new member needs help with sick girl

[erniemac]

Hello everyone, happy to have found you. I rescue, rehab, and place mostly cats and dogs, but also have a 3 1/2 year old Eastern Grey I raised from a 3-week infant. Not supposed to in my area, but Chips made it clear very early on that she wanted to stay with me. So there we are. Very hard to find vets in this area who will even talk to you about a squirrel, much less see one.

Up to now, Chips has been very healthy and active in a very big cage, gets a good diet and daily sunshine. I've noticed a gradual drop in her energy lately, and now she becomes exhausted after a little exertion. She's puffing like a smoker with emphysema. She'll eat and drink somewhat, move around and interact somewhat, but seems depressed and blah. She either goes into her hut or does a spread-eagle and wants to rest. I don't sense any pain, just fatigue and malaise. Poops are normal composition, but small due to reduced intake.

Thinking it might be heart or lungs, and I'm desperate to find a doc who will help. Any ideas on what to start her on, where to get meds or where to find some open-minded input? I really love this little angel and am getting panicky....

[Nancy in New York]

Hello everyone, happy to have found you. I rescue, rehab, and place mostly cats and dogs, but also have a 3 1/2 year old Eastern Grey I raised from a 3-week infant. Not supposed to in my area, but Chips made it clear very early on that she wanted to stay with me. So there we are. Very hard to find vets in this area who will even talk to you about a squirrel, much less see one.

Up to now, Chips has been very healthy and active in a very big cage, gets a good diet and daily sunshine. I've noticed a gradual drop in her energy lately, and now she becomes exhausted after a little exertion. She's puffing like a smoker with emphysema. She'll eat and drink somewhat, move around and interact somewhat, but seems depressed and blah. She either goes into her hut or does a spread-eagle and wants to rest. I don't sense any pain, just fatigue and malaise. Poops are normal composition, but small due to reduced intake.

Thinking it might be heart or lungs, and I'm desperate to find a doc who will help. Any ideas on what to start her on, where to get meds or where to find some open-minded input? I really love this little angel and am getting panicky....

Are you comfortable with letting us know where you live? This way we will know if we have anybody trustworthy near you.
Have you looked on her whole body for any signs of lumps, any swollen areas? Can you post pictures? Sometimes it helps a lot to see what we are dealing with.

[philomycus]

What state are you in? We can find somebody in your area.

[Scooterzmom]

Sounds silly maybe but... how about you, are YOU a smoker? They are very sensitive to 2nd hand smoke.

How much exercize does she get a day? Does she ever come out of her cage to play? It's important that they do exercize regularly and I don't mean just inside a big cage.

I must say, I'm so sorry to hear about her illness and I know just how you must be so worried (I lost my sweet Scooter at the age of 2 yrs and 3 mos. and I was in total panic when he got ill, like you no vet even want to see a squirrel here) and you must be totally bonded to this little baby by now... :(

But, it's a good thing you came here right away. I'm sure somebody more pro than me will be with you very soon.

Good luck, I keep you and your lil one in my prayers.:grouphug

[erniemac]

Are you comfortable with letting us know where you live? This way we will know if we have anybody trustworthy near you.
Have you looked on her whole body for any signs of lumps, any swollen areas? Can you post pictures? Sometimes it helps a lot to see what we are dealing with.

We are in Illinois. Yes, checked her all over, can't find any sign of swelling, masses, anything. That was my first fear. Her belly is soft and she seems comfortable with prodding. By her signals, I sense that she's trying to tell me what's wrong and I think she's frustrated that I haven't found it yet.

[Pierre]

What exactly is her diet?

[Jester]

Could it possibly be a respiratory infection? if thats the case though you'd need some way to get antibotics from a vet.. maybe if you told them you owned some different type of rodent..
The fatigue could be from it trying to fight an infection..

[island rehabber]

I think we have some good folks in your area.
can you tell us what her diet is like?

[Nancy in New York]

We are in Illinois. Yes, checked her all over, can't find any sign of swelling, masses, anything. That was my first fear. Her belly is soft and she seems comfortable with prodding. By her signals, I sense that she's trying to tell me what's wrong and I think she's frustrated that I haven't found it yet.

Ok what part of Illinois? We can contact some people that may be able to help, would just like to get somebody close by. If you don't want to post your city, can you just pm it to me?

[erniemac]

I think we have some good folks in your area.
can you tell us what her diet is like?



Typically Chips gets bits of apple or pear, grapes, small carrot, tiny stalk of celery with leaves (occasional), small spoonful of rabbit fiesta mix, a rodent block (which she doesn't really like), fresh romaine or spinach greens, a couple of roasted almonds, a couple of walnuts or hazelnuts in the shell, and once in a while a small dab of yogurt. For a treat once in a while, a small Milk Bone dog treat, which she loves. All changed daily.

[erniemac]

Ok what part of Illinois? We can contact some people that may be able to help, would just like to get somebody close by. If you don't want to post your city, can you just pm it to me?

Nancy, I can't connect with your e-mail. I am not yet sure how this thing works, or I may just be too new for the system to let me do it yet. Any way you can e-mail to me and I will reply?

[Nancy in New York]

Typically Chips gets bits of apple or pear, grapes, small carrot, tiny stalk of celery with leaves (occasional), small spoonful of rabbit fiesta mix, a rodent block (which she doesn't really like), fresh romaine or spinach greens, a couple of roasted almonds, a couple of walnuts or hazelnuts in the shell, and once in a while a small dab of yogurt. For a treat once in a while, a small Milk Bone dog treat, which she loves. All changed daily.

Here is a link to the healthy diet.
Excellent advice, and lots of choices that are good for Chips.
His diet could use some improvement, trust me we have seen much worse, but look at the link...it's vital for a "pet" squirrel to get the right nutrition.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16093

[Nancy in New York]

Nancy, I can't connect with your e-mail. I am not yet sure how this thing works, or I may just be too new for the system to let me do it yet. Any way you can e-mail to me and I will reply?


Here is my email, I don't know yours...:rotfl
nmognoni@nycap.rr.com

[island rehabber]

erniemac I believe her diet is calcium deficient, and this may be why she appears exhausted and listless....she might be in pain. My advice is that you begin the Emergency Treatment for MBD, as listed here:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17677

She's not really eating anything that is calcium rich, like dark green leafy veggies or a quality rodent block. Keep an open mind, and do the Emergency treatment for a few days. If she does not have low calcium, this WILL NOT hurt her -- but if she does have it, it will save her life. :thumbsup

[CritterMom]

The fact that she probably isn't really eating any or much of the rodent block may be the problem. Squirrels need a lot of calcium in their diet and the only real source other than a bit in the yogurt is the block she may not be eating.

Can you try getting some extra calcium into her while we are also looking for other help? It will not hurt her and if this is the start of metabolic bone disease it IS the cure. If you have any Tums laying around, they will work, and many squirrels will eat them like a treat. If not, come up with another way - hide it in her yogurt, put it in some peanut butter or avocado, mix with fruit juice and give by syringe - whatever, try to get 500mg of calcium broken up into several doses through the day into her. If this IS a diet issue you should start to see improvement soon.

We have several good rehabbers in IL who will be sent this way too.:thumbsup

We can also help with a couple squirrel blocks she may like, too.

[erniemac]

The fact that she probably isn't really eating any or much of the rodent block may be the problem. Squirrels need a lot of calcium in their diet and the only real source other than a bit in the yogurt is the block she may not be eating.

Can you try getting some extra calcium into her while we are also looking for other help? It will not hurt her and if this is the start of metabolic bone disease it IS the cure. If you have any Tums laying around, they will work, and many squirrels will eat them like a treat. If not, come up with another way - hide it in her yogurt, put it in some peanut butter or avocado, mix with fruit juice and give by syringe - whatever, try to get 500mg of calcium broken up into several doses through the day into her. If this IS a diet issue you should start to see improvement soon.

We have several good rehabbers in IL who will be sent this way too.:thumbsup

We can also help with a couple squirrel blocks she may like, too.


Recommendations on the block and where to get them are welcome. Do you use the flavored Tums or the original white ones?

[Nancy in New York]

You can find the Harlan Teklad blocks (2014 or 2018) at www.thecraftyrat.com
I get my Mazuri block at Petsmart.
And 4skwerlz sells a homemade block that is a supplement and here is her website...http://henryspets.com

[CritterMom]

Regarding the Tums, I suspect the flavor of the fruit ones might be preferred. If she shows improvement, you will want to purchase some calcium powder for her - you can get straight calcium citrate powder at most health food stores, and it is easier and doesn't have all of the flavorings and stuff that Tums do, but they will do in a pinch.

Here is a recipe you can make yourself using commercial rat block like Harlan Teklad, Forti Diet, or Mazuri, mixed with a formula powder and ground nuts and a baby food wetting agent:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26131

Or go to www.henryspets.com - she is a member here and has several types of squirrel block that is nothing like the hard commercial type - the Henry's Healthy Bites always remind me of pumpernickel bread!

Henrys also sells the Fox Valley formula used in the Boo Ball recipe I gave you above. She also has straight calcium powder.

[erniemac]

erniemac I believe her diet is calcium deficient, and this may be why she appears exhausted and listless....she might be in pain. My advice is that you begin the Emergency Treatment for MBD, as listed here:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17677

She's not really eating anything that is calcium rich, like dark green leafy veggies or a quality rodent block. Keep an open mind, and do the Emergency treatment for a few days. If she does not have low calcium, this WILL NOT hurt her -- but if she does have it, it will save her life. :thumbsup



Thanks, IR. I will get her started on this tonight and we'll see what the morning brings. My vet is not a rodent vet, but he knows some about them and has agreed to compound an oral enrofloxacin mix to try. He does think it may be a crossover from the cat virus we have been battling, as the symptoms are nearly identical. The main issue with the cats has been hydration, so at the moment I think this will be the primary strategy with Chips as well. I'm heading out for some watermelon and apple juice right now.

[mugzeezma]

Try my Eaddy ...tool_town@hotmail.com...send with your phone number...I will contact you. I can get Chips into a vet near me or a one in Morris.
Let me know.
I am west of Chicago and licensed

[stepnstone]

erniemac I believe her diet is calcium deficient, and this may be why she appears exhausted and listless....she might be in pain. My advice is that you begin the Emergency Treatment for MBD, as listed here:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17677
She's not really eating anything that is calcium rich, like dark green leafy veggies or a quality rodent block. Keep an open mind, and do the Emergency treatment for a few days. If she does not have low calcium, this WILL NOT hurt her -- but if she does have it, it will save her life. :thumbsup


Even as a novice I came to the same conclusion...

From all I've learned from my own mistakes and dealing with my MBD baby your little one's diet has not been sufficient either. Thanks to TSB my little girl was saved, on a proper diet, still with me happy and healthy and very active!
You need the advice and help of people who know about squirrels, please listen to them and let them help you.

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

Hi there. I'm in rural Illinois - just south west of Chicago. I have a vet that will treat squirrels like they were the most important animal in the world if you ever need, its worth the trip. Email me at NancyCarolWilliams@gmail.com if you need a contact.

[stepnstone]

Concerned and wondering how this little one is doing... :confused:

[erniemac]

Hi everyone, sorry I've been out of computer reach but I wanted to update you on my beloved Chips and thank everyone for your care, concern, and valuable help. You saved her! The little lady is improving gradually each day. This morning she was doing her somersaults and trapeze hangs from her bars, and dancing up to me as I came in to say good morning. She even rolled over and let me tickle her belly as she often does. So she seems to be on her way back. She still needs a lot of rest during the day, but her breathing is much more stable now and not labored any more.

She is getting .02 cc of Baytril twice a day, specially mixed for her by my vet (who isn't licensed for rodents but knows some about them and was concerned about Chips). He still believes this is the sore throat/respiratory virus which the cats have been battling, so the antibiotic is only secondary and the virus will (hopefully) run its course. MBD isn't completely ruled out, but her symptoms don't really match.

I have followed everyone's advice and tried Mazuri rodent blocks. Chips has never liked blocks at all, but I am giving these first at feeding time so that she learns to prefer them. Then a course of dark greens, mixed fruit and veggies and nuts as usual. She's still not eating much at a time, but there is visible improvement, as if she is slowly getting her taste buds back.

Chips did snap to life when I gave her a fresh chunk of poplar tree branch to play with. Wow! She got busy stripping that bark and digging into the wormholes like she was on a shopping spree! Eventually I took it back because I didn't want her gorging herself on too much bark. Just a little each day in moderation.

So a big Thank You from Lady Chips and her mom to everyone who has been so kind and helpful. I will keep you all updated and will post some pictures of Chips as soon as I figure out how.

[Nancy in New York]

I am so pleased that Chips seems to be coming out of her slump. Her diet is really key to her health...so very critical for a squirrel in captivity. Also here is a link to trees that are safe for squirrels...and I double checked and poplar is on it...:thumbsup
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21510&highlight=toxic
Not sure if you have Fox Valley or not, but I would gladly send you a little, or I can actually send you some of the boo ball mix. That consists of fox valley dry formula, some pecans, and then rodent block. You add a little baby applesauce or fruit of choice just to hold that dry mixture together. I roll them into chick pea size and put them in the refig. Great way to give them calcium and have them eat their blocks. If you want, just pm me your address and I will get some out in the mail tomorrow....
Also if you want, you have my email, I will post the pictures for you if you can't figure it out...
Hope things continue to improve...for little Chips...:Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

Wonderful news, erniemac!! And hold onto that vet because any that will correctly treat a squirrel is worth their weight in gold. :bowdown
Poplar is a BIG hit around here. They are our most common tree on this island besides mulberry, and the squirrel babies love them. They even have some tasty pale yellow blossoms in the spring. :)

[erniemac]

These cameraphone shots aren't great, but Chips wanted everyone to see what a knockout she is.... taken this morning... hope this works.

[Lulu2010]

She is a beautiful girl. Get well soon Chips!

[Gina]

:Welcome Erniemac & ChipsGlad you found The Squirrel Board. You will find all kinds of valuable information on squirrels and even other animals as so many members people with squirrels seem to collect all kinds.:grouphug

She sure is a beautiful girl!!

[Nancy in New York]

Oh Chips you sure are a beauty....so cute. Great little face. I have that same edible tiki hut, the kids had the roof off it in record time....LOL
Keep getting better Ms. Chips...:Love_Icon