7-8 week squirrel not using back left leg

[boxerpup]

Hello-
We have had Bo for 3-4 days now after a hawk attacked his nest, killing his mother, knocking his brother Buddy onto the concrete (who passed away yesterday due to major blood loss), and leaving him hanging from the nest having to be rescued with a net. We have been feeding him Fox Valley Day One formula and he has been taking 6-7 cc's, 3 times a day. He gets along with our other squirrel (6 weeks), as they play and sleep together. Last night I noticed he is careful with his back left foot. After observing him on the ground, I see that he will place his leg down only when standing still, but will immediately pick it up and carry it when walking. Likewise when climbing on the couch, he avoids placing it down. The foot does not appear to have any visible damage (no scrapes or cuts). When moving the hinge joint of the ankle it seems there is less muscle resistance in comparison to the other leg. We've read that MBD at this age is unusual and rare, so perhaps he somehow hurt his leg? Maybe twisted it wrong while playing?

Your thoughts, opinions, and advice are greatly appreciated.

Thanks, - Katie

[MJS]

DEFINITELY NOT MBD IF HE'S ONLY BEEN WITH YOU FOR 3-4 DAYS. MOST LIKELY A SPRAIN OR FRACTURE FROM THE ATTACK UNLESS HE SOMEHOW WAS INJURED AFTERWARDS. FORTUNATELY, SINCE YOU'RE IN FLORIDA, YOU CAN JUST TAKE HIM FOR X-RAYS IF HE DOESN'T SHOW IMPROVEMENT. I KNOW THERE ARE VETS NEAR YOU WHO HAVE SQUIRREL EXPERIENCE. JUST WATCH HIM CLOSELY AND DON'T LET HIM CLIMB OR JUMP FOR NOW.

[magna]

Have a girl that was about 5-6 wks old when she was brought to us. Three siblings cat caught and she was stepped on while the cat owners were looking for her after hearing her crying at dark, sheez talk about bad luck. All four are doing great and she had minimal use of her right rear leg for the first two weeks or so, but is using it now about 90%, still not a lot of grip strength and her tail is all jacked up, it got broke in the middle. When she curls her tail up and over, it has a kink in it. Keep an eye on it and make sure there is circulation and it should heal on it's own fine if it appears in alignment.