Just aquired sick baby

[Snicker Bar]

We were brought a small, bay grey last night. Its very thin, and appeared to have mild symptoms of a cold. It took all its feedings during the night ( 1 part "new" Esbilac, 2 parts water, hopefully right?); without much difficulty but noticed it was making snorkling and sneezing sounds. This morning, it is still taking formula, but it seems to be getting worse with upper respiratory signs. When it breathes (its respiratory rate is 40 breaths per min.), it makes a clicking sound. Its nose appears inflamed, and its skin is i irritated (bloody) on either side of its nostrils (which are only open about "pinhole" diameter) for breathing. It also bubbles a discharge occasionally from the nose. It doesn't feel warm with fever. If this were a puppy or kitten; I would start it on Azithromycin pediatric liquid. maybe would use some topical ointment with steroids for the swollen nasal tissues. But , I have no clue what to give a baby squirrel. It weighs 100g. Please let me know what i need to get it , and doses and frequency if able. I can get any antibiotic it needs. Does this sound bacterial, or something worse? I'm keeping it quarantined to our laundry a room, and washing hands of course- we have Snickers; a 1 year old grey who im trying to allow more free time in the house. Is this something potentially deadly she could catch? The laundry room is far away from the rooms we are allowing her to play in; but if you think this is something she could catch, I will keep her in her large, outdoor playroom until coast is clear. Any help greatly appreciated. I could contact a rehab person; but if its the same person I met last year, they put down anything that is sick. I want to try to help it if I can!

[Sara in NW MS]

maybe a hot steamy bathroom would help this little one until responds with better info???

[Spanky]

When it breathes (its respiratory rate is 40 breaths per min.), it makes a clicking sound. Its nose appears inflamed, and its skin is i irritated (bloody) on either side of its nostrils (which are only open about "pinhole" diameter) for breathing.

So she is clicking with every breath? Baytril or Cipro are the preferred antibiotics for Aspiration Pneumonia. I am unaware that azithromycin can be used with squirrels. Let us know what you can get for antibiotics.... and a weight is needed to dose!

[CritterMom]

May I also suggest using some CHILDREN'S BENADRYL along with the antibiotics, if you can get the Cipro. As the benadryl is as close as the drug store, you could probably get some fairly quickly.

It is NOT a replacement for the antibiotics, but it can make the breathing easier and help dry up the cloggy stuff and that is important, too.

To dose any meds, we need the weight of your squirrel, preferably in grams, and for the antibiotics, the size of the pill in milligrams. The benadryl needs to be th childrens strength, and just the plain benadryl. Check the label - the only "active ingredient" should be diphenhydramine.

[Chickenlegs]

I'm sorry CM--childrens or infants Benadryl? Just wondering for future reference. Thank you Snicker bar. Without you this little baby wouldn't have a chance. And thank YOU CM for always being ready and able to help folks care for any squirrel in trouble.

[Snicker Bar]

Sorry forgot the weight, he weighs 100 g. I can get baytril or cipro; whichever is best; thanks.

[Snicker Bar]

..and yes, clicking with every breath.

[stepnstone]

Sorry forgot the weight, he weighs 100 g. I can get baytril or cipro; whichever is best; thanks.

Baytril is animal grade, Cipro is human grade. They are the same med.
Just let us know what strength of which ever one you get.
Bear in mind aspiration pneumonia needs attention asap, the window
for treating does not stay open long before they begin to go downhill.

[CritterMom]

Yes, it is CHILDREN'S strength Benadryl. Dose will be PM'd to you.

[Snicker Bar]

I have 22.7 mg baytril tabs; or cipro 500. The baytril tabs are chewable and can be quartered nd broke down or dissoved. I also have large animal injectable baytril but way too strong i'm sure (100 mg/ml), and second the THank YOu to CM and ll the others that help here !

[stepnstone]

I have 22.7 mg baytril tabs; or cipro 500. The baytril tabs are chewable and can be quartered nd broke down or dissoved. I also have large animal injectable baytril but way too strong i'm sure (100 mg/ml), and second the THank YOu to CM and ll the others that help here !

sending pm...

[Snicker Bar]

Thought had the cipro but only the Baytril, if any could give me a baytril dose for a 100g baby I'll make it work thanks

[stepnstone]

Thought had the cipro but only the Baytril, if any could give me a baytril dose for a 100g baby I'll make it work thanks

PM sent...

[Snicker Bar]

Thank you so much Sara, Spanky, Crittermom, Chickenlegs, and Stepnstone for quick replies- you saved his little life. Got the meds in him last night. It could be hopeful optimism, but he already seems a tiny bit better if that's possible? :) Will keep y'all posted; if he survives this and has no permanent problems, will get the info here on how to move towards release in the Spring. Wish could find a NR someay, for Snickers to have a buddy; but this one should be fine if he only has a temporary (hopefully) illness.

[island rehabber]

Baytril will sometimes have an almost magical effect on pneumonia babies if administered quickly -- but still give the full dose every day for at least 5 days to be sure. Great work, Team TSB :bowdown

[Sara in NW MS]

If both of our guys make it through these tough times... maybe you could bring your singleton and we can introduce them to each other and release them together???

Just a suggestion :grin2

[Snicker Bar]

That sounds like a great idea! I've heard they do better with a buddy- and I've never done a release before. Also, at my house, wouldn't be safe- too many farm dogs and cats :( . Getting concerned about him today; going to post update and ?'s now