Need Help

[Nana3]

Got a call from vet at 5:50 pm about a baby squirrel brought in. They said she was 4 to 5 weeks old. She is very dehydrated, skin and bones and has white flakes on her skin, like dandruff. They did not feed her and I have no information as to where she came from. A friend of mine picked her up and brought her to me. She is very angry and will bite. Cries when you move her around to check her out. I see no broken bones and no cuts or any wounds at all. Tried giving her pedialyte and she just got angrier. Tried FV just to see if she would take it but would not. Her weight is 65 grams. I tried to force fluids down her but no go. She just wants to sleep. Some crusting on the ears.
Here are some pictures of her. Eyes are not very clear, half shut.
Any suggestions?

[CritterMom]

Make sure she is nice and warm first. Once warm, make sure the pedialyte is warm, too, and try again. If she doesn't like it, make a home made solution of:

1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 quart water

She needs to be warm and hydrated first.

[Nana3]

Okay CritterMom, I did put her on heating pad for about 30 min. and did heat the pedialyte. I will make up the mixture. We find that she is settled if we hold her in fleece close to us. Will that keep her warm enough?

[CritterMom]

Rather see her in a little container with some fleece and stuff half on a heating pad set on low. Alternative is a rice buddy - pour dry rice or beans in sock and tie off - microwave until warm (squish it around for a bit and make sure no hot spots). When you go to feed her, flip the fleece down so it is over her eyes so she cannot see you at first - you are pretty scary now.

[Jackie in Tampa]

sounds like lice... do you have a flea comb?
others will advise dawn dish liquid bath, I would not if she is in weak condition.. keep her in a room away from others...
change your clothes after handling her..
agree with Crittermom protocol...
warm and hydrate...
I would hold her if she is comfy, heartbeat is a healer.
keep her warm...
We need a few drops of Revolution and again in two weeks...
hoping she is not too anemic
keep her warm and hydrated... start with dilute FV as soon as you feel she is getting hydrated.

[Nana3]

Sorry had to feed everybody else also.

Okay, I was able to get 3 cc's of pedialyte in her. She is awful week looking until you start moving her, then she fights. I will keep giving her the ped. for a few hours and then try FV.

Jackie, I do not have a flea comb, but do have Revolution. When you say drops, how many? It is pre drawn at 0.04 cc's.
She is not near the others but I will move her to the bedroom anyway.

[Jackie in Tampa]

any changes? how is she?
judy, i can get rev in the morning if you need me to.


edit, typing same time..
will have to look at my books to see dosage..
do you know what she weighs? in grams?

[Nana3]

65 grams when she came in here.

[Jackie in Tampa]

gosh you type fast. I am slow slow:)
let me look... :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

this is from the rat forum I TRUST, The literature there is authored by many good vets, even DrPilney :)

-----------------------------------------------


Selamectin / Revolution
Brand Revolution
Availability

Topical liquid in 15 mg tubes of 0.25mL volume with a 60 mg/mL strength: mauve packaging labeled for use in kittens
Topical liquid in 45 mg tubes of 0.75mL volume with a 60 mg/mL strength: blue packaging labeled for use in cats.
*Note: kitten and cat doses contain the same concentration just different amounts per tube. Either can be used. 21 (http://ratguide.com/meds/reference/references_and_resources.php)
Caution: packaging for Dogs is not the same as cats and kittens. Dog dosages contain a higher potency of 120 mg/mL.

Pharmacology
A macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic, this topical drug is a member of the avermectin class of insecticides, and is closely related to ivermectin.
Selamectin facilitates the release of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Because its specificity of action (like that of ivermectin) targets nematodes and arthropods to a much greater degree than the mammals it is being applied to, it permits for a wide margin of safety in its use.
It is readily absorbed through the skin and distributed via blood. Metabolized in the liver, it is mostly excreted in feces with a lesser amount excreted in urine.

Indications
Used to rid mites (thought to be effective against demodectic mange mites), fleas, and lice.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Avoid concomitant use with barbiturates, benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium), and valproic acid in order to avoid increased sedation.
*Note: supported recommendation of Vanessa Pisano DVM 21 (http://ratguide.com/meds/reference/references_and_resources.php)
“Do not use Selamectin / Revolution on sick or malnutritioned rats, or on rats that are under 5 weeks old. For smaller sized rats greater than 5 weeks and under 4 months reduce dosage by half.”*
Adverse Reactions

Side effects or reactions are listed below, though noted to be uncommon.
CNS: tremors
Skin: irritation at site of application.

Dosage Recommendations
In general, a single topical application of selamectin (Revolution) provides a safe and effective treatment for ectoparasites.
*Note: The rat should be checked after two weeks for any evidence of continued infestation. In some instances a second treatment (following a 30 day interval) may be needed. Rarely, and only by veterinary assessment, may it become necessary to dose at a two week interval.
Selamectin Topical Application: (mauve packet labeled for kittens, concentration listed above under Availability)
6 mg/kg once per month 4 (http://ratguide.com/meds/reference/references_and_resources.php)
or
Selamectin Topical Application: (mauve packet labeled for kittens, concentration listed above under Availability)
4 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg once per month or up to once every two weeks based on veterinary assessment. 12 (http://ratguide.com/meds/reference/references_and_resources.php)
or
The following dosage recommendation and application information is contributed by Vanessa Pisano, DVM; VC North Springs, FL. 21 (http://ratguide.com/meds/reference/references_and_resources.php)
Selamectin Topical Application: (blue packet labeled for cats, concentration listed above under Availability)
0.02 mL for rat weighing less than 1 pound. For a larger rat greater than 1 pound, 0.05 mL.
Apply once per month or up to once every two weeks based on veterinary assessment.
or

To Administer:
Push cap down on tube to puncture the seal and squeeze tube till a tiny bead is on the tip of tube, or draw up the amount needed for application in a needleless tuberculin syringe.
Part the rats fur at the base of the neck behind the head ( an area difficult for the rat to clean off ) and either touch the tube with the tiny bead of liquid to the skin, or apply with a needleless syringe.
Do not massage liquid into skin. Allow the area to dry before returning the rat to his cage.
If too much liquid is accidentally applied, wash the rat immediately and wait 2 weeks before reapplying. 21 (http://ratguide.com/meds/reference/references_and_resources.php)
*Note: product contains alcohol. Do not apply to broken areas of skin.

Considerations
No reports on use in pregnant or lactating rats, wise to consider the following as seen in the monograph for ivermectin.
Always consult a veterinarian if choosing to use in pregnant and lactating rats. Dose mother rat at recommended adult rat dose. Baby rats should not be given separate treatment since dosing would be achieved through nursing from mother rat.

Topical application of Selamectin recommended less stressful to rats than the use of injectable medications.
Store at semi-cool room temperature and protect from light.
*Note for humans: rare instances of reactions such as eye irritation, hives, itching, and skin redness have been reported in humans having frequent contact with, and hypersensitivity to Revolution. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after skin contact with product. If eye contact flush eyes copiously with water.

[Nana3]

Okay, I see where it says rat weight less than 1 lb. use 0.02. Would you give her that much at this time or should I try 0.01. You know me, I am a not sure of these things yet.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Okay, I see where it says rat weight less than 1 lb. use 0.02. Would you give her that much at this time or should I try 0.01. You know me, I am a not sure of these things yet.well and it says to use half dose too...
and me too, I am NEVER an over do'er...bok bok, too chicken:shakehead
I say put two drops on a qtip and wipe it between her ears.. this is how I have used revolution many times in the past, with good results..:thumbsup
she isn't head trauma right?

sorry so dern slow.when I rush, I stumble and have to backspace:shakehead and correct:shakehead
I was off campus smoking when I should have been in class learning to type...hindsight...yada yada... :shakehead

[Nana3]

I agree with you, I am a chicken with these little ones.
I will do as you say and see how that works. I don't want to try to bath her right now, she is too weak for that.

I'll keep you posted on how she is. I plan on keeping a very close eye on her all night.

Thanks Jackie for your help..:thankyou :thankyou

edit...no she is not head trauma..she is just scared. I don't know how she got lost yet. Will call the vet Mon. and ask. They are closed tomorrow for the pet walk here.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Do you have SMZ-TMP?
it's the sweet sticky antibiotic suspension..
as a precautionary...I would give her this for five days...
stress like this on a weak immune system is perfect for disaster,
she is too small to fight bad bugs/bacteria ...on top of external parasites too. It's super gentle and sq friendly...
is she still vocal?
hang on and I willl get a dose for the 200/40/5mg/ml.

0.04ml twice a day

[Nana3]

All I have is Trimeth and Cipro.

Only when mess with her is she vocal. I thought at first she was hurt. Bit the crap out of me right off the bat. After she settled down she stopped biting.

[Nana3]

okay, use the trimeth 2x a day..got it.

[Jackie in Tampa]

girls usually are more 'grouchy'..
I swear, true story...
Little Girl, Baby Girl came in on an october day with mange:peace I swear..
she came from Hyde Park, we named her originally autumn, but Fred never called her that, not once..he called her LGBG from day one..
I called her alot of names, she bite me everychnace she could..
after she was over the buggies, she joined three other sqs and they hated her...so she bite me...
she was released
she lived alone and liked it, she was very anti social, she would walk up to you and demand you drop the nut, she was not , no way, going to take it from you, No. Drop it s she stood 4 inches away from your hand...oye!
she lived here for 8.5 years... we just lost her last year..
RIP LGBG...
point being...:rotfl on an october day about 9 and half years ago, came a mangy little biter:Love_Icon .........

gotta feed 4 more..then a nap:wave123

[Nana3]

We had a pretty good night. I gave her pedialyte thru the night and she felt better. Chewed the tips off of 3 nipples..:shakehead

I treated her with the rev. and trimeth. Weighed her this morning before feeding and she had put on 2 grams. :wott Little more active also and got 3 1/2 cc's of FV w/yobaby in her. Little monkey hates it when I stimulate her :osnap.

All in all, she looks better. If I could just pull those four little teeth she attacks me with life would be good :rotfl /JK

Will try to get picture of her later today.

:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou for all the help again...

Oh, one question, I have never had one that didn't have the eyes open all the way. Could her eyes being half closed be because she is just getting them open? I ordered the "Bible" the other day..can't wait for it to get here.

[Jackie in Tampa]

yay!!!
love a good morning update...:banana :banana :banana
Did she tell you her name yet?

[Nana3]

I let my friend that went and got her name her. You have met Sue Jackie, she is the lady that came with me to your house with George.

Anyway, her name is Kaysu (Kay-sue).

[Jackie in Tampa]

good morning judi...

[Nana3]

Good morning Jackie,

My report this morning is not so good. Little girl has fought me all night long eating. She was taking 4-4 1/2 cc's at every feeding until last night around 12.
I have worked with her every 2 hours just trying to get something/anything down her.
She has lost 3 grams in the last 24 hours and her eyes are closing more and more. They two have those white crusty stuff on them. I tried wiping them with a warn cloth but don't think that helped much.
Something is going on with this little one that I can't see or don't know what to look for.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:grouphug refresh me judi. is she on ABs?

[Nana3]

She is on Trimeth - 0.04 2x a day

[Jackie in Tampa]

is she hydrated?

[Nana3]

she is hydrated but with not eating that won't last.

[Jackie in Tampa]

how active is she?

[Nana3]

I was able to get 1/2 to 1 cc in her drop by drop every 2 hours. I don't understand the drop in weight.

edit: not very, she just really wish I would leave her alone. I know she is peeing and pooping...we are getting momma's poops at the moment...no fv yet.

[Jackie in Tampa]

pm me your number...i have to step away for 5 minutes

[Nana3]

Little Kaysu passed away in Jackie's loving hands this afternoon. I took her over there to see what Jackie thought and she was just too weak :shakehead
:Love_Icon Rest In Peace sweet baby girl..:Love_Icon :Cry :Cry

[pappy1264]

Awww, I am so sorry, was praying she would turn around. RIP little angel.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Sweet baby Squirrel...:Love_Icon

I am sorry Judi, she sure was pretty.

[Nancy in New York]

Rest in Peace
Precious Baby
Kaysu187327