Annie is very sick

[Kelly Brady]

I just got Annie (5 weeks old) out of her cage to give her, her 10:30 feeding and a thick formula looking diahhrea fliud kept coming out of her. It has stopped now so far. It wasn't rank smelling but smelled like poo and of course their little hard poops never smell at all usually She is spunky and playing in the cage. Any ideas what would cause that?
Could I be looking at Coccidia?
I put a hold on formula and fed her warm water. I don't have pedialyte however can run home and get mine.

[Kelly Brady]

I just read back a few threads and will observe the situation more carefully. If it continues, I will need to see a vet. So far no more. She has had this problem twice already since she fell from the tree and has been a reaction to over eating a bit.
However she did not over eat this time. She is also much older now but this time it had a poop smell.

[pappy1264]

Ok, not saying this is the case, but before my guys got really sick with coccidia, this is what I was seeing the day before and Sebastian actually bloated (even though he had not over eaten, he had been on the same amount of food for several days with no issues, then it just happened.) Did you see my post about using peppermint tea (it is in the Off Topic section....I went to a MWRA conference post). Might want to look into trying that.

[Kelly Brady]

Pappy, I havent looked yet at the peppermint tea post. I will. But I need antibiotics as well don't I?

I am really worried about her. This time was not an increase in food. She also has been on the same dose since last week. I just can't help but to have noticed a smell this time.

[Kelly Brady]

I posted a post in non life threatening, but since then Annie is going down hill quick.
I dont understand she had normal hard poops this morning and then starting @ 10:30 she started with now nasty smelling diarehha.
She is chewing on HHB because I don't think she should have formula. The runny poo is just all over. We have a vet appt @ 3:00. She is now appearing tired and weak. This is fast.
I am giving her pedialyte.

Please say a prayer for my little fuzzer.

[island rehabber]

Keep her hydrated and warm -- we are praying very hard for you and Annie!! :grouphug:grouphug

[Kelly Brady]

She is sharing half of the heating pad with little Lulu and just accepted 2 cc's of Pedialyte. Thanks I will keep posted. Dr. was out of office and they gave us first dibs on first avail appt.
This vet is wonderful. It is grinns vet and she specializes in squirrelies.:grouphug

[Tickle's Mom]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[mpetys]

Oh Kelly, I am praying for little Annie. I hope it is nothing serious. Will anxiously wait to hear good news this afternoon.

Michele

[pappy1264]

In case, do you have stuff to sub-q? Did you get my pm? Fluids only right now, any food will just go right through her and dehydrate her more. I would also offer plain water, as well as the pedialyte. If this is coccidia (and it sure sounds like it is) remember it is VERY CONTAGIOUS, transmitted through contact with fecal matter. Wear gloves, and wash alot. Been down this road times 4 and it is not fun. And that is how it went with my babies....fine and all were down within 24 hours (and they wouldn't even take pedialyte....had to sub-q every two hours!!!)

[Kelly Brady]

In case, do you have stuff to sub-q? Did you get my pm? Fluids only right now, any food will just go right through her and dehydrate her more. I would also offer plain water, as well as the pedialyte. If this is coccidia (and it sure sounds like it is) remember it is VERY CONTAGIOUS, transmitted through contact with fecal matter. Wear gloves, and wash alot. Been down this road times 4 and it is not fun. And that is how it went with my babies....fine and all were down within 24 hours (and they wouldn't even take pedialyte....had to sub-q every two hours!!!)
When is it contagious only like this morning when the runs started? I should worry about little lulu too. I wash their syringes and stuff together.
How does it present in humans. The same way? OMG poo was just all over this morning here at work. It has been just falling out of her.

[pappy1264]

It is contagious to everyone and thing, humans included. You should be soaking their syringes in Novalsan (diluted w/water) to dissinfect. Yes, Lulu most likely has been exposed, so when you take Annie, I would take Lulu and get meds for her, as well. This sounds exactly how it went with my four....it came out of nowhere and boom, they all were down, I mean I thought they would all die that Sunday. Thank God for sub-q's is all I can say, as I could not even force fluids in them, they would just let it run back out their mouths!! I kept all my laundry (and their bedding) seperate from everyone else, I was changing clothes constantly (and should have bought stock in 'Scott'......I went through more TP then I care to think about!)

The meds work, but they can seem to get better for a few hours, then back down again. It was a rollar coaster.

I believe there is a med available that is a one dose (with a possible second dose needed in a week), I can't think of the name, but ask your vet, he may know. It is VERY EXPENSIVE, that much I do know.

This is from the book: Wild Mammal Babies: The first 48 hours and beyond:

Coccidia are very contagious. Treat all animals that are living in the same environment even if they are asymptomatic. Eggs become infective after one day and can live in the environment up to two years.

Minimize the animals contact with fecal material by removing fecal material and cleaning daily. Dispose of the feces properly by either bagging or burying. Wear gloves when cleaning.

To kill coccidia in the environment, you can use high-pressure hot water >158 degrees F or clean with a diluted bleach solution (1:15). Thorough decontaminating using steam or harsh chemical may have to be done after the animals are moved. A thick layer of wood shavings can help reduce contamination of the cage or pen.

I used multiple layers of fleece, since they were small. I kept them in a plastic container that is made for reptiles (it has a cover with air openings, as well as on the top sides of the container. It made it easier to contain things, as well as keep them warm, as they really had a hard time keeping their body temps up during this whole ordeal.) I also kept fleece over them, so they were always kept the least stressed.


Good luck!

[mpetys]

I believe there is a med available that is a one dose (with a possible second dose needed in a week), I can't think of the name, but ask your vet, he may know. It is VERY EXPENSIVE, that much I do know.

Are you talking about Convenia? My vet has used this with my squirrels and while I have nothing to compare it with (never used anything else), I really did appreciate the fact that it was given initially and then followed up in two weeks. Made it stress free for the squirrel with no daily meds and easy for me.

Michele

[pappy1264]

No, not convenia, that is not for coccidia. I am trying to find the name of it. Convenia can be used for a 'one dose' antibiotic.

[Katherine]

I am praying for you and Annie. My thoughts are with you:grouphug

[JLM27]

Prayers for Annie and Lulu: Dear Lord please help these little ones. Our Father's will be done here on earth. We pray you, wrap these little ones in your healing spirit of life. Amen.

[Kelly Brady]

Well we are negative for Coccidia. Dr. said Annie presents as one worn out little squirrel. I had gathered a stool sample for her and she wanted to get her own so she looked at both and they did not show coccidia. The vet said it is possible that both samples did not contain any and she still has it , but she is thinking not. But.....Little Annie has also been sneezing and not so much herself the past two days, I thought it may have been her opening her eyes and they always seem to hide a bit when that happens.

Dr. said she has slight wheeze in the lungs and samples contained mainly gram negative and hardly any gram positives which are indicative of a huge in balance of the gut. Annie is also very gasy after ALL that diarehha. My office smelled like a sewer treatment plant today. So she insisted on treating her for bacterial infection along with parasitic in case coccidia was just not present in the two samples. She doesn't believe in taking chances. It is called Trimeth/sulfa suspension. She said this is wonderful it helps balance the gut and put good bacteria back in along with treating infection and parasite in case.
I had pumped Annie full of Pedialyte most of the day so she was not dehydrated so no sub-q necessary.
She has a trick called baby food sweet potatoes for diarrhea. She has them lick them off the spoon which pulls fluids to it and binds the diarreha up.
She is such a squirrel lover. She says it works most everytime. She grabbed Annie and started to give her hugs and kisses and I said "she may have coccidia isn't it contagious"?
She said "Well I am not kissing her butt":D How can I resist this face.:rotfl
She also looked at Lulu and said she looked fabulous. She told me what dosage of the meds to give Lulu if she should get the runs too, but really does not think it is coccidia as when they have the diarrhea they are usually actively shedding the parasite.
She had me mix FV there and feed Annie a diluted amount because she said Annie needed the formula at this point and food in the system would work the gas out.
Thanks for the prayers, she is still a sick baby so please keep them going for her:grouphug Bad day. Really bad day

[JLM27]

Well this is better news than we expected. Can you call the vet tonight if Annie gets worse? Like for sub-Qing

[Jackie in Tampa]

that's TMZ as you called it the other day!:jump
I think what you meant to say was SMZ-TMP... yep good stuff, mild on the tummy too!
I had mentioned this last week! Cannot hurt if it's not Cocchidia...and is very broad spectrum med {AB} and can treat many issues...and ALSO can cross the brain blood barrier...Baytril does not!!
It will kill most all bugs!
But baytril is a much faster kick butt AB...but also hard on the G/I tract.
I would add a drop of yogurt to Annies formula for probotics.
I am here Kelly, sorry I didn't catch the call last night...you need to keep calling, sometimes I am outside...no answer machine either...so just keep calling... I am always at home!
Hang in there girls:grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

Well this is better news than we expected. Can you call the vet tonight if Annie gets worse? Like for sub-Qing
Kelly I have all needed for this too!:Love_Icon

[Katherine]

Prayers continue for Annie, Lulu and you:grouphug :grouphug

[pappy1264]

Glad you got her into the vets. That is one of the drugs my guys were on (and so you know, sometimes it can take up to 20 samples before you will see one w/coccidia in it). I was just sharing my experience with my guys. I pray they both will be ok.

[LyddicleaveBurrow]

Hi Kelly,

I'm so sorry that Annie is so sick. I am praying for this little one. Get well soon Annie.

Heather.

[island rehabber]

SMZ-TMP is excellent for this, and yeah I always call it "TMZ", too :shakehead :rotfl (details details).
Sending prayers & good energies your way, and many thank you's to that wonderful vet. She's one of us. :bowdown

[mpetys]

SMZ-TMP is excellent for this, and yeah I always call it "TMZ", too :shakehead :rotfl (details details).
Sending prayers & good energies your way, and many thank you's to that wonderful vet. She's one of us. :bowdown


As I always tell my husband when I get words, names or phrases mixed up, "Well you know what I meant!!"

Kelly, if it is not coccidia, did the vet indicate what it could be? Your descriptions were kind freaking me out. I guess I have been lucky in that I have never had a squirrel with smelly poop. I had one baby that had diarrhea but believed it to be from overfeeding. For what other causes will they have smelly diarrhea?

I hope Annie gets better soon and hope Lulu stays healthy. Man you've got great bosses!

Michele

[TinyPaws]

Been praying and hoping all will be well...:grouphug

[Kelly Brady]

JLM27-Yes I meant to say that the vet is on call for any issues. What a sweetie she is. Annie was very happy to take in fluids though and so far has kept down her formula both directions.

Jackie-it was today I called you but girl it is not like you are sitting on the couch eating bon-bons all day. Your busy I really wanted to meet this vet anyway and get her checked out. Accomplished both. your a sweetie pete:D

Katherine-Hi dear, been quite a day here. Bosses either waking by and seeing me working with a squirrel or the office stinking to high heavens. Geeze so happy to see you on TSB.

Pappy- that is what the vet said. Possible to get negatives when being safe is much smarter.

Thanks Heather- She is sleeping soundly in my lap. She is so sweet and special.

IR - I know, whatever that stuff is, it has to fix my Annie:dono I was in a panic today. She went south and fast. Hubby speedy delivered pedialyte so I had time to run payroll before the vet appt. Good teamwork.

Michele- My bosses are amazing and you should have seen me tell them my squirrel was very sick and I needed to leave on a payroll day. I said I cannot loose my little baby and they agreed. I am pushing it big time.
Dr. said if it wasn't coccidia she for sure had an infection present. She thought upper respiratory and when the immune system gets weakened, even by eyes just opening (very stressful for them), it allows bacteria even coccidia to take over. I know it hit her fast and hard. She is getting the treatment of a queen for sure right now.:bowdown

[mpetys]

Michele- My bosses are amazing and you should have seen me tell them my squirrel was very sick and I needed to leave on a payroll day. I said I cannot loose my little baby and they agreed. I am pushing it big time.
Dr. said if it wasn't coccidia she for sure had an infection present. She thought upper respiratory and when the immune system gets weakened, even by eyes just opening (very stressful for them), it allows bacteria even coccidia to take over. I know it hit her fast and hard. She is getting the treatment of a queen for sure right now.:bowdown

That is interesting and good to know about how their immune system gets weakened even by eyes just opening. Never would have thought of that although with three that have just recently opened their eyes, I did notice that they seemed to go through a period where they seemed very tired. Like even eating was a major chore instead of the enthusiastic chow time that it usually is! I imagine since stress is very tiring, this makes sense. Also, each one of these babies, when their eyes first opened, seemed very tense, even frightened. They all growled at me when I picked them up. When I put them back in their box, they just wanted to hide. I imagine when their eyes first open, they are dealing with the light and then even if they aren't seeing clearly, they look up and this big blob of talking shadow is picking them up . . . . I'd be stressed too.

[Anne]

Am sending prayers yours and Annie way. I know how frightened and upset you are. Glad you have good meds for Annie. I know you will keep us posted on her recovery.:grouphug :grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug

[djarenspace9]

She grabbed Annie and started to give her hugs and kisses...
So glad Annie has such a loving vet!
That makes all the difference, doesn't it?

I tried a new vet recently, with a tooth trimming, just to see if he was any good with squirrels before I bring him anything more challenging.

I swear he is a squirrel-whisperer!
He held my Trixie a bit, talked to her and then she let him dremel her teeth WITHOUT sedation!
I can't even hold her without sedation!
:jump

That's a keeper!

Sending healing vibes all the way to Annie!!
:Love_Icon :flash3 :Love_Icon

[Kelly Brady]

Man I wish I had great news.

Annie did much better last night. Took formula and had solid poop this morning but..... like clockwork...same time as yesterday.....she has had another very loose poop episode in her cage. She is just so fragile.

I feel bad like maybe bringing her in to work has upset her. Although I cover her cage with a blanket and was careful not to jostle her to much. I feel like the Dr. was wrong about her having formula but she has to eat for strength. I did add some yogurt to her formula to help her tummy with the good stuff last night.

Sounds like what Pappy went through, better one day not so much again..

Keep prayers going please. My poor little baby Annie.

[Katherine]

Prayers continuing for Annie and you. My thoughts are with you:grouphug :grouphug

[pappy1264]

Kelly, clear your pm's trying to send you one! lol

[Kelly Brady]

All clear.

[CritterMom]

Just keep her nice and warm - I think it is much better to have her there with you.

What about diluting her formula a bit more? I agree with the yogurt addition, but maybe 3:1 instead of 2:1 would be more tolerated.

[pappy1264]

k, sent it.

[gs1]

am keeping out of the way but i'm praying for her and lulu too...

hydration and warmth is the key... i'm sorry that's she's relapsed. hopefully it's not as bad as yesterday.:grouphug

ps: what can you do kelly ... you can't not work .... but if she's in a container and she's covered then she's not going to be as stressed from the sights and sounds as much as she's already stressed from not feeling well.....:grouphug

[Kelly Brady]

Annie had very diluted formula earlier this afternoon and it is not pouring out of her but small amounts of diarrhea remain. She is also starting to refuse pedialyte or water.
We have another appt. at 4:00 for sub q and sub q supplies for me to take home. She just lets most of the fluid run out of her mouth. I am trying not to completly freak out. Vet wants to see her again. It kills me to see the way she was yesterday morning before this hit verses today.
crittermom- Little Annie has no choice but to be with me anyway, but I feel bad that maybe moving her around has hindered her, ie car ride etc. She was so much better last night at home. The lab that I work at is remeodeling and they were drilling through concrete today outside my office door and I wanted to just cry. Stress she and lulu don't need.
Thanks for posts everyone, they really do make me feel better to no she is having good thoughts sent her way.
I will keep you posted.

[mpetys]

Poor Annie. I imagine you must feel helpless when they are going through this. I know I would. I hope they are able to get some rest. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Michele

[Tickle's Mom]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
For you Annie and Lulu. :Love_Icon

[Katherine]

Prayers continue. I'm so sorry you and Annie are going through this.
You know I'm thinking of you :grouphug :grouphug

[Chickenlegs]

I'm sorry your darling is so sick. Seeing a little one sick is worse than being sick. Love and healing prayers are comin your way. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Kelly Brady]

Back again from the vet. I took her another fecal sample and she tested yet another of hers as well---- negative. She really didn't think it would be different but wanted to check again I think to make me happy.
What is happening to Annie is almost in a cycle. Honestly today, like yesterday, she was weak and so bad during the day and it starts with diarrhea at around 9:00 am. By the time 3 pm comes she is better. She had no more diarrhea from 2:00 pm on. Even with formula. She then acts starving and wants food and water after that time.
Dr. said it will run cyclic until her gut normalizes. She did sub q her and there was no charge for today or any other day until Annie gets over this. If the same thing happens tomorrow she wants to see her and she wants to sub-q again herself. Said she would be there day or night for me.
Dr. gets upset when I say I need to hold off on formula. She said that will kill her. She said she has been through this with many squirrels and withholding formula is wrong way to approach.
Annie was so tired after sub-q that she is resting nicely now. I need to clean her up soon. Nasty

[CritterMom]

Kelly, what about adding in Benebac or Lactobacillus acidophalus? It can help balance gut bacteria quickly? Can you call or email your vet and ask about it? You can buy Lactobacillus at the drug store...

[Tickle's Mom]

Praying you have the strength to carry on. You are one amazing woman Kelly.:Love_Icon

[TinyPaws]

Kelly, what about adding in Benebac or Lactobacillus acidophalus? It can help balance gut bacteria quickly? Can you call or email your vet and ask about it? You can buy Lactobacillus at the drug store...

Exactly what I was going to suggest..Praying for Annie

[Katherine]

Kelly,
I am praying so hard for Annie and for you. My thoughts are with you during this terrible time:grouphug :grouphug

[asweetdiversion]

Oh Kelly I sure hope Annie is better this evening, you are such a good Mommy to Annie and LuLu and what a GREAT vet you have, that is just so great for you guys. I'm praying for ya'll tonight and I hope you are getting some rest. If I lived anywhere near you I swear I would come over and help you or squirrel sit for you in case you needed to go anywhere. Keep us posted.

[lilidukes]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[NutmegsMommy]

Bentley is doing the same thing. I have him on homemade pedilyte right now - he appears a little bloated to me and has the same type of poo you described. I am giving him 1.5 cc's every 2 hours because of the bloat - he appears hydrated when I do the pinch test. Not sure what happened -same as you. All was fine and then BAM! I'll let you know what the vet says - we're going in for an appointment tomorrow - in the meantime, if you find out what the deal is, please let me know :) Hope your Annie feels better soon.

[NutmegsMommy]

Hey Kelly - I just read your updates on the Emergency Thread - I'm not sure Bentley has what your Annie has - Bentley's might be a case of overfeeding and me increasing the consistancy of Bentley's formula - we were at 3cc's, then went up to 3.5cc's this week and today I tried 4cc's - and before his formula was at 3 parts water, 3/4 FV, 1/4 Boost, and now it's 2.5 parts water. I don't think Bentley's little premature tummy can handle FV without diluting it way down. Either way, I am taking him to the vet tomorrow to check him for Coccidia - that one post about how super contagious it is freaked me out - I always wash my hands really good after handling Bentley and change his bedding after every feeding and wash the fleece if hot water - Geez, I've had worms in my house and so far so good - guess we'll see, right?

[pappy1264]

Sending prayers she will stay in the 'up' mode.

[stosh2010]

Kelly...
Just saw this thread...was out of town all day yesterday >> and crazy at work today...
How's your a LITTLE ONE(s) this evening.
Praying for a Positive UPDATE...
Annie---sleep well---get strong !

################################################## ####################
Stosh >>> keeper of the KING ( of Costa Rica )

[Kelly Brady]

I put a dab of sweet potato in Annie's diluted formula tonight around 7:00 and then held her on her back and rubbed her bloated little tummy clock wise and she actually cooed (spelling?) like a dove. She loves to be snuggled. Sub q really helped all though she is so weak that when she moves around a lot she has to fall over and sleep. She is tucked in to loads of fleece and warmth from the heating pad. No diarrhea since 2:00 today. I should prepare for the same tomorrow I guess, but prefer to be positive and think not:thumbsup

Meanwhile, in the midst of all of this, hubby had to snuggle his Annie and I got Lulu to snuggle. I looked at her tonight and said OMG she is bigger and a happy little camper. She has grown in to her skin in what seems to be over night.

Scott held Annie tonight and told her she had to get better, we can't loose her and she just blinked and blinked at him and climbed up to his neck to snuggle.:grouphug

I asked the Dr. about benabac and those products and she said that has been added to Annies medicine? I did not go further due to another question being ask.So many questions. If she is the same tomorrow, I will get a definitive answer. Can you add that to meds?

asweetdiversion, How nice of you to say you would help with Annie. When can I book your flight? tee hee.
Kathryn, I will call you tomorrow.
Thanks again my SB family. What would we do without each others support?
Thanks again everyone

[island rehabber]

I'm lighting a candle for Annie tonight, and placing it next to Samson's candle. Strong energies going out to you, Kelly!

[mugzeezma]

Coccidia is prevalent in all wildlife.
Practically all of them carry it. THey are inoculated around the time of birth by their mothers their environment or their siblings. Coccidia is only problematic when it increases to a level that the body can no longer tolerate. That's when you see diarrhea and or vomiting. A lot of infections are this way.
Realize that diarrhea is the body's way of expelling the offending organism.
Coccidial populations rise when the body is stressed.
The stressors could be anything that changes the natural balance of flora in the gut. Being orphaned is an incredible stressor as is a change in diet, a change in environment and injury.
Why some are more prone to being overwhelmed by it I couldn't tell you.
It appears to take awhile for the populations to rise to an unbearable level. IMO it seems that you can go along for quite awhile before it becomes an issue if ever.
Since you have access to veterinary care get a fecal done.
I keep SMZ-TMP on hand...because it's broad spectrum
not the best for coccidia usually needs to be followed up on 7-10days later
Albon and Baycox are more effective

[Kelly Brady]

So far....I am so whispering when I say this....Annie is like a new squirrel this morning. Maybe we have broken the cycle.

The sub q or the sweet potato in the diluted formula, the prayers, the lit candle, the medicine or all of it combined I believe, thank God.

She has eaten her 1 part FV to one part pedialyte to 2 parts water and one tiny dollop of sweet potato this morning at 5:00 am and again about a half hour ago and no 9:00 am mess in the cage. She also had this mixture last night twice before bed with no runs.

She is playing like I have never seen. Loving on her tiny little Valentine bear stuffie and pouncing on a paper towel roll and tearing all the paper off. I pray so hard she stays this well.
Thanks everyone so much for prayers. :bowdown Keep them going, please as evidently she still could cycle through this again. I will remain positive.:D

[UDoWhat]

Thank you, God for this good news. Prayers for continued progress. :tilt

[Tickle's Mom]

:jump :jump :jump :jump

Still praying and all of you are on a prayer chain all the way to Iceland!!

[Scooterzmom]

Still sending love and prayers out :Love_Icon for little Annie and so glad she made progress. Keep up he good work Kelly... you're one great squammy :thumbsup

[Kelly Brady]

Nutmegs Mom- :wave123 I pray little tiny Bentley gets over what ever it is. I have been completly nerve racked over Annie. But you will see in the emergency thread that she is better (holding breath) today.
Bently is so much younger. Annie would get diarrhea from over eating too so I hope that is all it is for your tiny one. Prayers help and I will include Bentley and you in my prayers.

[Kelly Brady]

Coccidia is prevalent in all wildlife.
Practically all of them carry it. THey are inoculated around the time of birth by their mothers their environment or their siblings. Coccidia is only problematic when it increases to a level that the body can no longer tolerate. That's when you see diarrhea and or vomiting. A lot of infections are this way.
Realize that diarrhea is the body's way of expelling the offending organism.
Coccidial populations rise when the body is stressed.
The stressors could be anything that changes the natural balance of flora in the gut. Being orphaned is an incredible stressor as is a change in diet, a change in environment and injury.
Why some are more prone to being overwhelmed by it I couldn't tell you.
It appears to take awhile for the populations to rise to an unbearable level. IMO it seems that you can go along for quite awhile before it becomes an issue if ever.
Since you have access to veterinary care get a fecal done.
I keep SMZ-TMP on hand...because it's broad spectrum
not the best for coccidia usually needs to be followed up on 7-10days later
Albon and Baycox are more effective

Hey there Mugz,
Thanks, that is a great discription of Coccidia, I have been going mock 5 with my hair on fire this week and really haven't completly known what the heck Coccidia really is.
The thread to this really is in emergency as Annie has been life threatening since I posted here, but we did a fecal. Now 5 of the them and they are negative for Coccidia but I understand that it sometimes is not found in samples. My Doc said she had a wheeze and she had been sneezing a lot and she thinks it is maybe another type of bacterial infection but Annie has been on SMZ-TMP now for three days. It seems like I have been cleaning up diarrhea for days up until today. None. Fingers crossed. Dr. says it could cycle again since she was fine in the evening and runs started each morning.
If you have time check out her emergency thread. :wave123 :wave123 smiley:D

[Pierre]

:wahoo Hoping she continues to do well!! :grouphug

[momma2boo]

I've been watching but not a lot of posting going on since most of my "free" time is spent with Samson and the rest of my critter-fleet.

Prayers continue for Annie!

[stosh2010]

Great UPDATE................ keep them COMING.....

[mugzeezma]

Went into the way back machine...
this is what I read in summary
watery diarrhea
fecal tests came out negative
SMZ-TMP and yes there is a difference in the sulfas but whatever...

It sounds like she is on the upswing after nearly putting you in the mental ward:D
The imbalance in the gut flora can be remedied with Benebac but I use Kefir.
most probiotic preparations have 3 types of cultures. I believe Benebac contains 6. Kefir has 10
There is nothing remotely comparable to this and the squirrlies LOVE it.
My daughter was diagnosed with H.pyloris. She is on Prevacid, 1000mg Amox and 500mg of Biaxin....KEFIR is GOOD STUFF

here's a link

http://www.lifeway.net/LifewayWorld/KefirProbiotics.aspx

you can get in the dairy case or cheese case in a plastic pint bottle for $3.49 at any larger grocer...your Publix or Safeway ought to have it.

Another thing I use is Beechnut infant oatmeal instead of rice. The oatmeal actually has more fiber content and actually has some nutritional value. Add that to the formula.

[lilidukes]

Keep getting better Annie:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Kelly Brady]

Yes you got it. Diarrhea was thick and fluid like. only saw watery consistancy first squirt of the first day. Poor baby did not have the strength to lift her head yesturday. Still good today.

Wow Mugz, I found it at my local Publix. I will get some today. Do I add to formula or give full strength?

How much should a 5 week old wieghing 142 grams (yes she is five weeks and a total large girl to put it nicely) ingest a day?

Questions questions ha?

Oh yes good old helocobactor Pylori, I know it well. Used to work for a gastro guy for a short time. He was an @#* hole. No pun intended:D

Thanks. so vet said the medicine had something in it to add back to the tummy, would she have put something in it maybe? Is there such a thing as to much probiotic? I think I know the answer to that. No.

[LyddicleaveBurrow]

Hi,

It's great news that Annie is improving.

I'm praying that she makes a full and speedy recovery.

All the best.

Heather.

[Kelly Brady]

Just popping in to say that it is 1:38 and Annie is still doing wonderful. She is energetic and her fur is shiney and her eyes are twinkling again. She actually is waking up to play.

Oh thank goodness, thank goodness, I am one happy, grateful, blessed squammy.:Love_Icon

[lilidukes]

:multi :multi :multi Annie:multi :multi :multi

[Katherine]

Just popping in to say that it is 1:38 and Annie is still doing wonderful. She is energetic and her fur is shiney and her eyes are twinkling again. She actually is waking up to play.

Oh thank goodness, thank goodness, I am one happy, grateful, blessed squammy.:Love_Icon

I am one happy Aunt Katherine:crazy

Prayers and support continue :grouphug :grouphug

[mugzeezma]

Yes you got it. Diarrhea was thick and fluid like. only saw watery consistancy first squirt of the first day. Poor baby did not have the strength to lift her head yesturday. Still good today.

Wow Mugz, I found it at my local Publix. I will get some today. Do I add to formula or give full strength?

How much should a 5 week old wieghing 142 grams (yes she is five weeks and a total large girl to put it nicely) ingest a day?

Questions questions ha?

Oh yes good old helocobactor Pylori, I know it well. Used to work for a gastro guy for a short time. He was an @#* hole. No pun intended:D

Thanks. so vet said the medicine had something in it to add back to the tummy, would she have put something in it maybe? Is there such a thing as to much probiotic? I think I know the answer to that. No.

Snort...orifice docs worked for some myself and I reserve comment :D

I have no idea what your vet put in the meds...some vets roll their own:dono
My hoomin kids like raspberry flavor and that's what I gave my squee kids.
Better get 2 bottles Kelly. I can't keep this stuff longer than 5 seconds in my house! Have a cup on the desk right now! ooops sssshhhhhhhhhh
If Annie is anything like mine she'll chug it.
I gave mine 0.25-0.5cc straight up each feeding.

add a little infant oatmeal to the formula to tighten things up. The cramping from diarrhea has to be adding to her general attitude.

[mpetys]

Oh what great news Kelly. After hearing what you have gone through and now what NutmegMommy is going through with her Bentley, I really appreciate the fact that my four have been so problem free (knock on wood). I know how time consuming and tiring caring for healthy babies can be but when they are sick, especially with diarrhea; it must be exhausting.


Michele

[asweetdiversion]

130238 Such GREAT news Kelly, oh Thank You God! I know you feel allot better this evening, I sure hope she continues to perk up.:wahoo

[island rehabber]

Oh thank goodness she's better! :wott Good job, mamma Kelly! :bowdown

[Nancy in New York]

Wonderful update...she's a little fighter and she is in such loving capable hands...you keep going Annie!!!:Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

I just LOVE hearing good news! WTG little Annie!!!!!!! Nice job squammy KELLY!!!!!!

[Katherine]

How are Annie and mommie today? :grouphug

[Kelly Brady]

Annie is FANTASTIC today. Scott and I can't beleive what a different squirrel she is. We are thinking:thinking is it possible that she has had a touch of this all along? She was a very sleepy lathargic baby. And the Momma squirrel I tried to introduce back to her twice did not take her. Is it possible she new Annie was not well? Just me thinking out loud.

She is a different squirrel. She plays herself silly and falls asleep and wakes up and starts over again. Solid poops, however I am not messing with the diluted mixture that I have been using and that includes that tiny dallop of baby food sweet potatos mixed in to the formula solution. Vet says incredibly binding. But I am worried about to much sweet potato.
Why is it they should not have sweet potato often? I don't remember just only give every other week to my fuzzers as a treat. The vet has called everyday to check on baby girl.

Thanks so much again, I want to reply to everyone but have so much catch up to do here at work that I think I will get my job done and reply this weekend.:rotfl Work has been so nice but, now I need to work instead of hydrate and clean a messy little bootie all day.

Oh yes and Admin, I am sorry to have the two threads going on about Annie but maybe we should move her out of life threatening. I pray that stays the status anyway.

[Nancy in New York]

Wonderful news...amazing...praying that this continues. :wahoo
Sweet potato...Very high in Vitamin A, don't feed more than 1 tablespoon a month! :thumbsup

[Kelly Brady]

Thanks Nancy, Yes, vitamin A. Thank you. I just read the part about not feeding sweet potato too often and never can remember why.:thinking

I am worried if I cut back on the sweet potatos she will "get loose" so to speak:D again.

I am very careful with my older kids and sweet potato, so I think I will have to try to cut back the little dollop I put in each feeding (as per vet) to bind her a little at a time. See if stool loosens up at all.

Thanks for the prayers to you and everyone, I keep hearing her play under her blanket tent she makes and dread seeing what might be there everytime. UUUUcccccKKKKK it was awlful. Scared me to death everytime I saw it. Who knew so much could come out of a little 5 week old fuzzer?:dono

[island rehabber]

Great news! I'm happy to move her thread out of Life-Threatening and maybe I will combine them, too. :thumbsup

[stosh2010]

I can't tell you how relieved I am that ANNIE is improving..Tomorrow will be a Happy Sunny Healthy day at your HOUSE.


From the Play Annie:
http://www.jansjoyousjungle.com/sunout.html

Stosh >>> Keeper of the KING ( of Costa Rica )

[LyddicleaveBurrow]

Hi Kelly,

It's great news that Annie has made such a fantastic improvement.

Prayers continue for this beautiful little squirrel.

All the best.

Heather.

[Kelly Brady]

Well Stosh that is adorable!!!!

I just played Annie her song and she liked it very much. Of course I had to ruin it by singing it at the top of my lungs but I could not resist:D You sent me the words and someone had to sing to the music.:thumbsup

The vet just called to check on our little Annie and two of her techs were on the phone also. All have been worried about her. What an amazing office. Anyway, vet said continue dab of sweet potato with each feeding through at least 3 to 4 days after the 10 day a/b treatment. This wont hurt her a bit she said. As I type she is running laps around my pajamas under the robe. so safe to say she is going to have another great day.

Today is a big party for my daughters 16th birthday so I will go get ready for that and shift some attention to human kids:wott Of course Annie and Lulu will be there.

Thanks again friends, so good to know I have all of you close by:grouphug

[Kelly Brady]

Annie continues to do well. I missed sweet potato in her formula this morning and she got a little loose stool. I don't know if it has anything to do with it or not but all is well now and poops are solid again. I thought I would include a couple of pics of Scott and his Annie. He doesn't know I am broadcasting it on TSB but oh well we can all keep a secret can't we?
Oh yea and thanks Stosh I sang the song from Annie all day long yesturday:D

[Tickle's Mom]

I want to kiss that little nose so much!! HOW ADORABLE!!!!!! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[mugzeezma]

Annie continues to do well. I missed sweet potato in her formula this morning and she got a little loose stool. I don't know if it has anything to do with it or not but all is well now and poops are solid again. I thought I would include a couple of pics of Scott and his Annie. He doesn't know I am broadcasting it on TSB but oh well we can all keep a secret can't we?
Oh yea and thanks Stosh I sang the song from Annie all day long yesturday:D

AAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!

that is soooo SWEET

[CritterMom]

Aw heck, Kelly - now all the girls are in love - nothin' better than a softie guy wrapped around a baby animal's little finger! Those are great pics!

[pappy1264]

I am SO HAPPY to see she was doing well! Way to go, Annnie!!!

[island rehabber]

:thumbsup:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug:thumbsup :)

[asweetdiversion]

OMG I'm so happy Annie is doing so good, I wanna kiss that sweet baby's face myself... um Annie's sweet baby face that is, ha!

[Scooterzmom]

WOW! I'm just THRILLED that Annie's doing well... Such an adorable little peanut she is... You just want to kiss that little face over and over, and I just KNOw she must have that sweet baby squirrel scent :)

[Katherine]

Both Annie and Scott are adorable:wave123

[Pierre]

Awww...... Love those pictures of your husband and Annie....how delightful. Just precious. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[little susie]

:wave123 love at first sight for sure!:Love_Icon

[grinn75]

Thanks Nancy, Yes, vitamin A. Thank you. I just read the part about not feeding sweet potato too often and never can remember why.:thinking

I am worried if I cut back on the sweet potatos she will "get loose" so to speak:D again.

I am very careful with my older kids and sweet potato, so I think I will have to try to cut back the little dollop I put in each feeding (as per vet) to bind her a little at a time. See if stool loosens up at all.

Try some babyfood peas or banana. It has the fiber and no vitamin A toxicity. Also don't forget about the baby cereal (rice or mixed grain) you can use that instead of baby food.

[island rehabber]

Kelly can you find "yama", the mexican sweet potato anywhere (deep purple red with white flesh instead of orange)? They have the same binding properties as orange sweet potatoes but much less Vit A so no worries. All my squirrels LOVE them, that's whyI'm always pushing them around here.

[Kelly Brady]

I think I have seen Yama and will go and get some today and I will tell you why.

I am bummed out. I did not give Annie any sweet potato in her formula last night thinking I should back off with every other time now as her last day of a/b's is today. She has the diarrhea back this morning.

The vet (the stand in Vet, mine is at a conference for two days) wants me to start the sweet potato back up each feeding and end her a/b's as scheduled and see how it goes. They will be in touch often. I am worried again about why my baby girl cannot maintain regular poops without help and really worried about discontinuing a/bs with this condition still present.

[JLM27]

Can you give her some yogurt or other pro-biotic? Maybe the ab's have destroyed the necessary bacteria in her gut. Mix it in with the sweet potato. Also, note IR's suggestion about a sweet ptoato type that does not have high vitamin A.

[mugzeezma]

I think I have seen Yama and will go and get some today and I will tell you why.

I am bummed out. I did not give Annie any sweet potato in her formula last night thinking I should back off with every other time now as her last day of a/b's is today. She has the diarrhea back this morning.

The vet (the stand in Vet, mine is at a conference for two days) wants me to start the sweet potato back up each feeding and end her a/b's as scheduled and see how it goes. They will be in touch often. I am worried again about why my baby girl cannot maintain regular poops without help and really worried about discontinuing a/bs with this condition still present.

I would not worry about discontinuing the ABx. They are either contributing to the diarrhea or not having any effect on it at all so either it's a negative or neutral effect.
Diarrhea may be from disrupted gut flora or from a parasitic infestation that the AB does not work on.
You can try infant oatmeal for binding diarrhea as well

[CritterMom]

I would also be picking up some Bene-bac. Yogurt is tasty and all but the Bebe-bac will provide a great deal more of the pro-good gut flora that may be part of her problem.

[Scooterzmom]

I would not worry about the AB stopping- they might very well be the cause of the diarrhea. What happens with ABs is they will kill bunches of bacteria but... some bacteria is good bacteria and the ABs kill those at the same time - e.g. the good bacterial intestinal flora gets killed and for women, the vaginal flora (which is why women sometimes get a yeast infection following an AB treatment for some other problem). That is what may cause the diarrhea and sometimes vaginal yeast infections... (N.B. Ladies if you get one of those after taking AB's now you'll know why ;) )

BACK to Annie's prob:
I would be careful of using peas as they can cause gas - particularly if her instestinal tract is already fragile) and/or may aggravate the runs. I would use the baby banana instead. HOWEVER what I personally have had the best success with, and why I would recommend that instead, is the baby rice cereal. I NEVER had a prob with rice cereal as far as baby sq digesting it, no vitamin A overload on it, and it has calcium, it's simple to administer (you don't usually need much mixed with the formula to be effective against the diarrhea).

[Kelly Brady]

Thank you guys for the advice. I have started a probiotic called Kefir that Mugzeezma told me about a few days ago. No antibiotics today and so far she is doing well. I was going to go get bene-bac but already had the Kefir. The vet called to see how she was and said the Kefir was perfect in place of bene-bac. You were right Mugz, she loves it so much:thumbsup

I also bought the baby cereal and will be giving that in place of sweet potato starting tonight. What would I do with out you guys? I just don't know.:wave123

[Kelly Brady]

Well I thought I would report that Annie is back to normal. We are off of the sweet potato and she is finally eating solid foods such as block and veggies etc.
The probiotic really seemed to clear what was left up. She is a complete little love of a squirrel and I have just snapped some pics to show her off.

Scott is so happy his little girl is fab. Of course me too!!!!!

[lilidukes]

So glad to hear that Annie will be OK.:multi What a beauty:grouphug

[Scooterzmom]

Awwww I'm so very happy that your little girl is fine. What a precious little gem she is. Hami - who's on the back of my chair watching everything on my screen right now - seems to concur. I think he wouldn't mind being her BF :rofl

[pappy1264]

That is wonderful news! She looks GREAT!!!!

[Nancy in New York]

She is adorable....thrilled that she is back to normal.:Love_Icon

[Pierre]

Ack!!! Oh my heavens, she is just adorable!! So so cute. I'm very happy to hear she is doing well again! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[JLM27]

O my goodness, is she ever a sweetie pie! Im so glad she is doing well, back to her bright.-eyed self.

[UDoWhat]

Oh, Kelly, Annie is so darling! Great job!:crazy

Marty

[mugzeezma]

:wahoo :wahoo

She looks way too cute to be real ... give plenty of smoochies for me Kelly!