Etiologies and Treatment of Genital Injuries in Juvenile Squirrels in Rehabilitation

Shirley Casey; Mackenzie Goldthwait

doi:10.53607/wrb.v27.121

Authors

Shirley Casey WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.
Mackenzie Goldthwait, DVM Annie's Animal Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v27.121

Keywords:

Squirrel genital nursing, urinary tract infection (UTI), genital injuries, teething, emaciation, dehydration, squirrel rehabilitation, squirrel health problems, rodent UTI

Abstract

Squirrel rehabilitators often care for juvenile squirrels that arrive with genital injuries or develop these injuries during rehabilitation. Genital injuries may be minor, or severe and possibly life–threatening. Falls or similar trauma may cause injuries to the urogenital system; however, the more common genital injuries in juvenile squirrels are self–inflicted or a result of damage by a cagemate. This article describes such injuries, as well as their causes and possible treatments. Photographs and a glossary add clarity to the paper.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Shirley Casey, WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.

Shirley Casey, co–founder of WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation in Evergreen, CO, has been a licensed rehabilitator since 1986 and has rehabilitated 24 different species of squirrels. Shirley is co–author of the Squirrel Rehabilitation Handbook, which includes additional information on squirrel development and health. She also publishes and presents around the country on a wide range of rehabilitation topics.

Mackenzie Goldthwait, DVM, Annie's Animal Hospital

Mackenzie Goldthwait, DVM graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1989 with a special interest in wildlife medicine. She was the veterinarian at the Cape Wildlife Center in MA for 18 months. Now she is a veterinarian in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and works with wildlife, as well as providing training for rehabilitators and veterinary students on wildlife health. Dr. Goldthwait is a Master Birder and serves on the Board of Directors for the Audubon Society of Greater Denver.

References

Casey, S., and A. Casey. 2003. Squirrel Rehabilitation Handbook. WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation: Evergreen, CO. Available from: <http://www.ewildagain.org>.

Casey, S., and M. Goldthwait. 2003. Urinary Conditions in Squirrels. Squirrel Rehabilitation Handbook. WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation: Evergreen, CO.

Steele, M., and J. Koprowski. 2001. North American Tree Squirrels. Smithsonian Institute: Washington, D.C.

Wynn, S., and B. Fougere. 2007. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Mosby: St. Louis, MO.