Suddenly lethargic 8 week old, runny stools

[RuSquirrel]

Hi, I recently started caring for a single orphaned baby a few weeks ago. He opened his eyes on 4/1 a few days after I found him so I'm guessing he's about 8 weeks old. I'm having a few problems with him. The first is that about two weeks ago he developed really runny stools (not quite diarrhea, but the stools were mucousy, yellowish, and sticky.. the stools stick to his legs and tails and he wipes his bum on everything). I had been feeding him esbilac puppy replacer with a 1cc syringe (5% of his body weight, every four hours/4x/day so I don't think I was over feeding) and had just started adding a little bit of heavy whipping cream. I removed the whipping cream and his stools went back to normal, so I started to very slowly introduce fox valley 20/50 (which I was hoping would have the correct fat content) but he developed loose stools again so I went back to feeding him just plain esbliac (2:1 ratio) but at this point the loose stools continued so I went ahead and started to reintegrate the fox valley albeit very very slowly. Currently he is eating about 50/50 esbilac/fox valley and he has been eating solid foods such as Henry's hi-protein squirrel blocks, grapes, bananas, apples, and broccoli stems. Since he started eating solid foods the stools have firmed up a little but they are definitely still not normal. I suspected coccidia infestation so besides cleaning his cage and changing his bedding obsessively, I started him on amber technology "kochi free" (an all-natural coccidia treatment that got good reviews) which he has been on for a little over a week with no change although the makers said it can take over two weeks to a month to see signs of improvement. I also ordered some baycox which I tried to give him earlier this week. Unfortunately what happened there is he did not like the taste of the baycox so I tried to squeeze some mixed with his formula quickly into his mouth and I am not positive but it is possible that he aspirated some. I don't recall him coughing or sneezing but he was very upset about the taste and ran around wiping his mouth on everything then ran into his cage and hid from me. I couldn't get him to eat much formula for the rest of the day that day but I thought it was because he was mad at me for making him eat something nasty and just didn't trust me again yet. The next day (yesterday) I could tell something was up. Since he started eating solid foods he's been very hyper and active and is usually very eager to play in the morning when he hears me wake up but I had to call him a few times to get him out of bed and he just wants to sleep all day. He played a little bit yesterday but I didn't try to encourage him too much so he could rest. Yesterday he only ate about 1 or 2 cc's at a time when he normally eats 6 and wants more, although he was interested in the squirrel blocks and ate maybe two or three (it's hard to say cause he shreds them all over the place) and this morning he only ate 2ccs at breakfast then went back to sleep. When he eats he eats a few drops then backs off then eats a few more, where before he would eagerly suck the whole syringe down. I have not heard any clicking or noticed any signs of obvious respiratory distress. He seems to be breathing fine as far as I can tell and hasnt really coughed, sneezed or wheezed. I'm obviously concerned about the loose stools although I regularly do skin turgor tests to make sure he's not dehydrated which he doesn't appear to be right now. But right now I am more concerned about the sudden change in behavior. He seems to be in pretty good spirits but I want to address any issues before they get too serious. I haven't found a vet in my area that will service a wild animal and I am reluctant to take him to the local wildlife rehabber because I'm afraid he's unreleasable (he's very small only 120gs and I think he might have a bit of malocclusion and they will destroy him), however if his health takes a turn for the worse I will turn him over, just trying to address any issues myself while I can. Thanks for your time, Rufio sure appreciates it!

[lukaslolamaus]

:bump
I'm not one of the experts here on the board, but I wonder if the baby may have parasites? One of my releases from 2 years ago had diarrhea it ended up being worms.

[RuSquirrel]

:bump
I'm not one of the experts here on the board, but I wonder if the baby may have parasites? One of my releases from 2 years ago had diarrhea it ended up being worms.

What kind of worms and what was the treatment?

[lukaslolamaus]

In Sabrina's case it was pin and hokworms. I purchased a microscope and figured it out that way and she was treated with penacur.
However your baby may have something completely different going on. I just thought I would put this information out there abd and share my experience.
She was also treated with baycox for coccidia, but I couldn't confirm that she had that for sure (no signs of it under the microscope).

[stepnstone]

Hi, I recently started caring for a single orphaned baby a few weeks ago. He opened his eyes on 4/1 a few days after I found him so I'm guessing he's about 8 weeks old. I'm having a few problems with him. The first is that about two weeks ago he developed really runny stools (not quite diarrhea, but the stools were mucousy, yellowish, and sticky.. the stools stick to his legs and tails and he wipes his bum on everything). I had been feeding him esbilac puppy replacer with a 1cc syringe (5% of his body weight, every four hours/4x/day so I don't think I was over feeding) and had just started adding a little bit of heavy whipping cream. I removed the whipping cream and his stools went back to normal, so I started to very slowly introduce fox valley 20/50 (which I was hoping would have the correct fat content) but he developed loose stools again so I went back to feeding him just plain esbliac (2:1 ratio) but at this point the loose stools continued so I went ahead and started to reintegrate the fox valley albeit very very slowly. Currently he is eating about 50/50 esbilac/fox valley and he has been eating solid foods such as Henry's hi-protein squirrel blocks, grapes, bananas, apples, and broccoli stems. Since he started eating solid foods the stools have firmed up a little but they are definitely still not normal. I suspected coccidia infestation so besides cleaning his cage and changing his bedding obsessively, I started him on amber technology "kochi free" (an all-natural coccidia treatment that got good reviews) which he has been on for a little over a week with no change although the makers said it can take over two weeks to a month to see signs of improvement. I also ordered some baycox which I tried to give him earlier this week. Unfortunately what happened there is he did not like the taste of the baycox so I tried to squeeze some mixed with his formula quickly into his mouth and I am not positive but it is possible that he aspirated some. I don't recall him coughing or sneezing but he was very upset about the taste and ran around wiping his mouth on everything then ran into his cage and hid from me. I couldn't get him to eat much formula for the rest of the day that day but I thought it was because he was mad at me for making him eat something nasty and just didn't trust me again yet. The next day (yesterday) I could tell something was up. Since he started eating solid foods he's been very hyper and active and is usually very eager to play in the morning when he hears me wake up but I had to call him a few times to get him out of bed and he just wants to sleep all day. He played a little bit yesterday but I didn't try to encourage him too much so he could rest. Yesterday he only ate about 1 or 2 cc's at a time when he normally eats 6 and wants more, although he was interested in the squirrel blocks and ate maybe two or three (it's hard to say cause he shreds them all over the place) and this morning he only ate 2ccs at breakfast then went back to sleep. When he eats he eats a few drops then backs off then eats a few more, where before he would eagerly suck the whole syringe down. I have not heard any clicking or noticed any signs of obvious respiratory distress. He seems to be breathing fine as far as I can tell and hasnt really coughed, sneezed or wheezed. I'm obviously concerned about the loose stools although I regularly do skin turgor tests to make sure he's not dehydrated which he doesn't appear to be right now. But right now I am more concerned about the sudden change in behavior. He seems to be in pretty good spirits but I want to address any issues before they get too serious. I haven't found a vet in my area that will service a wild animal and I am reluctant to take him to the local wildlife rehabber because I'm afraid he's unreleasable (he's very small only 120gs and I think he might have a bit of malocclusion and they will destroy him), however if his health takes a turn for the worse I will turn him over, just trying to address any issues myself while I can. Thanks for your time, Rufio sure appreciates it!

Question??
What formula are you feeding? Is it the powdered Esbilac with pre and pro biotics as pictured below?

287622

How have you been dosing these meds you are giving this baby? It really disturbs me to see meds dumped into these little's without
any real idea what is going on. When you removed the whipping cream that was your first clue too much fat content.
At this point his gut flora is out of whack. Meds don't help with that. With any diarrhea hydration is necessary, with any meds given adding
a probiotic 2 hours before or 2 hours after is necessary. Also with diarrhea fruits and vegetables need to be eliminated, they just add to it.

[Spanky]

The Half Fox Valley (20/50) and half Esbilac (powdered version) is fabulous and he can remain on that if it agrees with him.... that is what I use for all my babies after the first few weeks of Esbilac only.

Let's explore Rufio's diet.. always the first place to start. First off, I would not give him more than 3 Henry's per day.. too much can also cause issues. Secondly, it sounds like he is getting mostly fruit for solids, which if that is the case could very well be the cause of the diarrhea. Squirrels diet should include the base of Henry's, then 80% or more veggies and only a bit of fruit. Here is the healthy diet for squirrels pyramid:
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Most of us print this out and have it on the fridge!

Lastly, his being little is not a barrier to being released... as long as he is healthy! I released a fall 2015 squirrel named "Squirt" that cannot be more than 300 grams and he is the current "yard captain" (ok, it does help that he still hangs with two of his release mates and they are kind of a terror trio).

And the malocclusion... this an an awfully young squirrel to be already having misalignment... I cannot urge you strongly enough to have an experienced rehabber or vet assess Rufio. Maybe we can help find someone in your area?!?

[RuSquirrel]

Question??
What formula are you feeding? Is it the powdered Esbilac with pre and pro biotics as pictured below?

287622

How have you been dosing these meds you are giving this baby? It really disturbs me to see meds dumped into these little's without
any real idea what is going on. When you removed the whipping cream that was your first clue too much fat content.
At this point his gut flora is out of whack. Meds don't help with that. With any diarrhea hydration is necessary, with any meds given adding
a probiotic 2 hours before or 2 hours after is necessary. Also with diarrhea fruits and vegetables need to be eliminated, they just add to it.

It is the powdered esbilac with probiotics. I haven't been giving him additional probiotics because I didn't know if that would be too much but I can start. I believe I did say in my original posting that I wouldn't consider it quite diarrhea. He can control the urge to go, it's not watery, just loose and poorly formed. He has fresh water in his cage at all times in a glass bottle which he is drinking regularly, and like I said as far as the skin turgor test goes he's not showing obvious signs of dehydration. I forgot to mention that when I took him off the whipping cream for the first time I substituted pedialyte for two feedings before he refused it and just wanted formula again. I did go back to plain esbilac at that time but the loose stools persisted, so that's why I started to rule out excess fats/diet issues. I felt it necessary to start adding fats to his diet because he was growing slowly although he didn't seem emaciated. On 4/13 he weighed 102 gs and by 4/23 he was 112gs which is when I had him on plain esbilac but his eyes had been open for two or three weeks then so I was concerned about him gaining weight which is why I introduced solid foods at that time also. He really didn't start eating solids until about a week ago and I've only been giving him a few pieces of a single food at a time but the past few days he seemed more interested in solids than the formula which is why I let him eat what he wanted. If you feel like it's necessary I can cut all that out and start back from the basics, but I had personally started to rule out digestive issues.
As for the meds, the kochi free like I mentioned is an all natural supplement for coccidia and giardia, I called and spoke to the herbalist who approve it for tree squirrels (Rufio is an eastern grey by the way, the herbalist did not recommend it for flying squirrels however). I give him one drop per feeding (he eats 6ccs but I dilute the drop in about 10ccs) three times a day. No adverse side affects have been reported but I did keep a close eye on him when I started it and it didn't seem to affect him. The baycox I consulted the distributor and the herbalist for the kochi free to make sure there weren't interactions and the baycox is recommended .04cc/100g of body weight, he was about 120 at the time so I have him .05cc which was just about two drops but I don't know for sure that he actually consumed any. I read the baycox is supposed to be more effective with less side effects than Albon or other treatments so since I could get it over the counter I thought it'd be worth a shot. I can't find much information on reactions though but I've read several users on this board using it to some degree of success. Thanks for your input

[RuSquirrel]

The Half Fox Valley (20/50) and half Esbilac (powdered version) is fabulous and he can remain on that if it agrees with him.... that is what I use for all my babies after the first few weeks of Esbilac only.

Let's explore Rufio's diet.. always the first place to start. First off, I would not give him more than 3 Henry's per day.. too much can also cause issues. Secondly, it sounds like he is getting mostly fruit for solids, which if that is the case could very well be the cause of the diarrhea. Squirrels diet should include the base of Henry's, then 80% or more veggies and only a bit of fruit. Here is the healthy diet for squirrels pyramid:
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Most of us print this out and have it on the fridge!

Lastly, his being little is not a barrier to being released... as long as he is healthy! I released a fall 2015 squirrel named "Squirt" that cannot be more than 300 grams and he is the current "yard captain" (ok, it does help that he still hangs with two of his release mates and they are kind of a terror trio).

And the malocclusion... this an an awfully young squirrel to be already having misalignment... I cannot urge you strongly enough to have an experienced rehabber or vet assess Rufio. Maybe we can help find someone in your area?!?




Thanks for the help, I should mention first and foremost I plan on releasing Rufio to the wild. His family's nest is in my yard and after I warmed and rehydrated him I attempted to reunite him with the mother unsuccessfully. When that happened I actually called our area rehabber who strongly suggested I let nature take its course but now maybe that he's a little older they'd be more receptive. I guess since the mother didn't want him that's what made me think he'd be unreleasable and get destroyed. So I was just saving that as a last resort since he's seemed quite healthy for the most part.
I went into a lot of detail about his diet in another reply, he only started showing interest in solid foods about a week ago. I did grapes for a few days, then I tried avocados which he wouldn't eat, so I did bananas for a few days, then apples, and now broccoli stems. He only eats a few little pieces a day and then 6ccs of formula four times a day, four hours apart. He gets little bits of food and buds off trees in between and as of last week I was just leaving one block of Henry's in the cage a day, which he would nibble at but not devour. I guess that was probably too much fruit, I've got him on broccoli now which he seems to like but he's a little picky. The past few days since he has been refusing formula I have been letting him eat as much solid food as he wants to make sure he's getting enough nutrition. I don't think he ate all the Henry's, like I said he mostly tears it apart so a bunch fell in the bottom of the cage but I kept replenishing it so it wouldn't get dirty. So I guess the problem is im not sure if the esbilac/fv mix is agreeing with him. He seems to have had a bit of digestive upset before i started introducing solids. I went ahead and introduced the solids because he was gaining weight slowly and I wanted to make sure he was getting what he needed. Do you think that his lack of energy could be related to a digestive issue?

[lukaslolamaus]

Can you post some pictures of the little guy?
Most squirrels will play, shred the HHB before eating it for a while .
You have some good information to work with. If you have more questions please ask or if you need help. I'm sure someone in your area will be happy to help you.

[RuSquirrel]

Can you post some pictures of the little guy?
Most squirrels will play, shred the HHB before eating it for a while .
You have some good information to work with. If you have more questions please ask or if you need help. I'm sure someone in your area will be happy to help you.

There's a few pictures. I added some probiotics to his formula. Anyone have any recommendations for probiotics? When he woke up for lunch he was excited to eat and downed all 6ccs. I removed all solid foods and reduced the amount of fox valley to maybe a 60/40 ratio in case the fat is bothering him but don't want to change it too fast. He had more energy and wanted to play but he strained a little when making a bowel movement.

[Mel1959]

OMG! You didn't mention he was a black squirrel! He is perfection! :Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

There's a few pictures. I added some probiotics to his formula. Anyone have any recommendations for probiotics? When he woke up for lunch he was excited to eat and downed all 6ccs. I removed all solid foods and reduced the amount of fox valley to maybe a 60/40 ratio in case the fat is bothering him but don't want to change it too fast. He had more energy and wanted to play but he strained a little when making a bowel movement.

Just trying to recap. This little squirrels is ~ 8 weeks old?
He only weighs 120 grams?
How many times daily are you feeding?
This squirrel is really tiny.
What solids did you remove?
What is the 60/40 ratio that you're referring to?


The baycox I consulted the distributor and the herbalist for the kochi free to make sure there weren't interactions and the baycox is recommended .04cc/100g of body weight, he was about 120 at the time so I have him .05cc which was just about two drops but I don't know for sure that he actually consumed any.

From your other post. We dose squirrels with a syringe in the
EXACT amount they need, this way we make SURE they are actually getting
what they need. So you really don't know if he got the Baycox? :dono

[stepnstone]

There's a few pictures. I added some probiotics to his formula. Anyone have any recommendations for probiotics? When he woke up for lunch he was excited to eat and downed all 6ccs. I removed all solid foods and reduced the amount of fox valley to maybe a 60/40 ratio in case the fat is bothering him but don't want to change it too fast. He had more energy and wanted to play but he strained a little when making a bowel movement.

Looks like a 7 weeker to me.... :great Many use store brand CVS probiotics
This is a suggestion made by my veterinarian; When these babies start with the diarrhea/ tooth paste or mush poops, give them an anti-diarrhoeal such as Kaopectate. I have used it with babies that have gone back and forth with their bowels and have found it to be effective. I will caution to watch out for any bloat before feeding which could suggest constipation. I had this happen with one, gave a dose of Simethicone (Gas-X) she broke loose, pooped up a storm with nice formed perfect poops.
Also and not trying to be insulting because these mistakes have been made due to the "protrusion" on females, are you sure it's a boy?
287631
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=287630&stc=1

[lukaslolamaus]

Thanks for sharing the pictures that always is a great help. What a precious, perfect little baby :Love_Icon:klunk

[Mel1959]

I'm not sure if this guy is actually reacting to the fat in the formula or not. The fact that he seems underweight is cause for concern. I will mention, again, that for needed weight gain I have had wonderful results with Fox Valley Ultraboost, with NO diarrhea side effects. :grin2

[RuSquirrel]

Just trying to recap. This little squirrels is ~ 8 weeks old?
He only weighs 120 grams?
How many times daily are you feeding?
This squirrel is really tiny.
What solids did you remove?
What is the 60/40 ratio that you're referring to?



From your other post. We dose squirrels with a syringe in the
EXACT amount they need, this way we make SURE they are actually getting
what they need. So you really don't know if he got the Baycox? :dono

Guessing around 8 weeks because he opened his eyes on 4/1. Since then he's been getting formula 4 times a day, every four hours, and I was calculating 5% of his body weight for the feedings so the past week he's been getting 6ccs per feeding. He started showing interest in solids this past week so I usually give him a squirrel block between the first and second formula feedings, then in between the third and fourth formula feedings a few pieces of fruit or veggie (equivalent to the size of grape, for serving size). This morning he ate a squirrel block but I haven't given him any other solids since. He just started showing signs of lethargy yesterday, so I might be overreacting, but I just wanted to prevent him from getting worse if possible. The 60/40 ratio I'm referring to is 60% esbilac 40% fox valley.
So I did use a syringe to properly dose the baycox, but if you've ever measured .04 ccs it comes out to about two drops and he recoiled as soon as he tasted it then ran around wiping his mouth. So that's why I'm not sure if he took it or not, I didn't want to force it.
He seemed excited to eat his dinner tonight and ate all 6ccs. Maybe I was just giving him too much solid food. He still seems less active than usual though and is having soft poops. This might be random but the past few days he has started licking my hands almost obsessively.. they're not supposed to have salt, right?

[RuSquirrel]

Looks like a 7 weeker to me.... :great Many use store brand CVS probiotics
This is a suggestion made by my veterinarian; When these babies start with the diarrhea/ tooth paste or mush poops, give them an anti-diarrhoeal such as Kaopectate. I have used it with babies that have gone back and forth with their bowels and have found it to be effective. I will caution to watch out for any bloat before feeding which could suggest constipation. I had this happen with one, gave a dose of Simethicone (Gas-X) she broke loose, pooped up a storm with nice formed perfect poops.
Also and not trying to be insulting because these mistakes have been made due to the "protrusion" on females, are you sure it's a boy?
287631
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=287630&stc=1

Thanks for the suggestion, reducing solids seems to have helped. Just to be clear though, is the bloat you're talking about from kaopectate or do you just mean if he's bloated in general? I'd assume if he's having diarrhea(ish) that he's not constipated. His tummy is slightly Buddha-ish but not what I would call distended, just a healthy eater imo but he won't let me get a pic of his belly right now. Are you suggesting the kaopectate and the gas x be used together?
I am 98% certain he's a boy, I think that would be one well-endowed little lady haha.

[RuSquirrel]

OMG! You didn't mention he was a black squirrel! He is perfection! :Love_Icon:Love_Icon

Thank you, that's how I got the name Rufio. His little black tail reminds me of his crazy hair in Hook. Plus he's a lost boy. He is a delight :serene

[RuSquirrel]

Looks like a 7 weeker to me.... :great Many use store brand CVS probiotics
This is a suggestion made by my veterinarian; When these babies start with the diarrhea/ tooth paste or mush poops, give them an anti-diarrhoeal such as Kaopectate. I have used it with babies that have gone back and forth with their bowels and have found it to be effective. I will caution to watch out for any bloat before feeding which could suggest constipation. I had this happen with one, gave a dose of Simethicone (Gas-X) she broke loose, pooped up a storm with nice formed perfect poops.
Also and not trying to be insulting because these mistakes have been made due to the "protrusion" on females, are you sure it's a boy?
287631
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=287630&stc=1

I forgot to ask, do you have any idea about the dosing for either kao or gas x?

[Nancy in New York]

I forgot to ask, do you have any idea about the dosing for either kao or gas x?

With the gas X the dose is 0.26 as needed
With Imodium the dose is 0.12

Edit: The baycox tastes terrible. Some will foam at the mouth
due to the taste. I haven't used it myself but when dosing, I tell
people to pull up the correct amount and then pull up something sweet
like grenadine, or a little maple syrup to "cut" the taste.
I always put a syringe in the side of their mouth (between cheek and gums)
and push fairly quickly
so that they don't know what's coming. Do it on the side, so
it doesn't shoot down their throat

[RuSquirrel]

With the gas X the dose is 0.26 as needed
With the Kao or Imodium the dose is 0.12

Edit: The baycox tastes terrible. Some will foam at the mouth
due to the taste. I haven't used it myself but when dosing, I tell
people to pull up the correct amount and then pull up something sweet
like grenadine, or a little maple syrup to "cut" the taste.
I always put a syringe in the side of their mouth (between cheek and gums)
and push fairly quickly
so that they don't know what's coming. Do it on the side, so
it doesn't shoot down their throat

Great advice, thank you! I read that a lot of rehabbers treat for coccidia as part of their basic protocol. Before I attempt to give him another dose do you think it's a good idea to treat him given the symptoms I described above?

[RuSquirrel]

With the gas X the dose is 0.26 as needed
With the Kao or Imodium the dose is 0.12

Edit: The baycox tastes terrible. Some will foam at the mouth
due to the taste. I haven't used it myself but when dosing, I tell
people to pull up the correct amount and then pull up something sweet
like grenadine, or a little maple syrup to "cut" the taste.
I always put a syringe in the side of their mouth (between cheek and gums)
and push fairly quickly
so that they don't know what's coming. Do it on the side, so
it doesn't shoot down their throat

I thought I replied to this last night but maybe it didn't go through. That's great advice thank you. I heard that some rehabbers will treat for coccidia as part of routine protocol. Do you think I should go ahead and try to give him another dose of the baycox? This morning he seems to be acting like his usual self again, so I'm wondering if the lethargy was diet related (maybe too much fruit, or just too much in general) however his stools are still loose. I'm adding probiotics to two out of four of his daily formula feedings and I am about to go to the store to get some kaopectate to try so I'll give it till at least tomorrow to see if there's a change. But I'm curious how people feel about treating him for the coccidia anyways

[Nancy in New York]

I thought I replied to this last night but maybe it didn't go through. That's great advice thank you. I heard that some rehabbers will treat for coccidia as part of routine protocol. Do you think I should go ahead and try to give him another dose of the baycox? This morning he seems to be acting like his usual self again, so I'm wondering if the lethargy was diet related (maybe too much fruit, or just too much in general) however his stools are still loose. I'm adding probiotics to two out of four of his daily formula feedings and I am about to go to the store to get some kaopectate to try so I'll give it till at least tomorrow to see if there's a change. But I'm curious how people feel about treating him for the coccidia anyways
I'm not a person who typically shoves meds into a squirrel out of precaution.
They are too delicate in my opinon, and unnecessary most of the time.
Before I tried any drugs on this little one, I would try the
BRAT diet.
(Partial) Brat Formula Mix
3 tablespoons (already) mixed formula 2-1
1/2 tsp baby rice powered cereal
1/2 tsp banana baby food.
I have had great results with BRAT.

Do this for a couple of days and see if this helps.
I've had good luck using about 2-3 drops of Pepto
Bismol, if the BRAT diet doesn't resolve the issue.

[RuSquirrel]

I'm not a person who typically shoves meds into a squirrel out of precaution.
They are too delicate in my opinon, and unnecessary most of the time.
Before I tried any drugs on this little one, I would try the
BRAT diet.
(Partial) Brat Formula Mix
3 tablespoons (already) mixed formula 2-1
1/2 tsp baby rice powered cereal
1/2 tsp banana baby food.
I have had great results with BRAT.

Do this for a couple of days and see if this helps.
I've had good luck using about 2-3 drops of Pepto
Bismol, if the BRAT diet doesn't resolve the issue.


Oh I see now there's a second page! Thank you I will try it! I guess I'm stressing about the coccidia because he seems to be growing and gaining weight very slowly. I just don't want him to be at a disadvantage when he's released but I agree with you about administering unnecessary meds.

[stepnstone]

I thought I replied to this last night but maybe it didn't go through. That's great advice thank you. I heard that some rehabbers will treat for coccidia as part of routine protocol. Do you think I should go ahead and try to give him another dose of the baycox? This morning he seems to be acting like his usual self again, so I'm wondering if the lethargy was diet related (maybe too much fruit, or just too much in general) however his stools are still loose. I'm adding probiotics to two out of four of his daily formula feedings and I am about to go to the store to get some kaopectate to try so I'll give it till at least tomorrow to see if there's a change. But I'm curious how people feel about treating him for the coccidia anyways

When one is rehabbing 10, 20, 30, I can understand their thoughts on treating as they come through the door as all it takes is one contagious to spread to them all and giving individual time to one waiting to see what symptoms may appear may not be feasible for them when dealing with so many. I personally am not one to use hard medications on my babies without knowing there is a specific need and will choose quarantine over medicating before I'd need to start any medication that may not be necessary. I just don't believe in doing it! Diarreha/loose bowels are pretty common place with these babies having to deal with their stress, new formula, humans, etc. However, if one has a severely compromised baby dehydrated, not gaining or losing grams you throw the book at them to get them over the hump because it becomes life threatening and that's a whole different scenario.
That's just my personal thought on the subject. How one rehabs is their own individual judgement. In saying that, I'm not one to jump on the Coccidia, Giardia, tapeworm or other parasite bandwagon just because I may be dealing with diarrhea or loose bowels.
I'm not suspecting or seeing that here but I'm not handling your squirrel either. If your going to treat for Coccidia you need to go a full course of the medication, your not going to see results with sporadic dosing.

As far as using kaopectate my method has been at least 3 doses, 6 hours apart, stimulate after feeding and carefully watch the bowel consistency. With KO the poo is black and one can tell if it's in or still in the system, when formed, solid enough to pick up although still "wet" I stop the KO and wait to see if (poo) improves or starts to regress with the KO leaving their system. If improving I stop KO and give extra hydration, if regressing I dose again. Have not had to do the sequence so far more then twice. One does have to be careful they don't go from diarrhea to constipation. The baby I mentioned I used the gas-x for was fussy at feeding, normally eager. I looked and could see it's stomach was not completely down from it's last feeding, that's where the gas-x came in and did it's job. I did not give it any more KO as baby needed to poop and boy did it and they were nicely formed. Again, through stimulation.

The partial Brat diet as mentioned by Nancy is also a very good alternative to try that many have had excellent results from including myself and it's all natural, no harsh chemicals. I usually suggest one gives it at least 3 days feedings to start seeing wanted results of nice formed poo's. Depending on the squirrel and it's severity it can happen sooner, sometimes takes a little longer.
Pepto Bismol is another antidiarrheal that many use /have used.




(https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n_1?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=n%3A3762091%2Ck%3Aanti+diarrheal&keywords=anti+diarrheal&ie=UTF8&qid=1493308693&rnid=2941120011)

[Nancy in New York]

Russell how much KO did you use?
The book only doses Imodium
and I'm not sure if that dose would also apply to KO.
Thanks.
With the pepto, again, I don't see it in the WMB book but
I've heard depending on weight a couple of drops for younger
a couple more for older. :tilt :)
Recetly I had to dose and I used a couple of drops,
and it worked perfectly.

[Spanky]

Do this for a couple of days and see if this helps.
I've had good luck using about 2-3 drops of Pepto
Bismol, if the BRAT diet doesn't resolve the issue.


Sometimes we people cause these GI situations with our impatience... we add this or that, or remove this or that too frequently and not allow enough time for a change to settle in and see the results before we change things up again.

At times, less is more...

[stepnstone]

][/SIZE]Russell how much KO did you use?
The book only doses Imodium
and I'm not sure if that dose would also apply to KO.
Thanks.
With the pepto, again, I don't see it in the WMB book but
I've heard depending on weight a couple of drops for younger
a couple more for older. :tilt :)
Recetly I had to dose and I used a couple of drops,
and it worked perfectly.
Admittedly I have dosed it by 0.0003 per body weight
Dr. Bricker doses it by 0.0002 per body weight.
My bad. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/fighting/dope-slap.gif

[Nancy in New York]

Admittedly I have dosed it by 0.0003 per body weight
Dr. Bricker doses it by 0.0002 per body weight.
My bad. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/fighting/dope-slap.gif

Oh not at all.....I had NO idea how to dose this, none.
Thank you!

[RuSquirrel]

When one is rehabbing 10, 20, 30, I can understand their thoughts on treating as they come through the door as all it takes is one contagious to spread to them all and giving individual time to one waiting to see what symptoms may appear may not be feasible for them when dealing with so many. I personally am not one to use hard medications on my babies without knowing there is a specific need and will choose quarantine over medicating before I'd need to start any medication that may not be necessary. I just don't believe in doing it! Diarreha/loose bowels are pretty common place with these babies having to deal with their stress, new formula, humans, etc. However, if one has a severely compromised baby dehydrated, not gaining or losing grams you throw the book at them to get them over the hump because it becomes life threatening and that's a whole different scenario.
That's just my personal thought on the subject. How one rehabs is their own individual judgement. In saying that, I'm not one to jump on the Coccidia, Giardia, tapeworm or other parasite bandwagon just because I may be dealing with diarrhea or loose bowels.
I'm not suspecting or seeing that here but I'm not handling your squirrel either. If your going to treat for Coccidia you need to go a full course of the medication, your not going to see results with sporadic dosing.

As far as using kaopectate my method has been at least 3 doses, 6 hours apart, stimulate after feeding and carefully watch the bowel consistency. With KO the poo is black and one can tell if it's in or still in the system, when formed, solid enough to pick up although still "wet" I stop the KO and wait to see if (poo) improves or starts to regress with the KO leaving their system. If improving I stop KO and give extra hydration, if regressing I dose again. Have not had to do the sequence so far more then twice. One does have to be careful they don't go from diarrhea to constipation. The baby I mentioned I used the gas-x for was fussy at feeding, normally eager. I looked and could see it's stomach was not completely down from it's last feeding, that's where the gas-x came in and did it's job. I did not give it any more KO as baby needed to poop and boy did it and they were nicely formed. Again, through stimulation.

The partial Brat diet as mentioned by Nancy is also a very good alternative to try that many have had excellent results from including myself and it's all natural, no harsh chemicals. I usually suggest one gives it at least 3 days feedings to start seeing wanted results of nice formed poo's. Depending on the squirrel and it's severity it can happen sooner, sometimes takes a little longer.
Pepto Bismol is another antidiarrheal that many use /have used.




(https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n_1?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=n%3A3762091%2Ck%3Aanti+diarrheal&keywords=anti+diarrheal&ie=UTF8&qid=1493308693&rnid=2941120011)

That's great advice I really appreciate it. I should have posted on here sooner, a lot of the information on the internet is outdated or unreliable. That makes sense about treating multiple squirrels. I just hated to think that he was suffering and I was withholding treatment, if that makes sense. I think my concerns about his weight also might have pushed me to give him too much food too soon, he might just be a runt because he seems proportionate, not like he's starving, but judging from other squirrels his age 120gs seems smaller than the average. I removed the fruits and veggies for now and added probiotics to every other feeding of formula. He woke up today and was acting his usual playful self which was a relief so I gave him a squirrel block between breakfast and lunch but that'll probably be it for solid food today. Gave him some kao this morning and about to again soon but I will definitely try some of the suggestions mentioned and I'll update later. Thanks again!

[RuSquirrel]

Sometimes we people cause these GI situations with our impatience... we add this or that, or remove this or that too frequently and not allow enough time for a change to settle in and see the results before we change things up again.

At times, less is more...


You're so right and I'm totally seeing that now. There's definitely an emotional burden keeping these guys, you feel so responsible for their fate that you want to do everything you can to help them, which sometimes might be too much. I wanted to help his development along, especially because they grow so quick and I was worried he wasn't keeping up, but he's still a baby. Patience is key, thanks for the reminder :)

[stepnstone]

I think my concerns about his weight also might have pushed me to give him too much food too soon, he might just be a runt because he seems proportionate, not like he's starving, but judging from other squirrels his age 120gs seems smaller than the average.
Overfeeding and or feeding the wrong formula covers a huge majority of digestive and intestinal issues we see on this board.
An "average" weight is based on a healthy uncompromised squirrel, it serves as a guide to detect expected weight according to age.
I have raised runts that blew up to be brutes and petite babies that grew up to be petite adults. Regardless of size, healthy is the goal.

[RuSquirrel]

Overfeeding and or feeding the wrong formula covers a huge majority of digestive and intestinal issues we see on this board.
An "average" weight is based on a healthy uncompromised squirrel, it serves as a guide to detect expected weight according to age.
I have raised runts that blew up to be brutes and petite babies that grew up to be petite adults. Regardless of size, healthy is the goal.

Just to check in, Rufio is acting his usual self again but he hasn't had a single poop today. He had 4 formula feedings today, a squirrel block this morning that he didn't quite finish andI only gave him two doses of the Kao since he hadn't pooped yet I thought that might be too much? You mentioned stimulating him but he hasn't let me stimulate him for close to two weeks now.. he gets really upset if I try to pick him up (he's ok with perching on my hand like a bird but he doesn't like when my hand is wrapped around him). I used to just wrap him up like a little burrito and he loved it but not anymore, and he hasn't really needed the help so I stopped although I try to help wipe his bum every once in a while which he protests then cowers. So not sure if stimulating is required but I'm not sure the best way to go about it without stressing him too much. I bought some gas x liquid gels, do you just drain the liquid from those? Sounded like the dosing measurements above were liquid. I just gave him some pedialyte, a little over 1ccs before he lost interest so I will wait until morning to give him the gas x if he doesn't go by then.

[stepnstone]

Just to check in, Rufio is acting his usual self again but he hasn't had a single poop today. He had 4 formula feedings today, a squirrel block this morning that he didn't quite finish andI only gave him two doses of the Kao since he hadn't pooped yet I thought that might be too much? You mentioned stimulating him but he hasn't let me stimulate him for close to two weeks now.. he gets really upset if I try to pick him up (he's ok with perching on my hand like a bird but he doesn't like when my hand is wrapped around him). I used to just wrap him up like a little burrito and he loved it but not anymore, and he hasn't really needed the help so I stopped although I try to help wipe his bum every once in a while which he protests then cowers. So not sure if stimulating is required but I'm not sure the best way to go about it without stressing him too much. I bought some gas x liquid gels, do you just drain the liquid from those? Sounded like the dosing measurements above were liquid. I just gave him some pedialyte, a little over 1ccs before he lost interest so I will wait until morning to give him the gas x if he doesn't go by then.
Do not use the liquid gels, they are concentrated and aimed for adults. I'm sorry I didn't specify but what you want is infants gas relief, it's a flavored liquid.
Anytime OTC meds are purchased for a squirrel you want infant or children's, never adult concentration.
If your little is going on it's own check his bedding for poops so you know what the consistency is. With taking the KO his would be black. I would not give anymore KO unless you can see by the poops if it's needed. As long as your little is not bloating and still eating normally there should be no need for giving a gas relief.

[RuSquirrel]

Do not use the liquid gels, they are concentrated and aimed for adults. I'm sorry I didn't specify but what you want is infants gas relief, it's a flavored liquid.
Anytime OTC meds are purchased for a squirrel you want infant or children's, never adult concentration.
If your little is going on it's own check his bedding for poops so you know what the consistency is. With taking the KO his would be black. I would not give anymore KO unless you can see by the poops if it's needed. As long as your little is not bloating and still eating normally there should be no need for giving a gas relief.

There was one tiny little smear of poop on his blanket this morning. I can't find any other poop at all in his cage just pee. He doesn't seem bloated and he ate enthusiastically but he usually poops pretty often so I'm wondering if he's a little condtipated now. Should I just give him a little more time to work it out? I'll grab some infants gas x while I'm out just in case. I haven't given him any more kaopectate, just the two doses yesterday. I bought the adult kao though, maybe it was too concentrated :(

[stepnstone]

Without being able to monitor his poops through stimulation using the KO kind of bothers me.
I'd let the KO get through his system offer extra hydration as much as he will take and flush
this out, then if the loose bowels persist use the partial Brat diet with his formula. It's a safer
alternative since you can't stimulate and watch the poops. The last thing we want to do is go
the other way and back him up.

[RuSquirrel]

Without being able to monitor his poops through stimulation using the KO kind of bothers me.
I'd let the KO get through his system offer extra hydration as much as he will take and flush
this out, then if the loose bowels persist use the partial Brat diet with his formula. It's a safer
alternative since you can't stimulate and watch the poops. The last thing we want to do is go
the other way and back him up.

I noticed he was hunched over like he was trying to push so i tried to stimulate him with a qtip and he held still long enough to remove a dried piece of poo that seemed to be blocking the exit then pooped three good sized turds, the first two were well formed and the third was a little loose so instead of giving him any more Kao I think I will switch to the brat diet for a few days. Thanks for all you help I will update if anything changes

[stepnstone]

I noticed he was hunched over like he was trying to push so i tried to stimulate him with a qtip and he held still long enough to remove a dried piece of poo that seemed to be blocking the exit then pooped three good sized turds, the first two were well formed and the third was a little loose so instead of giving him any more Kao I think I will switch to the brat diet for a few days. Thanks for all you help I will update if anything changes
I'd suggest some extra hydration first to flush the KO out before starting the Brat.

[RuSquirrel]

I'd suggest some extra hydration first to flush the KO out before starting the Brat.


Just thought I'd update. I'm on day 3 of the brat diet and Rufio's poops are really watery. Not solid at all. Still giving him probiotics and trying to give him fluids but he's not interested in pedialyte right now but he drinks from his bottle in his cage occasionally. He's in good spirits but not as playful as usual. I guess I'll just continue on the brat diet and see if anything changes, I just feel bad for him :(

[Mel1959]

I think if you are still seeing watery poop with the BRAT diet after 3 days, you should probably redoes with kaopectate or Pepto Bismol. NINY recommended 2-3 drops of Pepto. Try coconut water for hydration.

I hope Rufio gets better soon. :hug

[RuSquirrel]

I think if you are still seeing watery poop with the BRAT diet after 3 days, you should probably redoes with kaopectate or Pepto Bismol. NINY recommended 2-3 drops of Pepto. Try coconut water for hydration.

I hope Rufio gets better soon. :hug

Coco water is a great suggestion, I had just gotten some for myself! He seems to like the taste. I'll probably wait to try the Kao until tomorrow since it's already kind of late in the day today.

[RuSquirrel]

I think if you are still seeing watery poop with the BRAT diet after 3 days, you should probably redoes with kaopectate or Pepto Bismol. NINY recommended 2-3 drops of Pepto. Try coconut water for hydration.

I hope Rufio gets better soon. :hug

Another thought, for the brat I'm doing 2tbs mixed esbilac formula and 1tbs mixed fox valley formula. Should I maybe leave the fox valley out and just do plain esbilac? Or would I have to phase it out slowly over time?

[Mel1959]

That's a good question. Has he been on Fox Valley (with Esbilac) this whole time?

[Mel1959]

A little bit of baby food pumpkin might also help. It is great for diarrhea.

[RuSquirrel]

A little bit of baby food pumpkin might also help. It is great for diarrhea.

I've slowly been introducing the fox valley over the past few weeks. I was afraid he wasn't getting enough fat bc he didn't do so well with the half and half added to the esbilac but now I'm thinking I should've just stuck with plain esbilac till his stomach issues resolved. I just don't know now if I should eliminate it entirely now or phase it out or just keep going as is?

For the pumpkin baby food do you mean substitute it for the banana baby food in the brat mixture? Or do you just give them straight pumpkin baby food?

[Mel1959]

Does there seem to be a correlation, time wise, with his loose bowels and the Fox Valley? If you think that could be the case then stop using the Fox Valley. I would use the pumpkin in place of the rice cereal after reading this article. I've attached the link. http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/09/01/pumpkin-dietary-fiber.aspx I know it's best to only switch one thing at a time, but if it's been 3 days on the BRAT diet and his stools aren't better then you have to try something different. Please keep him hydrated. Are you giving him any kind of probiotic? That can help replace the good flora in his intestines.

When you get Rufio over this hump and you feel he needs some added calories get some Fox Valley Ultraboost. It has the extra calories and fat like cream but without the intestinal upset. I used it for all my squirrels.

[Spanky]

Curious if you are still adding heavy cream to the formula? If you are, I would consider that may be the reason for the GI upset and loose stools.

[RuSquirrel]

Does there seem to be a correlation, time wise, with his loose bowels and the Fox Valley? If you think that could be the case then stop using the Fox Valley. I would use the pumpkin in place of the rice cereal after reading this article. I've attached the link. http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/09/01/pumpkin-dietary-fiber.aspx I know it's best to only switch one thing at a time, but if it's been 3 days on the BRAT diet and his stools aren't better then you have to try something different. Please keep him hydrated. Are you giving him any kind of probiotic? That can help replace the good flora in his intestines.

When you get Rufio over this hump and you feel he needs some added calories get some Fox Valley Ultraboost. It has the extra calories and fat like cream but without the intestinal upset. I used it for all my squirrels.

The loose bowels started initially when I first added whole creamer to plain esbilac. After that I went back to just esbilac no creamer but he was still having loose bowels so I didn't think it was bc of his diet at the time. I started adding fox valley shortly after bc like I said I was concerned he wasn't getting any fat at all in his diet and he was developing slowly. I think I spent almost two weeks adding a little fox valley at a time so he'd get used to it. I'm thinking it might be worth going back to plain esbilac again just to make his diet as simple and observable as possible but once again, should i remove the fox valley completely at one time or phase it out slowly?

He is getting probiotics every other feeding, I didn't want to overdo it since it's hard to dose that small of an amount.

I have to say, I'm still confused by your suggestion. The article recommends using canned pumpkin and you said pumpkin baby food, I imagine they're quite different? The brat diet is formula, rice cereal, and banana baby food. Are you saying I should use formula, pumpkin baby food, and banana baby food..? If you could please be as specific as possible.. I'm having a hard time understanding.

[Mel1959]

I'm sorry I'm being confusing. I don't think you need to wean him off the Fox Valley. I agree as simple of a diet as possible might help determine what, if any, of the food ingredients could be causing the diarrhea.

Stop the Fox Valley. Add some pumpkin, either canned or baby food, not pumpkin pie filling that has a bunch of other stuff in it. I suggested the baby food pumpkin because it's a small container and its a smoother texture. It might have additional water added to make it a smoother consistency, but it doesn't contain any sugar. You could just add it to the other ingredients in the BRAT diet.

If the diarrhea is really watery I think another round of kaopectate might be in order. Didn't you say in a previous post that after giving the kao you saw some formed stool?

Let's get the loose bowels controlled first and then we will worry about getting some weight on Rufio. Continue to hydrate as much as he will accept. If his bum is sore put a little A & D ointment on it.

Just to be sure, without going back and re-reading all the posts, you are using the POWDERED ESBILAC?

[RuSquirrel]

I'm sorry I'm being confusing. I don't think you need to wean him off the Fox Valley. I agree as simple of a diet as possible might help determine what, if any, of the food ingredients could be causing the diarrhea.

Stop the Fox Valley. Add some pumpkin, either canned or baby food, not pumpkin pie filling that has a bunch of other stuff in it. I suggested the baby food pumpkin because it's a small container and its a smoother texture. It might have additional water added to make it a smoother consistency, but it doesn't contain any sugar. You could just add it to the other ingredients in the BRAT diet.

If the diarrhea is really watery I think another round of kaopectate might be in order. Didn't you say in a previous post that after giving the kao you saw some formed stool?

Let's get the loose bowels controlled first and then we will worry about getting some weight on Rufio. Continue to hydrate as much as he will accept. If his bum is sore put a little A & D ointment on it.

Just to be sure, without going back and re-reading all the posts, you are using the POWDERED ESBILAC?

Thanks so much for spelling that out for me. Every little variable counts! I gave him a dose of Kao this morning, I think stepnstone said every six hours so I'll dose again in a little. Stools are more formed this am but still watery. I've been putting neosporin on his bum so i don't think it's too sore right now. And yes I am using the powdered esbilac with the banner that says with pre/probiotics. I just ran out so I'm running to the store and I'll grab some pumpkin baby food as well. Thanks again for your time!

[RuSquirrel]

I bought a fresh can of esbilac this morning (yes, powdered with pre/probiotics! :) but i happened to notice on the side of it that it says to refrigerate the opened powder... does everyone refrigerate theirs? For some reason I only thought to refrigerate the mixed formula. I'm going to feel really bad if that's what's been upsetting him.

[Nancy in New York]

I bought a fresh can of esbilac this morning (yes, powdered with pre/probiotics! :) but i happened to notice on the side of it that it says to refrigerate the opened powder... does everyone refrigerate theirs? For some reason I only thought to refrigerate the mixed formula. I'm going to feel really bad if that's what's been upsetting him.
I actually keep mine in the freezer.
Not sure if that could be the problem, did it ever
appear to have a different smell to it?
I wonder how long it stays good if not refrigerated.

[Mel1959]

I actually keep mine in the freezer.
Not sure if that could be the problem, did it ever
appear to have a different smell to it?
I wonder how long it stays good if not refrigerated.

That's a very good question, Nancy. I've always kept mine in the fridge or freezer. I'm glad you got a new can. Mix it according to the directions. If you find that Rufio needs extra calories order the Fox Valley Ultraboost. I have never had a diarrhea problem with it.

[RuSquirrel]

I actually keep mine in the freezer.
Not sure if that could be the problem, did it ever
appear to have a different smell to it?
I wonder how long it stays good if not refrigerated.

No I definitely never noticed anything different about it. But according to the website it says excess heat or exposure to oxygen can make some of the milk solids in it go rancid. It doesn't give an exact timeline though. I guess it would make sense why initially he was having healthy poops and it gradually declined. Right now I've got him on the fresh esbilac with just some pumpkin added. Hydrating in between feedings as much as he'll take, usually anywhere from .5-3 ccs of coconut water. Probiotics every other feeding.. hopefully this solves the mystery. Poor guy. Sorry little buddy!

[Mel1959]

You're doing the best you can. :grin. You have graciously taken all the suggestions that were offered. Time will tell if this was the problem or not.

[CritterMom]

Many years ago I gave my boy a stomach ache with esbilac powder that had gone rancid from not being refrigerated, so yes, it DOES happen. I keep mine in the freezer - use it right FROM the freezer as it mixes the same way regardless.

[RuSquirrel]

Many years ago I gave my boy a stomach ache with esbilac powder that had gone rancid from not being refrigerated, so yes, it DOES happen. I keep mine in the freezer - use it right FROM the freezer as it mixes the same way regardless.

Good to know.. I put it right in the freezer. I had another thought, if anyone has any input.. since he's had pretty watery stools the past few days would it be worth skipping a few feedings and giving him pedialyte or coconut water instead? He's been taking anywhere from .5-2ccs of coconut water in between feedings so I don't think he's too dehydrated, but I know that feeding while dehydrated can make them more dehydrated. Maybe he needs a reset.

[Nancy in New York]

Good to know.. I put it right in the freezer. I had another thought, if anyone has any input.. since he's had pretty watery stools the past few days would it be worth skipping a few feedings and giving him pedialyte or coconut water instead? He's been taking anywhere from .5-2ccs of coconut water in between feedings so I don't think he's too dehydrated, but I know that feeding while dehydrated can make them more dehydrated. Maybe he needs a reset.

Definitely give him pedialyte in between feedings,
instead of coconut water ANYTIME there is diarrhea
Have you tried a couple of drops of pepto bismol?
Fox Valley also makes an excellent product called dia stat which helps a lot.

http://www.mcssl.com/store/17128612/supplements

Dia-Stat
200 gram. (6.06 oz)
A gelling nutritional supplement that helps normalize stool consistency. Also an electrolyte and energy supplement. Recommended for all animals

[RuSquirrel]

Definitely give him pedialyte in between feedings,
instead of coconut water ANYTIME there is diarrhea
Have you tried a couple of drops of pepto bismol?
Fox Valley also makes an excellent product called dia stat which helps a lot.

http://www.mcssl.com/store/17128612/supplements

Dia-Stat
200 gram. (6.06 oz)
A gelling nutritional supplement that helps normalize stool consistency. Also an electrolyte and energy supplement. Recommended for all animals




I did give him pepto and it didn't really seem to do much. I just give him coconut water because sometimes he refuses pedialyte but he's actually been taking the pedialyte ok for now. I'll check out the dia stat thanks

[RuSquirrel]

Well Rufio is still having wet poops. I don't know how long it would take for his system to turn around if it was diet related but I'm getting worried it's not. Right now he's on powdered esbilac(with probiotics) and a little pumpkin baby food added, probiotics every other feeding, and about 2ccs of pedialyte in between feedings. And one small squirrel block in the morning. Its been three solid days on that diet, he was on the brat diet before and honestly I think it made it worse. I ordered some dia stat that should be here soon hopefully but I'm not sure what else to try. His poo is kinda mucusy and has a bit of a smell to it. Pepto didn't seem to have an effect, it just turned it to black goo. I've got some baycox I could try, the consensus so far seems to be to avoid medicating as much as possible. But I want to explore my options. Anyone have any ideas what else could be causing this? I clean his cage with a steam cleaner twice a day and avoid chemicals around his bedding, and he's well supervised if he's out of his cage. He is acting normal but I'm sure he's uncomfortable.

[RuSquirrel]

Helooo? Anyone?

[island rehabber]

Let's get some details on his poop for a minute: what color? Is the odor sweet-ish, or really horrible? The difference is this:

*yellow-orange, pasty or mucus-y poop with a sickeningly sweet odor is usually COCCIDIA -- requires Baycox

*grayish-green, mucus-y poop that smells like death is usually GIARDIA -- requires Metronizadole.

[RuSquirrel]

Let's get some details on his poop for a minute: what color? Is the odor sweet-ish, or really horrible? The difference is this:

*yellow-orange, pasty or mucus-y poop with a sickeningly sweet odor is usually COCCIDIA -- requires Baycox

*grayish-green, mucus-y poop that smells like death is usually GIARDIA -- requires Metronizadole.


I attached a pic of his poo from last week. The color is hard to determine right now bc I think the squirrel blocks make it turn gray but I would have to go with more yellow than green. And yes it smells but not like death, so yeah I guess a little sweetish? My hunch all along has been coccidia. I will probably go ahead and try th baycox. I understand he needs probiotics two hours before and after the the dose and I'll continue to give pedialyte between feedings. Th instructions say one dose every 24 hrs for 1-3 days then repeat in a week if necessary. Unlesss anyone else suggests otherwise. Thanks for your help

[stepnstone]

In the beginning I suggested kaopectate, I see you've tried everything else suggested except kaopectate.
When a baby has diarrhea giving a diarrheal will turn the bowels dark/black. The "black goo" is simply diarrhea
turned black from the diarrheal and showing it's in the babies system. Expecting results even with a diarrheal
takes time and possibly several doses and or days depending on the severity of the diarrhea.

I'm going to make another suggestion to you that I was turned on to by another MR of 20+ years. I have used
it myself as well as had a few others try it with success that also had thrown the book at their babies trying to
stop diarrhea.

First, only formula, nothing added in with it. Go and purchase a liquid called "Wet-tail" or "Dri-tail". (same thing)
It's a sulfa medication, inexpensive and can be found just about anyplace pet supplies are sold and usually in the
Hamster section. Dose with kaopectate at least 3x 6 hours apart for 1 day and also dose the wet tail. Wet tail can
be given up to 4x per 24hrs. Continue using the Wet tail not expecting to see desired results for several days, at the
least 4. It may be sooner but you need to stick with a single program and be patent. For as long as your baby has
had poop issues it just may take a bit longer to resolve itself.
When (if) you get the Wet tail let me know a current weight and I'll let you know what the dose should be.

Edit: IR was posting as I was still typing out. I'm not trying to "override" what another suggests.
The only thing I can't stress enough is; find one program and stick with it for a substantial course
before deciding it's not working.

[RuSquirrel]

In the beginning I suggested kaopectate, I see you've tried everything else suggested except kaopectate.
When a baby has diarrhea giving a diarrheal will turn the bowels dark/black. The "black goo" is simply diarrhea
turned black from the diarrheal and showing it's in the babies system. Expecting results even with a diarrheal
takes time and possibly several doses and or days depending on the severity of the diarrhea.

I'm going to make another suggestion to you that I was turned on to by another MR of 20+ years. I have used
it myself as well as had a few others try it with success that also had thrown the book at their babies trying to
stop diarrhea.

First, only formula, nothing added in with it. Go and purchase a liquid called "Wet-tail" or "Dri-tail". (same thing)
It's a sulfa medication, inexpensive and can be found just about anyplace pet supplies are sold and usually in the
Hamster section. Dose with kaopectate at least 3x 6 hours apart for 1 day and also dose the wet tail. Wet tail can
be given up to 4x per 24hrs. Continue using the Wet tail not expecting to see desired results for several days, at the
least 4. It may be sooner but you need to stick with a single program and be patent. For as long as your baby has
had poop issues it just may take a bit longer to resolve itself.
When (if) you get the Wet tail let me know a current weight and I'll let you know what the dose should be.

Edit: IR was posting as I was still typing out. I'm not trying to "override" what another suggests.
The only thing I can't stress enough is; find one program and stick with it for a substantial course
before deciding it's not working.

Just out of curiosity where did you get that I haven't tried kaopectate? Ive actually tried using the course you recommended (every six hours three times a day, check stools and redo as necessary) at least three times now but due to the heavy metals in kaopectate I didn't want to overdo it. (You do realize kaopectate and pepto bismal are the same thing right, just different brands...? I might have substituted pepto in the text but I've been using Kao.)

I've been on the same course for about a week now, which is why i asked initially how much time it would take for something like this to get turned around. I would think in a week I would see some kind of improvement or even slight change but no, absolutely nothing. You seem very convinced that this issue is diet related. My concern based on my observations and results is that it is not. I just thought there might be something else going on. I can try the wet tail as a last ditch effort, I've seen it at the pet store I'll grab some today. His weight this am was 132 grams.

[stepnstone]

And yes it smells but not like death, so yeah I guess a little sweetish? My hunch all along has been coccidia. I will probably go ahead and try th baycox.

You are the one caring for and able to observe this baby, you have an advantage we do not.
If you have reason to believe Coccidia then go with your gut and treat for Coccidia.
Sometimes our own instincts do become the best course of action and could very
well be what is needed.