Medical Concerns

Cuts and Abrasions - Cuts, Bites, and abrasions are cleaned with a dilute chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine solution. The squirrel is placed on a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Trimethoprim/Sulfa and the wound is treated daily with irrigation, topical antibiotics, and a light bandage or colloidal dressing.

Fracture Management - Squirrels are frequently presented to the hospital with fractures of the extremities. Because their bones are small and thin, they do not lend themselves well to application or bone plates or external fixators. In adult squirrels, fixators may be applicable to fractures of the femur and humerus. In most cases fractures can be stabilized with external coaptation or internal fixation with IM pins and orthopedic wires. Since an IM pin alone is not stale against rotational forces, in some cases it may be necessary to use an IM pin for alignment and bending stability, and external coaptation to prevent rotation.

Central Nervous System Trauma - Squirrels appear to be particularly prone to CNS injury. Squirrels with head trauma often present with blood visible in the mouth and ears. They may demonstrate hyphema as well. Mental depression, seizure activity and coma are indications of CNS disease. Many squirrels with CNS injury recover sufficiently to lead norma lives. Seizures are controlled with Diazapam at 1-5 mg/kg PRN. The patient should be placed in an oxygen rich environment and administered methylprednisolone sodium succinate every 8 hours. Other Glucocorticoids are of little benefit in treating acute CNS trauma. Fluid therapy is indicated to treat for shock: however, if there has been intracranial hemorrhage, fluid therapy can increase blood pressure resulting in additional hemorrhage. The squirrel is then placed in a cool, dark, quiet environment.

Paraparesis secondary to spinal cord injury occurs frequently in injured squirrels. The spinal cord extends to the lumbosacral junction, so lower injuries produce signs consistent with lower motor neuron injury. Acute spinal cord injury is treated with methylprednisolone at the doses described for cranial trauma. Pain perception is difficult to assess in squirrels as they are often very stoic. A panniculus response can help determine the level of the displacement. Though many animals which have lost pain perception may recover. Squirrels are difficult to manage as paraparetics and euthanasia is recommend.

In squirrels with pain perception, in addition to the steroid therapy, the bladder must be managed. Squirrels with UMN bladders will require that the bladder be expressed 3-4 times daily. In cases of LMN bladder the squirrel will generally dribble urine due to a weak sphincter. Recovery may take weeks to months of nursing care. Other therapies may be beneficial in some cases including free radical scavengers. All medial therapies are indicated in the acute phase.

Ectoparasites - If the squirrel is having difficult breathing or is making a "ticking sound whin it breaths, radiographs should be made to evaluate the lungs for pneumonia. A cranioventral distribution indicates aspiration pneumonia. Treatment includes antibotics, bronchodilators, nebulization, oxygen, and supplemental heat.

Ectoparasites - Ectoparasites include fleas, lice, maggots, and cuterebra larvae. Fleas and lice can be poked off by hand. Squirrel fleas are more soft bodied than dog fleas and can be easily squished or drowned. They must be removed or they can cause anemia. Pryethrin flea products are safe for adult squirrels but should be used with caution in babies.

If the body temperature drops, flies will be attracted to the animal and begin to lay eggs which quickly hatch maggots. Newly acquired orphans must be carefully examined for tiny rice shaped fly eggs or small maggots.

Cuterebra larvae grow under the skin of adult or baby squirrels and cause a small "pimple" that may be open or oozing slightly at the surface. The swelling will grow as the larva matures. Ivermectin will kill the larvae but they must be surgically excised from their subcutaneous location.

Tooth Damage - Like all rodents, the squirrel has 2 pair of incisors (top and bottom) which continue to grow throughout the animal's life. The incisors are enameled only on the front so the action of the upper teeth on the lower wears down the softer inner surface more rapidly producing a sharp chisel edge perfect for gnawing. Dental disease is a common cause of anorexia. Incisors can be removed in a manner similar to removing rabbit incisors though it is somewhat more difficult.

Penis Sucking - Baby animals often recognize the penis as a nipple. Separate the "sucker" from other males and put it with all females. You can also attach a piece of adhesive tape to the baby 's squirrels penis and it to the abdomen to hide it from the "sucker". Be sure to release the penis and stimulate urination after each feeding and then reattach the tape. Watch for scab formation on the preputial; opening which can inhibit urination. Use ointment soften the scab that might form.

Making Formula

Pinky squirrels up to 3 weeks old - 1 part 33/40: 1/2 part 30/55: 2 parts distilled water.

3 weeks and older - 1 part 33/40: 1 part 30/55: 2 parts distilled water.