
(Squirrel) Kevin's Surgery
Donation protected
In 2018 we adopted a little squirrel boy named Kevin, and fell completely in love with him.
Very early on, Kevin bonded strongly with us (particularly his mom), as well as with his groundhog brother, Moses, who became his big protector – and his wonderfully snuggly second sleeping companion (Kevin’s mom being the first). Like Moses, Kevin became accustomed to enjoying free run of the house, worked hard at creating the softest nests for napping – and, of course, learned about the joys of delicious food!
Life continued happily for this pair of pals until shortly after his fifth birthday, when Moses began exhibiting symptoms of what seemed to be a sinus infection. We made multiple trips to our regular vet, who prescribed various medications. But, over the next few months, the condition persisted. Throughout this time, both we and our vet researched possible causes, eventually learning that Moses suffered from odontomas, which are bone tumors originating in the roots of the incisors. Although these tumors are non-cancerous, left untreated they progress, and the surgery required to remove them is very complex. We spent the next several months managing the condition as best we could, all the while trying to find a veterinary specialist in NJ, NY or PA capable of performing the needed surgery. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful, and eventually we and Kevin lost our beautiful groundhog boy.
While it seemed at the time there could be nothing positive about this tragedy, the dark cloud of its memory has ultimately revealed a sort of silver lining. Earlier this year, we discovered that Kevin’s teeth had begun growing unevenly, with his lower left incisor taking on an odd angle, and far outstripping the right in its rate of growth. (Rodent teeth grow continuously, but are normally kept in check by healthy individuals.) As a result, we began making regular visits to the vet to have this incisor trimmed. Shortly after this, we noticed Kevin becoming increasingly sniffly, and that he’d developed a slight glaze over one eye – symptoms we immediately recognized as those we’d seen in Moses. And, surely, you can imagine the panic that unwittingly rose in the backs of our minds.
This time, however, we have help we never knew existed when Moses was fighting this insidious condition. A few months ago, we discovered the Facebook page of Little Thumbelina Girl, an adorable squirrel whose devoted parents document her life through daily videos (https://www.facebook.com/littlethumbelinagirl). Watching these started out as lighthearted fun, but became much more when, over the summer, it was announced that Thumbelina would be undergoing surgery in Florida – for odontomas! Naturally, we wasted no time in contacting her mom, Christina, who immediately urged us to contact Thumbelina’s doctor (Dr. Emerson, a veterinary dental specialist/surgeon with vast experience in squirrels). In both this and all manner of info and advice, she has been immeasurably helpful to us ever since. (And, of course, it must be noted that Thumbelina is doing very well, and is back to being her beautiful, incredible self).
Desperate though we were to get Kevin the care he needs, our responsibilities here in NJ led us to believe a trip to FL was out of the question. It was therefore our hope, at first, that we might consult with Dr. Emerson long distance and/or secure a recommendation from her for a specialist in the NJ/NY/PA region who might perform the surgery. Because certain x-rays and tests are needed prior to such a procedure, we made a great effort to, at least, find a vet capable of doing these, confirming the odontoma diagnosis, etc. This led us to a clinic near the Jersey shore, for which we dragged Kevin from under the covers at an ungodly hour, and embarked on a two-hour drive, only to find upon arriving that nothing we had been told on the phone about the visit proved true. Needless to say, the confidence that initial call had inspired quickly eroded, and by the time we arrived home eight hours after leaving, we were out $1000; more importantly, Kevin had found the whole experiencing so upsetting that he slept clinging to Mil for the entire trip home.
Not about to give up, we next contacted a well respected animal hospital in New York City, and scheduled an appointment with their exotics specialist for an exam. Another somewhat nightmarish experience ensued, a couple lowlights from which included Kevin ending up on a sidewalk only a feet away from traffic whizzing through a busy intersection, and an unexpected wrong turn into the Port Authority complex intended for buses only. The veterinarian we met with was very nice, however, and for a more common/less critical condition, might well have worked out. In her defense, it must also be noted that squirrels aren’t a pet she sees frequently in NYC, making it fully understandable that her memory of when she’d last performed this type of surgery was vague… and that she flinched slightly when Kevin made any quick moves.
Although we’d made one more appointment with a vet near Trenton, NJ (whose receptionist had merely told us the vet was “familiar with” odontoma surgery, though could give no details of her having performed it), the two, arguably failed, experiments we’d already made convinced us we had no other choice. We decided that, since he’s now had his preliminary examinations, blood tests and x-rays, somehow we would get Kevin to Florida, and scheduled the surgery. Still, for both of us to go remained out of the question. In addition to several of our rescues/adoptees having special needs, for the past two years we’ve been caring for Mil’s mom, who has become largely disabled and has dementia. So, at last, we decided Mil would have to be the one to go, both because Kevin is truly her baby (and could not be separated from her while going through such a difficult time), and because the trip must be made by way of a 15 hour drive (squirrels aren’t permitted on commercial flights) – and she’s the only one who can stay awake for such a long distance! That said, she and Kevin plan on leaving just after Christmas.
As everyone who knows us is aware, we’ve rescued and adopted individuals of every species for more years than we can count, and have never before even considered asking others to contribute more than old clothing or blankets to aid us in these efforts. But, because the cost involved in the care Kevin needs will be (and has already been) considerable, and because many caring friends have generously offered to help, we’ve set up this Go Fund Me account to accept donations. We also want to add that we’ve set a goal that we believe is the minimum likely to be needed for both this upcoming surgery, and a second that’s expected to follow once healing from this one is complete (odontomas almost always occur on both sides, but only one can be operated on at a time), plus the travel and weeklong stays required for post-surgery checks that determine when he can come home, and the periodic check-ups thereafter. Any amounts received beyond this will go to Kevin’s care down the road and/or that of our other wild children. Also, if anyone prefers to donate by some other method, this is equally welcome. And, of course, please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Most of all, we want to thank each and every one of you who have been following Kevin’s saga, and who have overwhelmed us with your thoughtfulness and care. We also hasten to add that we have not written this with any implied obligation or expectation, though we do hope that you will share the link/page where or with whom you feel applicable. And finally, although many words have gone into this explanation, truly, none can come close to expressing our appreciation – or Kevin’s.
Updates will be posted here following the surgery, re-checks etc. to keep everyone informed. Thank you again!
Organizer
Andre S
Organizer
Washington, NJ