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Patient updates!

5/1/2008

2 Comments

 

Well, as you can see Mister Cottontail is up and about, but still has quite a strong head-tilt to one side. The very good news, is that he is now quite scared of me,and hides when I go near. As sweet as it was to hold him, this is great news as it means that he is getting his wild nature back, slowly but surely. I've also checked on him secretly, as in this picture, and found him jumping around his cage, shaking the bars and looking out around him. So this is all good too. His head tilt even seems less severe when he is doing this. So, one step at a time! Also, interestingly enough, for the first time I have seen rabbits all around WTS I wonder if they know he is there??


Where's a good place to have a little rest after having a meal?? How about in the turtleneck of a turtleneck sweater?? I don't handle the babies too much, but try to give them a bit of warmth & support, especially after their meals. I think that with the right balance, they will be all set to be released in about 6 weeks! I've also been taking them outside to try to teach them about becoming familiar with their home!


2 Comments
Fran Berdy
11/15/2010 00:45:11

I have a squirrel who comes to my deck to feed on the tons of peanuts (in shells, unsalted) and the no-waste bird seed...actually one of about 5 or 6 squirrels. This one guy has the head tilt to the RIGHT. I feel so badly for him/her. Aside from that he/she seems to be in fine health. What causes the head tilt? And, is there anything I can do for him/her to help? There's only one 'youngster' that isn't too scared of me when I put out the peanuts and the rest are skittish so I don't think I could 'trap' this guy/girl without causing a ton of stress to it! Any info would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Fran Berdy

Reply
Wild Things link
11/15/2010 03:19:43

Hi! I will write you a more detailed email....but just for those others who are interested-
Head tilts usually indicate some trauma to the brain which has caused damage to cranial nerves and the animal ends up tilting its head to correct it's impaired motor or sensory injury. I'm sure it can also occur due to mechanical injury, but in general when you see a head tilt it means neural injury. However, many animals learn how to compensate quite well and will survive with a head tilt.
Also, head tilts may sometimes correct as the brain heals (e.g., if there is swelling on the brain due to trauma, as the swelling goes down, pressure is relieved and the head tilt disappears).
I'm sure your squirrel is OK out in the wild. And in many cases there is little that can be done anyway for a head tilt if it is a permanent injury.
Again and again I witness how amazing wild animals are at adapting to injury.

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  • Home
  • What to do if you find an injured animal
    • Baby Animals
    • Reuniting Baby Animals
    • Cat Attacks
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    • Raccoons, Skunks, Bats
    • Marine Mammals
  • Ways to Help Wild Things
    • Donate
    • Wish List
    • Store: Give a Wild Things Gift!
    • Learn About WIldlife
    • Raise Funds Online
  • Living with Wildlife
    • Who's on Whose Turf?
    • Prevent Wildlife Conflicts
    • Keep Wildlife Safe
    • Trapping & Relocating Wildlife
    • Wildlife Proofing Plan
    • Resources: Living with Wildlife
  • Cats & Wildlife
  • All About Bats
    • White-nose Syndrome
    • Bat Houses
    • Bat Resources
  • More About WTS
    • About us
    • What is Wildlife Rehabilitation?
    • Wild Things newsletters, Articles & Press Releases
    • Become a friend of Wild Things!
    • Volunteering at Wild Things
    • Squirrel Pox
    • 10 Year Celebration >
      • 10 Years of Patients
      • What Does Wild Things Sanctuary Mean to You?
      • Wild Things Takes Shape