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Young squirrel, broken leg(s?)

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From: Annika Benedetto
City:
Spokane, WA
If a young squirrel (old enough to be independent but still not fully grown) fractures its leg, will it heal with cage rest? I have an X-ray of his fractured femur and believe his front paw may also be broken. He is tame and I am keeping him in a well padded cat carrier to limit movement. (he was hand raised and released a month ago.) It has been 4 days. The vets I work with don't know much about squirrels. Other than an assortment of native nuts and fruits, what should and shouldn't I feed him? Rat Pellets? How likely is he to heal? Any advice would be appreciated, the local rehabbers are overwhelmed with squirrels at this time, so I am on my own.

 
Extension Message
From: Laura Kammin
Visiting Extension Specialist, Pollution Prevention
Extension-Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program
lkammin@illinois.edu
It will heal with time, but the bone won't set correctly. That would make it vulnerable if it is released back into the wild. If you keep it, make sure you have the appropriate state permits. And also see if there is a local vet that could provide care. A broken leg is painful.

 
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