Appr. 5 week old rapid breathing

[LillyPad]

I just got an appr 5 to 6 week old grey squirrel from a friend who has had her about a week ( a gift from her cat). She's been feeding the squirrel Esbilac with a dropper. She says the squirrel seems to have more energy than it did before. I rehabbed 4 pinkies about 2 years ago but I dont remember that they breathed rapidly like this little girl. Do baby squirrels breathe quickly or is this a sign of a problem? Thanks!

[farrelli]

Lethargy? Lack of appetite? Any clicking when you hold her close and listen to breathing?

I worry about two things, aspiration pneumonia due to improper feeding technique and infection from the cat bite. Cat saliva can be deadly.

Any way you could take a video?

[LillyPad]

Well she seems strong but I just fed her and she started out very hungry but probably only ate 2 or 3 mls and then wanted to go back to sleep. Her breathing is fast and shallow without clicks. It doesn't seem as labored as the pneumonia video that's posted on the board. She didnt have any bites that we could see but was covered in bugs.

[Duckman]

I wouldn't be overly concerned at this point, but you do need to watch her closely. If she starts breathing through her mouth or starts clicking, start antibiotics (someone here can give you dosage, if you can give a weight). I notice a few that I have have rapid breathing for no apparent reason, but they do fine.

:thumbsup

[LillyPad]

Ok thats good to know. Thanks for the advice :)