Helping a Squirrel Having a Seizure
First, you must understand that squirrels are not human beings. It is possible to help them, but you must be prepared to face the difficulty of helping a squirrel having a seizure. There are some steps you should take, however, if you want to avoid any negative consequences. Listed below are some tips that you can follow. Sugary food is one of them. Rub it inside its mouth. Wait for a few minutes, and then rub it again. You may have to repeat this method a few times to see if the seizure stops, but it’s definitely worth a shot.
Nuts
Squirrels can have seizures for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is a result of a brain injury. Other times they are simply suffering from hypoglycemia. In either case, you can give them jelly or sugary semi-liquids to help them feel better. If you can catch the squirrel in time, you can save it from its seizure by bringing it to the sanctuary to receive lifelong care.
While nut consumption will not directly cause a squirrel to have a seizure, the presence of a healthy diet is crucial for keeping it healthy. For example, a squirrel may have a bone disorder if it does not consume enough calcium. If the condition is serious, the animal may even lose its back legs. In any case, you must ensure the proper balance of vitamins and minerals in the animal’s diet to keep it in good health.
Seeds
You may think that giving a baby squirrel some peanuts or a bowl of fruit juice can cure a squirrel having a seizure, but these foods aren’t the best for your little critter. In fact, they could even cause harm. Peanuts and fruit juice are high in fat and sugar, and squirrels often get a sugar rush from them. Besides, they aren’t the best pets to keep.
To help your squirrel recover from a seizure, you should give him a nutritious, balanced diet. Your squirrel needs a good balance of vitamins and minerals, so it would be best to give it a good mix of fruits and vegetables. You can also offer a small portion of vegetables, such as broccoli or arugula. Likewise, squirrels can eat radicchio and kale.
Rehydration fluids
First, assess the squirrel’s dehydration. A dehydrated squirrel has a reduced output of urine. It may also exhibit other symptoms of dehydration. Squirrels’ urine may be dark brown and small. Immediately administer rehydration fluids to relieve the dehydration and prevent further seizures. Use a diluted solution of 1/3 hydration fluid to 2/3 water. Do not use artificial sweeteners or flavored solutions.
First, determine how much formula the squirrel is losing. A teaspoon of formula is sufficient for an adult squirrel. To reduce the risk of aspirating, you can use a syringe. The Miracle Nipple is the ideal nipple. For smaller squirrels, the smallest syringe is sufficient. Use a special formula called Esbilac. This formula is only available at certain pet stores and Chris’s Squirels and More. It is important to purchase it immediately.
Skin turgor
If you’re helping a squirrel having a seizured episode, you should look for decreased skin turgor. This is a late symptom of moderate to severe dehydration. The skin snaps back to its normal position rapidly when the squirrel is well-hydrated. If the skin remains elevated, it will return slowly. Dehydration is a leading cause of death in young squirrels. It is also important to note that baby squirrels have a naturally loose skin, making it easy to test whether or not a squirrel is hydrated.
Esbilac formula
You can buy the Esbilac formula at most pet stores or here at The Squirrel Store. If you have a squirrel in your yard who is having a seizure, you must make sure to get it right away because squirrels have no time to wait for the formula to arrive from Connecticut. If you attempt to feed your squirrel at home, the store employee will likely try to talk you into giving them something else since they do not understand wildlife care.
While the Esbilac formula was designed for humans, it was still widely available. It contained casein, whey protein concentrate, and lactose. Other non-protein nutrients included vegetable oil and butterfat. In addition to the protein, the product also contained eggs yolk, which contributed fatty acids and high-quality proteins. This made the Esbilac formula easier to digest and contain more growth factors. But the butterfat in the formula may have been problematic and made the product clump when mixed with water.
What Causes a Squirrel to Have a Seizure?
Having a squirrel have a seizure can be a serious problem. The animal can become paralyzed and can die. If you see a squirrel having a seizure, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Often, squirrels have seizures because they are suffering from an underlying illness or injury. If the underlying cause is treated, the seizures may stop. Depending on the underlying condition, treatment can be simple or complicated.
Metabolic bone disease is a common reason for seizures in squirrels. In squirrels, metabolic bone disease can be fatal. This condition causes a calcium deficiency, resulting in the loss of use of the back legs. The disease can also result in a reduction in appetite and pain.
Another possible reason for squirrels having seizures is brain injuries. When young squirrels fall out of their nest, they can suffer brain damage. If the injury is severe, the squirrel may have sepsis, or an infection.
Another possibility is that the pet squirrel is not eating properly. This can result in an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus levels. A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may prevent seizures. The Motley Zoo recommends a balanced diet with a good balance of calcium and phosphorus.
Seizures in squirrels can be sporadic or clustered. They can last for seconds to minutes. If they are not diagnosed and treated right away, they can be fatal.
In many cases, the squirrel will not die, but it can lose its ability to walk. In some cases, the squirrel will become clumsy and may have muscle spasms.
What do you do if you see a squirrel having a seizure?
If you see a squirrel having a seizure the best thing to do is to observe from a distance and call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic for advice.
DO NOT attempt to handle the squirrel yourself as they may be disoriented and bite in self-defense.
What are the signs that a squirrel is having a seizure?
The signs that a squirrel is having a seizure include uncontrollable muscle spasms chomping or grinding of the teeth drooling foaming at the mouth and loss of consciousness.
How long do seizures last in squirrels?
Seizures in squirrels can last for a few seconds to a few minutes.
What is the cause of seizures in squirrels?
There are many potential causes of seizures in squirrels including head trauma encephalitis meningitis brain tumors lead poisoning and low blood sugar.
What is the prognosis for squirrels who have seizures?
The prognosis for squirrels who have seizures depends on the underlying cause.
Some causes such as head trauma are treatable and the squirrel can make a full recovery.
Others such as brain tumors are not treatable and the squirrel will likely die.
How can I prevent my squirrel from having seizures?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent seizures in squirrels but you can help by keeping your squirrel away from potential hazards like cars trees and power lines.
You should also take your squirrel to the veterinarian for regular check-ups to check for potential health problems.
What should I do if my squirrel has a seizure?
If your squirrel has a seizure the best thing to do is to observe from a distance and call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic for advice.
DO NOT attempt to handle the squirrel yourself as they may be disoriented and bite in self-defense.
What is the treatment for seizures in squirrels?
The treatment for seizures in squirrels depends on the underlying cause.
Some causes such as head trauma are treatable and the squirrel can make a full recovery.
Others such as brain tumors are not treatable and the squirrel will likely die.
Will my squirrel be okay after a seizure?
The prognosis for squirrels who have seizures depends on the underlying cause.
Some causes such as head trauma are treatable and the squirrel can make a full recovery.
Others such as brain tumors are not treatable and the squirrel will likely die.
What do I do if my squirrel has more than one seizure?
If your squirrel has more than one seizure it is important to call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic for advice.
DO NOT attempt to handle the squirrel yourself as they may be disoriented and bite in self-defense.
What do I do if my squirrel stops breathing after a seizure?
If your squirrel stops breathing after a seizure it is important to call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic for advice.
DO NOT attempt to handle the squirrel yourself as they may be disoriented and bite in self-defense.
What do I do if my squirrel starts convulsing after a seizure?
If your squirrel starts convulsing after a seizure it is important to call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic for advice.
DO NOT attempt to handle the squirrel yourself as they may be disoriented and bite in self-defense.
What should I do if I think my squirrel is having a seizure but I’m not sure?
If you think your squirrel is having a seizure but you’re not sure it is important to call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic for advice.
DO NOT attempt to handle the squirrel yourself as they may be disoriented and bite in self-defense.
What should I NOT do if my squirrel is having a seizure?
DO NOT attempt to handle the squirrel yourself as they may be disoriented and bite in self-defense.
Where can I find more information on seizures in squirrels?
For more information on seizures in squirrels you can contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary clinic.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
