel diets to what can be found in nature where I live as well as the blocks. I also provide bone for him to nibble and he has a spot on top of a cat tree to lay in the sun and het some calcium and vitamin d that way too. I managed to get him to nibble some food today but I had to hold it to his mouth like with his formula. He has a head tilt still and he tends to have a hard time steadying it and then he can't seem to get a good grasp on anything with his hands. Hoping he continues to mend but realizing he may be my friend long-term. His teeth are good. He likes to nibble my hand when he wants his formula lol.

Thank you PrincessPeach for this update and again, thank you for your love, care and concern for Georgie and for your willingness to make your relationship a Forever one as it seems this would be the ideal! Are there any remaining issues, concerns or question we can help address for you or does it appear that all is well?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel