Strange behaviour in baby red

[zoeetal]

We've had this baby red for about a week without problem. Just yesterday she began behaving strangely, tilting a little, hind leg splaying and walking with her legs frogged out to the side. She's week and a little emaciated and not holding her hydration well. She's been getting sub Q fluids and is eating her formula reasonably well. I had a squirrel with similar symptoms in the spring. I treated her with calcium and full spectrum light and she improved well for a week, then crashed and passed suddenly.

Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks!

I'll try to upload a video of her walking.

[farrelli]

What are you feeding?

[zoeetal]

Fox Valley 20/50. She was started on electrolytes and 20/50 was introduced slowly. She was a good eater until yesterday when she had only one feed in the morning, although she did take several mls of electrolytes in the evening.

[Unikorngrrl]

You can only use rehydration for 24 hours. After that it's counterproductive. Use plain sugar water to rehydrate. How much does she weigh? How much are you feeding and how often?

[zoeetal]

She was 32g on August 7th and is now 36. Her breathing is fairly laboured, her chest and tummy seems hollow when she inhales, and now and then she makes an alarm call. She's also on the move quite a bit - trying to get comfortable?

Feeding 2-3 mls every 3 hours. She's clicking when she breaths and is on sulfatrim. She's also quite limp and weak.

I've attached a photo to show her hind leg splaying.

[SammysMom]

How long has she had pneumonia?

[Unikorngrrl]

Since that medication only treats the pneumocystic types of pneumonia, could switching to Baytril be an option for you. How long as she been on the ABs? Sounds like she's not getting better is why I ask.

[Unikorngrrl]

The hind legs will 'splay' to try to walk and balance when they're incredibly weak.

[farrelli]

Yes, I'd go for Baytril/Cipro. Can you get it? Ask around if not. It's very common. Some pet stores will sell ABs for fish, reptiles, and birds without a script which is actually B/C. A common name is Fish Flox.

[SammysMom]

Where are you in Canada? Maybe we have help nearby.

[zoeetal]

Pneumonia...that sounds right. Thanks! Yes, I have injectable Baytril. I'll get her on it right away.
Thanks very much! Should I change anything about her feeding/care, etc?

Thanks!

[CritterMom]

Pneumonia...that sounds right. Thanks! Yes, I have injectable Baytril. I'll get her on it right away.
Thanks very much! Should I change anything about her feeding/care, etc?

Thanks!

If you ae INJECTING the injectable baytril, it needs to be heavily cut with water to prevent ulceration at the injection site.

[farrelli]

Do you know how to dose it?

[zoeetal]

Yes, I have dosage instructions. She's shown symptoms since yesterday. She's gotten quite weak now but we'll see how it goes. Thanks for your help everyone! I'll keep you posted.

[SammysMom]

Please tell us what dose and how it is broken down just to be sure. The dosing can be really tricky on one so tiny.

[zoeetal]

I've calculated the dose this way:

0.0036kg x 15mg/kg = 0.01ml + 0.01ml plasmalyte
50mg/ml