Baby with possible pneumonia, please help!

[Goopella]

I'm currently taking care of some fox squirrels for a friend on vacation, and one of them is acting strange - lethargic, not very hungry, fatigued and weak. When I put it back in it's tank, it sat at the bottom and seemed to be breathing funny. From what I have read, I think it maybe be pneumonia. However, again, I'm watching them for someone...all the local rehabbers were full, and I'm not even sure if we are supposed to have them in our possession- I'm located in Michigan, so I'm afraid of getting in trouble if I take it to the vet :( I have also read I can give it Cipro, though? I started asking around for it just in case. I'm not sure what to do if I even find some, so that's why I'm posting here...I'm so terrified the baby will not make it and am in tears...what is the protocol with the Cipro if I get some??

[Spanky]

Hold the baby up to your ear and listen for a "clicking" with each breath... let us know if you hear this.

Did she / he aspirate (snort formula / liquid out of their nose while feeding)?

Do you have a kitchen scale? Meds are dose by weight, if not post a picture with the baby next to a soda can or something to provide a comparison and we'll guesstimate the weight.

Med dosing would be different for different antibiotics. Cipro (human) / Baytril (animal) is best, Augmentin / Clavamox is also good for this, amoxil will do but is slower acting.. let us know if you find any of these or nay other antibiotic and someone will let you know if that will treat Aspiration Pneumonia and provide dosing instructions..

[Goopella]

Hold the baby up to your ear and listen for a "clicking" with each breath... let us know if you hear this.

Did she / he aspirate (snort formula / liquid out of their nose while feeding)?

Do you have a kitchen scale? Meds are dose by weight, if not post a picture with the baby next to a soda can or something to provide a comparison and we'll guesstimate the weight.

Med dosing would be different for different antibiotics. Cipro (human) / Baytril (animal) is best, Augmentin / Clavamox is also good for this, amoxil will do but is slower acting.. let us know if you find any of these or nay other antibiotic and someone will let you know if that will treat Aspiration Pneumonia and provide dosing instructions..


I definitely hear the clicking. Not sure if any formula came out though. I found a friend with Cipro and am going to go get it. Currently trying to find a kitchen scale but if not I'll get a photo! Thank you so incredibly much!!

[Nancy in New York]

What size syringe are you feeding with.
Have you ever cared for a squirrel before?
Do you know how old the baby is?
We will help you dose as soon as you get the strength
of the Cipro and a weight.
They can go down hill really fast from AP so time is not on your side.
We are here.:hug

[Goopella]

What size syringe are you feeding with.
Have you ever cared for a squirrel before?
Do you know how old the baby is?
We will help you dose as soon as you get the strength
of the Cipro and a weight.
They can go down hill really fast from AP so time is not on your side.
We are here.:hug


Feeding with a 1 ml. I've taken care of reds before but never foxes! The person I'm watching for didn't tell me their age and I can't get ahold of her...so I kinda have no clue. Here is the photo!
293954
You guys are awesome. Thank you so much!:hug

[Nancy in New York]

Feeding with a 1 ml. I've taken care of reds before but never foxes! The person I'm watching for didn't tell me their age and I can't get ahold of her...so I kinda have no clue. Here is the photo!
293954
You guys are awesome. Thank you so much!:hug

Geez this is a hard one.
I am going to guess at 140 grams? :dono
It would be better if you could find a gram scale so
the dose is accurate.
Do you have the Cipro yet.
This is a little CUTIE! :klunk

BTW, I LOVE the reds, but the foxers are pretty darned cute as well.

[LR]

Good reminder for anyone who is going to have squirrels "baby sat". Just like kids - leave a card or note with pertinent information on each one. Age, weight, how much to feed, what their feeding schedule is, likes/dislikes, vets number (if your lucky enough to have one). Lots of things but it is better than having some try to guess!

Hope the baby is feeling better soon.

[Goopella]

Geez this is a hard one.
I am going to guess at 140 grams? :dono
It would be better if you could find a gram scale so
the dose is accurate.
Do you have the Cipro yet.
This is a little CUTIE! :klunk

BTW, I LOVE the reds, but the foxers are pretty darned cute as well.

Okay, I found a kitchen scale and weighed her. I'm not sure how to read it so I'm posting a photo because I'm scared I'll misread it somehow!:293960
I have a 500mg Cipro tablet.

So now, what would dosage be, and how do I give it to her? She currently isn't eating anything besides esbilac formula.

Also, she IS super cute!! I love her. I'm hoping she's going to make it through this okay! I prefer caring for reds but the foxes are cuties too. :)

[Goopella]

Okay, I found a kitchen scale and weighed her. I'm not sure how to read it so I'm posting a photo because I'm scared I'll misread it somehow!:293960
I have a 500mg Cipro tablet.

So now, what would dosage be, and how do I give it to her? She currently isn't eating anything besides esbilac formula.

Also, she IS super cute!! I love her. I'm hoping she's going to make it through this okay! I prefer caring for reds but the foxes are cuties too. :)

Okay, she actually weighs just past the 4 oz mark, I used the scale wrong!! My bad :(

[Nancy in New York]

Okay, she actually weighs just past the 4 oz mark, I used the scale wrong!! My bad :(

OK 4+ oz would be ~118 grams.
I will send dosing for Cipro 500 mg in a pm.
Give me a few minutes to write it up.

Edit: Dosing sent.