Still diarrhea after trying

[Squirreler]

I have an 8-week old that has suffered from diarrhea for about 10 days. He is from a litter of 2 that I have had 7 weeks. Fox Valley has been his only formula; with HHB the last couple weeks. Besides his litter mate, He is also with one more. Neither of the others have developed diarrhea. At first onset I alternated his feeding a with FV dia stat. After no results I substituted this for 24 hours. After still no results I used homemade pedialite. I have alternated this for the last couple days. However today he has only had the pedialite. His diarrhea is liquid yellow. His litter mate now weighs 230 grams, and jasper now only weighs 200g. Any ideas?

[bamababies]

No expert but from all the reading I have done I would stop the pedilyte it has salt in it to dehydrate more. Try mixing just sugar and water. Maybe some ensure for nutrion. Other will give you more advise soon.

[California Squirrel Lover]

oh gosh, poor little guy, that seems like a long time to have diarrhea. someone with experience with this should come on here soon to answer you. please don't go anywhere, stand by for some help. :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Squirreler]

I should have mentioned I have omitted the salt the last couple days. I do have some Esbilac; but want someone else's opinion b 4 I start changing anything else.

[California Squirrel Lover]

Hi Squirreler, I was just wondering if this is the same squirrel from one of your other threads ("Something is not right"), the one with balance/possible neuro issues?

[Saverywood]

:Welcome My experience with diarrhea is usually overfeeding. However, since the other two don't seem to have the same problem, I am wondering if there is anything you do differently for him? Like...how much and how often are you feeding? Also need more details (kinda graphic) like odor and appearance of his stools.

[Squirreler]

Yes, this is my baby with the neuro issues (sorry, should have mentioned that).

[California Squirrel Lover]

poor baby, I'm so sorry he's been having such a hard time. I'm so glad you're here, though, there's so many good people here, with a lot of experience. Please don't go anywhere, people will continue coming on and offering help! :thumbsup :grouphug:grouphug

[Squirreler]

The feedings prior to the diarrhea issue was the same as with the other two. 5-7% of body weight (more toward 7). Frequencies of feedings have been right on schedule as recommended for their age at the time. Jasper's frequencies has increased lately to ensure getting enough liquids.

[farrelli]

I'm wondering if he could have some food allergy. For now though, I personally would change to the Esbilac seeing that FV has had so many problems, though usually with younger squirrels. Do you think you could get him to eat some pumpkin or squash, even in the form of baby food? (If you get canned pumpkin, it can't be the pie filling.) The fibrous nature helps absorb water in the gut. But not too much because a ton can cause things to get worse.

[Squirreler]

I do have some canned pumpkin, but I think it may b pie filling. The label has a pic of a pie, but is says 100% pumpkin (no sugar added). If this is not useable, I will go get some.

[CritterMom]

Actually, given how long he has had the diarrhea, I would tend toward STOPPING it ASAP. I would give him 2 or 3 drops of Kaopectate and transition him to Esbilac with probiotics over several feedings. Hydrate with plain old (warmed) water in between feedings for a bit - diarrhea dehydrates but he doesn't need any more salt and sugar can exacerbate the diarrhea. If in 12 hours the diarrhea isn't tightening up, give him a few more drops of Kaopectate. And let us know what you are seeing along the way.

Does it smell? Like smell pretty nasty?

[Squirreler]

Thanks, I feel better about what I just did now. I just administered kaopectate and gave him a very diluted feeding of Esbilac (with probiotics). Fingers crossed!

[island rehabber]

Thanks, I feel better about what I just did now. I just administered kaopectate and gave him a very diluted feeding of Esbilac (with probiotics). Fingers crossed!

As CritterMom said above, stopping the diarrhea is job one and then you can get him back in shape. Is the poop particularly odorous? Is it greyish or slimy? We could be dealing with giardia or coccidia here. The others haven't contracted it yet because their immune systems are stronger than is. Start thinking about what antibiotics you have on hand and whether you can get some ASAP....

[Squirreler]

Poop is yellow and NO odor, not slimmy. I don't see any mucus. It's just slightly thinner than "pudding consistency".

[Squirreler]

Which antibiotic should I look for?

[stepnstone]

Are you seeing any improvement since the ko?

[Squirreler]

I haven't seen any poop since just after the ko. Looking better. But this baby is killing my heart--now he is sneezing (a lot). I see a slight runny nose (clear). Lungs sound good. He is very active, thank goodness.

[California Squirrel Lover]

sweet baby, I hope he'll be ok :grouphug:grouphug