to be prepared-what should i have on hand?

[cricket73]

i did several searches, and didn't quite see what i was looking for. i have 2 little sisters this spring, and am just curious as to what you all think should be on hand, just in case- last fall's girl and boy were healthy and they are out doing their squirrel thing, i was lucky to not have issues. with the girls,one is definitely 'heartier' than the other, and it makes me think about what i would do in any given situation. any advice would be fabulous, and i'd be very grateful!
what i have-
fox valley formula, infant and have ordered 4+ week formula, hhb on way as well
1cc and 3cc syringes
mini and regular nipples for syringes
proper no-shut-off heating pad
cages of varying size, up to release, with proper bar gaps
scale
lots of cozy fleece things
lots of available hugs and smooches

should i have?
antibiotics
probiotics
tiny dance teams

and what type?

you have all already been such a help, thank you!


pics- daisy and violet, the squirrel girls 2016, fritzie as hat, archie, baby archie. <3

[Gardentoes11]

I spent the winter gathering "just in case" stuff that I see commonly prescribed. I got ahold of Cipro & Baytril (same basic thing but Cipro is for people & Baytril is for animals); SMZ-TMP; Clavamox; infant ibuprofen; infant simethicone drops; Baycox; & prednisone. It's not easy to get prescription stuff, but I found reptile, fish, & bird versions of some of the antibiotics on eBay & beardeddragon.com that didn't require prescriptions, & other melds I was either able to get from friends or family or for myself from my own doc. I also got hypodermic needles & ringer lactate in case I had to subQ anybody. I'm sure those with more experience will add to the list! I know I feel good about being prepared, since squirrels can be critical by the time we see symptoms & there may not be a moment to lose trying to track down meds.

[Cesta]

I would add Tramadol. I spent a whole day looking for ONE tramadol tablet because predisone and ibuprofen don't mix.

But for your basic kit of things you can easily get at the drug store/ grocery-- I would add infant ibuprofen and infant simethecone (gas medicine for bloat).

Also have handy either pedialyte for rehydration or a recipe for homemade pedialyte.

Mild dish detergent (many prefer the Blue Dawn) to deal w/ icky creepy crawlies like fleas and maggots. :yuck

Capstar- also for fleas, can be bought from pet stores, online pet stores, and Amazon. Dosing information will be given here if you ask.

Molasses for seizures

Many of us make and freeze formula. For that it's helpful to have very small containers for freezing milk. Defrost in the fridge and reheat in very hot water, or I use a bottle warmer.

It looks like you're preparing for nice, healthy babies but unfortunately that's not always the case. If you don't feel you're capable of caring for a sick or injured baby (and believe me they will come as soon as folks realize you are rehabbing them!!) make sure you know another rehabber who is comfortable and able to take the sick babies off your hands-- immediately. My skill sets don't extend to tube feeding or
sub-Qing fluids. But there is so much emergency help and support on the board. I've had folks stay up with me until the wee hours of the morning to help a head injured squirrel and hold my hand when I had a dying baby. The people here are the best!! :serene

Good Luck!!

[Cesta]

I remember someone did a VERY comprehensive list like this last year that was super helpful for me.
It was here on TSB.
Unfortunately, I can't remember who posted it?
Maybe the poster or someone else with a better memory than mine will chime in. This is good info for all of us! :grin2

[cricket73]

thanks! i'm hoping for healthy babies, but want to be ready for those who aren't- like my little archie, who has an injury.. he was released in april, now his foot is injured- i've started a post elsewhere but am awfully glad i had some prior info on meds!