Dry squeeking cough...

[Coralreefer]

One of our teenagers has developed a strange dry and squeeky sounding cough.

He has lost no energy and has a strong appetite but this cough worries me a little.

Anyone have any input on this. Is this nothing to worry about? Is it possibly the start of an illness which will slowly get worse? What should I do for him?

[SammysMom]

Does he have any discharge from his nose? When did the cough start?

[Coralreefer]

Does he have any discharge from his nose? When did the cough start?

I have not noticed discharge but I will look closer tomorrow.

He's had it for about 4 days now.
It's not constant but it's consistent enough to attract my attention. He does not cough in succession either. One time every 3 to 4 minutes.

[Coralreefer]

Does he have any discharge from his nose? When did the cough start?

No discharge from his nose.

Just the cough.

Again, it's a squeeky dry cough.

Listened close to his breathing and no issues either.


Just the cough that randomly comes up.
Paid closer attention to the time interval.
About every 5-6 minutes I'd say.

Guess I'll just keep a close eye on him.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Guys, I think you better isolate this baby STAT. Don't use the same syringe OR formula container for this one. JS has an outbreak of a respiratory issue (possible Bordetella). ALL six of her babies have come down with it. It started with one. It spreads like wildfire. I wouldn't take ANY chances. I would also start treatment just in case. Because of the breathing issues it take 2 hours to feed the babies. I doubt very seriously you have that kind of time available. Maybe in your spare time. :tilt

[SammysMom]

You beat me to it HRT! Thank-you! I believe that what is being used to treat is Doxy and Clavamox. I think if it is a one or the other situation, Doxy would be the one I would choose because of Bordatella, but HRT is far more astute than I am and I would definitely take her advice first.

[Milo's Mom]

I just got through a disaster of a time with Bordetella and 11 greys. Feeding was a disaster and I ended up having to tube some of them. I used Doxy. They all made it through just fine. Mine had very snotty noses but the cough you describe is eerily similar. I did not add another medication to prevent secondary infection. I discussed it with the vet and we agreed to start with the Doxy first and after a couple days re-evaluate and decide if secondary was going to be an issue. Thankfully, it was not.

[Coralreefer]

:shakehead

Was afraid of something like this.
Don't get how he would have gotten this though.
We've had them since early August with no issues.

They just come down with this inside with no exposure to outside influences?

Milo's mom mentioned a Vet.
Is that what we have to do?

Find a Vet that will treat squirrels and have them all treated?

Thanks for all the input ladies!

[Coralreefer]

Guys, I think you better isolate this baby STAT. Don't use the same syringe OR formula container for this one. JS has an outbreak of a respiratory issue (possible Bordetella). ALL six of her babies have come down with it. It started with one. It spreads like wildfire. I wouldn't take ANY chances. I would also start treatment just in case. Because of the breathing issues it take 2 hours to feed the babies. I doubt very seriously you have that kind of time available. Maybe in your spare time. :tilt

I am almost a full time squirrel guy right as it is now.
Neglected work projects piling up!
What's another 6 hours a day of squirrel time?!?! :surrender :panic :rotfl

[Milo's Mom]

I went to the vet because I did not have enough Doxy to treat all of mine.

I had just come back from an unexpected trip and picked my kids up from another rehabber....she had 70 squirrels. Upon picking my kids up I saw the snotty noses and heard the coughing, brought them home, cleaned them up as best as possible, did some reading, made my decision of what I thought it was, spoke to several other rehabbers (they agreed with my thoughts), called the vet, explained what I was seeing and hearing, shared my thoughts, shared how we treat (which meds, the strength and dose), vet agreed and asked me how much Doxy I needed.

The vet did gasp when I said positively enough for 11 but most likely enough for 81. Yeah, I cleaned them out of Doxy! Ooops!

Sooo, if you have Doxy you probably don't need to involve a vet, but if you don't have Doxy, yes, I would and I'd do it sooner rather than later.

However, another rehabber in Florida has seen some pretty odd respiratory issues this year and she's had success using NuFlor...it came highly recommended.

[HRT4SQRLS]

CR, I have Doxycycline. Maybe we can meet up tonight. :dono

[Coralreefer]

CR, I have Doxycycline. Maybe we can meet up tonight. :dono

Absolutely.

PM'ing you.

[Milo's Mom]

CR, I have Doxycycline. Maybe we can meet up tonight. :dono

:bowdown :bowdown

Thank you Patti!!