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So... last night our kids called us saying they found a little raccoon that couldn't walk. That is to say, he had no use of his back legs. I went over with the gloves I keep in case I need to rescue and redirect a baby from the porch, should they get lost there (they don't see screen too well) and fetched him. Oddly, his back legs simply dangle. I've checked him over, and found no damage nor apparent pain. As far as walking, he just drags himself along. He is eating, and he's as cute as a button (expression from my time when buttons were a prized commodity).
We'll make some calls later today and see what the organizations say.
Life certainly does throw more than a few curveballs.
Vix
We'll make some calls later today and see what the organizations say.
Life certainly does throw more than a few curveballs.
Vix
Category All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1632 x 2177px
File Size 955.1 kB
I'd guess he has a spinal injury, or a broken pelvis. In the photo his leg looks like it has a wound on it.
TBH if he's paralyzed, it would be kindest to euthanize him. It's heartbreaking, but keep the life-welfare of the critter in mind. He's a wild animal. Dragging around for however long he would live, growing dragging himself, wearing holes in his skin...I've seen crippled cats, it's not pretty. :(
TBH if he's paralyzed, it would be kindest to euthanize him. It's heartbreaking, but keep the life-welfare of the critter in mind. He's a wild animal. Dragging around for however long he would live, growing dragging himself, wearing holes in his skin...I've seen crippled cats, it's not pretty. :(
I do hate to be a downer...I've dealt with many, many animals over the years. I kept a crippled lamb alive in my kitchen for three months. I finally had to euthanize her because it was clear she had no quality of life (she was also born blind.) That taught me that the gentle hand of Lady Death can be far kinder than trying to keep a crippled animal alive.
Our first cat arrived in similar circumstances; she was dragging her hindlegs around and when we checked she had a big hole on her back so deep the white of her spine is visible. thankfully there was no infection, and we brought her to the vet to get stitched up. She was walking normally after a few weeks
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/28570029/
Here's a photo of her, you can see her back is still bald while we treated her stitches. She's (at least) 8 years old now and has 2 fully grown kids.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/28570029/
Here's a photo of her, you can see her back is still bald while we treated her stitches. She's (at least) 8 years old now and has 2 fully grown kids.
"A baby raccoon with non-functional back legs requires immediate professional wildlife rehabilitation, as this indicates severe injury, neurological damage, or diseases like distemper or rabies. Keep the animal warm, dark, and quiet in a secure container; do not attempt to feed it. Use thick gloves to avoid direct contact, as paralyzed legs can indicate a high rabies risk."
Those are the most pleading eyes I've ever seen. Such an adorable little fuzzball! I sure hope you can find an animal rescue that can take him in and help him get to walking again.
Animals deserve a chance at a healthy, happy life. That's so sweet of you to help this little critter get that chance. *hugs*
Animals deserve a chance at a healthy, happy life. That's so sweet of you to help this little critter get that chance. *hugs*
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