pneumonia question

[ohwiseone]

:help ok I am full of questions today. LOL :sorry My girls (age 4 weeks and just got them yesterday) came to me with noses full of dirt. I cleaned them out as best as I could but one of them is still sneezing. I see some mucous coming out with the dirt but I expect this as the dirt has irritated the little nose passages. However, can they get pneumonia from inhaling dirt?? I don't see any signs of it but I just need to know if I should be concerned. No clicking, great appetite, very alert and not lethargic. Only sneezing out dirt. :dono

[stepnstone]

Aspiration pneumonia is caused by fluid in the lungs so I really don't think you have to worry about that aspect.
Trying to rinse out would be a no go due to the possibility of getting fluid in the lungs.
Hopefully she'll be able to clear it out on her own as the mucous continues to push it out.
I would just make sure the mucous is cleaned off regularly so as not to block the passages.
I noticed your post has been up for a time, how does she appear to be doing now?

[ohwiseone]

so far they are both good. No more mucus or dirt but they both sneeze a lot. Nothing coming out just a dry sneeze. Maybe they are allergic to squirrels. LOL

[stepnstone]

so far they are both good. No more mucus or dirt but they both sneeze a lot. Nothing coming out just a dry sneeze. Maybe they are allergic to squirrels. LOL
It could be they just have dry passages due to the impacted dirt
and it will take a little more time to clear up but you do not want
to over look anything either.
All questions to try and help get to the bottom of the sneezing....
Do I assume (noses full of dirt) that they fell from their nest on their face(s)?
If this is the scenario, do/did they appear to have any swelling or bruising?

Have you checked their mouths for any damage?
How is their breathing when awake and when asleep?
What is their environment you are keeping them in?

[ohwiseone]

It could be they just have dry passages due to the impacted dirt
and it will take a little more time to clear up but you do not want
to over look anything either.
All questions to try and help get to the bottom of the sneezing....
Do I assume (noses full of dirt) that they fell from their nest on their face(s)?
If this is the scenario, do/did they appear to have any swelling or bruising?

Have you checked their mouths for any damage?
How is their breathing when awake and when asleep?
What is their environment you are keeping them in?

The sneezing has all but passed. Just an occasional small dry sneeze. Not sure if they fell from the nest or not as when they were found they were crawling around on the grass next to their dead mom and sibling. Not sure how they were all together on the ground unless mom had them down there for some reason?? Anyway, no injuries, bruising, bleeding or the like. Teeth intact. all body parts present and accounted for. The ground was loose dirt so I was thinking the dirt in the nose may be from them crawling around pushing their heads in front of them like a bulldozer. They aren't able to lift their heads very high for very long since they are only 3 1/2 weeks and still so uncoordinated.

Breathing while awake is totally fine (also while asleep) not labored or wet sounding. no mucous in the nose or dirt for that matter.

right now they are being kept in the exercise room (its not getting any use right now anyway so they may as well use it right??). Its in the back of the house away from all traffic in a tote with a heating pad under half and lots of fleece to burrow in. (I did pay attention on the SB LOL) The air is very humid here right now so I didn't think it necessary to humidify the air in there. A/C is on so humidity should be ok. They are champion eaters on GM formula right now and just waiting for my FV to come in today or tomorrow.

Honestly I think I am just being a paranoid squirrel mommy. I think everything is just fine and I am over worrying. :thankyou for caring and helping me with my baby girls. you guys rock.

[lilidukes]

If these babies nursed on mamma after she was dead
a short course of ab's may be in order.