In the wild, squirrels are able to jump from tree to tree with ease. However, when they are injured or sick, they can sometimes be seen dragging their back legs behind them.
This can be a sign of hind limb paralysis, which has several possible causes.
In this blog post, we will explore the causes and treatments of hind limb paralysis in squirrels.
We will also discuss whether or not squirrels can recover from this condition.
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Causes of Squirrel Dragging Its Back Legs
Squirrels are nimble creatures that are well-adapted to life in the treetops. However, their jumping from one tree to another can sometimes lead to injury, and one of the most common injuries is hind limb paralysis.
Jumping From High Places
This condition is typically caused by jumping from high places, such as trees or telephone wires, and landing awkwardly on the ground.
Squirrels often jump from high places to escape from predators or to get food. However, this can sometimes lead to injuries, such as hind limb paralysis.
Being hit by a car
Squirrels may also develop hind limb paralysis if they are hit by a car while attempting to cross a busy road.
Being hit by a car is one of the most common causes of hind limb paralysis in squirrels.
If you see a squirrel that appears to be injured, try to move it to a safe place away from traffic.
You may also want to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
Escape from an avian predator
In some cases, the condition is caused by an injury sustained while escaping from an avian predator like a hawk.
This can be a very dangerous situation for the squirrel as it falls from high up in the sky and can result in hind limb paralysis.
Regardless of the cause, hind limb paralysis can be debilitating for squirrels, and many animals will not survive long after developing this condition.
Diagnosis Of Hind Limb Paralysis In Squirrels
Symptoms of hind limb paralysis in squirrels include the inability to move the legs, loss of sensation in the legs, and muscle weakness.
Serious Inflammation Around The Spinal Column
The most common cause of hind limb paralysis is serious inflammation around the spinal column, which can be caused by disease or injury.
Fracture Of The Spine
Other potential causes include a fracture of the spine or damage to the nerves that control leg movement.
If you see a squirrel showing signs of hind limb paralysis in your backyard, it is important to take it to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Only a professional can determine the cause of the paralysis and recommend the best course of action.
Treatments Of Hind Limb Paralysis In Squirrels
When a squirrel experiences hind limb paralysis, it may seem like there is little that can be done.
However, there are actually a few different treatment options available, depending on the severity of the paralysis, either rather easy to treat or almost impossible to treat.
Milder Cases
For milder cases like inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Severe Cases
In more severe cases like spine fractures, surgery may be necessary to correct a fracture of the spine. However, if surgery is not an option, euthanasia may be the only choice.
While hind limb paralysis can be a difficult condition to treat, there are options available for those who are willing to seek out help.
Can squirrels recover from hind leg paralysis?
While squirrels are known for their agility, they are not immune to injury.
One of the most serious injuries a squirrel can sustain is hind leg paralysis.
This can be caused by spinal trauma or an injury to the legs themselves. Squirrels can or cannot recover from hind leg paralysis, depending on the severity.
Spinal Trauma
If the paralysis is due to inflammation around the spinal column, it is often easy to treat and the squirrel will make a full recovery.
However, if the paralysis is caused by a fracture of the spine, it is usually permanent and the squirrel will not be able to recover.
Hind Leg Injury
If the hind leg injury is a bone fracture, recovery will take time but is usually possible.
In either case, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible to give the squirrel the best chance of recovering from its injuries.
Should I take an injured squirrel back home as a pet?
It’s understandable that you would want to help an injured squirrel, but taking it back home as a pet is not the best solution.
For one thing, squirrels are wild animals and are not used to living in captivity. This can cause them a great deal of stress, which can make their injuries worse.
In addition, squirrels require a specialized diet that is not easy to provide in a home environment.
They also carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as rabies.
Finally, it’s important to remember that even if the squirrel appears to be friendly, it is still a wild animal and capable of biting or scratching.
For all these reasons, it’s best to leave the care of injured squirrels to trained professionals.
What to do to help squirrels with hind limb paralysis?
Sometimes you may see a squirrel dragging its back legs in your backyard or along the street. What should you do?
Rescue The Squirrel
If you find a squirrel with hind limb paralysis, the first thing you should do is rescue the squirrel.
If you are able to safely catch the squirrel, take it to the vet for an examination.
Reach Out To A Rehabilitation Center
If the squirrel is not injured and just has paralysis, reach out to a rehabilitation center that can care for the squirrel until it recovers.
Sometimes referrals for care centers can be given by vets or through state wildlife agencies.
Take It To The Vet
If the squirrel is injured and needs medical treatment, ask the vet if they are able to provide treatment or if they know of a wildlife rehabilitation center that can help. Many times, treatment for hind limb paralysis in squirrels includes physical therapy and cage rest.
With proper care, most squirrels are able to recover and return to the wild.
Conclusion
It is common to see a squirrel dragging its back legs in the backyard, but it is important to know that this can be a sign of a serious injury.
If you see a squirrel dragging its back legs, the best thing to do is to rescue the squirrel and take it to the vet for an examination.
With proper care, most squirrels are able to recover and return to the wild.
Squirrels are a vital part of the ecosystem, so it’s important to do what we can to help them when they need it.
