If you are concerned that you have an injured squirrel, do not panic! There are a few simple steps you can take to get your animal back to health. Listed below are the signs of head trauma, poisoning, aspiration pneumonia, and suffocating mother. Read these steps to save your animal. Also, make sure you research your local wildlife and choose an area where the animals have few predators.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of head trauma
Initially, symptoms of head trauma in an injured squirrel are similar to those of poisoning. The animal will list to the side, walk in circles, look dizzy, and may also exhibit blood coming from the mouth or nose. Because squirrels have sharp teeth and a powerful jaw, the animal may attempt to fight off capture or flee by clawing. Although leather gloves can provide some protection, a good bite can penetrate them.
The baby squirrel will also cry, and its mom will eventually find it. It’s important not to feed the baby squirrel formula, as the baby needs about 24 hours of fluid to rehydrate. Although some formulas are suitable, most are not. Only a licensed rehabilitator can give advice on the proper feeding. Flies may lay eggs on the injured squirrel, which can make the situation even worse.
Symptoms of poisoning
There are a number of signs that indicate a squirrel has been bitten, or has been ingested poison. First, if the squirrel shows signs of pain in a particular area, such as in the head or ear, then this animal may be suffering from an infection. A veterinarian should examine the squirrel and prescribe antibiotics if the animal appears to be suffering from a bacterial infection. Abscesses can occur anywhere on the squirrel’s body.
Some of these medications have severe toxic effects, and may require aggressive treatment. If an animal has been cooled, a veterinarian may administer an aggressive antibiotic. A rodent in this situation will also move around aimlessly and show signs of hypovolemic circulatory shock. One of the most dangerous poisons is strychnine, which produces clinical signs within two hours. Severe seizures, nervousness, tremors, and drooling are also typical signs of strychnine poisoning.
Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia
Injured squirrels can develop aspiration pneumonia, a condition caused by swallowing liquids that have entered their nose or mouth. Aspiration pneumonia is a life-threatening illness that requires immediate veterinary treatment. Signs and symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include a clicking sound in the throat area, open mouth breathing, and a runny or congested nose. For more information, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.
The first step in evaluating a squirrel with aspiration pneumonia is to check for normal body temperature. An injured squirrel should be kept warm, and it should be transferred to a rehabber as soon as possible. The skin should be pinched to determine if it is moderately or severely dehydrated. Performing this test in an emaciated or hairless infant is unreliable. A source of electrolyte should be available for use in case of aspiration pneumonia.
Symptoms of a suffocating mother
The first thing to do when you think your squirrel is suffering from MBD is to take it to the veterinarian right away. They will be able to assess if your squirrel has suffered any injuries. You will also need to consider their health and general condition. For example, dehydration may cause a squirrel to become bloated. You should check for bloating by looking for a soft and brownish colored stool after a feeding. If bloating persists, you need to contact a veterinarian. Also, overfeeding your squirrel could result in diarrhea or other digestive signs.
If your baby squirrel is still alive and unharmed, you should leave it alone. You should keep it out of reach of the mother, who may be transferring its other offspring to another nest. It might also have fallen from the nest due to predators or the wind. Nevertheless, you must monitor it closely from a distance until night. Otherwise, it may suffer from dehydration or even pneumonia.
Getting a baby squirrel to eat solid food
Getting a baby, or a young squirrel, to eat solid food can be challenging, but not impossible. You can make the transition easier for baby squirrels by offering them a small amount of liquid every half hour or so. However, it is critical not to force-feed water to your squirrel, as this can lead to pneumonia or death. If you think your squirrel is suffering from a gastrointestinal illness, seek immediate medical care. Your wildlife rehabilitator will be able to assess the condition of your squirrel and perform any necessary tests. You should avoid alcoholic beverages before your appointment.
Once the squirrel is healthy, it will be easier to introduce solid food. Squirrel Complete is a high-protein pellet mixture that contains healthy nuts. Feed Squirrel Complete in glass water bottles, stainless steel cups, or a ceramic feeding dish. These dishes are lead-free and safe for your baby squirrel. Also, they’re more sanitary than plastic.
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.
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