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virgo062
03-15-2010, 01:02 PM
Latest Update on Esbilac and KMR

As many are aware, there have been several issues dating from August 2009 through now with Esbilac and KMR manufactured by PetAg.

We would like to begin by addressing misinformation that has been posted on the internet about the formulas being tainted and that the FDA has recognized this. We at Chris's Squirrels And More, Inc have been assured by the manufacturer, PetAg, that this information is incorrect and the claim that the FDA has acknowledged any problem with the product is also fraudulent. The FDA has never posted any acknowledgement that Esbilac or KMR is tainted.

Esbilac and KMR Formulas

We are attaching a link to a PDF file that will take you directly to EWildagain.org. EWildagain.org has done extensive research on Esbilac, and has offered detailed information regarding the solubility of the formula and how that affects our animals. We feel this information is critical to the use of both Esbilac and KMR and we highly recommend this to be followed. The three most important steps to avoid future formula issued are listed below:
1.) Shake container of formula before scooping at each use. This is done to disperse the dry ingredients due to settling through transit and time.

2) When adding water use the hottest water possible without being at the boiling point.

About 170 degrees is appropriate, tap water is generally about 120 degrees.

3) Try to mix formula at least 4-8 hours in advance of use, preferably the night before you need it. Keeping in mind that you can mix ahead and than freeze the formula.

Additional information concerning the storage of formulas:

Always keep formulas in the refrigerator, preferably the freezer once opened.

The formula ratio for Squirrels on Esbilac:

Many people are not aware that the formula should be mixed in the following manner for squirrels. Many people read the Esbilac label without realizing that this label is intended for specifically for puppies.

This is the ratio that we use here at Chris's Squirrels and More on our infant squirrels:

1 Part Esbilac

1 1/2 Part Water

For neonate squirrels (under two weeks of age) we add a drop (and I mean a drop) of Heavy Cream which should be labeled 17% Saturated Fat. As our squirrels get older we start to introduce a little extra heavy cream. At about 5 weeks of age we are adding about 1/4 part of Heavy Cream to their formula.

Another successful mixture of formula for squirrels from an independent Wildlife Center is the following:

2 Parts Esbilac

1 Part Heavy Cream

4 Parts Water

Special Note

Due to the issues concerning these formulas this past year, we really need your input. Many rehabilitators have turned to alternative formulas to avoid using PetAg products and if you have found something that works for you as well as for your animals, then you should stick with what makes you comfortable. Please be conscious of "home-made" formulas that may be lacking in or over-compensating for various nutrients. In an attempt to recreate "mother's milk", your formula must contain specific proportions of fat and protein content. If you have any questions about a new product that you are trying, or are unsure of whether or not your formula is meeting your animal's dietary needs, please contact us. Even if we do not carry the product that you are now using, we still have the knowledge and experience to guide you in the right direction. If you are using Esbilac or KMR and are having digestive issues after mixing using the above stated steps, please let us know. If your animals are still having problems after following these directions, then we need to know. If you do not tell us, then we will not know that issues are still at hand. Like many of you, I am a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator and like all of you, my primary concern is the wellbeing of the animals that I treat. Please let me know if you are having issues, if you have concerns, or if you have questions. Unfortunately, what we do is constantly a learning experience and I can learn as much from you as you can from me, so please keep in touch regarding the various formulas that you are using so that I may continue to serve you (and your animals) to the very best of my ability. Sincerely,
Christina Clark
Owner of Chris's Squirrels and More, LLC

www.squirrelsandmore.com

lizharrell1
03-15-2010, 01:52 PM
Yeah, well no offense, but I am sticking with the Fox Valley. Sorry PetAg!!!! I no longer trust it. And I know I am not crazy, but I could SWEAR the babies grow so much faster (and fatter) then they EVER did on Esbilac. Their coats are super shiny too and they make the most perfect little poops too!!:D All you have to do is look at my Brenna and Tessa thread to see how fast they grew!! Thanks for the info though about the Esbilac.:thankyou

mpetys
03-15-2010, 09:13 PM
As a newbie to the squirrel world, I am sticking with Fox Valley. When my husband brought 4 babies home to me, I bought the Ebsilac as instructed by another website that a friend found for me. I had the babies on Pedialyte at first as they appeared to be dehydrated. The Pedialyte did wonders. Then I started them on the Ebsilac. They all started failing. Kept getting dehydrated.

I contacted a local squirrel rehabilitator that I found on the Internet. She emailed me information about the problems they had with Ebsilac. She recommended Fox Valley for the formula and Chris' Squirrels and More for the nipples and 1 cc syringes. I placed my orders right away and requested the Fox Valley formula be shipped overnight.

In the meantime, after another round with the Pedialyte, I was able to start them on the Ebsilac again. One of the babies died that afternoon. He was not able to retain body heat. He had a warm body from the heating pad, and so I thought he was okay to feed formula. But then as I was trying to feed him, I noticed that his body heat was disappearing.

The next morning, I had two babies that just seemed to be slipping away. The third one did not appear to be in as bad shape but had a bloated belly and had a gooey, sticky stool. Unfortunately, the two sickest babies died before the formula arrived later that morning. I was certain I would lose the fourth one also but once I put him on the Fox Valley formula, he just thrived! It almost seems miraculous how well he did so quickly.

I am getting ready to place another order for more formula, just to have on hand in case I am presented with any more babies in need this summer.

Michele in Tampa

virgo062
03-16-2010, 08:09 AM
I never had any problems with the Esbilac but I think I will go to the Fox Valley anyway just in case....

island rehabber
03-16-2010, 09:11 AM
I applaud Christina Clark and Shirley Casey's efforts to solve "The Esbilac Problem". I also bow down :bowdown to those rehabbers and squirrel rescuers who have the math skills and focus to deal with the "new Esbilac formula". Personally I do not have those traits; I add nothing at all to Fox Valley and unless a baby is not thriving I don't intend to. That's just me...I've gotta keep it simple, because I'm just not into complicated details when there's a simple alternative. :dono

crazysquirrels
03-16-2010, 02:57 PM
No kidding. OK I want you to jump though this hoop, with your left leg while shaking the container in your right arm. Come on its milk. Mix and serve right. They are haveing it made a very specific way wich tells me there is something wrong and they know it. I was lucky and my babies made it, but I used the already mixed in a can. If I ever get the chance to help another squirrel I twould use the FV.

momma2boo
03-28-2010, 07:33 PM
In 6 years I've never had a problem with FV so I plan to stick with FV. If it aint broke don't fix it. I personally love how healthy my squirrels grew up on FV. As a matter of fact, my Boo still gets FV formula. I mix it in his nummy nutball recipe and in his organic babyfood fruit (he thinks it's a treat ... :D Well, it is ... it's a treat with a boost)