Wet fur around my squirrels penis.

[allerlei]

Hello everyone,
My squirrel has had the same problems for two days now.
A rather large area around his penis is wet with yellowish urine. As desribed earlier, he is also licking this area frequently. I'm not able to smell if it has a strong odor to it as he doesn't seem quite happy (I'm afraid he will bite). Also, I'm not in a state where it's legal to have a squirrel so I'm not sure if there is a vet around that could help me.
Is this condition life-threatening?
Kind regards,
Allerlei


(I was told to repost this here, so here it is)

[allerlei]

Hmmm... thanks for all your answers ; )

[djarenspace9]

It could be a urinary infection.
Of course it could be something else (I'm not a vet, nor am I there to evaluate him),
Do you have any antibiotics?

[djarenspace9]

Hmmm... thanks for all your answers ; )
Sometimes new threads get buried, so pls bump your thread if you are not getting an answer promptly. :thumbsup

[Rhapsody]

How old is your little guy? --is it possible that he might be self suckling, therefore, he is making him self go potty as a result of this behavior?

[allerlei]

Hey there!
Thanks for your ideas.
He is already about 2 years old, so I think he is past the age where he needs self-suckling. When I checked on him this afternoon, his genital area was dry again. But I'm still worried since it looked like his urin was dripping out.
I guess I have to continue observing him.
Everytime I notice something odd about him, I'm just freaking out as I have read so many horror stories that didn't end well : (

[allerlei]

It could be a urinary infection.
Of course it could be something else (I'm not a vet, nor am I there to evaluate him),
Do you have any antibiotics?

Yes, I'm worried that might be it! Unfortunately, I don't have any antibiotics. Where could I get those over the counter?

[Rhapsody]

Yeah...... seeing that he is 2 yrs old and the urine is dripping out I too would look into it being an UTI or bladder issue. I would suggest that you ask your friends or family members if they have any left over Cipro pills..... these can be used on squirrels and some one on TSB can dose the medicine for you in the morning, all they need is your squirrels weight and mg of pill.

[djarenspace9]

Yes, I'm worried that might be it! Unfortunately, I don't have any antibiotics. Where could I get those over the counter?
Like Rhapsody said, you can use Cipro which is very commonly used for humans.
Also check with other pet owners who may have meds for their dog or cat.
SMZ (also known as Bactrim or Sulfa-Trim) can be used or Baytril.

[allerlei]

Good morning,
So I asked around but noone had antibiotics available!
I took another closer look this morning and now it actually looks like fur is missing just above his penis and this area looks swollen and reddish, and he does lick on it. And the fur is still all wet.
Now I'm out of ideas : (
Does anyone living in the SF Bay Area know a vet who also treats squirrels?
Any other help appreciated too!
Allerlei

[allerlei]

TERRIBLE UPDATE!
I was just cleaning out his nest when I saw that his genitals were all bloody!! It looks like blood from his penis!! HELP!!

[farrelli]

Is he sucking himself? This sometimes results and can have serious consequences. If so, you'll have to make him some undies. I'll try to find the thread.

Where's the blood coming from?

[farrelli]

Here's one. I'll try for another with pics.

[farrelli]

Forgot the link.

You make them out of baby socks:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37031&highlight=underwear

[farrelli]

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39159&highlight=sucking

[SammysMom]

I think it sounds like you probably need an antibiotic. A UTI can definitely cause those symptoms. How is he acting? Does he seem to be urinating as usual? In order to see, you can use paper towel in the cage (as a liner) to see if his urine is dark or bloody.

[farrelli]

Are you sure that you can't get antibiotics? Ask your friends. If not, and if this is a UTI, I'd order online. Baytril can be gotten w/o a script. If you do a search, you can find it. It might take awhile to ship. Here's an example.

http://www.beardeddragon.co/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=baytril&product_id=395

Also, feeding cranberries can help. So is it a UTI? Is he sucking himself? Where's the blood and wetness coming from?

[allerlei]

Okay, what I think happened is that the area was already so irritated that it became bloody when he nibbed on it. So it looked like it came out of his penis, but I actually don't think so! I'm not sure though. My husband is asking some coworkers now, if they dont have antibiotics, I will order them later today!
One question though: How would I feed the antibiotics to him? He is one of these extremely picky eaters and I'm not sure how to do it. I have some fox valley milk left, he might eat it out of the syringe, but that's all I can think of. Do you have any suggestions?

[SammysMom]

You will simply crush it and add it to the required amount of water (we will help with that once we have the pill and we know the dose of it) and squirt it into him mouth with a syringe. You can draw a bit of something sweet in front of the meds so it isn't so awful. Grenadine has been mentioned here with others.

[allerlei]

As for the undies, I think that is a great idea, except that he is very unhappy right now and I dont think he would let me pull the socks over his legs. He is not too comfortable when I hold him around his belly and I actually think he will bite me : (

[farrelli]

You might not have a choice if he keeps irritating it. You don't want him to scar himself and cause problems down the line.

[SammysMom]

I think the underpants are a great idea, but if it is not possible, then you can try the non-adhesive sports wrap around his middle. Seems like I might be able to get that on Sammy but not so sure about underpants. I once tried to put a harness on him and almost got mauled...lol:sanp3

[allerlei]

Hello!
So I think he's peeing blood! Right now he tries to pee but he's unsuccessful. All he's peeing are little drops of blood.
I found a friend who told me she has some strong antibacterial medicine. I'm waiting on her to tell me the brand and strength, but I won't get it before Monday.
Could he die because of it? I'm getting extremely worried...

[farrelli]

Have you tried cranberries yet? If it is a UTI, they can help. Is he peeing at all? If he's not peeing and his bladder is swelling, that can be very dangerous.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hello!
So I think he's peeing blood! Right now he tries to pee but he's unsuccessful. All he's peeing are little drops of blood.
I found a friend who told me she has some strong antibacterial medicine. I'm waiting on her to tell me the brand and strength, but I won't get it before Monday.
Could he die because of it? I'm getting extremely worried...

Not trying to scare you but YES, this is life-threatening!!!! If he can't urinate and you are seeing blood, this is urgent. You must get antibiotics STAT. I would get those antibiotics ASAP. Monday is NOT soon enough.

[SammysMom]

Do you know anyone who is a nurse or knows nurse who might have antibiotic access? He has got to have medication NOW.

[SammysMom]

Does his abdomen (bladder) feel bloated?

[Nancy in New York]

Hello!
So I think he's peeing blood! Right now he tries to pee but he's unsuccessful. All he's peeing are little drops of blood.
I found a friend who told me she has some strong antibacterial medicine. I'm waiting on her to tell me the brand and strength, but I won't get it before Monday.
Could he die because of it? I'm getting extremely worried...

If you can get Cipro, that would be ideal. That is the human form of Baytril, which is an animal antibiotic.
It is commonly used for UTI's in humans.
Can you call around to everyone that you know that may have been sick recently. Can you call a doctor, and have them call in a script for you, tell them that you know you have a UTI.
Think of anyone you can that may have been on antibiotics lately, anyone, even children.
If they have cipro on hand we are golden, if not....see what abs they have and we can help you dose them.

Is there an exotics vet that would see him? Do any of your relatives of friends have exotic birds or reptiles?

[allerlei]

Oh my god, I'm so scared now!! He is sleeping right now so I don't want to check on him right now, but, here's the info with the antibiotics: 500 mg Amoxilicillin pills. I'll try to get them tomorrow!
How would I go about administering them?
How much etc?
Is the bladder just above the penis? If yes, it looks slightly swollen! But that might be due to his missing fur.
Thanks so much for your help guys!

[Nancy in New York]

Oh my god, I'm so scared now!! He is sleeping right now so I don't want to check on him right now, but, here's the info with the antibiotics: 500 mg Amoxilicillin pills. I'll try to get them tomorrow!
How would I go about administering them?
How much etc?
Is the bladder just above the penis? If yes, it looks slightly swollen! But that might be due to his missing fur.
Thanks so much for your help guys!


Do you know roughly how much your squirrel weighs?
We would need that for dosing.
Do you have a picture of him?
Are we talking about a 2 year old grey squirrel?

[HRT4SQRLS]

allerlei,
I would still try to get Cipro, but if Amoxicillin is all that you can get, I would use it. Definitely, get it tomorrow, don't wait until Monday. You will need a weight of your squirrel. The rehabbers will help you dose when you get the antibiotic. Do you have a syringe? You will need it for administering the antibiotic. If you don't have one, a pharmacy will give you one (NO needle) for using with a pet (don't say it's a squirrel).

[allerlei]

I will go on the train and get it tonight. my friend lives 50 miles away so it will take me awhile. When I get back, I will weigh him, take a picture etc.
Yes, I have syringes.
Talk to you later!

[farrelli]

Is anyone going to be up to help her dose when she gets back tonight? It would be sad for her to go to such trouble and not be able to give it. If not, could someone approximate a dose based on an average weight and usual prescription dosages? If not, anyone got a guide that they could post so that we might try to figure it out ourselves?

[Nancy in New York]

Is anyone going to be up to help her dose when she gets back tonight? It would be sad for her to go to such trouble and not be able to give it. If not, could someone approximate a dose based on an average weight and usual prescription dosages? If not, anyone got a guide that they could post so that we might try to figure it out ourselves?

I just sent allerlei and yourself the information.
I will not be on past 12:30 - 1:00. :thumbsup

[SammysMom]

:grouphug :Love_Icon allerlei & little one:Love_Icon :grouphug

[allerlei]

Hey everyone!
I just got back and weighed him: 649 grams
He looks good, no blood and everthing seems dry.
However, he wouldn't let me hold him, his really quick and restless, so it's hard to get a hold on him to administer the antibiotics.
Any suggestions? : )

[farrelli]

So that would be about 0.25 CC's right? That's not too, too much. Can you just get the syringe in his mouth and blast it in? Perhaps divide in two if you think he wouldn't be able to swallow it all. Or perhaps mix it with something sweet?

[allerlei]

He was curious and bit on my syringe so I jused ceased the moment and squirted it in, although I think half got lost in the process. Also, he wouldn't bite on it the second time, so now I have to think of something else!
How often would I administer this dose? Once a day?

[farrelli]

I think it's just once a day but I'm sure Nancy will chime in tomorrow.

So how are you going to get him the other half tonight? Can you mix it with something else he likes?

[allerlei]

He likes to lick my hands, so I just put it on my hand and he 'accidentially' licked it up. I hope he's not going to stop doing that, either, hihi.
He just went back inside his nest, so I'm going to sleep as well.
Thank you all for your help, I deeply appreciate it!
Have a good night!

[farrelli]

Good night. Keep us posted!

[HRT4SQRLS]

allerlei,
Wow, that's fantastic! I can tell how much you love your little friend. I am so impressed that you got on a train and made a 100 mile round trip in the middle of the night to get antibiotics for him. That's awesome.:bowdown :grouphug
Yes, get some rest. You deserve it. :thumbsup :)

When you get a chance, get some yogurt for him. :thumbsup Amoxicillin is tough on their little stomach but it is necessary based on your description of his condition last tonight.

[Nancy in New York]

When dosing a difficult animal, I find that if I take the syringe and draw up some air first, and then the medicine, it is easier to shoot it right into the side of their mouth (cheek/teeth) area. It is so fast and doing it in that area will prevent "chocking".
That amount is to be given 2 times a day, preferably 12 hours apart. Remember to keep it refrigerated, and to shake well before administering.
Also, as HRT4SQRLS said, yogurt is a must to help the tummy. Most squirrels prefer vanilla YoBaby full fat yogurt by Stoneyfield.
You could also get Benebac,which is sold in most pet stores.

I will put a small package in the mail tomorrow for you along with directions.

Keep us posted how he is doing. :grouphug

[allerlei]

I really tried today to get the syringe in his mouth but he will just squeak terribly and curl up like a fetus. So I decided to prepare a few nutballs that he likes and add the required amount of amox. And he eats them, so that's a big relief! I also think its better on his tummy when it's mixed with some food.
He looks good today; I haven't spotted any blood so far.
I will keep you posted!

[SammysMom]

I would suggest putting something white like paper towels in his cage. It is easier to tell if he is urinating at all and if it has any blood in it.
You are doing a great job.:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
It is so hard to do anything to them when they use that pathetic squeak!!!

[allerlei]

Hey guys,
Today I came home and he was totally wet again after a few dry days. It looked like he did much better, as he stopped bleeding and he wasn't peeing in his nest anymore. I'm really worried now.
here are some pictures I took a few minutes ago. He behaves normally, eats and drinks as usual, so I'm not sure... are the antibiotics working?

[farrelli]

Are you using Amoxicillin or did you get some Cipro? Cipro is often best for UTIs, if this is one. Also, have you tried cranberries or cranberry juice? Does he show any tenderness if you pick him up or touch him around his abdomen?

[allerlei]

It's really hard to judge what "tender" should be like. I think he feels normal, I don't know though. He started bleeding again, but just a tiny drop. And he has problems peeing (or pooping) again. Something I have noticed is his poop thats so much larger than it should be (3-4 times larger). It seems like it hurts him to poop out these large pellets. Maybe it's not even a UTI?

[SammysMom]

Maybe constipated? Maybe some pumpkin would help? Canned pumpkin NOT pie filling.

[CritterMom]

About a month ago my boy got constipated and felt very poorly from it. I made him a "gruel" from ground up HHBs, prune baby food and a little almond butter - served it warmed in a spoon and he really liked it - and finally started pooping normally again. I am giving him his concoction now every day or so as a treat.

[Nancy in New York]

It's really hard to judge what "tender" should be like. I think he feels normal, I don't know though. He started bleeding again, but just a tiny drop. And he has problems peeing (or pooping) again. Something I have noticed is his poop thats so much larger than it should be (3-4 times larger). It seems like it hurts him to poop out these large pellets. Maybe it's not even a UTI?


Just watch that he doesn't get impacted.........that can be very dangerous and we have had squirrels on the board that needed to be operated on because of it.:shakehead

[allerlei]

Good evening everyone!
I just wanted to let you know that I have very good news: My squirrel has been healthy for the last two weeks.
Soon after I started giving him Cipro, he never bleeded again and he was wet only once after that. The day after I decided to put some soothing lotion on his irritated genital area, his fur even started to grow back !! After that, he never had a problem again.
This is what I did in case someone might need advice in the future for a UTI (my squirrel wouldn't let me syringe-feed him at all!):

- I prepared the antibiotic solution as required.
- I drew up the daily dose in a 1 mL syringe.
- I put this amount of liquid in a small container and added his favorite nuts (pulverized pistachios) until I could easily form a nut ball that wasn't too wet.
- I fed him half a nutball (1/2 the daily dose) in the morning and evening each.
- His symptoms ceased:-)

I wanted to thank everyone again for their contribution and willingness to help! You guys saved my little one's life!!
Warmest regards,
Allerlei

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wott :wott
Good evening everyone!
I just wanted to let you know that I have very good news: My squirrel has been healthy for the last two weeks.
Soon after I started giving him Cipro, he never bleeded again and he was wet only once after that. The day after I decided to put some soothing lotion on his irritated genital area, his fur even started to grow back !! After that, he never had a problem again.
This is what I did in case someone might need advice in the future for a UTI (my squirrel wouldn't let me syringe-feed him at all!):

- I prepared the antibiotic solution as required.
- I drew up the daily dose in a 1 mL syringe.
- I put this amount of liquid in a small container and added his favorite nuts (pulverized pistachios) until I could easily form a nut ball that wasn't too wet.
- I fed him half a nutball (1/2 the daily dose) in the morning and evening each.
- His symptoms ceased:-)

I wanted to thank everyone again for their contribution and willingness to help! You guys saved my little one's life!!
Warmest regards,
Allerlei

[Nancy in New York]

Fantastic news. Thank you so much for coming back to let us know. Sometimes we wonder what has happened to the little squirrels we care about. So you taking the time to come back and fill us in is much appreciated!
Thank you! :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon