Urinary tract infection or behavioral issue?

[Uno's Mom]

Gabe's cage mate Willy, that I got from LegoMom has very stinky pee.
I know some squirrels are very strong, so I didn't think too much about it.
Today when I changed out the fleece cube and bedding that I put in fresh
last night, it smelled really bad. Also he is just peeing where he sits or lays
and not moving.
I just gave him a bath in dawn (much to his displeasure) and sat with heating
pads on him while he dried.
LegoMom did mention that he would sit in his urine, now that I think about it.
I have still been stimulating him when he eats but that is not often enough
at this age.
When I picked up Gabe he has Willy's urine on him too!

Is it possible Willy has a UTI, and if so what Ab do we use to treat? I have
cipro on hand to mix.

I am certainly hoping this is not a behavioral issue. Maybe he is just not
developmentally ready?

:thankyou

[Rhapsody]

How old are these squirrels you are talking about? -this info will help me determine if this is a behavioral issue or a poss medical problem, and are there any scabs over the pee pee area?

[djarenspace9]

Best diagnosis for UTI is your motherly instinct, unless you want to have the vet check the urine's PH.
I usually treat if I see dribbling or strong odor or color.

As far as I'm concerned all squirrels have behavioral issues! :rotfl

You can treat with SMZ.
I suppose you can use Cipro if you don't have the SMZ,
it's a much stronger AB. Remind me when we see each other to give you some SMZ to have on hand if you don't already.

Try to do a potty break in between feedings also (cause we know you have tons of spare time!)
It's best to void the bladder promptly with a UTI so as not to let urine sit.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Best diagnosis for UTI is your motherly instinct, unless you want to have the vet check the urine's PH.
I usually treat if I see dribbling or strong odor or color.

As far as I'm concerned all squirrels have behavioral issues! :rotfl

You can treat with SMZ.
I suppose you can use Cipro if you don't have the SMZ,
it's a much stronger AB. Remind me when we see each other to give you some SMZ to have on hand if you don't already.

Try to do a potty break in between feedings also (cause we know you have tons of spare time!)
It's best to void the bladder promptly with a UTI so as not to let urine sit.yep...what she said...
hi g and k:wave123

[Uno's Mom]

How old are these squirrels you are talking about? -this info will help me determine if this is a behavioral issue or a poss medical problem, and are there any scabs over the pee pee area?

Willy is about 6 weeks old; Gabe 7 or more.
Willy does not have any scabs but he only goes drop by drop.
Never a little gush or spurt and I have to constantly stimulate.



Best diagnosis for UTI is your motherly instinct, unless you want to have the vet check the urine's PH.
I usually treat if I see dribbling or strong odor or color.

As far as I'm concerned all squirrels have behavioral issues! :rotfl

You can treat with SMZ.
I suppose you can use Cipro if you don't have the SMZ,
it's a much stronger AB. Remind me when we see each other to give you some SMZ to have on hand if you don't already.

Try to do a potty break in between feedings also (cause we know you have tons of spare time!)
It's best to void the bladder promptly with a UTI so as not to let urine sit.

My motherly instinct is saying bladder infection with the smell and the drop by drop and small amounts.
I just pottied him again. I got tons of poop but not much pee.
I do not have the SMZ, can I dose with Cipro as I would for Pneumonia?

:wave123 Hi Jackie...Hi Fido, Happy belated birthday.

[pappy1264]

Aside from a UTI, I would be concerned about blockage, with the going drip by drip (and pee that has been 'in there' a long time will def. smell alot stronger.) Do you have a squirrel friendly vet to talk to? Maybe see about getting an ultrasound to make sure it is not that? Maybe I am oversensitive after Furter, but better to be safe. Not saying it is def. that, but good to rule it out, too.

[djarenspace9]

I agree with Pappy because that had been the same concern with one of my NR's who constantly had infections.
My vet always had me do meds first and if it did not show signs of improvement within 3 days (or worsened) then he would need to check for blockage.
We never got to that point because luckily in her case it would clear up with meds.
Hope that is the case for Willy. :)