HELP!!!! baby squirrel choked on her formula!

[piplover]

Hey yall! I am new to the board. I have rescued many animals, horses, doves, baby white tail deer, goats, and many more, but this is the first squirrel for me. I found my girl, Pip almost 3 weeks ago. Her siblings were being eaten by a black snake. So I got her. She was dehydrated and very skinny. I got her warm and rehydrated. I then introduced her to the Esbilac mixed with 1/4 part heavy whipping cream. These past 3 weeks she has made major improvements. Her eyes have opened. She is about 6 wks old. She eats 6-8 cc every 4 hours. She is still on the heating pad but can keep her body temperature regulated. I don't put her on the heating pad directly of course, it's under her box. Well to get to my question: I was doing her nightly feeding last night and I tried a new syringe that the pet store told me to try. Well, she got choked!!! She coughed for a bit and I held her upside down and some formula ran out of her nose. I have the proper antibiotics and gave her a dose, because I figured better safe than sorry. I did give her a little yogurt too. This morning I tried to feed her but I had the antibiotic mixed with her formula and she kept trying to take it but she would taste it and pull away and get very aggravated. Do you think maybe the taste was different and that's why she did this? She is very healthy, climbing everywhere, no popping or clicking when she breathes. I'm just a nervous wreck thinking she'll get pneumonia! Have any of yall had a squirrel choke, cough it up, and not get pneumonia? I have studied and studied since the day I got her. But I'm worried pneumonia will set in! Please help with any input you may have!!! Worried mommy here!!! Thanks in advance!!!

[pappy1264]

Never mix ab's with formula. If you mixed it in, you will need to make a new batch. Feed first, then give her the ab's. One time does not mean she will have pneumonia. Hold off on them, unless you see her not wanting to eat (when no ab's are in it), sleeping more, acting not like herself/lethargic, then start ab's. And toss that syringe! What kind are you using? The best ones are 1 and 3 cc o-ring syringes. You can purchase them at Henry's or Chris' Squirrels and More. Also, are you using a nipple?

She is adorable, btw!

[piplover]

Thank you for your reply! I didn't make a batch with abs. I only mixed this morning. I make up a batch and use it over the course of 2 days. I will pour a small amount into a medicine cup and let it sit in hot water to warm the formula. So this morning I did that and added the abs. Then she wouldn't eat it. I won't do that again and the syringe that choked her is long gone in the trash!!! I am using a 5 cc syringe. She takes it well, it has a slower flow than the 1 cc I have and it works great for her. No, I am not using a nipple. I tried but she wouldn't take it....weird I know! She is acting herself, climbing all over me, cleaning herself, crawling on the floor, and hoping around. But good news!!! I just tried to feed her with NO abs and she ate 10cc!!! She was full, happy, went pee pee and pooped (with stimulation) and fell right to sleep. Still no crackling or popping. Another question though, since her eyes are open, when should I start soft foods? She has her teeth as well. I read to put a rodent block in with them, and zupreem (sp) monkey biscuits. I have both but haven't tried either one.

[ALittleNutty]

Sometimes they just get formula up their noses and don't aspirate it into their lungs. Watch closely though for the signs mentioned above. I highly recommend using the Miracle nipple available at Chris's. It may take her a little getting used to but I have never had one that turns that one down. She will soon be chewing the end off of your syringe. O-ring syringes are the best and don't get stuck like the others.

[piplover]

I haven't tried that one. I will order one today. She is already chewing the end of the syringe lol. I will just keep an eye on her and pray for the best. If she gets pneumonia or the beginning of it I would notice a difference in her feedings right?

[ALittleNutty]

I haven't tried that one. I will order one today. She is already chewing the end of the syringe lol. I will just keep an eye on her and pray for the best. If she gets pneumonia or the beginning of it I would notice a difference in her feedings right?

I won't use anything else now. They are a little costly but way cheaper in the long run since they don't bite through the rubber. I have had mine for 4 seasons of babies and still using them.

Yes, she might not want to eat and may be lethargic. Clicking is not always present. Watch her breathing rates and see if her chest seems to be struggling.

Here is a video of a baby with pneumonia. Just click on the first pic.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?32290-Pneumonia-video

[Rodentia]

It is also a good idea to have a bulb syringe handy. Sometimes they suck the formula too quickly and it comes out their nose. You can suck it out with the bulb syringe if this happens. Using a small syringe gives you better control. For instance, if you are feeding 5 mls, use two 3 ml syringes instead of one larger one. It is a little more work but you have less chance of aspiration that way.

[farrelli]

Do you know how to dose ABs? If you're just guessing, you shouldn't. Too much can harm their organs. We can dose for you.

You should introduce blocks between 6-8 weeks of age and then only start feeding healthy veggies after they're eating them well. Here's the adult diet:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[Abbi's Mama]

Im sure tha baby will be fine, I havent witnessed a baby yet getting pneumonia from choking on their formula, now not keeping a baby warm until theyre old enuff to regulate their body temp, that will get a baby sick, and what is this dont use a nurser bottle crap?sum ppl :tap Lol thtz all my babies will use and they dont eva choke on their milk , so wat is tha dang big deal :p


"Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs." -----Which is the definition of 'choking on their formula'. Maybe you've been lucky so far and all of yours that have had it "go down the wrong pipe" have been able to successfully absorb it back into their body without developing pneumonia, but it DOES cause pneumonia in many cases. People can get pneumonia that way, too.

[Mommaluvy]

"Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs." -----Which is the definition of 'choking on their formula'. Maybe you've been lucky so far and all of yours that have had it "go down the wrong pipe" have been able to successfully absorb it back into their body without developing pneumonia, but it DOES cause pneumonia in many cases. People can get pneumonia that way, too.

:thankyou

[farrelli]

Here's proper feeding technique - head pointed down, syringe up:

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

[Nancy in New York]

Im sure tha baby will be fine, I havent witnessed a baby yet getting pneumonia from choking on their formula, now not keeping a baby warm until theyre old enuff to regulate their body temp, that will get a baby sick, and what is this dont use a nurser bottle crap?sum ppl :tap Lol thtz all my babies will use and they dont eva choke on their milk , so wat is tha dang big deal :p

Just for the "record".
TSB has NEVER advised nurser bottles when feeding squirrels.
We have seen way too many aspirate on them.
The syringe (1 cc or 3 cc max. depending on the age of the squirrel)
is better to use as you can regulate how much
they are getting.
ALWAYS feed in an upright position, and never with the squirrel reclining.
Babies aspirate all the time, and develop pneumonia. Stick around, you can learn a lot here.

[island rehabber]

Just for the "record".
TSB has NEVER advised nurser bottles when feeding squirrels.
We have seen way too many aspirate on them.
The syringe (1 cc or 3 cc max. depending on the age of the squirrel)
is better to use as you can regulate how much
they are getting.
ALWAYS feed in an upright position, and never with the squirrel reclining.
Babies aspirate all the time, and develop pneumonia. Stick around, you can learn a lot here.

:goodpost:goodpost

This website has seen more cases of aspiration pneumonia caused by FEEDING WITH BABY BOTTLES than any other reason. It is extremely dangerous and not recommended here, EVER.

That picture is only useful as "How NOT to feed a baby squirrel."

[astra]

and what is this dont use a nurser bottle crap?sum ppl :tap Lol thtz all my babies will use and they dont eva choke on their milk , so wat is tha dang big deal :p poor babies


Next time water goes dwn tha wrong pipe im goin to go to tha ER to make sure i dnt have pneumonia
????? you must be ...eh.... very, very young if you think that the anatomy and physiology of a huge human and a baby squirrel are completely identical.

[stepnstone]

I havent witnessed a baby yet getting pneumonia from choking on their formula,

and what is this dont use a nurser bottle crap?sum ppl :tap Lol thtz all my babies will use and they dont eva choke on their milk , so wat is tha dang big deal :p

Next time water goes dwn tha wrong pipe im goin to go to tha ER to make sure i dnt have pneumonia ;)

We do not need to entertain such rhetoric...
I can not understand someone, anyone, coming on this board and posting
the kind of non sense that I have read here and even act as if to challenge
and insult the integrity of this board with it.

The offending posts as well as the offending picture will be removed to
protect our members against this kind of misinformation as well as protect
the integrity of TSB against displaying such misinformation.

[Mikey]

When did sarcasm die? Geez,,that comment was towards the definiton of pneumonia, because that definition wasnt relevant to nobodys comments on here. Yes they can sometimes aspirate, but some people scare other individuals by their "expertise" advice. It's not that big of a deal really,,,

For tha "record"1 my babies haven't choked om their nursing bottle ever, and here im seeing posts of these squirrels choking on the "appropiate' syringe? Hmm,, smh,, oh and 2, a vetenarian is a completely different proffession then a wildlife rehabber-person. ;)

[farrelli]

Mikey, why are you on this board? There's noting you can learn here. Clearly, you've seen more and done more than all the rehabbers here who have raised thousands of babies.

[ALittleNutty]

When did sarcasm die? Geez,,that comment was towards the definiton of pneumonia, because that definition wasnt relevant to nobodys comments on here. Yes they can sometimes aspirate, but some people scare other individuals by their "expertise" advice. It's not that big of a deal really,,,

For tha "record"1 my babies haven't choked om their nursing bottle ever, and here im seeing posts of these squirrels choking on the "appropiate' syringe? Hmm,, smh,, oh and 2, a vetenarian is a completely different proffession then a wildlife rehabber-person. ;)

Some people don't understand sarcasm. But as to your last comment, yes it is a big deal. It's a life that might be lost due to misinformation. I am by no means an expert but people seeking information on this board need to know that the recommended techniques of 1cc and 3cc syringes work the best. Eye droppers and pet nurser bottles just don't allow nearly enough control and that is why they are never recommended.

[astra]

When did sarcasm die?

there is time and place for everything, including sarcasm.
When sarcasm is inappropriate (as in serious matters that should not be taken lightly, such as aspiration pneumonia in squirrel babies) - it is taken accordingly.
Sarcasm here was not warranted by the tone and context of this thread.

Besides, there is sarcasm and there is something that tries to pass for it, but just can't.

[Mommaluvy]

When did sarcasm die? Geez,,that comment was towards the definiton of pneumonia, because that definition wasnt relevant to nobodys comments on here. Yes they can sometimes aspirate, but some people scare other individuals by their "expertise" advice. It's not that big of a deal really,,,

For tha "record"1 my babies haven't choked om their nursing bottle ever, and here im seeing posts of these squirrels choking on the "appropiate' syringe? Hmm,, smh,, oh and 2, a vetenarian is a completely different proffession then a wildlife rehabber-person. ;)

We'll I tried to ignore you but you came back as a guest.

No one was scaring anyone. Actually they were trying to calm the op down. Telling her not to freak and give antibiotic unless the squirrel had symptoms of pneumonia . One snorkel does not = pneumonia BUT IT COULD HAPPEN. And if you don't believe anyone here that aspiration pneumonia occurs in humans and squirrels then please consult Dr. Google. While your there check out the true story of the man that inhaled a green pea in his lung which sprouted in his lung causing difficulty.

[nuttysquirrels]

Hey i remember that,, it was on animal planets show monsters inside me :serene

[Mommaluvy]

Hey i remember that,, it was on animal planets show monsters inside me :serene

Was it !? I love that show ... I don't have cable anymore though...
But I do remember it being in the news! I was fascinated by that! It sprouted!

[stepnstone]

check out the true story of the man that inhaled a green pea in his lung which sprouted in his lung causing difficulty.

I don't mean to laugh at one's misfortune but....
:jump:jump
thanks for the visual! :rotfl

[Mommaluvy]

He had a good sense of humor about it
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-10945050

Now some of these I can not imagine ! A 20 yr old fishbone!http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/2010-08-31-Lungsuckers31_ST_N.htm

Love the bouncing peas BtW

[stepnstone]

piplover....On behalf of TSB I want to apologize for the :threadjack
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation :poopout there
as well as those who repeat it....
That said, allow us to get back on track. :grin3

How's your baby:Love_Icon doing this evening?

[lovesmice]

It sounds like you are providing top-notch care for your Pip, and you are doing an excellent job of asking questions about any and all concerns you have about her. She is truly lucky to have found you. I only have squirrel visitors, but I am grateful for all I have learned about my locals from TSB, and should I ever need help with their care, I know this is the place to go. Most vets are not exotic vets so they are not qualified to care for animals such as squirrels. Also, most of the exotic vets are not allowed by law to treat Wild animals so while they may care for my Domestic mice, for instance, they would refuse to treat (and likely take and euthanize) any Wild mice I brought in. Many of the folks on here, on the other hand, are licensed wildlife rehabilitators meaning they have specially trained to care for wildlife. The majority of them have been doing it for squirrels for years. (Even most of those not licensed have years of experience.) So…I definitely feel comfortable and confident getting advice from members of TSB about squirrels. I would never ask a non-exotic vet for advice about an exotic, though, and if the exotic was Wild, I would no doubt have a VERY difficult time finding an exotic vet who would treat her.

Please update this thread on your Pip when you get a chance. She is one cutie-puhtutie, that is for sure!

[kotagirl72]

I wish my babies were that calm during feeding. They wiggle all over and when mad hang upside down on my arm after getting loose.