Aspiration Pneumonia Questions.....

[venusmarie]

I am currently caring for a Fox squirrel. She is 4-5 weeks old. Just opened her eyes today.
I am feeding her with a syringe. I only have a 10 ml...I will get 1ml asap.

She is a fiesty eater and she scares me to death that she is going to aspirate.
My question is ...do squirrels get pneumonia everytime that they choke a little bit? She has done it to me twice in the last week,
once just a little bubble on her nose and today she choked and sneezed it out. I tipped her over immediately
and dried her nose each time. I do not hear any clicking and she seems fine now. But I have read all over the net that
they get pneumonia, so I'm a worried stressed out momma! Does pneumonia come from only moderate choking or should I be
worried now?

Also, there are no rehabbers or vets close to me that take care of squirrels. I can get human antibiotics though.
What do I need to keep on hand and how do I prepare them for her if the doomed clicking should begin?

[farrelli]

They don;t get it every time. Just often listen for clicking and changes in behavior - lethargy, appetite, etc. Cipro is the AB of choice, so if you have a pill or two of that on hand, you're probably good. We would need to know her weight and the strength of the pill and we could dose for you. Having a scale is critical to tell health progression, how much to feed (5-7% of body weight), and dosing of drugs.

Are you following proper feeding technique:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?36777-PROPER-FEEDING-TECHNIQUE!!

Welcome to TSB! :Welcome

[Nancy in New York]

I am currently caring for a Fox squirrel. She is 4-5 weeks old. Just opened her eyes today.
I am feeding her with a syringe. I only have a 10 ml...I will get 1ml asap.

She is a fiesty eater and she scares me to death that she is going to aspirate.
My question is ...do squirrels get pneumonia everytime that they choke a little bit? She has done it to me twice in the last week,
once just a little bubble on her nose and today she choked and sneezed it out. I tipped her over immediately
and dried her nose each time. I do not hear any clicking and she seems fine now. But I have read all over the net that
they get pneumonia, so I'm a worried stressed out momma! Does pneumonia come from only moderate choking or should I be
worried now?

Also, there are no rehabbers or vets close to me that take care of squirrels. I can get human antibiotics though.
What do I need to keep on hand and how do I prepare them for her if the doomed clicking should begin?

First off, you need to get a 1 cc syringe immediately, to avoid this happening.
You will NOT hear clicking immediately but there is the possibility.
You will need to get Baytril or Clavamox to keep on hand.
Do you have a gram scale? That is what we use to determine the amount of
antibiotics she will need.
You also need a weight on her to feed her the proper amount of formula.

IF you have a vet, call them and tell them that you are caring for an infant
kitten and you need a 1 cc syringe without the needle. OR go to a drug store and
ask a pharmacist.Hopefully they will accommodate you.
Do you have the little one on LOW heat, half under the container and half off?

Welcome to TSB by the way, and we LOVE pictures! :)

edit: Cipro is the human form of Baytril and you can use that.
It's often prescribed for yeast infections.

[venusmarie]

Yes I am using that feeding technique. I don't have any nipples yet so I do not know if I need to order some or if she will be fine with the syringe that I am using. I am going to also order the Fox formula, she came to me on Ebsiliac Puppy formula with 2 parts water, 1 part formula, and 1 part whipping cream. She weighs about 80 g

[venusmarie]

I have Cipro 250mg and Amoxicillin 250mg on hand. She weighs 80 grams.
I have her on a warming pad in a safe container. She also has a warm water bottle to
snuggle up to as she wants.
I understand how to help her pee and poo. She is doing both quite well.
She seems healthy, I just want to be prepared if she aspirates.

[Nancy in New York]

Yes I am using that feeding technique. I don't have any nipples yet so I do not know if I need to order some or if she will be fine with the syringe that I am using. I am going to also order the Fox formula, she came to me on Ebsiliac Puppy formula with 2 parts water, 1 part formula, and 1 part whipping cream. She weighs about 80 g

Are you using the Esbilac with probiotics?
No she will NOT be fine with a 10 cc syringe.

You can order everything you need right here.
When you order the Fox Valley order the 20/50, and
some HHB squirrel blocks.
You can call Leigh too her number is on the link, and
she will hook you right up.
She also offers overnight shipping.

http://www.henryspets.com/

[Nancy in New York]

I have Cipro 250mg and Amoxicillin 250mg on hand. She weighs 80 grams.
I have her on a warming pad in a safe container. She also has a warm water bottle to
snuggle up to as she wants.
I understand how to help her pee and poo. She is doing both quite well.
She seems healthy, I just want to be prepared if she aspirates.

I will write up instructions for both of these drugs and how to dose,
in a little while.
Please just do NOT give her antibiotics unless you are sure that she
needs them. You will need a small syringe to get the proper amount in,
a 10 ml won't cut it for dosing meds.

[farrelli]

Btw, eyes open at five weeks, so she's five weeks. When at Henry's, get some Miracle Nipples. People swear by it.

[CritterMom]

If you go directly to your pharmacist and tell him you need a couple to nurse a newborn kitten, they will usually give them to you. They are of low quality and will not last - make sure you order the ones from Henrys - MUCH better - but they will get you through.

For an older baby that is a piggy and is choking itself on formula, you need to adjust the way you hold the syringe. Instead of putting your finger or thumb on the plunger and pushing the formula out, wrap your finger around the plunger to PREVENT them from sucking it dry too fast. He is at about the age that they go from you having to feed them to you having to do everything to put the brakes on because they are trying to do it all themselves! It is up to you to stop that and if they can't move the plunger, nothing is coming out of that syringe until YOU say so.

[Mommaluvy]

I am currently caring for a Fox squirrel. She is 4-5 weeks old. Just opened her eyes today.
I am feeding her with a syringe. I only have a 10 ml...I will get 1ml asap.

She is a fiesty eater and she scares me to death that she is going to aspirate.
My question is ...do squirrels get pneumonia everytime that they choke a little bit? She has done it to me twice in the last week,
once just a little bubble on her nose and today she choked and sneezed it out. I tipped her over immediately
and dried her nose each time. I do not hear any clicking and she seems fine now. But I have read all over the net that
they get pneumonia, so I'm a worried stressed out momma! Does pneumonia come from only moderate choking or should I be
worried now?

Also, there are no rehabbers or vets close to me that take care of squirrels. I can get human antibiotics though.
What do I need to keep on hand and how do I prepare them for her if the doomed clicking should begin?



Your not going to believe this but I was just going to ask this very question! It was suggested to me that I bump my 5-6 week old grey pipsqueak up to a 3cc syringe. Went great till the last CC shot in the mouth!!!! Like your guy there was tipping, sneezing and dabbing.

I too am freaking ! AND HE JUST FINISHED HIS ANTIBIOTIC for potential pneumonia .
Btw not to scare you more but I talked to Chris from squirrels and more.. I really like her and she said they can have pneumonia with out clicking. Fun fun (not)

I see that was mentioned above though.

I am back to 7 single CC's now till FOREVER

[island rehabber]

venusmarie and mommaluvy: Whoaa girls! DEEEEEEEEEP breaths! In....and OUT......and In.......:grin3
Babies don't get aspiration pneumonia that easily. Besides clicking, here are the most important symptoms to watch for:

*Lethargy - sleeping more, not playing, have to be woken up to eat

*Reduced appetite - a squirrel who can't breathe can't eat without becoming out of breath, so he doesn't want to eat.

Unless you see these two symptoms there is no need to worry about "silent pneumonia" or anything like that. One or two snorkles of formula will not give them pneumonia.

[Mommaluvy]

venusmarie and mommaluvy: Whoaa girls! DEEEEEEEEEP breaths! In....and OUT......and In.......:grin3
Babies don't get aspiration pneumonia that easily. Besides clicking, here are the most important symptoms to watch for:

*Lethargy - sleeping more, not playing, have to be woken up to eat

*Reduced appetite - a squirrel who can't breathe can't eat without becoming out of breath, so he doesn't want to eat.

Unless you see these two symptoms there is no need to worry about "silent pneumonia" or anything like that. One or two snorkles of formula will not give them pneumonia.




:tilt:thankyou

Wiping sweat from brow :)

Ya know.. I don't remember ever having any problems with my cottontails or possies or my ground hog .. But the squirrel ... Yeah.. I am like a new mother all over again. Plus he was my first one to get sick.. He makes me so nervous.. But he is so sweet.

[island rehabber]

:tilt:thankyou

Wiping sweat from brow :)

Ya know.. I don't remember ever having any problems with my cottontails or possies or my ground hog .. But the squirrel ... Yeah.. I am like a new mother all over again. Plus he was my first one to get sick.. He makes me so nervous.. But he is so sweet.

Get the Miracle Nipples. Much smoother feeding.....less snorkeling and spluttering....I love them. :thumbsup

[Mommaluvy]

Get the Miracle Nipples. Much smoother feeding.....less snorkeling and spluttering....I love them. :thumbsup

That's what I have. They are nice.
My problem was bumping up to a 3 cc and it stuck - it had been easier to push. It was the first use.

[venusmarie]

Oh good. I am also a worried momma! I ordered 20/50 formula and the miracle nipples last night! Do any of you add whipping cream or is that just the old esbiliac recipe? I also order some fish cipro too keep on hand(same as human cipro)

[Nancy in New York]

Oh good. I am also a worried momma! I ordered 20/50 formula and the miracle nipples last night! Do any of you add whipping cream or is that just the old esbiliac recipe? I also order some fish cipro too keep on hand(same as human cipro)

I don't add the heavy cream to the Fox Valley. The 20/50 has more fat, that's the 50 in the 20/50 as opposed to the 32/40 FV, pinkies and smaller squirrels require less fat, yeah, I know who would have thought? :dono
Glad you ordered the Cipro, it's good to have on hand, just in case.

[Mommaluvy]

I don't add the heavy cream to the Fox Valley. The 20/50 has more fat, that's the 50 in the 20/50 as opposed to the 32/40 FV, pinkies and smaller squirrels require less fat, yeah, I know who would have thought? :dono
Glad you ordered the Cipro, it's good to have on hand, just in case.

Where do you order it from?

[Nancy in New York]

Where do you order it from?

Here you go.
http://www.calvetsupply.com/category/Oral_Antibiotics/2

[Mommaluvy]

Is one strength better than another? 250 vs 500

[farrelli]

No. All that changes is the dosing. Both should last you for the course of hte treatment.