Help with poop

[cfor]

I have a baby grey squirrel ( aprox. 7 weeks old ) We have had him for about 2 weeks now and he is doing great. I do have some concerns about his bum though.
He seems to have somewhat loose stool and his anus looks swolen.
It seems like anything could become a problem quick if not treated, so can anyone give me some advice about what to do? It does not look too comfortable for him.

[4skwerlz]

Can you tell us what kind of formula you're feeding, and any other details about how you found him and how you are caring for him?

(A rehabber will be here shortly and this information will help them to help you.)
:Welcome to TSB.

[cfor]

He is the baby of a popular squirrel in my mothers neighborhood. She brought him to me the day after his mom was run over. He was found in a neighbor's yard, dehydrated and cold. We contacted the local animal control officer, who had 3 babies of her own. She had her hands full and asked if we would be willing to care for him. She had us get some Esbilac formula, and Pedialyte.

With a heat lamp, blankets, shavings and regular feedings he seems to be doing well. He has a very healthy appitite. We have given him small amounts of natural apple sauce, Avacado and grapes, all of which he loves. But I noticed a couple of days ago that it looked like he might be constipated.We stopped with everything but the Esbilac. Then I took a wet, warm cloth and rubbed his bottom. He began pooping right away, but it was yellowish and loose. Over night he went several times. But it looks like his bottom is swolen, like he can't eliminate, but evidence says otherwise. Sometimes he moves about with his back legs spread and dragging his bum, almost like he needs to go, but nothing comes out.

As I said, other than that he seems happy, friendly and healthy.
Could it be his food ? Is something deficient in diet ?

[4skwerlz]

He is the baby of a popular squirrel in my mothers neighborhood. She brought him to me the day after his mom was run over. He was found in a neighbor's yard, dehydrated and cold. We contacted the local animal control officer, who had 3 babies of her own. She had her hands full and asked if we would be willing to care for him. She had us get some Esbilac formula, and Pedialyte.

With a heat lamp, blankets, shavings and regular feedings he seems to be doing well. He has a very healthy appitite. We have given him small amounts of natural apple sauce, Avacado and grapes, all of which he loves. But I noticed a couple of days ago that it looked like he might be constipated.We stopped with everything but the Esbilac. Then I took a wet, warm cloth and rubbed his bottom. He began pooping right away, but it was yellowish and loose. Over night he went several times. But it looks like his bottom is swolen, like he can't eliminate, but evidence says otherwise. Sometimes he moves about with his back legs spread and dragging his bum, almost like he needs to go, but nothing comes out.

As I said, other than that he seems happy, friendly and healthy.
Could it be his food ? Is something deficient in diet ?

The Esbilac formula should be okay, although some rehabbers have had problems with the new formulation. Does the can of Esbilac have a golden retriever puppy on the label?

Golden yellow poops are normal on Esbilac, but should be somewhat formed, though they can be soft.

Just to check, are you still giving him Pedialyte? Pedialyte should not be given for more than 24 hours.

A heat lamp is not the recommended heat source. The best is a heating pad set on low and placed under half of his container.

Also, wood shavings are not good; they can cause respiratory problems. Please replace those with fleece or old t-shirts. Not towels, as they can get their claws caught in the loops.

Finally, at 7 weeks, you don't really want to feed solids. They need to stay on formula as long as possible. So it could be he's not digesting the solid foods you're giving him very well.

Hope this helps.

[island rehabber]

How is he this morning -- any poops? Sometimes after a bout of loose stools a baby won't go at all for a day or so. Keep him off the applesauce, as that can be constipating. Be sure the formula is very warm, and that he takes enough of it to be fully hydrated -- at least 5-7% of his body weight. 4skwerlz is right, at his age FORMULA is everything and solids are just incidental treats. Keep us posted, ok?

[cfor]

Thank you both for the advice. I have not noticed any fresh droppings today, and he is still very much his usual active self. I will make sure to keep him on Esbilac.The can we have has a yellow Golden pup on the wrapper, it has a use-by date of 4/2011. We only gave the pedialyte long enough to re-hydrate. I'll pick up a heat mat today.

I had a question about the Esbilac, Should the can of dry powder be refrigerated after opening, or is it OK to leave covered on the counter ? Also , is the baby able to gague how much it needs to eat ? Or will he keep eating to the point of making himself sick?

[CritterMom]

Keep the Esbilac powder in the freezer, sealed - very important; it goes bad very quickly after opening.

Are you mixing any whipping cream into your Esbilac? If you check the baby rearing rooms, there is currrent info on using Esbilac.