My baby girl is sick!

[OKGIRL1103]

My little one started feeling bad last night. She stopped playing and hid in her blanket. The other three are just fine. She has loose stool, and maybe a little cough. She will eat a bite then throw it away. I don't know what to do or give her. I also don't want the other 3 to get sick. She is just sleeping in her blanket in my lap.

[island rehabber]

First, keep her warm as you're doing already. Then give her as much fluid (water or pedialyte) as you can...diarrhea dehydrates them so quickly and dehydration is bad. It may be just something she ate, but if you hear a cough or wheezing it could also be a respiratory issue. Hold her up to your ear -- do you hear wheezing or clicking?

[island rehabber]

I have to leave for T'giving dinner -- already 1/2 hr late :sanp3 -- will try to check in when I get there ok?

[pappy1264]

How old is she (they)? What has she been eating before she got sick? Are they still on formula (what kind)? Have you been weighing them (do you know their weight)? If on formula, who much/often are they eating? Whta color is her poo and is it stinkier then normal? Heat and fluids, as IR already stated.

[astra]

could you please describe in detail what she ate today,
if there is a possibility of her getting into anything toxic (e.g., toys, house plants etc),
maybe, a photo of her poop could be helpful
does it smell?..

In the meantime, start looking for antibiotics, both human and animal, just in case this is respiratory issue.
If you find any ABs, post its name, strength, form (pill, liquid), and the weight of your squirrel

put a heating pad under half of her cage, heat can be very soothing, heating pad on low

keep her hydrated:grouphug

EDIT: I guess, what everyone said ;-) - do answer all questions the best you can - it will help determine what the problem might be

[OKGIRL1103]

They are about 11 wks. She ate her block and normal veggies... carrot, brussle sprouts, lettuce, beans, etc. She had a few nuts. .. pecans, almonds. No formula. Poop is a light green. Very wet. I cleaned her cage so no poop right now. No toxic material anywhere close. She was eating fine before yesterday evening. Thought she was better this am. She was playing on her limbs. No wheezing or clicking. She was just making whining noises like a puppy. Gave her 6ccs of peialyte.

[Nancy in New York]

What kind of blocks does she eat, when did she wean, and what formula was she on?

[OKGIRL1103]

Its a block that the pet store feeds their rodents. The guy there feeds it to his squirrels.
she hasn't had formula for a week. Was on esbilac and heavy whipping cream.

[Nancy in New York]

What kind of limbs do you have in with her?

[OKGIRL1103]

Maybe an oak but could b a sweet gum.

[Nancy in New York]

Just found this from Shirley Casey...

Squirrels are hosts to many different endoparasites. For example, squirrels commonly have coccidia, an endoparasite, in their GI tract and do not experience problems. However, an overgrowth of coccidia can occur if the squirrel is under stress from capture, injury, or captivity. They may alternate normal stool one day with soft, yellow stool the next. Squirrels with coccidia also may have slower growth rates but stool that appears normal. Coccidia does not always show up on a fecal exam. It is easily treated with AlbonŽ.

Giardia, another endoparasite, may cause squirrels to develop diarrhea that has green tints, mucus, and a strong odor. Squirrels with giardia also tend to have slower growth rates. Giardia has been treated with Metronidazole, Panacur, or other products.

Both coccidia and giardia can be transmitted easily to other squirrels. Following initial quarantine protocols can help prevent other squirrels from getting endoparasites and developing stool problems.

[OKGIRL1103]

Im worried that if I separate her it will stress her out and make her more sick. I think its giardia. I wonder where I can get those things...

[Nancy in New York]

Im worried that if I separate her it will stress her out and make her more sick. I think its giardia. I wonder where I can get those things...

Where abouts in Georgia are you?

[OKGIRL1103]

Just outside athens