Breathing problems

[babysquirrel]

Our squirrel is about 5 yrs old, for over a month he has had labored breathing, seems to have a stuffy nose. We took him to vet and he gave him a shot, took him back a week later and he gave him another shot, it also seems he "rattles" when he breathes, would love some ideas on what to do, thank you!

[rocky63]

Our squirrel is about 5 yrs old, for over a month he has had labored breathing, seems to have a stuffy nose. We took him to vet and he gave him a shot, took him back a week later and he gave him another shot, it also seems he "rattles" when he breathes, would love some ideas on what to do, thank you!
I'm not sure but someone will be along soon with some suggestions tinfoil

[astra]

I am not an expert, can't think of what specific respiratory problem this could be, but a few questions come up:

1. Is there any discharge from his nose?... what color is it? Is it clear? Thick? thin? runny? viscous?

2. could describe his natural regular environment? - what do you use for his bedding?... what do you use to line the bottom of his cage?... do you use any shavings and stuff like that?
What branches does he have in his cage?

3. What does he eat daily?...and in what amounts?

4. do you have other pets?... does he get access to their stuff (bedding, toys etc)?

5. ARe there any house plants that he can get into when he is outside the cage?

6. Where does he spend his outside of the cage time? How?

7. What did the vet say?... what's the diagnosis?...
What kind of shot did the vet give him?...
Any meds that he is on?

8. Was this a sudden onset of symptoms, or gradual?...
When and how did it start?
What was he doing (his activities, food, something new, like toy, new food etc) before it started?

9. Aside from his symtopms, how does he act?... is he his normal self?... less active? lethargic?...more aggressive?... uneasy?...
are his eyes clear or dull?


Please try to answer these questions as it might help TSB experts think of possible problem(s)
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[astra]

can you make a video of his breathing and post it? you can use photobucket to post videos here

another question: what do you use as detergent to wash his stuff?... have you changed that?...any new scents, perfumes, shampoos, lotions etc etc etc?

[Jackie in Tampa]

astra has asked all good questions...
without a better history, there is no way to advise.

Many issues are associated with labored breathing..
TSB has many members in Texas...what county are you in?

[gs1]

astra has asked all good questions...
without a better history, there is no way to advise.

:thumbsup astra....

Many issues are associated with labored breathing..
TSB has many members in Texas...what county are you in?

video or a sound recording would be very, very useful....

ps:stupid question since he's seen a vet ...but teeth/teeth roots are good?

[astra]

video or a sound recording would be very, very useful....

ps:stupid question since he's seen a vet ...but teeth/teeth roots are good?
not a stupid question, but an excellent question!:thumbsup
Even the best-meaning vets who are inexperienced with squirrels can miss such things.
So, yes, what are his teeth like?...does he grind them down naturally?... does he chew branches and crack hard nuts fine?