Sylika in Montreal -- Please re-post here!!

[island rehabber]

Sylika, for some reason your threads went into the abyss when we tried to merge them -- our apologies!! Please post here with a continuation of what you need us to do to help your little head trauma baby.......

[Nancy in New York]

Sylika, for some reason your threads went into the abyss when we tried to merge them -- our apologies!! Please post here with a continuation of what you need us to do to help your little head trauma baby.......
Thank you Maura, I sent a pm explaining it was an act of God.....:tilt

[island rehabber]

Thank you Maura, I sent a pm explaining it was an act of God.....:tilt
Nah, don't blame Him. It was two over-eager Admins who botched up this one :poke :Pals:highfive

[Nancy in New York]

Nah, don't blame Him. It was two over-eager Admins who botched up this one :poke :Pals:highfive



Sorry, you're right I got your pm after I posted.....:poke

[astra]

here baby's pics

[Unikorngrrl]

Sorry, you're right I got your pm after I posted.....:poke
Sylika, take the towels out. They can catch nails on it and they can shred the towel and get choked on the strings. Use sheets, t-shirts, sweat shirts (fleece), etc... Heating pad with no auto shut off UNDER HALF of whatever you're keeping him in. ON LOW...

[Unikorngrrl]

What do you guys think about baby Ibuprofen for possible inflammation from a fall?!?

[Unikorngrrl]

One part of the re-hydration info:
"This is from Chickenlegs: OK so here it is. The babies do have diarrhea so might need some electrolytes but here's the info that was a TSB original from years back sent to me by Sissy a couple of years ago

"Ive been doing this a long time and have found out some things by necropsy, and some by a brilliant DVM with a double masters in nutrition. She has always picked my methods apart, and then told me "why". Today recovering dehydrated and emaciated animals is one of my specialties along with wounds and bone breaks. Ive got this down and I hope my experiences will help you to master these methods.
In small mammals as small as squirrels, you are always better off to re hydrate with glucose or sugar water than pedialyte when the animal is dehydrated from lack of fluids or milk. Theres a few reasons, but mainly the preservatives that are used in the commercial electrolytes for human consumption. In a human sized kidney, or even a large breed puppy, not a big deal, but in the kidneys of a tiny squirrel, you have these little filters the size of half to a whole pea, and they are battling to keep the impurities out of the blood which is now thickened and concentrated, in a body that cannot afford to flush them out because it cant afford the fluid loss to make urine. The kidneys are already in trouble. Those chemicals are immediately caught in the kidneys because the body cannot use them for anything. Pedialyte often contains dye and flavoring which should never be used, but the preservatives alone can cause problems you wont even see. In cross section
necropsies of kidneys for other rehabbers, I have found crystals, inflammation and blockage from Pedialyte and Gatorade. The Gatorade is just insane. I wont even drink it after seeing how the kidneys are affected. I have necropsied HUGE BLUE Gatorade kidneys! When the body is dehydrated and the kidneys are that small, we must only give the system things it can break down and use. There is no room for added chemicals. We have to stay as pure as possible.

I think most folks make their own rehydration fluid so skip that part unless pedialyte is part of the arsenal


In dehydration from starvation, just go with 1 tsp per cup warm water, infant glucose water or dextrose and water. The body can use that sugar. It makes a world of difference in stabilizing your baby and getting them back up. You can feed only the sugar water or glucose for a day, day and a half, and start adding your protein (formula) to the glucose or sugar water in reduced amounts, keeping them on the sugar until they rehydrate and their weight is back up. The BONUS to this is that they burn the sugar as energy which causes the body to store the protein, which brings weight up more effectively. The ADDED BONUS is that you can mix your protein and your rehydration fluid. You CANNOT MIX ELECTROLYTES AND PROTEIN. You cancel them both out by doing this. You will starve your baby of all help by doing this. Never never mix.
In an animal dehydrated from starvation or lack of fluids, they havent lost electrolytes as they would have from a case of diarrhea, to which an electrolyte can be used. Since sugar can actually cause diarrhea (which it will NOT do in a dehydrated animal), in an animal dehydrated from diarrhea, I recommend unflavored Pedialyte given BETWEEN protein feedings, or alternate with a starch like rice cereal water. I still use the infant glucose for this, and if I have to give an electrolyte, I use reconstituted mammal electrolyte powder.
Often protein can cause diarrhea if its an alien source, so pulling the protein and adding a starch will often do the trick. Remember, starch converts to sugar. Starch actually IS a long chain sugar, so no need to ad sugar when using a starch. Its amazing how the two are so similarly used by the body, but produce the opposite result in therapy!
Anyway, I hope something here helps!
Annette
Wild Heart Ranch

This may not help at all but those babies really are skinny--starving. Get better babies "

[Unikorngrrl]

Island Rehabber's temp formula info:
"***While waiting for the Fox Valley to arrive...

Temporary Formula for Infant Squirrels – The Goat’s Milk Formula

Because of recent manufacturing issues, Esbilac and other puppy formulas are no longer being recommended for squirrels or other wildlife. The formula that TSB recommends, Fox Valley Day One, is currently available online at www.foxvalleynutrition.com and www.henryspets.com. But those require shipping and this baby squirrel needs food NOW.

One of our senior members who posts as Jackie in Tampa uses an excellent temporary substitute, and it can be assembled from locally purchased ingredients:

3 parts goat’s milk
1 part heavy whipping cream*
1 part vanilla yogurt

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Goat’s Milk
This can be purchased at natural food stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, and at most health food stores that sell groceries. It is a product for humans. Do not substitute commercial formula made for baby goats or other livestock sold at feed stores.

Goat’s milk is available fresh in a carton; evaporated in a can; and as a powdered milk. If you purchase either the evaporated or powdered versions, please blend them with water according to the package directions before using to make the formula.

Heavy Whipping Cream
This is found in small cartons in the grocery store near the coffee creamers and half and half. Regular heavy cream may be substituted if it is unavailable, but the heavy whipping cream has the highest fat content, and is preferred.

Yogurt
Yogurt has beneficial bacteria in it that soothes and settles digestion. Full fat yogurt is best, and a good choice that is very widely available is Stoneyfield Yobaby yogurt. However if it is unavailable, a low fat vanilla yogurt may be substituted. Avoid those that have artificial sweeteners in them. Vanilla and banana are both popular flavors, and the sweet taste of the yogurt helps to convince the baby to accept it.

It has been recently discovered that very small pinky squirrels may do better digestively if, instead of being given Fox Valley formula straight, mix the Fox Valley 50/50 with the Goat’s Milk Formula assembled WITHOUT the heavy whipping cream.

*It is recommended that when just starting to feed a new baby that the first feedings be made without the heavy whipping cream. This will give their digestive systems a chance to acclimate from mama’s milk to our substitute without the harder-to-digest whipping cream. Once they accept the formula and are eliminating properly, the whipping cream can be gradually added in.

When your Fox Valley formula arrives, please transition your babies to the new formula slowly, by blending the Goat’s Milk Formula with the blended and liquefied Fox Valley formula, increasing the ratio of Fox Valley with each feeding until you are no longer using the goat’s milk."

[Unikorngrrl]

MORE of IR's info:
"Emergency Care for Baby Squirrels

Don’ts
Don’t try to feed the squirrel.
Don’t handle him more than you have to.
No loud voices, TV, music, or bright lights.
No children or pets in the same room!

1. Warm the Baby (never feed a cold squirrel!)
Quick Methods:
-Cup the baby in your hands or under your shirt next to your skin.
-Fill a plastic bottle with very warm water. Wrap in a cloth, place next to baby, and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.
-“Rice Buddy”: Fill a sock with 1 cup of rice or dried beans and microwave for 30 seconds. Place next to baby and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.

2. [b] Find a Box or Container[b]
A shoebox will do for small babies. A baby that can walk will need a larger box with a lid (with holes). Put a clean baby blanket, flannel shirt, or piece of fleece in the bottom of the box. No towels or terrycloth. Squirrels can get tangled in the loops. Place baby on the material and cover him with one flap. If you have a heating pad, turn it on low and place it under half of the box (not IN the box!) so baby can move away if he gets too warm. You can use the plastic bottle or rice buddy described above, but these are only temporary methods until you get a heating pad, since they must be reheated every 2 hours and won't keep baby warm all night.
NOTE: Monitor his temperature so he doesn’t chill or overheat. His feet should feel warm to the touch.

Note: If the baby is injured, is having trouble breathing, has fly eggs on his fur, or is very skinny or dehydrated, he needs emergency care by an experienced rehabber or vet.

3. Rehydrate the Baby

Most babies are dehydrated when you find them and must be rehydrated before you can feed them. Never feed formula or food of any kind to a dehydrated baby!

How to Check for Dehydration
Pinch the skin on the back of his neck. If it doesn’t spring back immediately, the baby is dehydrated. If the pinched skin stays up like a tent for more than a second, the baby is badly dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration: pale grayish gums, dry mouth, sunken eyes, whites around eyes showing, rough spiky fur, dry scaly skin.
NOTE: If baby is badly dehydrated, he will need subcutaneous fluids, which can only be given by a rehabber or vet.

[b] Supplies You Will Need: [b]
--Pedialyte (any flavor)*
--Plastic syringes (1 cc size; no needles. Ask the pharmacist to get these for you) An eyedropper can also work.
These are available at most drugstores.

*If you can’t find Pedialyte at the store, here is a recipe for homemade Pedialyte:

1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water
Mix all ingredients in warm water. Store in refrigerator.

How to Prepare the Pedialyte
Use a plastic syringe (with or without a nipple). Never use pet nursers or doll bottles. They will choke the baby. Fill a coffee mug with hot water. Fill the syringe with Pedialyte and place it in the mug for a couple of minutes. Squirt a drop on the inside of your wrist to make sure the liquid isn’t too hot. It should feel barely warm on your skin.

Proper Position
A tiny baby should be held upright in your hand. A baby with fur can lie on a flat surface on his stomach. A baby that can walk can be held upright or he can drink sitting up. Hold the syringe so the tip points UP to the baby’s mouth and the handle is down. Don’t let the baby get cold. Keep him wrapped up while he eats.

How to Feed Fluids
Place the syringe tip on the baby’s lips (from the side) and squeeze out one drop for him to taste. Don’t squirt a steady stream. Let him swallow one drop before squeezing more. GO SLOW! It sometimes takes a feeding or two for them to catch on. Hairless babies are fed drop by drop. With older babies (once they catch on) you can squeeze slowly for one second, wait for him to swallow, then squeeze more.

If fluids dribble out his mouth or come out his nose, you are going too fast. Stop and tilt the baby’s head down so the fluid drains out (support his head and neck like you would a human baby). Then wipe his nose and mouth with a tissue. Start over, slower. NOTE: There is now a chance your baby will develop aspiration pneumonia from inhaling fluid in his lungs. This is fatal. Please contact a rehabber or vet, or the people at The Squirrel Board, for assistance."

[Unikorngrrl]

Do you guys ever wonder...if when you guys find the ones in this condition...if someone tried to raise and release and just didn't do things properly?!?

[Sylika]

Hey, thanks for re-starting the thread. :)

I did remove the towels after someone pointed it out; he's nested in a comfy shirt at the moment. Unfortunately, I don't have a heating pad. :/ I'll pick up the ingredients for the formula tomorrow. From the pictures, would he be unable to eat solid food (e.g., nuts)?

So I got about 8 cc of water mixed with Pedialyte in him. He's been licking it right off the syringe so there's no risk of aspiration. Should I get up at night to give him some?

There are little red bugs on him... any idea what they are? Maybe I just picked them up with the leaves.

Astra suggested giving him some Prednisone. I have some on hand (it's for one of my ferrets). Any ideas as to the dosage? He weighs about 125 g.

[astra]

What is the strength of your prednizone?

[Sylika]

What is the strength of your prednizone?

10 mg/ml

[Nancy in New York]

10 mg/ml


OK this is going to take me a few minutes.....come back in about 15-20.

[Sylika]

I think the little red bugs are fleas... and now my husband is freaking out. Ha.

How do I get rid of them? Don't want to infect my ferrets.

[Nancy in New York]

OK this is going to take me a few minutes.....come back in about 15-20.

Is this the injectable pred?

[Sylika]

Is this the injectable pred?

No, it's liquid... And knowing it tastes awful, I'm unsure he'll want to swallow it.

[astra]

I think the little red bugs are fleas... and now my husband is freaking out. Ha.
these fleas are species specific and he won't get them.:)

What you could do is get unscented regular DAWN dishwashing liquid.
Mix it with some water, and using wash cloth wash him (don't have to dunk him in the "bath). Just thoroughly rub him and that should take care of the fleas. (Do wash the detergent off, of course, so that he doesn't lick it off :)).

[Sylika]

these fleas are species specific and he won't get them.:)

What you could do is get unscented regular DAWN dishwashing liquid.
Mix it with some water, and using wash cloth wash him (don't have to dunk him in the "bath). Just thoroughly rub him and that should take care of the fleas. (Do wash the detergent off, of course, so that he doesn't lick it off :)).

That's what I told him, but since I was holding the squirrely wrapped in a blanket to feed him, I got some on me, and he was freaking out. Hehe.

Thanks for the tip! I'm glad to know I don't have to wait for him to get better before treating his fleas.

[Sylika]

Island Rehabber's temp formula info:
"***While waiting for the Fox Valley to arrive...

Temporary Formula for Infant Squirrels – The Goat’s Milk Formula

Because of recent manufacturing issues, Esbilac and other puppy formulas are no longer being recommended for squirrels or other wildlife. The formula that TSB recommends, Fox Valley Day One, is currently available online at www.foxvalleynutrition.com and www.henryspets.com. But those require shipping and this baby squirrel needs food NOW.

One of our senior members who posts as Jackie in Tampa uses an excellent temporary substitute, and it can be assembled from locally purchased ingredients:

3 parts goat’s milk
1 part heavy whipping cream*
1 part vanilla yogurt

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Goat’s Milk
This can be purchased at natural food stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, and at most health food stores that sell groceries. It is a product for humans. Do not substitute commercial formula made for baby goats or other livestock sold at feed stores.

Goat’s milk is available fresh in a carton; evaporated in a can; and as a powdered milk. If you purchase either the evaporated or powdered versions, please blend them with water according to the package directions before using to make the formula.

Heavy Whipping Cream
This is found in small cartons in the grocery store near the coffee creamers and half and half. Regular heavy cream may be substituted if it is unavailable, but the heavy whipping cream has the highest fat content, and is preferred.

Yogurt
Yogurt has beneficial bacteria in it that soothes and settles digestion. Full fat yogurt is best, and a good choice that is very widely available is Stoneyfield Yobaby yogurt. However if it is unavailable, a low fat vanilla yogurt may be substituted. Avoid those that have artificial sweeteners in them. Vanilla and banana are both popular flavors, and the sweet taste of the yogurt helps to convince the baby to accept it.

It has been recently discovered that very small pinky squirrels may do better digestively if, instead of being given Fox Valley formula straight, mix the Fox Valley 50/50 with the Goat’s Milk Formula assembled WITHOUT the heavy whipping cream.

*It is recommended that when just starting to feed a new baby that the first feedings be made without the heavy whipping cream. This will give their digestive systems a chance to acclimate from mama’s milk to our substitute without the harder-to-digest whipping cream. Once they accept the formula and are eliminating properly, the whipping cream can be gradually added in.

When your Fox Valley formula arrives, please transition your babies to the new formula slowly, by blending the Goat’s Milk Formula with the blended and liquefied Fox Valley formula, increasing the ratio of Fox Valley with each feeding until you are no longer using the goat’s milk."

Looking into ordering the Fox Valley One formula; I assume 1 pound of formula for squirrels over 4 weeks old will suffice? Also, when will I know that the little squirrel is ready to eat solid food?

[iwonka]

Hi Sylika.. :wave123
I'm in Montreal too.
Have you got your answer for tramadol?... I calculated 10mg/ml for 125g baby will be 0.13cc two to three times daily.

I don't have time to read everything.. I understand your baby have a head trauma.

Small container / box - Dark, warm, quiet!
Maintain body temperature at normal or slightly less -> Not too much heat!

I have a metacam at home - work well with Tramadol... Where do you live?


Edit: I just realized you wrote prednizone!!! ... sorry!... no metacam or tramadol with prednizone !!

[Nancy in New York]

Yes I gave her the dosing for the prednisone. :thumbsup

[TubeDriver]

Sending positive vibes to the little fellow. :wave123

[Sylika]

Thanks for the welcome, iwonka and TubeDriver!

An update on the little guy: he's doing much better today. We've been giving him water/pedialyte every 4 hours. He's not as unbalanced, visibly more alert, no longer dehydrated.

We had quite a hard time using a washcloth to wash his fleas off with Dawn; we might have to do it again soon. He fell asleep in my hands while I was towel-drying him. So cute! I should post some of the pictures I took.

I met with Astra today, who was wonderful. She gave me leftover squirrel formula, rodent cubes, and 1 cc syringes. We spoke a while and she gave me advice. I'm so thankful! :)

I gave him his first dose of Prednisone yesterday night. Nancy, thank you again for the dosage information! Today, my husband got a heating pad which we half-placed underneath his cardboard box. We're going to switch him to an actual cage as soon as his balance gets better.

Tonight I'll try to feed him formula; should it be diluted 3:1 or 2:1? Also, is feeding him every 5 hours OK considering he's no longer dehydrated?

[island rehabber]

Tonight I'll try to feed him formula; should it be diluted 3:1 or 2:1? Also, is feeding him every 5 hours OK considering he's no longer dehydrated?

I can answer this one:) : Give him 3:1 diluted for the first two feedings, then you can switch to full strength (2:1). Every 5 hrs is fine, just make sure he's holding his hydration well (check by tenting the skin on his shoulder blades).

Astra, bless you. You are truly a star. :bowdown :D

[Sylika]

I can answer this one:) : Give him 3:1 diluted for the first two feedings, then you can switch to full strength (2:1). Every 5 hrs is fine, just make sure he's holding his hydration well (check by tenting the skin on his shoulder blades).

Astra, bless you. You are truly a star. :bowdown :D

Thank you! If he's not hydrated enough, what amount of water (sugar water?) should I give him between feedings?

[Sylika]

Here's a link to photos of the most adorable baby squirrel, falling asleep as I'm towel-drying him (I didn't even remember I had that Photobucket account! I created it 10 years ago, ha):

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Vampiress_Sita/story/14483

Just to confirm... his anatomy indicates maleness, yes?

[astra]

Here's a link to photos of the most adorable baby squirrel, falling asleep as I'm towel-drying him (I didn't even remember I had that Photobucket account! I created it 10 years ago, ha):

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Vampiress_Sita/story/14483

Just to confirm... his anatomy indicates maleness, yes?
he is sooooo cute! And very beautiful coloring!!!
And this baby looks like HE ;)

[Unikorngrrl]

Awww, photos are so sweet and he is so very cute!!! :thumbsup

[iwonka]

Yes.. very cute little boy :Love_Icon

[TubeDriver]

Very cute little squirrel.

[Sylika]

Thanks everyone! :)

A little update: he absolutely loves the formula, he can't get enough of it (though he only gets his 6.5 cc per feeding)! We decided to keep the feeding at once per 4 hours until he gains more weight. He hasn't been able to eat from a rodent block yet but he tried nibbling at it.

I tried calling the SPCA today, asking if they had a volunteer who took care of squirrels, and I was told they were overwhelmed and that the baby would be euthanized because of his head trauma if I brought him in (noooo). Looks like my husband and I will be taking care of him for a while.

How are squirrels with travelling? I had plans to go down to Quebec City next week-end for my sister's and my father's birthdays, and since I'll be renting a car we could bring him along (front seat, heating on).

[Morax]

Hello Sylika, I'm new to the forum, I live on the south shore of Montreal and just found a baby few days ago...he seems to be about 4 to 5 weeks young and still have eyes closed...i am currently feeding GM formula... just as preventive measures, have you or are you aware of any vets that might have the proper antibiotics for any infections they may have or get? I just want to be prepared to give him the best care possible in the near future if need be. Also, would you know of anyone that could sell me some FV formula locally? nipples as well? any suggestions will be much appreciated... And last but not least, do you know of any local rehabber's? i will take care of the little guy for sure, but I do want him to have the best chances possible of a free life as it was intended by mother nature. :grin3 Thank you for your time and information...

[farrelli]

This is an old thread so you may not get a response. I suggest that you either start a new one or PM Scooterzmom who is in the Montreal area and in touch with that crew. She should probably point you in the right direction.

[Aubedete]

WOW! Lot of people here from Montreal /South Shore area! Great! (I'm in the Eatern townships with 2 months old Skip.)

Good work Sylika! Your little boy is in good hands!
Welcome!