Hind leg injury

[NuttyNiecy]

We have had our share of raise and release. Found a female yesterday in the pool. 9-10 weeks old maybe. Helped her out and of course she was soaked and grateful. Upon trying to walk/climb, her hind legs drags. We kept her on the heat and fed fox valley the last 24 hours. The toes are limp with no response. Hip may be ok. She mostly stays curled up in a ball. Big scared eyes. She relaxes a bit when her ears are scratched. She did chew a bit today. Any ideas if this leg drag will heal on its own? What should we do for her?

[island rehabber]

Poor girl! Bless you for saving her.


Hind leg paralysis usually goes one of two ways, depending on where the break is in the spine.
Most of the time, a squirrel with NO response in the hind feet or legs will die within about 72 hrs, as organs gradually shut down.
Rarely, the squirrel will live and even adapt to the paralysis. It will, of course, be non-releasable and require lots of care. People here have done it and can tell you what it involves. With a wild adult squirrel, it is possible that even if she survives she will not be happy about living with humans and that's what her teeth are for.
Even more rarely, feeling will return to the back end and some movement will be restored.

Since you're in FL with lots of good squirrel vets, maybe we can find one who can evaluate her for you?

[NuttyNiecy]

I see after review my post wasn't clear enough. Only the right hind leg drags. She can reach and grab with the two front legs and has climbed in and out of her hammock, right hind leg dangling. But she mostly stays hiding in her blankets. I believe it's a leg injury not her spine. Has a good appetite! I was just hoping the leg could heal....

Found a possible vet and a good rehabber. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

QUOTE=island rehabber;942437]Poor girl! Bless you for saving her.


Hind leg paralysis usually goes one of two ways, depending on where the break is in the spine.
Most of the time, a squirrel with NO response in the hind feet or legs will die within about 72 hrs, as organs gradually shut down.
Rarely, the squirrel will live and even adapt to the paralysis. It will, of course, be non-releasable and require lots of care. People here have done it and can tell you what it involves. With a wild adult squirrel, it is possible that even if she survives she will not be happy about living with humans and that's what her teeth are for.
Even more rarely, feeling will return to the back end and some movement will be restored.

Since you're in FL with lots of good squirrel vets, maybe we can find one who can evaluate her for you?
[/QUOTE]