Need advise on treating pneumonia!

[djarenspace9]

I have a 5 week old female squirrel that started making clicking sounds today. I've only had her 2 days and she seems ok otherwise. I know it's a sign of pneumonia but she has not aspirated any formula so I think it's the other kind of pneumonia (Klebsiella?). She has not started other symptoms yet but I want to start treating her asap. I was told by one rehabber to give Clavamox, but then was told by another that Clavamox would work best for aspiration pneumonia, that I should give Bactrim instead. I have Clavamox pills so I can mix that up fresh, but the Bactrim I have had for a while (not sure how long it keeps). I don't have any other meds on hand except Baytril (which I don't believe is appropriate). Any advise on how I should treat her?

[Legomom]

I had a recent experience with non-aspiration pneumonia. We did Clavomax, but it was very harsh on the baby's tummy. Then, we had another one & opted to use Baytril. It was a miracle! It worked better, faster & there were no gi issues.

I am not a licensed rehabber (just a foster squammy for 2 years & at least a dozen babies), so you may want to wait for one of them to chime in. But, in my experience, Baytril is the best choice!

By the way, do you have more than one squirrel? Where in Florida, generally, are you? I'm in Lake county...if you need any help, feel free to drop me a note via private message if you prefer or in here. :Welcome

[psychobird]

i like baytril also, it covers alot

[PBluejay2]

Baytril and Suflatrim both work for pneumonia. Clavamox is a penicillin-based drug that kills the good bacteria in their gut, and like Legomom said, really can mess with tie gi tract--avoid. Be sure to get the dosage right on the Baytril, however.

[djarenspace9]

Thanks for the quick reply. I am ready to do something, but worried to take the wrong course...always confused about which meds to use for what and when I asked more experience rehabbers I get conflicting answers! I even had asked if I could use Baytril (because I have some mixed up) and was told that would not take care of it. I don't know if it's because they though maybe it was due to aspiration and I did not admit it (which it is not, she has had no issues drinking the formula). What guides I have read on squirrels suggests different treatments if it's pneumonia from aspiration vs the other type.

She does not have any other symptoms (no sneezing at least yet) and so far has been driking her formula and chewing on walnuts. I am concerned about the other babies that were with her the last 2 days and not sure if I should just monitor them or begin treating them at the same time just in case. I hate using meds unless it's necessary.

I guess I will see what other advise I get and make up my mind on what to do. For some reason my gut keeps saying no to Clavamox. Wish me luck!

* I am in Orange County and have been volunteering for 5 years, and fostering all sorts of furry critters for 2 1/2.

[Legomom]

Go with your gut (no pun)...don't go with Clavomax. PBlueJay is also a licensed rehabber, he knows what he's talking about. :thumbsup

As far as treating the others, unless they are showing symptoms, why introduce something into their system that they don't need? Just my opinion. :peace

[djarenspace9]

Thank you for the advise!!! I decided to go with Baytril and so far she is showing improvement and has continued feeding normal. The clicking is either faint or not there at all during today's feedings and she is not breathing hard anymore. None of her littermates are showing any signs of illness. I will be watching and listening closely for the course of the treatment and hopefully she can rejoin them soon!

[djarenspace9]

Wrapping up another happy ending here... :thumbsup

Honey (this sweet honey colored girl) recovered quickly and rejoined her brother and another orphaned boy and the three are working their way up the ranks towards release. She is fat and sweet and no resemblance to the the scrawny sick little baby I held in my hands 4 weeks ago. I keep trying to take good pics of my babies to post (I can tell everyone here looooves pics!)...the little buggers just move so fast I can't get the camera to focus. I'll add a pic of Honey this week when I can catch up with her! Thank you all for the good advice! :thankyou

[Skul]

Thank you, D9, for watching after the little one.:thumbsup

[psychobird]

squirrel babies just amaze me, they are so tough and come back from deaths door very quickly with a little tlc