>HI everyone. I have 2 week old pups and my cousin was holding
>one for a second and he didn't know they could jump so fast.
>2 literally flew out of his hands and landed on the floor. I know
>I should have told him or something. one of these pups just kinda
>crawls around in circles and the other just sorta twists his body
>in a counter clockwise motion. I think they broke a bone or
>something. Is there anything I can do? Will they get
>better??? I feel really sorry for them :( Please reply
Major bummer. I feel sorry for you and them. :'(
Rule #1 when holding tiny animals, always keep them low and
over something softer than concrete or tiled floors.
I usually put the cage on the floor and kneel by it, and keep
the little one below two feet (58 cm) off the possible landing
area. Unless the animal is really super tame; expect that it
will jump, and often very unexpectedly.
It sounds like both may have serious internal injuries (fractures
or bruising) or concussions...which may have caused brain
hemorrages (stroke).
The one that goes around in circles may recover, but will
probably never be right. They may always go around in
circles.
The one that twists over and over; will probably not recover.
I am basing these predictions on bad falls I've had here in
my hamstery...where an animal decided to leap for it; or
did an escape and fell from the top rack of cages to the
concrete about 5' below. I have also had animals that
have had strokes....
Put them back with their parents if you haven't already done
so, keep the cage in a quiet corner; and make sure that the
parents are well fed (a full gerbil is less likely to nibble on
or destroy a badly injured pup)
They will show improvement by tomorrow, or be dead within
three days (or the parents will decide to destroy them
because of the problems).
You can try to hand rear them, but I would also say the
prognosis is not good. Taking them away, putting them
in one cage together, feedings with KMR every few hours;
and again, either they will show improvement by tomorrow;
or pass on within three days.
If I had this on my hands right now; I would suggest
separating them and attempting hand rearing; and if
there was no improvement within 24 hours; putting
the animals down.
I wish you a LOT of luck. And toes crossed that they
improve.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
