Rash from Suckling? [Archive] - The Squirrel Board

Rhapsody

08-25-2013, 11:41 PM

The skin may be getting irritated from the suckling hence causing the rash and pumps, but a pic would be the best way to tell for sure --I would apply some A&D ointment to the area until we see the picture. As far as them suckling on each other that is an separate issue with in it self that needs to be stopped or they will cause a scab to form over the genital area which will stop the flow of urine and possibly develop an infection in their bladder (uti) --requiring medication.

farrelli

08-25-2013, 11:47 PM

Yes, stop the suckling. Sometimes feeding more, or more frequently, or providing supplemental hydration between feedings will help. Sometimes an bandage or pair of underpants made out a baby sock is necessary. And sometimes separation is needed until the behavior stops.

schrislip00

08-26-2013, 11:28 AM

What about the Yuk, anti-lick gel? It's only the one squirrel that does it. I will try the feeding more often and A&D.

Thanks!

213288213289

UDoWhat

08-26-2013, 11:50 AM

Are you sure they are suckling this little one? This looks more like a yeast infection or burn rash from somthing else. Not sure but nursing on each other usually has a different appearance. I definitely would seperate this little one. Even looks like ant bites... maybe?? :thinking This looks painful for this little one.

Marty

schrislip00

08-26-2013, 10:44 PM

Definitely not ant bites. I clean their bin several times daily and wash their blankets in Tide Free and Clear detergent. I'm not sure what to do besides the feeding more often and A&D. I'll have to get another bin for the squirrel if I separate them. I feel bad, they are almost always snuggling.

When do I remove the supplemental heating? Sometimes they seem almost too warm, even though it's only under half the bin and on low. Could it be a kind of heat rash?

Everything seems normal. Poop, pee, and eating well.

Unikorngrrl

08-26-2013, 10:48 PM

Rhapsody

08-26-2013, 10:54 PM

I wouldn't use the A&D period. I'd use Neosporin. It looks more like urine burn and I know Jackie recommends that sulfa silvadene cream for it.
Just my opinion. I know Neoporin is safe and it's antibiotic so I bet it would heal right up!You can use either A&D ointment or Neosporin on the rash..... as long as they have antibiotics in them --I have used them both at different times and they work wonderfully. If you do not wish to separate them you can place one in a pillow case and tie it until the suckling stage has subsided..... this way they can still snuggle.

schrislip00

08-26-2013, 10:55 PM

Can you do anything to prevent urine burn? I'm wondering if I should have them in a bigger plastic bin? I'll take a pic in a little bit. Getting ready to feed them.

farrelli

08-27-2013, 12:22 AM

The HP should remain until they're not using it anymore, at all. If they're always staying off of it, get rid of it, but if they still like to hang out on it sometimes, leave it.

schrislip00

08-27-2013, 02:26 PM

I put some more blankets in and put them in opposite sides of the bin and they are staying apart more due to not being able to find each other as easily. They don't seem to mind since they are warm and soft. The rash looks better since using the Neosporin. The A&D made it bright red. The Neosporin worked like a charm on their sunburns so I am going to go with that. Also feeding more often.

Rhapsody

08-27-2013, 02:40 PM

They look to small to be off the heating pad for good..... I usually remove my babies from the heating pad around 8 weeks old.
Good to hear that the Neosporin is working. If you want you can try making a diaper for out of the cohesive bandage found in
the first aid section at Wal-mart...... just wrap it around their bottoms and it will stick to its self, then no more suckling.

schrislip00

08-27-2013, 02:47 PM

Thanks, I'll try it.

schrislip00

08-27-2013, 02:57 PM

Should I just wrap it around everything but her genitals? I don't want to exacerbate the rash with urine being trapped in the bandage.

Rhapsody

08-27-2013, 03:02 PM

Should I just wrap it around everything but her genitals? I don't want to exacerbate the rash with urine being trapped in the bandage.The point of using the wrap is to stop the suckling, therefore, you would have to wrap the entire bottom area like you would with a diaper (loosely if you like) --this is to keep the other squirrel from sucking on the wounded squirrels genitals. But if you would rather wait until the rash is better, thats fine. "air is good for a rash" --just change the wrap as you would a soiled diaper.

UDoWhat

08-27-2013, 03:13 PM

Also please watch this rash if you are going to wrap it. It could get much worse if it is wet all the time. A yeast infection could develop. Just a heads up on this. I really do not like the looks of that rash. This little baby really shoud be seperated for a few days or a week to see if it gets better. You are their life line. Please think about seperating them to protect this baby... she can not keep this from happening herself. This rash is a bit different looking to me then just suckling, IDK:dono I really think a skin scraping is in order, just to be sure, if that is possible. Please reconsider seperating them. It would be best since you cannot watch 24/7. They can do damage in a nano second or so it seems. What does anyone else think about the rash?? Those little bumps are usually not typical of suckling.
Please keep us posted on these sweet ones.:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

Rhapsody

08-27-2013, 03:26 PM

A What does anyone else think about the rash?? Those little bumps are usually not typical of suckling.
Please keep us posted on these sweet ones.:Love_Icon:Love_IconIt diff looks like we have two diff things going on here --check with Jackie, she has a recipe for a paste
made from baking soda if I am right that should clear it right up.

schrislip00

08-28-2013, 12:14 AM

Please read and respond (I know I'll get rapid responses, but I would like to get supplies tonight)

I am getting ready to order some things from Cal Vet Supply as suggested by another member ( Ciprofloxacin 500 mg (FishFlox Forte) , Fish Sulfa Forte, and Metronidazole 250 mg). I was going through the topical treatments and came across this. Does this sound like something useful and safe to use on squirrels? Silvadene is not an option for me to get. I work at a hospital but all meds are electronically supplied and therefore cannot be...shared, shall we say? It's called HomeoPet Pro HP Healing Cream. Here are the ingredients:

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients:

Aconitum Napellus 3x – lowers fever or inflammation

Arnica Montana 3x – helps relieve bruising

Arsencium Iodatum 6x - useful with skin discharges

Belladonna 3x - reduces fever and swelling

Bellis Perenis 3x - repairs deep tissue injuries and deep bruising

Bryonia 3x - aids in relieving stiffness caused by injury

Calendula Offcinalis 3x - soothes damaged skin – helps granulate

Chamomilla Matricaria 3x - calms and keeps pet from bothering wound

Echinacea Angustifolia 3x - powerful antiseptic

Echinacea Purpurea 3x - lowers fever

Graphites 8x - great for cracked skin and scars

Hamamellis (Witch Hazel) - acts on blood vessels – reduces bruising

Hepar Sulphuris 3x - removes pus from fresh wounds

Hypericum Perforatum 3x - soothes nerve endings, relieving pain

Lachesis 8x - helps prevent sepsis in wounds

Ledum 3x - great for puncture wounds

Millefolium 3x - helps locally with healing

Mercurius Solubilis 6x - helps with wound discharge

Phytolacca 6x - keeps tissues from swelling

Ruta Graveolans 3x - improves tissue elasticity

Rhus Toxicodendron 3x - heals rashes

Silicia 3x - stop pus development or resorbs pus that has formed

Stellaria Media 3x - acts to heal cuts, burns and bruises

Sulphur 3x - helps with various skin eruptions

Symphytum 3x - helps with bone bruising

Thuja 3x - treats yeast and fungus

It also says "safe to use on puppies, kittens, nursing and pregnant animals as well as birds, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, pot bellied pigs, etc."

Rhapsody

08-28-2013, 01:09 AM

I'm not really sure about giving my approval on this medication due to the fact that even though it is all natural
the ingredients come from plants and flowers and we are not 100% certain our squirrels can ingest it safely,
should they lick the ointment off their skin.

schrislip00

08-28-2013, 04:41 AM

It diff looks like we have two diff things going on here --check with Jackie, she has a recipe for a paste
made from baking soda if I am right that should clear it right up.

Which Jackie? I PM'd Jackie in Tampa and it wasn't her.

schrislip00

08-28-2013, 11:14 PM

I could really use that baking soda paste recipe. The rash seems to be drying up. It's kind of crusty. I think you might be right about being some kind of yeast infection. I also quit using baby wipes to wipe them and gave them a bath in diluted Dawn water

I ordered some antibiotics from Cal Vet tonight and I am having them FedEx overnighted. I'm just afraid somethings going to happen. They seem a little bit less enthused about eating, but that could be because I am feeding more frequently. I have not noticed suckling, but I am still going to get a new bin so I can separate them.

One of the squirrels sneezed some formula, and I'm deathly afraid she'll get pneumonia though no clicking, or wheezing. I have seen them yawn a couple times but they stretching at the same time.

Rhapsody

08-28-2013, 11:29 PM

Which Jackie? I PM'd Jackie in Tampa and it wasn't her.Hmmm - I thought for sure it was Jackie (in Tampa) :thinking:thinking:thinking

Rhapsody

08-28-2013, 11:37 PM

I could really use that baking soda paste recipe. Ok _ I doubled checked the threads I have posted and it wasnt Jackie...... it was 4skwerlz that gave me the recipe and it is just plain Baking Soda Paste made with water.
.... it worked like a charm on the ants bites --stopped the itching and healed the little guy right up in no time flat.

Pics & Story:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?30592-Poss-Squirrel-Pox&highlight=

schrislip00

08-28-2013, 11:41 PM

Thanks!!! I'm going to make it up right now. I have some Aloe Vera juice and it worked wonders on their dry skin in the first few days I had them so I'll mix it up with that.

schrislip00

08-29-2013, 12:40 AM

Okay. Made the paste with water and baking soda and aloe vera juice. The girls didn't seem to mind, they actually closed their eyes when I was applying it. I caught them suckling, so they are separated right now. Got some better pictures of the rashes. Antibiotics are on the way, lets hope I don't have to use them. On the one squirrel, it kind of reminds me of cradle cap.

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 12:05 PM

Please help! Rash is BAD! Open wounds starting. I got the antibiotics today in the mall. I have ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Should I get infant tylenol or infant motrin?

She seems to be a little less active than the other girl, although her appetite is still hearty. Weight is up again today as well. They are still separated. Breathing is okay and poops and pee.

Here's a picture. Hope I get some responses soon.

farrelli

08-30-2013, 12:14 PM

You should PM Jackie in Tampa.

CritterMom

08-30-2013, 12:24 PM

This is bizarre. The yellowish stuff - is that the paste you are applying?

Do you have any silvadene cream? It can be ordered online without a script but if you get it locally you will have to get from a vet. Do you have other animals - their vet may be willing to sell you a tube. I would wash everything off of these babies and try some silvadene.

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 12:26 PM

She is wet because I washed her in diluted Dawn again. Can anyone tell me if infant motrin or tylenol is best?

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 12:28 PM

The yellow is like a crust. I was alternating between baking soda paste and Neosporin. Right now I am letting it dry after the bath.

CritterMom

08-30-2013, 12:31 PM

She is wet because I washed her in diluted Dawn again. Can anyone tell me if infant motrin or tylenol is best?

Infant motrin only.

A crust. Do you mean that is happening spontaneously - the skin is weeping and forming that yellowish crust? In that amount?

Can you get any silvadene?

SammysMom

08-30-2013, 12:33 PM

NO Tylenol. Washing her completely and letting her dry off is the best plan at this moment. Crittermom is a wonderful source of information!

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 12:36 PM

Infant motrin only.

A crust. Do you mean that is happening spontaneously - the skin is weeping and forming that yellowish crust? In that amount?

Can you get any silvadene?

I took my dog to the vet yesterday and the tech said there was a vet that might possibly see a squirrel. I will call them. Yes, the skin seems to be weeping and forming the crust. You can't really see any puss or anything though. Just that matted yellowish fur.

CritterMom

08-30-2013, 12:43 PM

Even if they won't see your squirrel, they should be willing to sell you some silvadene. It is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral which means it hits a whole bunch of bugs. It is commonly used on burns but is excellent on all kinds of skin issues. It is also water base so you don't have the gunky issues you get with neosporin, etc (and it is vastly better than neosporin).

Rhapsody

08-30-2013, 01:30 PM

Can anyone tell me if infant motrin or tylenol is best?Infant Motrin....... if you give me her weight I can get you the dose.

UDoWhat

08-30-2013, 03:40 PM

If this is what I think it is, these remedies may not work.( Not sure about the silvadene if it would work or not.) I have seen this with another rehabilitator's babies several years ago. Back then we worked together to try to figure what was going on but nothing worked for her babies. After a skin scrapping, the lab results revealed her babies had Chlamydia. She lurks on TSB from time to time and also felt that this was not a typical suckling incidence. I have spoken with her and she said her Vet gave her a cream called Gentamycin to put on the affected area. Not sure without lab tests but it looks very similar. It is rare in squirrels.

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 03:54 PM

Sorry, I haven't been on I have been out and about. Okay, so I called my personal vet and no one would see them unless I have a certificate of purchase from the USDA. Well, obviously I don't have that. So I called a lady that was recommended to me and her husband is a vet. After some persuasion they agreed to see the squirrels and they did do a skin scraping. They said the cytology was normal. Just a secondary skin infection like a diaper rash. He said to keep them clean and dry and use the Neosporin. I asked about the silvadene but he didn't prescribe it. I really didn't want to press my luck, I'm grateful they even looked at them and they just charged me for the skin scraping.

I still want to give her some Motrin. The squirrel with the bad rash weighs 119 grams.

Thanks everyone! I'll keep you updated. They just ate again and their appetite is still very good.

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 03:56 PM

If anyone knows where I can get silvadene online, I am willing to purchase it for her. The vet said it would take a couple days to see improvement.

UDoWhat

08-30-2013, 04:45 PM

Whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad it was not what I thought it could be. However, keep a close eye on it. It really is pretty unusual to have a rash like this with suckling. Get well little baby one. :Love_Icon

I have not seem silvadene sold online without a RX but others may know:confused:.

CritterMom

08-30-2013, 05:16 PM

I pulled some up from Mountainside Medical just last week but the site seems to be having issues right now...it is www.mountainside-medical.com and had multiple sizes...

To make the neosporin easier to apply, put a blob of it in a microwave proof dish and nuke it for a second or two - it gets almost liquid when warm and goes on lots thinner and easier.

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 10:36 PM

Administration: Can I have some dosing on a squirrel weighing 119 grams for infant Advil?

Rhapsody

08-30-2013, 10:56 PM

Administration: Can I have some dosing on a squirrel weighing 119 grams for infant Advil?Dose for Infant Motrin for a squirrel weighing 119 grams is -- .025cc every 4 hours, PRN (as needed).

SammysMom

08-30-2013, 10:56 PM

Are Motrin and Advil the same?

Rhapsody

08-30-2013, 11:02 PM

Are Motrin and Advil the same?Yes, both are Ibuprofen. :thumbsup

SammysMom

08-30-2013, 11:05 PM

:thankyou

schrislip00

08-30-2013, 11:30 PM

Thanks so much! I think I'm going to have to get a collar for the one squirrel. I think she's licking herself and that's why she's wet. I'm sure that's exacerbating the situation.

SammysMom

08-30-2013, 11:41 PM

A nice cotton baby sock with leg holes might help.

UDoWhat

08-31-2013, 09:32 AM

I am still worried about this baby. The squirrels I mentioned before did the same thing with licking because of the extreme pain and itching of this rash. A collar will make her so miserable. I know you took her to the Vet for the scraping but if he just looked under the microscope at it that might not be enough to tell. The scraping needs to be sent to a lab for analysis and 24, 48, and 72 hour cultures and whatever else they do to skin scrapings. I also know you need to tread lightly with the Vet. BUT she seems to not be responding to any treatments yet. The other squirrels I mentioned responded almost immediately to the gentamycin cream in 24 hours. This little one may not have the same thing the other squirrels had but something is different here.
Sorry to keep bothering you. Hope you find the answer for this sweet little squirrel. :Love_Icon

SammysMom

08-31-2013, 09:36 AM

Marty, sharing good info is NEVER a "bother"!!! Thank-you for helping figure out this mystery.:grouphug

schrislip00

09-01-2013, 10:44 AM

I won't be able to see a vet till Tuesday. Are antibiotics needed? I can order silvidene too

schrislip00

09-01-2013, 10:45 AM

She lost a gram. This is bad. I'm extremely worried.

HRT4SQRLS

09-01-2013, 11:09 AM

HRT4SQRLS

09-01-2013, 11:10 AM

Also, this should probably be in the emergency section!

SammysMom

09-01-2013, 11:24 AM

I moved it to emergency.

schrislip00

09-01-2013, 03:09 PM

schrislip00

tinfoil
I have been following this thread and want to bump it to the top so that it will get some attention. I agreed with UDoWhat that this is VERY concerning. I even looked online to see if I could find the silvadene cream online without a prescription. I couldn't find any (unless you consider the source from India or Pakistan ...which I would NEVER buy).

Hopefully some rehabbers will sound in soon. Can you take him to the vet? Is that an option? I know the one vet saw him as a favor.

I just ordered some silvadene online. I got it shipped Priority two-day but with the holiday it may not come until Tuesday. I am getting ready to go pick up the squirrels. I just got back in town. My sister said that the baby ate very well this morning, she was not wanting to really eat as much yesterday. I will give everyone an update and check for dosing for the antibiotics I have that I PM'd to a member.

schrislip00

09-01-2013, 03:12 PM

I have a random baby sock that I'll make a diaper out of as well. I'm really so sad and worried right now. Be back soon.

schrislip00

09-01-2013, 05:42 PM

The rash looks better today. I just weighed her because my sister thought she might be a little off, and she weighs 134 grams which is up 9 grams since yesterday.

I am having trouble keeping the diaper on her. I tried the sock and also I have the self-sticky wrap and she wriggles out of them both. The girls are still separated. The activity level and overall look of them are different. The squirrel without the rash is more active and her fur looks better. The one with the rash is more subdued (I wouldn't say lethargic but not up and playing like the other one, but she is in a smaller box due to her condition) and her fur doesn't look as fluffy. That may be partly due to the Neosporin.

I will take a new picture of the rash and post it shortly.

SammysMom

09-01-2013, 06:04 PM

Rash looking better...

schrislip00

09-01-2013, 06:21 PM

If you compare them side by side it definitely looks better. The one on the left is today, the one on the right is from August 30th.

CritterMom

09-01-2013, 06:23 PM

Oh, that is looking much better! I know it gorps the fur up but I would continue with this until you stop seeing signs of the weeping -that yellowish crust.

SammysMom

09-01-2013, 06:24 PM

It looks SO MUCH better!!! Good job!:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

HRT4SQRLS

09-01-2013, 06:47 PM

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/Kirie88/smiley/whew.gif (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Kirie88/media/smiley/whew.gif.html) Oh, what a relief! Compared to the 30th that looks fantastic. I was so worried.

schrislip00

09-01-2013, 07:11 PM

Me too. Thanks everyone. I keep you updated.

schrislip00

09-02-2013, 08:44 AM

Both ate really good this morning. It's getting harder to weigh them, they move around so much. But they both gained. I'll post a pic of the rash after I bathe them later.

Nancy in New York

09-02-2013, 09:19 AM

What exactly did you put on the rash to make it so much better.
I have not had time to follow this thread. :tilt

Nemehoto

09-02-2013, 09:42 AM

Sorry to reply so late, I'm not on much anymore and last year I've had some serious issues with one of my squirrels about this very thing. Sucking and urine burns. Biff my little male had a problem with his sister sucking on hm and it became a terrible issue where he was scalded by urine burns and he could no longer control his bladder. I used to wash his little rear daily to get the scabs and scale off with a touch of betadine in the water and dawn. When he was totally dry I then I wiped down the affected areas with an antacid, (the chalky calcium kind) a little neosporin and made a diaper from a baby sock.

Here's the thread if your interested http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37031

UDoWhat

09-02-2013, 10:10 AM

What exactly did you put on the rash to make it so much better.
I have not had time to follow this thread. :tilt

Thank heavens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup I was really worried but this looks better. I hope you will document your treatment of this baby's rash. This is a fairly remarkable recovery. I am wondering if it could have even been some kind of food (formula ingredient) allergy,:dono IDK but this is better. Please keep her separated from her sib until she is COMPLETELY healed and strong enough to hold her own. I do not think that oral ABs are indicated at this stage. What ever you are using topically seems to have done the trick.
Good health and a happy life little baby girl.:Love_Icon

schrislip00

09-02-2013, 03:46 PM

I've been bathing her in diluted Dawn and using just Neosporin. I have some silvadene coming but don't know if I want to change what I'm doing. I just ordered it because I was panicking. But I'm sure that's a good thing to have on hand. They responded really well to Neosporin when they had their sunburns and the hair is finally growing in on their scars from that. Here's a pic of the rash. She is wet because I just gave her a bath, but you can see the skin is clearing underneath her wet fur.

SammysMom

09-02-2013, 03:50 PM

She looks terrific!!!:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

schrislip00

09-02-2013, 03:56 PM

Thanks! Neosporin has been a lifesaver. She is acting better as well. More active when I get her out to feed her. They are still separated. I gave up on the diaper thing for now since they're apart. I will definitely wait until she's healed to put them together. They were starting to get really cute with each other. Play biting each others ears and wrestling. Hope to get her all better so they can play.

As for the suckling behavior, should I just try the diaper thing again or has anyone ever used the YUK anti-lick gel? I found it on Chris's Squirrels and More.

CritterMom

09-02-2013, 03:59 PM

Ooh, no, don't put ANYTHING like that on that baby. I wouldn't do anything but actual physical barriers - come up with a way to make a baby squirrel onesie... I am so glad she is doing so much better!

SammysMom

09-02-2013, 04:00 PM

I think Yuk can sting a bit. I believe that aloe gel, pure, not a cream or anything can be used and tasted yucky. I don't have experience so others may well chime in with better info from experience.

schrislip00

09-02-2013, 04:00 PM

schrislip00

09-02-2013, 04:04 PM

I think Yuk can sting a bit. I believe that aloe gel, pure, not a cream or anything can be used and tasted yucky. I don't have experience so others may well chime in with better info from experience.

Like the kind you get for a sunburn? I have some, I'll have to look at the ingredients. I have some pure aloe vera juice as well. I haven't tasted it but the reviews online said it was nasty. I'll keep them separated until she clears up completely so I have some time to experiment with making something she can wear.

schrislip00

09-02-2013, 04:24 PM

Just wanted to show you the progression of Annie's sunburn treated with Neosporin (this is not the squirrel with the rash right now). It's amazing how it healed up. The hair is a different color, but at least she has some now on the scarred areas.

Also cleaned with a diluted aloe vera juice.

SammysMom

09-02-2013, 04:26 PM

Wow!!! Now that is an advertisement for Neosporin!:thumbsup

schrislip00

09-02-2013, 04:37 PM

Look who's feeling better! This is the most active she's been in days. Looks just like her healthy sister!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEE5TcfKfsM

SammysMom

09-02-2013, 04:48 PM

Now that is one happy squirrel!!! Happy tears for both of you!!!:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

Nemehoto

09-05-2013, 12:18 PM

How I made the baby sock diaper was taking infant socks, cutting the corner of the toe area out for the leg holes, keeping the elastic band for around his waist, and cutting a tail hole just below the heel angle of the sock. I put the sock on over his head (through the tail hole) as pulling it up over their legs and pulling the tail though the hole is LOT more difficult than sliding it over their head and all the hair is in the right direction. I would end up changing the sock diaper 3-4 times a day... and after about a week Biff learned he could slide on his belly and wriggle out of it when he got tired of wearing it. Although he did wear them for about two weeks at bed time... by then he was all healed up and his sister had completely stopped all the sucking behavior.