Indian palm squirrels

[Mika]

Hello, my name is Bhumika.
About 4-5 weeks ago we found 2 baby palm squirrels, abandoned by their mother, in a nest inside our ventilator window. Until 3-4 days ago, both were feeding and growing well. For the lack of any better option around the area we live, we used 3ml syringe for feeding; going as slow as we could. However, now one of them has aspiration pneumonia; he mostly breathes through his mouth, makes clicking noises, is weak, and does not readily take to any fluid. His tummy has been extremely bloated eversince he contracted the pneumonia. His stool is runny/mucousy and he doesn't pee well either, inspite of stimulation. He seems to have appetite, but because he can't swallow he just refuses to take anything. At times he seems almost active.
Vets have prescribed Septran (Sulphamethoxazole), Colonix, multi-vit, Betnesol... But how do I administer all these on a poor little thing!

Is there any hope for the baby? I feel helpless!

[Jackie in Tampa]

can you weigh him in grams?
i am hoping one of the rehabbers will be on soon.
:grouphug

[Tomo]

Ask the vet how you are to administer the meds on a baby that cannot swallow or breath normally. Also, does the vet have an oxygen chamber? Many pneumonia victims benefit from oxygen, which can assist in drying up moisture in the lungs and nasal passages. It is obvious that this baby needs more than meds, so if your vet has any other ways to help this one breath, see if he/she is willing to take the extra step.

Also you can see if your vet has these meds in injection form, which considering the baby cannot breath, is the best option.

Hope this helps! :)

[Mika]

Unfortuntely, the meds are very reluctant to give subcutaneous medication, or even rehydration. The baby is very small and has lost weight. I don't have a weighing machine, but he couldn't possibly be more than 10 gms. This is only a wild guess, he's gone as light as a feather.

What is most disturbing is his tummy, which seems to be bloating by the hour. Stimulation brings a few drops of pee, runny stool, and sometimes farts! Any suggestions in this regard? We've tried dipping him half way in warm water, and by golly he let go a big one! Is there any other way of relieving him of this bloated tummy?

[Kristal]

I think crittermom recommended warm bathing of the lower half and gentle stomach massages. My god, this poor baby must be in a lot of pain :( It sounds bad... I think this baby is going to need quite a lot of attention over the next few days... Maybe try doing that to relieve his gas before giving him antibiotics. But if he has pneumonia I know that he needs to get those antibiotics very soon as it progresses very quickly in squirrels. For the diarrhea, natural yoghurt might help... that is good for the gas, too. If I were in your position, I would do it in that order: tummy, ABs, done over the next hour, then warm, diluted, natural yoghurt with a bit of sugar and salt mixed in done for the next day or until his tummy looks better... And just a bit of salt and sugar, like you would for homemade pedialyte. And I would dilute with filtered, distilled or bottled water, too. He needs everything that goes into his belly to be as neutral as possible. I wouldn't even worry about food until he has got some ABs in him and is well hydrated, ie peeing freely. His digestive system needs to rest a bit, in my opinion. That is just what I would do, but I am not an expert.

Be prepared to lose this little one. It sounds serious. He needs all the attention you can give him tonight and tomorrow if he makes it that far.

[Kristal]

And please update us on what happens. The poor sweetie is in my thoughts :(

[Mika]

My baby passed away today morning at around 9. A part of me died with him.
Thanks everyone for your kind suggestions.

[Kristal]

I'm very sorry to hear that :( You have my sympathies...