Squirrel with balance problems...

[Wendy]

I saw a squirrel in my back yard this morning who, whenever it stopped, started listing to the right. It looked like it was having balance problems, not that its right foot was injured or something.

Does anyone have an idea about what may be causing this problem?

Also, squirrels have been known to have plague in my area. Does this sound like a symptom of plague?

[Fluffytial]

Hey,
I don't know what the symptoms of plague would be. That really is never an issue where I am .
I have a gerbil though that has always listed of to the side when she stands up. She was that way when I bought her. She is about 2 years old now and is just fine. My guess would be some kind of nerological damage. Did the squirrel look healthy otherwise?

[Wendy]

Yes, healthy otherwise. Good winter paunch, nice fur.

We've had high winds lately. Maybe it was blown out of a tree and knocked its head. Very sad.

[MissDolittle]

I think it's more a symptom of a head injury, which hopefully heals soon by itself.

Are you sure they said squirrels have the plague and not squirrels ARE like the plague? Because that one I have heard a lot before, but never that squirrels actually have the plague....but I don't know if they can have that or not..would be the first thing I hear about it.

Welcome on board by the way!!!!!!! :)

[Wendy]

I live in the Denver area, and we've been warned about squirrels having plague: http://www.co.boulder.co.us/health/pr/2007/04262007SquirrelPlague.htm.

Thanks for the welcome! :-)

[MissDolittle]

WOW! I had no idea! Thanks! I'll do some more research, since they unfortunately did not mention the physical symptoms in squirrels.

[Swokanimalrescue]

Don't count out the animal just having an ear infection. This will affect balance problems especially in little guys like squirrels.

[Richard]

We are seeing the same balance problems with squirrels around our yard. I am really concerned about it. Any more ideas would really be appreciated.

[MissDolittle]

Hey Richard, welcome on board!

How many squirrels are we talking about here? And are they all adults or little ones or both? Any other symptoms? What type of squirrels? What area of the world?

[Richard]

We usually have 5 or 6 around the property. It seems as though we have one showing the balance problem every month or so. They lean against something while eating to stay upright. After some time, we have noticed that they seem to have a problem with balance while walking or trying to run. the problem seems to show itself more in the hind quarters.

I'm talking about gray squirrels, and we live in Western Washington, east of Seattle.

[MissDolittle]

Well, this is one of those situations where I just have to say that I have no idea! Anybody?

[Helenmary]

Wow, been doing some research...
Lots of possibles:
Not enough water
Not enough vitamins
Infection (esp. sinus/ear)
Arthritis
Serious fall /brain injury
Nerve damage
Down's Syndrome (no kidding....) And it is genetic which may explain the higher number.
Wish I could help more. Wanted to tell you "thanks" for trying to help them!

[MissDolittle]

Thanks! That's something to go by!