View Full Version : 7 week old baby squirrel hes acting really sick!
I have two baby squirrels that I found outside on the group I suspect that the Nest fell with all the wind. I have had them for almost 2 weeks now, they have both been doing really well but now all of a sudden the male is acting really sick, hes not eating much at all and hes loosing weight, he was fine just two days ago. He is getting really weak now and i don't know what to do! I live in Freetown MA, so I can't take them to a vet and I called a wildlife center and they just told me to put them in a box where they were found and see if the mother takes them, the girl didn't even let me tell her what was going on with him! someone helpppp please!
virgo062
04-29-2010, 03:08 PM
First can you tell us what you have been feeding them? And how often?
And do you have them on heat? Can you post pictures that would really help :) Someone will be here soon to help but they will need to know this and many more questions...Are you feeding them with a syringe and how big is it. During feeding did you notice formula coming out his nose
virgo062
04-29-2010, 03:10 PM
You are at the right place but you must stay online and answer the questions this could mean life or death for this baby
First can you tell us what you have been feeding them? And how often?
And do you have them on heat? Can you post pictures that would really help :) Someone will be here soon to help but they will need to know this and many more questions...Are you feeding them with a syringe and how big is it. During feeding did you notice formula coming out his nose
i have been feeding them esbilac puppy formula, i have been using a small syringe, and i have been feeding them about every 6 hours, my sisters boyfriend had fed them two days ago while i was in school he said milk came out of his nose but he rubbed his back and wiped it off. unfortunalty i cant get and pictures up right now
virgo062
04-29-2010, 03:19 PM
Sounds like the little boy was aspirated....He needs antibiotics IMMEDIATELY. I'm guessing you do not have a Vet that will treat him...Can you PM me about the area you are in. We need to get a rehabber in your area to help you. Your baby will not make it without help
virgo062
04-29-2010, 03:20 PM
A rehabber will be here soon to help you throught this
virgo062
04-29-2010, 03:22 PM
I have been through this and it's horrible I know, but if we can get him some antibiotics he may just make it
virgo062
04-29-2010, 03:24 PM
Liz I have to go offline in 6 min.....Don't panic someone will be here soon. I will PM some Rehabbers for you
I have been through this and it's horrible I know, but if we can get him some antibiotics he may just make it
ok thank you soo much! And I live in Freetown MA I don't know if you know where that is but the wilflife center i called was in barnstable, and I don't think any vets will treat him=/
virgo062
04-29-2010, 03:26 PM
Good luck Liz I wish I didn't have to go but stay online...They check this Emergency Section often
Good luck Liz I wish I didn't have to go but stay online...They check this Emergency Section often
thank you! i hope hes ok!
Nancy in New York
04-29-2010, 03:33 PM
You need to get him off of the Esbilac...they changed their formula and it has caused many deaths in squirrels. Can you get Just Born puppy, and then order For Valley 32/40 here is the site...http://foxvalleynutrition.com/main/home.asp
I have pm'd a rehabber in Massachusetts.
Do you have him on heat...that is really important. Put the container he is in half on and half off of a heating pad...this is so that if he overheats he can crawl off. Most likely he has pnemonia and he needs drugs fast. Do you know of anyone that has any antibiotics. Perhaps we can dose it down so that we can figure out how to dose your little one...
Do you have photos but just don't know how to post the pictures here?
Try this site for a rehabber...you just click on the section of the state that you live in and hopefully you can find someone...
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/rehab/wildlife_rehab_index.htm
You need to get him off of the Esbilac...they changed their formula and it has caused many deaths in squirrels. Can you get Just Born puppy, and then order For Valley 32/40 here is the site...http://foxvalleynutrition.com/main/home.asp
I have pm'd a rehabber in Massachusetts.
Do you have him on heat...that is really important. Put the container he is in half on and half off of a heating pad...this is so that if he overheats he can crawl off. Most likely he has pnemonia and he needs drugs fast. Do you know of anyone that has any antibiotics. Perhaps we can dose it down so that we can figure out how to dose your little one...
Do you have photos but just don't know how to post the pictures here?
Try this site for a rehabber...you just click on the section of the state that you live in and hopefully you can find someone...
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/rehab/wildlife_rehab_index.htm
ok so take him off the esbilac, and yes I have him in there with a hot water bottle that is wrapped in a towel and he is also covered with fleece, hes curled up next to it, my dog chewed the cord to my heating pad unfortunatly. and what type of antibiotics do I need?
psychobird
04-29-2010, 03:42 PM
liz i just pm'ed you a bunch of people to call to get your baby some help please call them asap
Nancy in New York
04-29-2010, 03:44 PM
ok so take him off the esbilac, and yes I have him in there with a hot water bottle that is wrapped in a towel and he is also covered with fleece, hes curled up next to it, my dog chewed the cord to my heating pad unfortunatly. and what type of antibiotics do I need?
Well I would suggest baytil or sulfatrim but if a person that you know has any perhaps we could work with that..Or do you know of anyone that may have an animal that was recently put on an antibiotic?
Nancy in New York
04-29-2010, 03:47 PM
liz i just pm'ed you a bunch of people to call to get your baby some help please call them asap
:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon
:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon
thanks!
Well I would suggest baytil or sulfatrim but if a person that you know has any perhaps we could work with that..Or do you know of anyone that may have an animal that was recently put on an antibiotic?
I don't have any at my house i just checked, I'm trying to find someone that might
liz i just pm'ed you a bunch of people to call to get your baby some help please call them asap
I just tried to calle every number you gave me they all say I have reached a nonworking number
Nancy in New York
04-29-2010, 04:15 PM
Keep looking for someone that has the antibiotics...any kids that you know of that may have gone to the doctor recently...strep throat, anything...think, because now with you not being able to get a person this is your only chance...good luck...:grouphug
Keep looking for someone that has the antibiotics...any kids that you know of that may have gone to the doctor recently...strep throat, anything...think, because now with you not being able to get a person this is your only chance...good luck...:grouphug
the only thing i can find is cheratussin ac syrup from when my dad had a soar throat and bad couch=/
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 04:32 PM
HI Liz,
Please don't let anyone feed him but you from now on. They aspirate easily and it sounds like thisis what happened. As mentioned you need antibiotics asap. How far are you from NYC? Maybe we can get someone to meet you halfway and take him in or get you some.
In the meantime call every vet local and ask them if they will treat the sq and hand him back. Also if yo uwould like I can call the wildlife place and talk to them , maybe explain the situation more and see if they will take them.
psychobird
04-29-2010, 04:34 PM
just pm,ed you my number
HI Liz,
Please don't let anyone feed him but you from now on. They aspirate easily and it sounds like thisis what happened. As mentioned you need antibiotics asap. How far are you from NYC? Maybe we can get someone to meet you halfway and take him in or get you some.
In the meantime call every vet local and ask them if they will treat the sq and hand him back. Also if yo uwould like I can call the wildlife place and talk to them , maybe explain the situation more and see if they will take them.
Im willing to try anything right now, hes nibbeling on a grape right now, but i really want to get him antibiotics im looking everywhere. I will take him everever i need but the only problem is my dad wont let me drive to far so as long as its not farrr away, and i like like 40 minutes from boston
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 04:39 PM
Yay talk with psychobird and she'll help :D :thumbsup
[QUOTE=ShesASquirrelyGirl]Yay talk with psychobird and she'll help :D :thumbsup[/QUOT
I just got off the phone with her, she gave me some numbers. Hopefully one of them will be able to help me
island rehabber
04-29-2010, 04:47 PM
Liz I will PM you with two more numbers, ok? Good luck!
Keep looking for someone that has the antibiotics...any kids that you know of that may have gone to the doctor recently...strep throat, anything...think, because now with you not being able to get a person this is your only chance...good luck...:grouphug
I'm trying, but so far no luck
psychobird
04-29-2010, 05:05 PM
hi liz, how does his poop look? can you try to load some pics? so we can see if he is thin or not?
when you hold him up to your ear do you hear clicking noises when he breathes?
listen i think we all have aspirated a squirrel or two in our time, it's one of those things that happens sometimes, they are just ferocious eaters.
i've only had to give antibiotics to one for aspiration and that was because the person who brought her to me forced water into her.
if you can't find anyone to take him or them, verify with us that you hear clicking in his lungs, if you don't we need to look at other possibilities.
heating pads are an important and necessary tool for raising infant anything, the heat stays consistent, water bottles don't stay warm while we are sleeping, and need to be reheated constantly
elsbilac could the culprit here
hi liz, how does his poop look? can you try to load some pics? so we can see if he is thin or not?
when you hold him up to your ear do you hear clicking noises when he breathes?
listen i think we all have aspirated a squirrel or two in our time, it's one of those things that happens sometimes, they are just ferocious eaters.
i've only had to give antibiotics to one for aspiration and that was because the person who brought her to me forced water into her.
if you can't find anyone to take him or them, verify with us that you hear clicking in his lungs, if you don't we need to look at other possibilities.
heating pads are an important and necessary tool for raising infant anything, the heat stays consistent, water bottles don't stay warm while we are sleeping, and need to be reheated constantly
elsbilac could the culprit here
Right now he is not clicking, he has once before but only for a minute or two i think it might have been hicups but I don't know much and I'm going to pickup a heating pad in a few. His poop is a runny and somwhat gooey as gross as that sounds. He will not drink any of the formula which I have stopped trying to feed him as soon as i was told not to.
virgo062
04-29-2010, 05:20 PM
Liz, just checking in on the baby boy:Love_Icon
Sorry that the pictures are so big! but you can tell hes skinny when you hold him and look at his sister=/ he doesn't have much energy either
Liz, just checking in on the baby boy:Love_Icon
hes moving around a little more, and pooping. hes been eating grapes so i hope thats a good sign, he just wont take any formula which I'm going to pickup a different kind
Nancy in New York
04-29-2010, 05:37 PM
Make sure that you take the skin off of the grapes. Who told you not to feed him? He needs to get nourishment...He really doesn't look good...Have you had any luck with any of the numbers that people are giving to you? :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon Oh keep him warm too...:thumbsup
Rehabbers what is the suggestions here for this little boy...have you run out of luck finding anyone from the numbers that you were given? I would at least get pedialyte into him...he need something so that he doesn't dehydrate...what size syringe are you using?
You know what I do when I have a real sick one...a lot of nurture if you can't do anything else...let him know that he is loved hold him in a blanket, right near your heart or under your chin walk around with him hum to him, sit and watch tv...whatever...just keep him warm and loved and hopefully we can find someone to take him
Oh...I think I misread your post I thought you said someone told you not to feed him...you do have to get something into him hydration is important...
I was told not to feed him the esbilac a few hours ago, he wasn't eating it anyway but I'm going to pick up a different formula, the just born puppy kind or something like that. I have been taking the skin off he only eats the middle anyways, but Im just getting nervous cause he wont really move around much he's sleeping right now.
island rehabber
04-29-2010, 05:43 PM
Do you have Pedialyte? I would push fluids with this little one because his eyes have that dehydrated look, and he has diarrhea as you said. Fluids as much as possible -- whatever flavor he'll take!
so do you think he aspirated or is it something else?
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 05:46 PM
1 grape won't hurt him but what he needs right now is to be kept hydrated , given good formula and rodent blocks should be left in with him and ofcourse Ab's and heat. I thought Psycho was gonna take him in , sorry bout that. Lets keep trying to find someone, have you called all teh #s that Island rehabber pmed you with as well?
What was the place that said leave him in a box? Do you have their number? I will call them myself and talk with them.
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 05:49 PM
so do you think he aspirated or is it something else?
Unfortunately we can't tell you cause we can't see him and examine him ourselves , it could be a few things. Important thing right now is to keep him warm and hydrated and we will keep trying to find some help for you. If he did aspirate you want to be even more extra careful feeding him, as it can happen more easy now.
Can't be sure its the esbilac if he has been good to this point and the sister is fine but it could be. I personally think he aspirated, especially if he has acted like this since milk came out of his nose.
psychobird
04-29-2010, 05:53 PM
yes right, at the first sign of diarrhea i will cut the formula with half water and half of my premixed formula for one feeding, if they still have the next time, i go to pedialyte for a few feedings, it's just not worth it.
i just brought 2 baby's from dead from an esbilac diet and not enough warmth,
they were dying when they arrived in fact there was 3, one died the night i got them.
i SQ'ed fluids into them every few hours and i gave them 1/2ml of pedialyte every 1/2 hour for 2 hours, then 1 ml of pedialyte every hour for another 3.
because they were so emaciated i knew they needed calories desperately, so i gave them at much pedialyte as they wanted the next morning *yawn* had no sleep that night.
then i gave them diluted vanilla flavored ensure 1/2 water 1/2 ensure every 2 hours for all that day and full strength the next day at about 2-3 mls every 3 hrs.
ensure is good pre digested stuff and you may want to go get some after you feel he is hydrated from the pedialyte.
it's okay to feed but no more than a couple of days it just doesn't have enough for a baby squirrel to live on.
then on day 3 i started with the fox valley 1 part fromula to 5 parts water for 2 feeding then 1-4 for 2 feeding ect ect until i had them up to full strength.
mind you mine did have diarehea the whole time , so i resorted to kao pectate to stop it, not the best way to get rid of it but if i put them back on the pedialyte regimen they were going to die.
for 4 days they didn't move, the weakest saddest babies you have ever seen, at one point i told them give me a sign you want to live because other wise i'm going to have to put you down, i felt like i was prolonging thier suffering, and the next day they did, they took a little paw and tried to hang onto the syringe instead of just lying there weak, and dull eyed
i've had them about a week and they are doing much better but still not out of the woods, they are the smallest, skinniest babies i have ever seen with thier eyes open.
just yesterday i got them on fox valley with the added ultra boost.
Unfortunately we can't tell you cause we can't see him and examine him ourselves , it could be a few things. Important thing right now is to keep him warm and hydrated and we will keep trying to find some help for you. If he did aspirate you want to be even more extra careful feeding him, as it can happen more easy now.
Can't be sure its the esbilac if he has been good to this point and the sister is fine but it could be. I personally think he aspirated, especially if he has acted like this since milk came out of his nose.
I have called every number, the one place i got in touch with was new england wildlife center, my dad said its a long drive but if he is still like this tomorrow morning we will bring him cause no place is going to be open now he said
psychobird
04-29-2010, 05:55 PM
pm'ing you another rehabber to try
island rehabber
04-29-2010, 05:56 PM
Deanna will call you back, liz -- she is a wonderful rehabber and a great person. :thumbsup
psychobird
04-29-2010, 05:58 PM
make sure you leave messages with everyone, none of us answer our phones during baby season, we too flippen busy!
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 05:59 PM
Many places are volunteer run and out of someones house, regardless if its open a volunteer may be able to pick him up or something.
yes right, at the first sign of diarrhea i will cut the formula with half water and half of my premixed formula for one feeding, if they still have the next time, i go to pedialyte for a few feedings, it's just not worth it.
i just brought 2 baby's from dead from an esbilac diet and not enough warmth,
they were dying when they arrived in fact there was 3, one died the night i got them.
i SQ'ed fluids into them every few hours and i gave them 1/2ml of pedialyte every 1/2 hour for 2 hours, then 1 ml of pedialyte every hour for another 3.
because they were so emaciated i knew they needed calories desperately, so i gave them at much pedialyte as they wanted the next morning *yawn* had no sleep that night.
then i gave them diluted vanilla flavored ensure 1/2 water 1/2 ensure every 2 hours for all that day and full strength the next day at about 2-3 mls every 3 hrs.
ensure is good pre digested stuff and you may want to go get some after you feel he is hydrated from the pedialyte.
it's okay to feed but no more than a couple of days it just doesn't have enough for a baby squirrel to live on.
then on day 3 i started with the fox valley 1 part fromula to 5 parts water for 2 feeding then 1-4 for 2 feeding ect ect until i had them up to full strength.
mind you mine did have diarehea the whole time , so i resorted to kao pectate to stop it, not the best way to get rid of it but if i put them back on the pedialyte regimen they were going to die.
for 4 days they didn't move, the weakest saddest babies you have ever seen, at one point i told them give me a sign you want to live because other wise i'm going to have to put you down, i felt like i was prolonging thier suffering, and the next day they did, they took a little paw and tried to hang onto the syringe instead of just lying there weak, and dull eyed
i've had them about a week and they are doing much better but still not out of the woods, they are the smallest, skinniest babies i have ever seen with thier eyes open.
just yesterday i got them on fox valley with the added ultra boost.
I'm going out to pick all of that up now, i just fed him a tiny bit of formula before i left to keep him hydraited, he was holding onto the syringe, and now hes moving around a lot more! but what kind of pedialyte do you suggest, im leaving now so feel free to call me i will pm you my number
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 06:07 PM
Wow that place sucks! I just called them to try and push some help for you ( I can be pretty pushy :P )
Its an automated machine, I tried to get someone on the phone and was on hold for wayy too long. If you found injured or orphaned wildlife you need to make a vet appointment with their doctor m-f from 9-3 pm! Are you serious! Thats insane! They don't seem to like to help much I see.
I will keep trying for you
Many places are volunteer run and out of someones house, regardless if its open a volunteer may be able to pick him up or something.
i will call anyone i can!
Deanna will call you back, liz -- she is a wonderful rehabber and a great person. :thumbsup
ok! thank you sooo much for all your help!
make sure you leave messages with everyone, none of us answer our phones during baby season, we too flippen busy!
i only have two and I'm pretty busy too!!!
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 06:11 PM
What part of Mass are you in? Central/ north east etc...
What part of Mass are you in? Central/ north east etc...
south eastern mass i live in freetown
ShesASquirrelyGirl
04-29-2010, 06:13 PM
Deanna will call you back, liz -- she is a wonderful rehabber and a great person. :thumbsup
Yay! Lets hope she can take em in :)
Wow that place sucks! I just called them to try and push some help for you ( I can be pretty pushy :P )
Its an automated machine, I tried to get someone on the phone and was on hold for wayy too long. If you found injured or orphaned wildlife you need to make a vet appointment with their doctor m-f from 9-3 pm! Are you serious! Thats insane! They don't seem to like to help much I see.
I will keep trying for you
thank you sooooo sooo much!!! you guys are soo much of a help, I'd be lost without everyone on here right now
Nancy in New York
04-29-2010, 06:38 PM
Gees had to leave for a while and its looking good that you may be able to find someone...Fingers crossed. Good for you that you are trying so hard to save his little life...you are awesome!!!:grouphug :grouphug
virgo062
04-29-2010, 07:15 PM
Liz you really are working hard for this baby. We are proud of you :) Sometimes all it takes is some determination. I saw knothead at deaths door and he is still with us. Thanks to the people here.:attention
You are doing great just hold on. I would call every friend I have and their parents to see what Vet they use and ask them to call for you. Even if they won't see him they may still give you some Baytril...I think he needs it.
Once we get him pulled through this drama we will talk about feeding and what to do if formula comes out his nose:shakehead
Fight little squirrel fight:Love_Icon
virgo062
04-29-2010, 07:18 PM
One more thing....One thing that really helped Knothead was STEAM to clear his lungs...I ran a pot of boling water and held him over it with a towel draped over us not for to long though...helped me too :) or steam up your bathroom
One more thing....One thing that really helped Knothead was STEAM to clear his lungs...I ran a pot of boling water and held him over it with a towel draped over us not for to long though...helped me too :) or steam up your bathroom
I'll have to try that thank you for all your advice everyone!
He seems to be doing a little better, I used pedialyte and wtaer to feed him for the rest of yesterday, he didn't really like it. This morning I tried some ensure and water, he drank that but just a little not much at all. It's like everything after he eats it sounds like hes clicking but one for a minute or so then it's gone? I really hope hes ok. Unfortunatly I have to go to school so i showed my dad how to feed them and had him do it while I was watching, but if he is still doing this when i get home I'm going to have to bring him just to make sure he's going to be ok!
virgo062
04-30-2010, 08:11 AM
Liz is he active? How does his breathing look? Today is another day girlfriend maybe time to call in some favors from friends and find a Vet. He made it through the night:thumbsup
psychobird
04-30-2010, 08:34 AM
hey liz, i think your babes are 5 going on 6weeks
Nancy in New York
04-30-2010, 10:41 AM
Is there any rehabber here who has sulfatrim or baytil for this little one? I will pay the shipping on this if you will overnight for this little baby. It doesn't appear that we are going to find a rehabber close by...this may be the only chance. Just pm me and I will put money into your paypal account...
rozdow
04-30-2010, 10:49 AM
Has she checked a rehabber list from Mass. DEP?
Nancy in New York
04-30-2010, 11:02 AM
Has she checked a rehabber list from Mass. DEP?
Not sure...I gave her a good site to go to...I think she is gone today and Dad is taking care of the little one....
Many prayers being sent for recovery....:grouphug
virgo062
04-30-2010, 11:06 AM
Maybe Dad can call a Vet and say he has a mouse that has been aspirated and the Vet may just give him some Baytril. Dad may be a little more stern than Liz...Lie, Steal and cheat to save the baby..That's my motto..I have been know to lie to get what I need:baghead
rozdow
04-30-2010, 12:45 PM
Liz, check your PM.
Liz, check your PM.
I have tried everything, hes eating a little bit more, tomorrow I have to work but I plan on going against what my dad says and hopefully bringing them to a rehabber about an hour away if everything goes as planed=/
rozdow
05-01-2010, 07:53 AM
Glad you found someone to help - these critters are alot of work (esp. if you work or study full-time). Let us know if further help is needed.
Nancy in New York
05-01-2010, 07:56 AM
Glad you found someone to help - these critters are alot of work (esp. if you work or study full-time). Let us know if further help is needed.
OMG this is wonderful that there is a rehabber only an hour away...do you think your dad could take him....:dono
Twistedsiren
05-01-2010, 04:30 PM
Im in Fall river. I just read this. :) I also can get more antibiotics. baytril is tpical of what I use. If you need help, my info is on the REHAB page. :) Wish I saw it sooner. Pls update me when you can on what you need help wise or if you need someone to take him etc.. Good luck. :)
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