Baby Skin and Bones!

[Mrs Skul]

Just when I think it is safe. My phone starts ringing off the wall last night. Found a baby Squirrel That fell out of the nest. When I met the man on his way to work this morning at 7:00am. To my surprise A Little Tinny Baby Gray Squirrel. Very dehydrated. You can count the vertebra in her spine. The finders finally got her to drink some fluids this morning. Got home and she peed a little and took 2 1/2 cc of pedialyte. She is probably 3 1/2 to 4 weeks old. Just has her bottom teeth. If she did not have so much hair. She would look pitiful. Her wt is 51gm. Her Gums ore so white!! :dono (WHY) She is warm and a full of fluid. every few min. and sbuq some fluids. I just feed her 3 1/2 cc of diluted FoxVally. She was so Egar to eat, and tried sucking. She was even holding the syringe. All of a sudden her eyes rolled back into her head and then she started Scramming. She did not aspirate. I blew a little air in her nose. Still not sure why she would do something like that. Her gums are still so pale. Should I worm her???:dono I already started her on Antibiotic. (SMZTMP) Any suggestions would help! Christal

[island rehabber]

Christal - no worming yet! Too harsh for a critical baby. She may not even need the AB's.
I would return to hydration ONLY for the next 12 hours. Her system may not be able to handle food yet. Rub a little honey or syrup on her gums in case her blood sugar is low.....then give only Pedialyte for the next few feedings. Resist the urge to feed.....not until late tonight, ok? Prayers coming for this little girl! :grouphug

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

Awww, poor baby. She sounds like she's in critical condition! You have to be very careful what you feed and when. Filling her up with formula is not a good idea at this point. The pale gums shows that he is severely dehydrated.

Sounds like he is severely emaciated and dehydrated! Are her eyes open? What would you guess the normal weight for a squirrel her age is?


I would recommend taking things very slow with her. I'd give diluted pedialyte for a couple feedings with cell salts (homeopathic, I think it's also called bioplasma, it's great for emaciated animals) added to one of the feedings, if you have it.

Then I would give ensure or vital HN (I use Vital HN, but you get that online so if you don't have it, go with ensure) dilluted down a little. Both have partially digested proteins in them, which is easier on a weakened animals system. You don't want to overfeed even this though, just go with like 2 ccs and then continue with the dilluted pedialyte every couple hours. I'd give probably 3 dilluted ensure and 3 dilluted pedialyte feedings today.

Then tomorrow if the gums look better and he is more energetic, I'd start on 5:1 formula and give that for all day tomorrow. Then if he is still looking good, I'd give 4:1 for the morning the next day then 3:1 in the evening and full strength the morning after that (so day 3 assuming today is day 1).

Keep him warm as well, it will probably be harder for him to thermoregulate since he is so weak.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I agree with IR, definetely not strong enough for worming and probably doesn't need wormed and I'd hold off on antibiotics unless he is clicking or was attacked by a cat. Antibiotics can make dehydration worse!

She could have had a seizure, I got in a severely emaciated baby this spring that seized for the first 2 days and then was alright. He was extremely emaciated like your little one. He was fine after a couple days.

[Skul]

I have no idea why she thought of worming.:thinking
I don't think it's a good idea either.

Little one is doing far better.
Becoming a lot more active and vocal.
I suspect dehydration was the main cause of her problems, not so much as starving.

Some pix.
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125686

[Mrs Skul]

Do you still wont me to give Pedlialyte, While I am SubQing The fluids? She is resting right now. She just pee and it was clear and a lot.:alright.gif The reason for AB is she has scratches all over he body, and a small puncher wound. He gums look like they have been shredded. :shakehead He skin is flacking off all over. ( Like dandruff under the hair.)

[pappy1264]

I would still do both, will take a bit for her body to absorb what she needs. Poor baby, so little!

[Kristal]

What are you treating with the ABs? You didn't mention that part... It could be important to know....

Well, if it was me I would just hydrate orally. The kit is taking fluids by mouth, so I would not be piercing her skin and injecting water under it. That must be upsetting for the wee one :(.

She looks in pretty good condition compared to my babies when they came... They were just like skeletons wrapped up in a bit of skin :eek: Anyway, just don't forget that we can die in a couple of days or less without water, but can go for weeks, potentially, without food. Not that it is a good idea to do so, but it is much less urgent to feed than it is to hydrate.

And lucky you to get a Christmas baby :D As much of a hassle as it was, I miss nursing the kits now :(

She is quite the little beauty. You can tell that she had a good mama not very long ago :Love_Icon

[mugzeezma]

Do you still wont me to give Pedlialyte, While I am SubQing The fluids? She is resting right now. She just pee and it was clear and a lot.:alright.gif The reason for AB is she has scratches all over he body, and a small puncher wound. He gums look like they have been shredded. :shakehead He skin is flacking off all over. ( Like dandruff under the hair.)
Do you think this baby was cat caught?
what Abs do you have available?

I would subQ until you start seeing a good hydration. It shouldn't take that long. Also he needs oral fluids to get the digestive system rolling again. when they have eaten for awhile their gut is slow.
Feeding to soon will cause bloat and/or cramping so you want to take it slow and easy.
Seizing is not surprising if the electrolytes are out of whack from dehydration.
Once you get this baby warm and hydrated you can SLOWLY start the dilute formula...no more than 25% formula to start.

[island rehabber]

No need to sub-Q when babies are taking fluids by mouth -- it's waaay slower than oral hydration and you run the risk of infection by puncturing the skin. She doesn't look that bad; Ive seen much worse. If you have Vital HN, that's a great idea :thumbsup. Now that you've said she has puncture wounds I agree AB's are needed if a cat is suspect.

[Nancy in New York]

When little Brick, my boy from Magenta's Babies, first opened his eyes, that day too he also got to 100 grams :alright.gif ...so your little one is really underweight at 51 grams and eyes already opened...
Glad that you have this little one...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[stosh2010]

My prayers are going out to your little one...I just know he's gonna be a STRONG ONE in a week or so.
And arrived just before Christmas Eve...like one of the Magi...
Hmmmm...if you need a name....??
Balthazar (also spelled Balthasar or Balthassar), from Phoenician ��������-������-���������� Balat-shar-usur,meaning "Baal protects the King" is the name commonly attributed to one of the Three Wise Men, at least in the west. Though no names are given in the Gospel of Matthew, this was one of the names the Western church settled on in the 8th century, based on the original meaning, though other names were used by Eastern churches (for more information see Biblical Magi). It is an alternate form of the Babylonian king Belshazzar, mentioned in the Book of Daniel.

[Kristal]

No need to sub-Q when babies are taking fluids by mouth -- it's waaay slower than oral hydration and you run the risk of infection by puncturing the skin. She doesn't look that bad; Ive seen much worse. If you have Vital HN, that's a great idea :thumbsup. Now that you've said she has puncture wounds I agree AB's are needed if a cat is suspect.

Oops, I missed the bit about the cat. Maybe you were typing it after I refreshed the page and before I responded...

[island rehabber]

Oops, I missed the bit about the cat. Maybe you were typing it after I refreshed the page and before I responded...
that's ok Kristal, I missed the part about her weight. 51g really IS awful, Nancy's right. All the more reason to go slooow and easy with this baby. :peace

[Nancy in New York]

Just one more thing. Her age is probably over 5 weeks old since they open their eyes at that age. With her weight of 51 grams, I would feed (when you do) 5-7% of their body weight, but with her...I may feed a little less so that would be 2.5 cc's per feeding, and I would feed more often. Perhaps every 2 1/2 to three hours, that's what I did with the four, and it really worked out well...this was for the first 7-10 days or so, then I dropped it back to around every 4 hours.:grouphug :grouphug

[island rehabber]

:goodpost

[Mrs Skul]

:Love_Icon The little girl is still alive.:alright.gif
The only thing is, she can only take 1cc or under. If she gets more than that, her eye roll back into her head, and she starts screaming for a bit.
I think her little stomach is so shrunken up.
She is peeing good. Starting FV. Boy oboy she is so hungry!
I will feed alittle every 2 hr. Until she starts sleeping longer and eating more.:thumbsup
Stash I need a name for a Girl.
I don't think she would like being called a boy! CM0712

[mpetys]

Please know that I am keeping you and your dear girl in my prayers. She does need a name though. I am sure Stosh will come through with a girl name!

Michele

[island rehabber]

Prayers coming from NYC for this sweet baby girl, Mrs Skul......slow and steady, you've got it perfectly. :thumbsup:grouphug

[jfischer]

:Love_Icon The little girl is still alive.:alright.gif
The only thing is, she can only take 1cc or under. If she gets more than that, her eye roll back into her head, and she starts screaming for a bit.
I think her little stomach is so shrunken up.
She is peeing good. Starting FV. Boy oboy she is so hungry!
I will feed alittle every 2 hr. Until she starts sleeping longer and eating more.:thumbsup
Stash I need a name for a Girl.
I don't think she would like being called a boy! CM0712


Maybe you could name her Holly, Bella, since she is a xmas squirrel. Since you are such an angel you could even name her after you. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

[Nancy in New York]

Sending many prayers for this little baby....:Love_Icon

[pappy1264]

Glad to hear she is hanging in there. Slow and steady. Prayers continue, I know she has a long road, but she is in great hands and God's love is all around her. I still like Noel.....lol

[Kelly Brady]

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your little Christmas delivery.
:grouphug may she fatten up quickly.

She now feels warm and full She just got her Christmas miracle when she was handed to you.

[Skul]

Holly would be good. So would Twinkle.
From the way she acts, it ought to be "Grumpy".:rotfl

[Lanatwo]

Oh what a precious baby! Sending good thoughts your way, I hope your little Christmas baby makes a full recovery!

Since she's vocal, you could call her Old Yeller. Well, she's a baby, so Young Yeller.

YY! Double-Y!

Forgive me, I am so tired from packing.

[Mrs Skul]

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CM2636Hi all TSB Family
Just thought I would give a quick up date. Our little girl is doing very good. She is stuck to my bra like Velcro! CM0712 She is now eating her FV very eagerly. But she sure does not wont to come out of my shirt. She is now holding 52gm. What a relief!
Their has not been any more screaming incidents, since last night. I could only give 1cc every hr on the hr. She can now hold 2cc! :alright.gif
I am getting good pee and starting to poo!
She has begun to tell me when she is hungry. Which has been every 2hr. Her little body is starting to relax. (it is not in a constant mussel spasm)
When I pull the syringe away she gets up set she wonts more. That will come later. I know she is starting to realize she will get her formula.
She even started sucking on my finger.
She just looks so pitiful in the face. How sunk in her cheeks and head are. I cant wait till she starts really gaining weight.
That is all for now.
Have A Very MERY CHRISTMAS CM2274
CM2263 .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................................ CM924

[mugzeezma]

CM2026CM2026CM2026 CM2026 CM2026 CM2026 CM2026CM2026 CM2026

CM2636Hi all TSB Family
Just thought I would give a quick up date. Our little girl is doing very good. She is stuck to my bra like Velcro! CM0712 She is now eating her FV very eagerly. But she sure does not wont to come out of my shirt. She is now holding 52gm. What a relief!
Their has not been any more screaming incidents, since last night. I could only give 1cc every hr on the hr. She can now hold 2cc! :alright.gif
I am getting good pee and starting to poo!
She has begun to tell me when she is hungry. Which has been every 2hr. Her little body is starting to relax. (it is not in a constant mussel spasm)
When I pull the syringe away she gets up set she wonts more. That will come later. I know she is starting to realize she will get her formula.
She even started sucking on my finger.
She just looks so pitiful in the face. How sunk in her cheeks and head are. I cant wait till she starts really gaining weight.
That is all for now.
Have A Very MERY CHRISTMAS CM2274
CM2263 .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................................ CM924
I think little your little Noel gift is in the most nurturing of hands.
How wonderful of you to take on this little one during such a busy time if year...:grouphug

Happy Holiday to you and yours C!

[Milo's Mom]

NOEL...that's a perfect name for her...if your still looking.
Glad to hear she is doing well, eating, peeing & pooping.

[tomcics]

What a touching photo (on shoulder), a real sweetheart. Happy Holidays there Mrs. Skul.

[Kristal]

Noëlle is a girls name in French. In fact, the nice neighbour who called the police when I was saving Rifa from the evil, drunken neighbour is named Marie-Noëlle:). Marie is a common first part of a name, here, from the virgin Mary. Marie-Neige is another nice one, meaning Mary of the Snow.

Here is how they are pronounced :)

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vhIsalFfnVQ17GYvD

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

What excellent news! You are doing a fantastic job with her :thumbsup. So glad she is feeling better, she sounds like a real sweetie :Love_Icon

[Tomo]

Hi there, these are all signs of anemia. I PM'd you with a little info. The gums are white due to lack of oxygen in the blood, which means lack of oxygen to the organs.

[mugzeezma]

Hi there, these are all signs of anemia. I PM'd you with a little info. The gums are white due to lack of oxygen in the blood, which means lack of oxygen to the organs.

Could be the result of internal parasites. They can also cause seizures by drawing off nutrients and causing hypovolemic shock.
ivermectin
Selamectin (revolution)
Praziquantel
any of these dewormers may help.

[pappy1264]

Very bad dehydration can cause white gums, as well. Are her gums any better today, Crystal?

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I think the dehydration is a more likely cause of the pale gums. You can see if she has stringy spit, that is something very easilly seen with baby birds, but it also a symptom of dehydration in mammals as well, that will tell you if its dehydration or something else.

I have had a squirrel with seizures caused by the electrolyte imbalance and emaciation. She did it for 2 days and then was OK.

[Tomo]

I'm sure dehydration is a result of whatever else is going on. However regardless of the cause, white gums indicate lack of oxygen in the blood. That means lack of oxygen to the internal organs and the brain. Since there were scratches on her, there may also be internal issues and those could the root to these outward symptoms. With proper supportive care, she should recover as long as nothing more serious is going on inside. She does sound to be doing better today. :)

Also, dehydration is one thing, but if the color does not return to her gums, and she's hydrated, there is something seriously wrong with her. Her gums should be normal color within 24 hours if it was only dehydration.

[stosh2010]

God Bless --Your Baby--

[Skul]

*Feed me!!*
125816

Color is normal.
She's far more active now, and well on her way.:)

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! :Love_Icon

[muffinsquirrel]

What a wonderful sight to wake up to on Christmas morning - the best gift EVER!!!!!

muffinsquirrel

[Tomo]

Great news! Precious little girl! :)

[pappy1264]

Wonderful news!!! Merry Christmas, indeed!!!

[mugzeezma]

Great news! Precious little girl! :)

I'll 2nd SRB2

Awwwwwwwwwwwww!!!That little pink tongue :D eeeeeeeee

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

Skul - that is the best photo ever! So clear and sweet - sums it up. Nestled safely in a human's sweatshirt - having a safe warm meal. Thanks for sharing that photo

[island rehabber]

That photo could be a great poster for recruiting new wildlife rehabbers! How could anyone resist?

I am SO :multi GLAD :multi this little girl is getting stronger and pinker!! :wott

[Fireweed]

YAY!! So happy she's doing better! Great pic, too.

Merry Christmas to you angels in the Skul household. :bowdown CM918 And may little Noel (:thinking) have the best New Year evah!!! CM920