Got a new baby-I think it could have pneumonia/cold-please help

[lumbergal]

I have had yet another sick baby brought to me this afternoon. This one was as close to death as I've ever seen. The girl called me and asked me if I wanted it-she said it had been laying in the dirt by her house for THREE DAYS!! What the heck is wrong with people! They finally picked it up and tried to feed it hard corn-when that didn't work (thank goodness)-they called the vet and got my number. They brought it too me in a little shoe box-no cover-nothing. When they opened the box, I thought she was already gone. She was cold as ice and her eyes were glazed over. I immediately worked on getting her warm and she started to respond. I'm guessing she is about 6-7 weeks old. Her mouth was full of dirt and so were her eyes-I will be surprised if her eyesight recovers. Now she is clean, warm and has a little pedialyte in her belly and she is actually acting semi-decent and trying to crawl around on me. But, when they brought her to me, she was also sneezing. She has sneezed quite a bit tonight and her little nose isn't "snotty", but you can tell she has a little mucous around it. I can swear I hear clicking noises in her chest, but I don't know if it is her chest clicking or her nose. I have plenty of antibiotics (human) around the house and I have Albon. Should I give her these or see if the vet will see her in the morning. If I can give her what I have at home-can someone help me with doses? She is beautiful and normal size for her age. She is resting fairly well right now and I don't really think she is breathing fast or anything. I will do whatever I need to do to make sure she is well taken care of. Thank you in advance for your answers!

[PDXErik]

DOES NOONE USE GOOGLE???!?!!? (not you, OP, the finder's)

IR, Can I curse? Pretty please?

I swear, I could seriously get unreasonable on people.

Immediately after I took possesion of the poor bastard, I'd have gone postal. No passive-aggressive, just WTF are you thinking about??!!?? I'd have to restrain myself from swinging a fist.

If you have a vet, keep it hydrated and go see the vet. This noob wouldn't misdiagnose or mis-treat a condition. I'm sure more help is coming, I'm bumping with questionable advice.

[Skul]

That is one very lucky squirrel.
You've done exactly the right things so far.
Warm and hydrate.
Until one of the more learned folks pop in, I might suggest a 3 to 1 mix of water and molasses for one feeding.
It's not the best, but does provide a bit of energy.

[mugzeezma]

That story is so very familiar. that's what happened to Mugzi. my then 10y/o brought him home after all the neighbors did the ooh icky what is THAT dance around him for 2or3 days ,,, people are ignorant

Number one
NEVER feed a cold baby,,,the won't always swallow properly and that leads to aspiration.
number two
rehydrate with electrolytes. There is no such thing as too much. Starting formula too soon or too suddenly stresses the system
number three
if you have a vet go there ASAP,,,don't fiddle with meds if you don't know what you're doing
If you don't have any other resources then we can do the hail Mary.
Take this baby to the vet today if you can.
If you can't I will help you with dosing

[lumbergal]

We are at the vet as we speak. I am already two hours late for work-my husband says that I am the only person he knows that would miss work for a squirrel! I told him..no, I'm not...I know plenty of people on the squirrel board that would! I hope she's not too far gone. It is a good thing I don't have a badge like the animal police do on television. I would fill the jail up by myself. If you think the story about the squirrel is horrible, you should see the kitten that I have right now. A couple weeks ago, the vet called me and asked if I could take a 3 week old kitten someone had brought in. When I got there, the entire female staff was actually in tears. The people that brought him in had seen him laying in the road for 3 days!! (what is it about three days?) They said they hoped it would go away or die. Keep in mind, these were days that the heat index was well over 100 degrees. He was skin and bones-60% of his fur was burnt off down to the skin from laying on the hot pavement-his bowels weren't working-and the list goes on. After many sleepless nights-he is a bright, playful, gorgeous kitten. I am finding that the older I get, the shorter my patience is with people-there is NO EXCUSE!! Hopefully they are about thru with my baby-will let you guys know what they say. Thank you for your help.

[island rehabber]

Bless you, lumbergal, for being one of the good ones in this race of human idiots :shakehead..... the longer I rehab the more I hate people...

Hopefully the vet knows something about squirrels and can give you what you need to get this little one healthy again. It's not impossible, especially since she has responded well already! Don't let them give you "it's too far gone, may as well euthanize" crap, either -- baby squirrels are AMAZINGLY resilient! Keep us posted!

[astra]

P E o p L E !!!!!!!!:soapbox :soapbox :soapbox

[Pierre]

To quote Seinfeld:
"People. They're the WORST."

[lumbergal]

Okay...we spent the whole morning at the vet. I don't think they have treated many squirrels (if any), but were glad to try. They didn't suggest euthanization (it wouldn't have mattered-I was determined to try treatment first), but they told me not to get my hopes up. They sent her home with Oxytet, Lasix, and Dexamethasone. Does this sound like a good course of treatment? She is wheezing and clicking and breaking my heart with every breath. I did pedialyte for the first 24 hours and just a few minutes ago I gave her very diluted fox valley. Even though she couldn't even open her eyes, she grabbed that syringe and drank every drop. I am just trying to keep her warm and comfortable. I don't want her to suffer needlessly, I want the best for any animal. If anybody has anymore suggestions, I would love to hear them. Please everyone, say a little prayer for her. Thank you.

[island rehabber]

Interesting....I have never heard of using oxytet or Lasix on a baby squirrel. Oxytet is prescribed for mycotoxic upper respiratory disease and can be used for rats, so I guess it's ok. LAsix? If this baby is dehydrated the Lasix will finish her off for sure....I would not use it, but that's just me. Dex is a steroid for inflammation....we use it with spinal injuries or other orthopedic problems....not sure why they prescribed that either.

Personally I would stick with the oxytet because it's an antibiotic and NOT use the other two, but again that's just me....I wish they had given you Sulfatrim, SMP/TMZ or Baytril, but you gotta go with what you have and we're all praying for this little one!

[lumbergal]

The same thought crossed my mind about the Lasix...she is super sick, but has actually eaten fairly well...that is the one thing that has given me a little hope for her. I guess I have been really lucky...I have raised/released dozens of squirrels, but this is the first season that I have been running into ailment after ailment...I am feeling pretty incompetent and beginner right now. I have never had to use antibiotics etc. until now. If you don't think Oxytet is the way to go, I have NO problem calling in the morning and asking for one of the ones you suggested. I really don't think they have had any experience treating squirrels-I think they were just comparing her to the nearest thing they had treated and used that as a guideline. I want her to have the best treatment-that way, if for some reason she doesn't make it-I will know in my heart that I tried my best. That is the only way I can cope with an animal loss.

[CritterMom]

I would. I'm not a rehabber OR a vet but time after time I see these little pneumonia babies go from death's door to good health on these drugs, and especially on the Baytril. It, too, requires they be hydrated, but it really is the big guns for this... Any vet that sees anything smaller than a horse should have it right there...

[island rehabber]

If you can get there this morning, I would ask for Sulfatrim (or SMP/TMZ) or BAytril -- both should be LIQUID so you don't go nuts trying to figure out the dosage for a tiny squirrel from a tablet! And the Lasix -- yeah it's good for horses when they build up fluid somewhere but a baby squirrel? Nah.
If her appetite is good, that's wonderful. My feeling is a broader-spectrum antibiotic than Oxytet is more useful here because we don't know what type of upper respiratory bug she has. Again, I am not a vet and rehabbing is not an exact science: I'm just going by what I've used, and what I've heard.

[mugzeezma]

If you can get there this morning, I would ask for Sulfatrim (or SMP/TMZ) or BAytril -- both should be LIQUID so you don't go nuts trying to figure out the dosage for a tiny squirrel from a tablet! And the Lasix -- yeah it's good for horses when they build up fluid somewhere but a baby squirrel? Nah.
If her appetite is good, that's wonderful. My feeling is a broader-spectrum antibiotic than Oxytet is more useful here because we don't know what type of upper respiratory bug she has. Again, I am not a vet and rehabbing is not an exact science: I'm just going by what I've used, and what I've heard.

THe Dex is probably Ok IMO especially if she's wheezing. That's BAD. In pneumonia cases or other respiratory issues prednisone is used to open up the bronchi so she can expel and breath. There can be a huge inflammatory process going on there. Steroids cause fluid buildup and so does pneumonia. I would keep pumping in the fluids. If you have a nebulizer you can use saline or the barest amount of albuterol. Otherwise a steamy bathroom will work.
Try the lasix for a short run, and yes it's used for fluid in the lungs, BUT keep weighing this baby and topping of the tank. She'll be peeing like a racehorse. You will have to really keep her electrolytes up because that all gets peed out too. You should ask this vet for veterinary 'lytes. Sugar and salt doesn't cut it. She needs calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, etc.
If you can get the dry mix keep some on hand...good stuff to have in general :D

[lumbergal]

She is hanging in there. She sounds like a little accordion. Last night she wouldn't even open her eyes. When I fed her this morning, she did open her eyes and crawl out of the blanket. But when I fed her a minute ago, she didn't respond as much. I am trying to give her small feedings a little closer together than I normally would. I am getting the antibiotics you guys suggested this morning. But, am I doing the right thing trying to keep her alive when she's this sick? I am the laaaast one to ever give up on an animal, but it is really hurting my heart to see her struggle. I can't imagine euthanizing her, but yet, I can't imagine putting her thru all this suffering and her still not make it. She suffered so much before I even got her. Somebody please make me feel better about this.

[CritterMom]

She is hanging in there. She sounds like a little accordion. Last night she wouldn't even open her eyes. When I fed her this morning, she did open her eyes and crawl out of the blanket. But when I fed her a minute ago, she didn't respond as much. I am trying to give her small feedings a little closer together than I normally would. I am getting the antibiotics you guys suggested this morning. But, am I doing the right thing trying to keep her alive when she's this sick? I am the laaaast one to ever give up on an animal, but it is really hurting my heart to see her struggle. I can't imagine euthanizing her, but yet, I can't imagine putting her thru all this suffering and her still not make it. She suffered so much before I even got her. Somebody please make me feel better about this.

Give her a chance with the meds. Do really agressive supportive care - I would not only be doing what you are doing with the feedings, I would also be adding in extra hydration. And keep her nice and warm.

Also, be there - put a hand in and stroke her and talk to her. Unless you can keep her on heat, I wouldn't take her out, but I would be giving her extra loving and touching.

You can only euthanize once. I have seen some amazing - absolutely amazing recoveries on here. I would put her in intensive care, but I wouldn't euthanize. JMHO.

[mugzeezma]

She is hanging in there. She sounds like a little accordion. Last night she wouldn't even open her eyes. When I fed her this morning, she did open her eyes and crawl out of the blanket. But when I fed her a minute ago, she didn't respond as much. I am trying to give her small feedings a little closer together than I normally would. I am getting the antibiotics you guys suggested this morning. But, am I doing the right thing trying to keep her alive when she's this sick? I am the laaaast one to ever give up on an animal, but it is really hurting my heart to see her struggle. I can't imagine euthanizing her, but yet, I can't imagine putting her thru all this suffering and her still not make it. She suffered so much before I even got her. Somebody please make me feel better about this.
Hug and lots more hugs girl
You will know when SHE is ready to quit. She simply won't eat anymore. I long as there is a will to survive there is hope.
Let me tell you a little story about and old Fox squirrel i recently got a call on. She was grievously injured in some type of attack that shredded her ear and punctured her cheekbone right below her left eye. What I found that day was an animal that was emaciated. The left side of her face was bare of fur and her left eye was open and dried up. The swelling was so severe that it forced her jaw to the side and she became maloccluded to the point that her right lower incisor was rubbing the roof of her mouth. The puncture wound below the orbital bone had healed but the infection drained from her eye socket. She had to have lived liked this for months. MONTHS!!!! Her injuries were serious but she survived until she simply couldn't fight any more and crawled up on my friend's deck. It was n't hard to capture her. She was skin and bones. She died that night warm and safe.
My point here is that as long as there is a will there is a way. Look how long an old foxer gal held out without help!
THese little creatures WANT to survive and when they don't they pass. She will let you know when SHE is ready.

[lumbergal]

Thank you both-you did make me feel much better. I am so soft hearted-sometimes it is a curse. I've had tons of people tell me I should have been a vet-I tell them very quickly that there is no way-I would be a basket case if I had to look at injured animals non-stop. What do you guys suggest for extra hydration? She had pedialyte the first 24 hours and then I switched to diluted fox valley. Can you give the pedialyte longer in extreme cases? or would that just do more harm than good? Thanks again for making me feel better.

[CritterMom]

Thank you both-you did make me feel much better. I am so soft hearted-sometimes it is a curse. I've had tons of people tell me I should have been a vet-I tell them very quickly that there is no way-I would be a basket case if I had to look at injured animals non-stop. What do you guys suggest for extra hydration? She had pedialyte the first 24 hours and then I switched to diluted fox valley. Can you give the pedialyte longer in extreme cases? or would that just do more harm than good? Thanks again for making me feel better.


You can use plain old water (don't use distilled) or even water with a little bit of molasses, or a small amount of juice - to give it a little flavor and make her want to drink it. And every couple hydrations, substitute water with a ittle of the pedialyte in it.

[lumbergal]

Just got the vet to give me Baytril. Cross your fingers.

[lumbergal]

I got the batryl and got her first dose down. As if though her life wasn't bad enough, one of her little eyes had become infected. When I got her, her eyes were packed and I mean packed with dirt-I had never seen anything so bizarre. Even her little mouth was nearly caked shut with dirt. I have a tube of Neo-Poly-Bac. That should be okay for her eye? This is what they have always given me for eye problems for the rest of my zoo. I just cleaned her little nose with a warm cloth-it was getting caked up-I figured she could breath a little easier with a clear nose. When I was cleaning her nose, she gave me some major attitude - for once, I was glad to see this kind of reaction. I'm hoping she is making a turn for the good side. If someone will be kind enough to advise me on the eye medicine, hopefully we will be okay. Thank guys!

[mugzeezma]

I got the batryl and got her first dose down. As if though her life wasn't bad enough, one of her little eyes had become infected. When I got her, her eyes were packed and I mean packed with dirt-I had never seen anything so bizarre. Even her little mouth was nearly caked shut with dirt. I have a tube of Neo-Poly-Bac. That should be okay for her eye? This is what they have always given me for eye problems for the rest of my zoo. I just cleaned her little nose with a warm cloth-it was getting caked up-I figured she could breath a little easier with a clear nose. When I was cleaning her nose, she gave me some major attitude - for once, I was glad to see this kind of reaction. I'm hoping she is making a turn for the good side. If someone will be kind enough to advise me on the eye medicine, hopefully we will be okay. Thank guys!
Terramycin Opthalmic ointment

[CritterMom]

Terramycin Opthalmic ointment


OTC or prescription?

[lumbergal]

Prescription

[CritterMom]

The Baytril will help this infection as well. Poor little thing. The attitude is a good sign, though. Is she eating pretty well?

[lumbergal]

She is eating fair. I've been giving her small amounts of diluted fox valley about every two hours or so. I give her a drop or two at a time and she swallows it. I just fed her a few minutes ago and I definitely think she may be just a smidge better-not much, but a little. She is definitely starting to get a little "tude"-I would too if I had been left in the dirt for 3 days, frozen and starved in a box, got pneumonia and then an eye infection. She is all snuggled and warm in a nice dark box at the moment. I know we definitely decided to drop the Lasix, but should I drop the steroid as well? I have gotten mixed answers about the steroids. It is about .05cc once a day for 3 days She had one yesterday at the vet, but none today. If everyone feels it would be best to leave it off, that is what I will do. Thanks guys.

[CritterMom]

She is eating fair. I've been giving her small amounts of diluted fox valley about every two hours or so. I give her a drop or two at a time and she swallows it. I just fed her a few minutes ago and I definitely think she may be just a smidge better-not much, but a little. She is definitely starting to get a little "tude"-I would too if I had been left in the dirt for 3 days, frozen and starved in a box, got pneumonia and then an eye infection. She is all snuggled and warm in a nice dark box at the moment. I know we definitely decided to drop the Lasix, but should I drop the steroid as well? I have gotten mixed answers about the steroids. It is about .05cc once a day for 3 days She had one yesterday at the vet, but none today. If everyone feels it would be best to leave it off, that is what I will do. Thanks guys.


I will leave the steroid question to those who know better. If you can. tomorrow, pick up a small plastic bin - those clear sterlite containers with the tops are great (a couple bucks at Walmart), is by "box" you mean cardboard box. Cardboard will actually contribute to dehydration; the plastic bin boxes keep a little humidity in. I drilled 1" holes in the top of mine with a hole saw, but you can use a razor blade knife (cut little 1" squares - easier than circles, ands be careful!).

Very gradually start to reduce how much you are diluting the formula. She needs to start getting nutrients to help boost her system.

[mugzeezma]

Do the Dex. The wheezing is partly due to an inflammatory process. The Dex will take the edge off the pneumonia and open up the airways. It can also be used for shock. Do not hesitate. This is heavy duty pneumonia from exposure.

[mugzeezma]

I will leave the steroid question to those who know better. If you can. tomorrow, pick up a small plastic bin - those clear sterlite containers with the tops are great (a couple bucks at Walmart), is by "box" you mean cardboard box. Cardboard will actually contribute to dehydration; the plastic bin boxes keep a little humidity in. I drilled 1" holes in the top of mine with a hole saw, but you can use a razor blade knife (cut little 1" squares - easier than circles, ands be careful!).
Very gradually start to reduce how much you are diluting the formula. She needs to start getting nutrients to help boost her system.
You can also cut a large hole and duct tape screen in. Those bins are tough to cut. if the baby isn't moving around a lot place a hot wet rag in a small ceramic bowl in with her. The moisture will help her from dehydrating. You can loose more water in simple respiration through breathing and respiration from skin than any other way. Yes skin 'breathes'.
The basic rule for starting formula is to rehydrate first then increase the amount of formula by 25% every other feeding electrolytes 0...0...25..25..50...50...75...75...100 formula
You CAN mix formula with the 'lytes and give 1-2ccs in between feedings

[lumbergal]

:thankyou You guys are going to be so sick of me before this squirrel is better! Thanks for your patience. I gave her the dex a few minutes ago. I actually think she is sounding better. She is still breathing heavy, but she has almost quit wheezing. Earlier today, you could hear her across the room. One thing that did concern me just now-her belly looks a little bloated to me. I tried and tried to stimulate her, but could not get her to urinate. Is it normal to have a little bloat during this sickness? and with the meds? I know it isn't normal with a healthy squirrel, but just wondered if this goes along with everything else. Her eye is already looking better as well. It was swollen earlier-now it is almost down to normal size. Her actual eye is a little milky looking. If she makes it, I have decided what her name is going to be-Miracle!

[Kristal]

It is a beautiful name ;)

[CritterMom]

I hope you were able to get the blaot down. Pick up some baby GasX (infant simethicone) today in case the meds are contributing and if none of the normal methods - rubbbing and stroking - work, you can give a drop of that.

[mugzeezma]

I hope you were able to get the blaot down. Pick up some baby GasX (infant simethicone) today in case the meds are contributing and if none of the normal methods - rubbbing and stroking - work, you can give a drop of that.
I really doubt it's true bloat given that she's barely getting any formula. Still do the GasX, Do NOT place her in warm water to relieve her yet. You don't want her to catch a chill (yes I know you didn't suggest that Cmom :D)
It will be awhile before she is able to defecate because she hasn't eaten in days. Don't be concerned if she doesn't produce for a couple of days. She has to eat and fill her gut before she can produce poop!
It's funny how that works! :D

[mugzeezma]

:thankyou You guys are going to be so sick of me before this squirrel is better! Thanks for your patience.

Your open questioning mind is ALWAYS welcome :grouphug

Only the ignorant and closed minded give me a rash.... but then that's really my problem isn't it. :D

[lumbergal]

:jump Miracle is doing fantastic this morning!!:wahoo I stayed up with her until about 4 a.m. and thru the night her wheezing seemed to slow down and pretty much stop. This morning she is bouncing around and won't even stay still long enough to eat! She is talking to me and telling me all about her experiences in the last week. :D Talk about coming back from death's door-she definitely did. I know she isn't 100% out of the woods yet, but she is on the road to recovery!! I just can't tell you how excited I am. I have learned a looooot thru this experience and I know I probably wouldn't have been able to pull her thru without the advice given to me here. :thankyou

[CritterMom]

That is fantastic! Now is the hard part - you have to keep her quiet and try to get her to sleep as much as possible so she continues to get better. Don't give in to her desire to bomb around and play:nono She is STILL in the hospital, just not the ICU now!

Excellent news!

[lumbergal]

Oh I won't-I promise! She got her meds and as much milk as I could get her to stay still for and right back in to bed she went. What would be a good food to start her out with? I don't want to upset the healing process with anything she shouldn't have (or to soon).

[CritterMom]

Well, keep up the FV and get her so she is eating full strength. Do you have any rat block of any kind? Harlan Teklad makes a good block but must be ordered - I buy at www.craftyrat.com. Mazuri makes a good rat block and can be purchased at Pet Smart or online through them. Kaytee maked Forti Diet for rats that is a bit lesser desired but not bad - and can also be bought locally sometimes. Henryspet.com has HHB blocks. Until you get one of them, you can drop a few cheerios in there for her to bump into a mess with and eventually try.

I feed blocks whole - they really need to learn to eat them or you will have metabolic bone disease issues, so starting as early as possible is best. I also feed some "remixes" of blocks. I give my 1+ year old boy this daily and he just LOVES it - it would be a good weaning food. I grind the blocks up as fine as I can, mix with some Stoneyfield Yobaby full fat yogurt in either vanilla or banana and a small dollop of almond butter and warm it up until the almond butter melts and can be stirred through, then add a bit of water until it is like sloppy oatmeal. I feed it on a spoon. A solid version is to again grind the pellets, and mix them at either 1/3 each ground pellets, FV powder, ground nuts, dampen with babyfood until the texture of cookie dough and roll into balls. All need to be refrigerated. The balls are soft and easy to eat - a healthy transition to solid blocks.

Good on you - when little critters are sick, they lie - they don't feel as good as they try to look. So you have to be mean mommy and force the bedrest issue!

[mugzeezma]

Well, keep up the FV and get her so she is eating full strength. Do you have any rat block of any kind? Harlan Teklad makes a good block but must be ordered - I buy at www.craftyrat.com. Mazuri makes a good rat block and can be purchased at Pet Smart or online through them. Kaytee maked Forti Diet for rats that is a bit lesser desired but not bad - and can also be bought locally sometimes. Henryspet.com has HHB blocks. Until you get one of them, you can drop a few cheerios in there for her to bump into a mess with and eventually try.

I feed blocks whole - they really need to learn to eat them or you will have metabolic bone disease issues, so starting as early as possible is best. I also feed some "remixes" of blocks. I give my 1+ year old boy this daily and he just LOVES it - it would be a good weaning food. I grind the blocks up as fine as I can, mix with some Stoneyfield Yobaby full fat yogurt in either vanilla or banana and a small dollop of almond butter and warm it up until the almond butter melts and can be stirred through, then add a bit of water until it is like sloppy oatmeal. I feed it on a spoon. A solid version is to again grind the pellets, and mix them at either 1/3 each ground pellets, FV powder, ground nuts, dampen with babyfood until the texture of cookie dough and roll into balls. All need to be refrigerated. The balls are soft and easy to eat - a healthy transition to solid blocks.

Good on you - when little critters are sick, they lie - they don't feel as good as they try to look. So you have to be mean mommy and force the bedrest issue!
Fabulous news!!!:alright.gif
It's good for her to get up and run a LITTLE bit so she can clear the crud out of her lungs but not so much excitement. You may even want to let her hang on you upside down and pat her on the shoulders to break it up. THi is a good exercise in the event she ever decides to get greedy and blow milk out her nose.
Definitely do the rat block and FV but leave out the nuts for now and let her get a taste of what's good for her.
In addition to what Cmom advised make sure the Kaytee FortiDiet PLUS is the blue bag. There is also Oxbows Regal Rat diet in a red bag. THey are like little heart shaped biscuits .
yeah
life is goooood!

[Kristal]

I really doubt it's true bloat given that she's barely getting any formula. Still do the GasX, Do NOT place her in warm water to relieve her yet. You don't want her to catch a chill (yes I know you didn't suggest that Cmom :D)

Yea, I guess soaking in water would be really bad for a squirrel with pneumonia... I just remembered the advice :/

[island rehabber]

This is truly wonderful news! Good job, lumbergal -- and keep it up! :thumbsup

[mugzeezma]

This is truly wonderful news! Good job, lumbergal -- and keep it up! :thumbsup
She stayed up with this baby ALL NIGHT !!!!
There oughta be awards for that!:bowdown

[lumbergal]

I think Miracle is sloowly improving. My husband wants to call her Wheezie! She is sleeping better-matter of fact she is sleeping very deeply. Since she quit wheezing, two or three times I thought I had lost her because she was sleeping so sound. Bless her heart, she has been thru so much, she must be so exhausted. I feel guilty waking her up to eat, but I know she needs it. She started to poo a little today-it is really dark, almost black, it had a little light colored poo mixed with it on the last bm. In addition to her pneumonia, I am really concerned about her eyes. One of them was really swelled yesterday and the actual eye looked milky. I have been using the eye meds I had and the swelling went down, but it is really milky and just kind of strange looking. I am going to try to get a picture to post so you guys can see it. She really wasn't opening the other eye very much until last night-now I can see that it looks milky as well. I know you said the Baytril should help-do you think I should just wait and see or have them looked at? She is so much better than what she was (there was no way to go but up), but I can tell she has a long road ahead of her. Thanks guys!

[Kristal]

I remember something about a mineral deficiency causing things like that. It is in this thread, Crittermoms post

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24620&highlight=releasable

[mugzeezma]

I remember something about a mineral deficiency causing things like that. It is in this thread, Crittermoms post

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24620&highlight=releasable
Actually according to Nick @ Fox Valley it's a choline and arginine deficiency that causes the blue haze.
If you have veterinary care I would take this baby in.

[lumbergal]

The vet can't see us until tomorrow. Her appetite has improved tremendously. She is sleeping most of the time-which I am glad, she needs all the rest she can get-she is still very wobbly and very fragile. We just eat and then we go right back to bed. Today, she has sounded a little wheezie again (she had about quit over the weekend)-I am trying to decide if it is her chest or her trying to breath thru a stuffy nose. About how long are they on the antibiotics before this gets better? Since I am going tomorrow-is there anything in particular I should just ask for? She is just on the Baytril now. They are not used to seeing squirrels and I would rather just ask for what I need instead of them guessing. We are going to have her little eyes looked at as well. Today they don't look so milky-they look more dry or kind of coated. I'm not sure how to describe them. I'm hoping they will improve now that she is getting a good diet. If there is anything you guys think I should request from the vet, I would love any suggestions. Thanks!:)