Vet visits

[AJR]

This is my sweet little girl, Sandy. I just got her on Sunday. I lost her sister on Tues night due to AP. Sandy started the dreadful "click" last night. Not persistent but it was there. This is how her sister started out and went downhill fast. I started Sandy on antibiotic as soon as I heard her clicking. Gave 2nd dose this morning. No clicking this morning at all. Am I just being paranoid?? I don't want to medicate her if not necessary but her sister passed so quickly, I also do to want to risk it. I swear, I have never been so concerned with breathing, poop, and pee! It's like having another child. But I love her dearly already.
So question to all of you experts..am I being paranoid? She is still eating and drinking like a champ. I thought activity level was down this morning because she fell asleep on me after her morning feeding (first time she has done this), but he was easy to wake up. I think she is just realizing I am "safe".
I have a vet who is willing to help. How often do you take your little ones in for check ups?

[Mel1959]

I don't think you're being paranoid. AP does take them down fast. Is the clicking constant? Hold her up to your ear and listen as she breathes.

What antibiotic are you giving? Remember to give probiotics 2 hrs before or 2 hrs after each dose. You can use human probiotic capsules. Pull the capsule apart and give this amount (0) of the powder mixed with some formula or water. Also keep your little one hydrated while on abs.

[AJR]

Thank you! I have not been giving probiotics, only what is in her puppy replacement milk. Good to know that she will need more!!
I have been giving her the abx (she hates the taste and tries to rub her mouth on anything she can after I administer it and this morning she gagged), then her feeding.
The abx were for her sister. When I called the vet, she said she would get it ready for me. When I went to pick it up, the abx were in 20 prefilled syringes (approx .04 dose each). Supposed to give twice a day. Non refrigerated.
So, I have 18 of those syringes left and that is what I started with Sandy. She is a vigorous eater. I do not recall her aspirating or sneezing, but I also don't recall her sister aspirating and she ended up passing from AP.
When I hold her to my ear, I do not hear any clicking at all this morning. I heard it last night after her feeding as she was falling asleep. What I hear today sounds like little popping noises. Again though, I listened after her feeding, so not sure if I am just hearing normal digestion sounds. She did not seem distressed this morning and was eager to eat...

[AJR]

There was not a name of the abx listed on any of the syringes. Just dosing information.

[AJR]

I called the vets office. Abx is Equisol SMZ

[HRT4SQRLS]

I would absolutely continue the antibiotic. They do crash very fast with AP. Amazingly, if antibiotics are started STAT, they can rebound quickly but it doesn't mean they are cured. I would continue the antibiotics for at least 7 days. There is no reason whatsoever to risk a possible relapse and return of symptoms. Any problems associated with the usage of antibiotics are minimal compared to the complications of pneumonia in these tiny ones.

I'm sorry about the little sister. :(

In regard to your question, most people do not take their squirrels in for check ups because, in most states it is illegal to possess a squirrel. When they get sick or injured it is a huge issue to find a vet that will treat. Many people have to travel great distances to find a squirrel friendly vet. You are very blessed to have a vet that will treat your squirrels.
In my state there are vets that will treat squirrels. Some take their non-release squirrels in for check ups when they get a little older to have X-rays of the head done and blood work. Squirrels are very prone to huge problems with their teeth.

Is your friend a pet or are you planning to release?

[AJR]

THANK YOU!!! I feel like a nervous wreck worrying about her. It is so very helpful to have you experts to go to with questions! I will continue her abx

[AJR]

I am happy to report that when I went home on my lunch break to check on her and feed her, that he cage was a disaster of a little bit of left over apple slice peel and some chewed carrot, spilled water and little bits of chewed branch. Along with shirt strips dragged around her pen :) Healthy little gal. And the beautiful sounds of no resp clicking

[Mel1959]

Great to hear she's doing better. :Love_Icon

Continue the abs for 7 days like Hrt4sqrls recommended. :great. Even though she may seem better.