Surreal
10-01-2017, 12:01 AM
Hi. A week and a half ago a friend brought to me two baby squirrels he had found, since he knows I'm such an animal fanatic. The female unfortunately died a few days ago, from what I believe was aspiration pneumonia. I had contacted the only vet in town that treats exotic animals, but they said they can only treat wildlife brought in by wildlife rescues, and the wildlife rescue told me that they would be forced to euthanize my squirrels if I brought them in as they're a non-native species in Oregon (they're Eastern Fox squirrels). So, I'm unable to get my hands on any prescription medication, and couldn't save the female. The male has a little bit of noisy breathing, but he never made the classic pneumonia clicking sound, and his appetite and activity level are great.
My main concern with him is a possible abscess. I noticed him scratching several days ago, and realized that he was missing fur on the tops of both hands and underneath his tail, so I gave him a bath with Dawn dish soap and the next morning bought some Adams cat flea spray, sprayed it on my hands and then rubbed it on him. I also picked up some food grade diatomaceous earth to sprinkle in his box. His tail and right hand look a lot better, but his left arm is worse; it's missing the hair on most of the top half. And I noticed a small lump in the middle of the bald patch. I don't know if it's an abscess (he's so squirmy it's hard to get a good look at it), or if something else is going on. If it's an abscess, he'll need medication, but the only meds I have access to are some Fish Mox 250 mg amoxicillin capsules, but I have no idea how to figure out the right dosage. He weighs 130 grams and is, at best guess, about 6 weeks old. Dosage and frequency help would be greatly appreciated.
Also, he's been having diarrhea off and on, which is probably from his formula. Because I didn't know any better, up until yesterday he's been on liquid Esbilac for puppies. Yesterday in the mail I received the Fox Valley 20/50 formula that I ordered before reading on this website that powdered Esbilac is superior (or at least should be mixed 50/50). So I'll be getting some of that soon, but I'm sure the diet and diet changes are giving him diarrhea. He has a rather sore looking anus at the moment; could that be because of the diarrhea? I'm trying to keep the area clean, but he's a messy little booger who has preferred to do his business on his own for the last few days instead of waiting for me to stimulate any movements. I've applied some Neosporin (without the pain relief stuff; I know that's bad for my reptiles so I figured it might be bad for squirrels too) a few times, but is this safe to use at all? If not, how can I help his sore bum?
Sorry for being so long-winded; I just like to give as much info as possible. I'll try to attach a photo. Thanks in advance for any advice.
My main concern with him is a possible abscess. I noticed him scratching several days ago, and realized that he was missing fur on the tops of both hands and underneath his tail, so I gave him a bath with Dawn dish soap and the next morning bought some Adams cat flea spray, sprayed it on my hands and then rubbed it on him. I also picked up some food grade diatomaceous earth to sprinkle in his box. His tail and right hand look a lot better, but his left arm is worse; it's missing the hair on most of the top half. And I noticed a small lump in the middle of the bald patch. I don't know if it's an abscess (he's so squirmy it's hard to get a good look at it), or if something else is going on. If it's an abscess, he'll need medication, but the only meds I have access to are some Fish Mox 250 mg amoxicillin capsules, but I have no idea how to figure out the right dosage. He weighs 130 grams and is, at best guess, about 6 weeks old. Dosage and frequency help would be greatly appreciated.
Also, he's been having diarrhea off and on, which is probably from his formula. Because I didn't know any better, up until yesterday he's been on liquid Esbilac for puppies. Yesterday in the mail I received the Fox Valley 20/50 formula that I ordered before reading on this website that powdered Esbilac is superior (or at least should be mixed 50/50). So I'll be getting some of that soon, but I'm sure the diet and diet changes are giving him diarrhea. He has a rather sore looking anus at the moment; could that be because of the diarrhea? I'm trying to keep the area clean, but he's a messy little booger who has preferred to do his business on his own for the last few days instead of waiting for me to stimulate any movements. I've applied some Neosporin (without the pain relief stuff; I know that's bad for my reptiles so I figured it might be bad for squirrels too) a few times, but is this safe to use at all? If not, how can I help his sore bum?
Sorry for being so long-winded; I just like to give as much info as possible. I'll try to attach a photo. Thanks in advance for any advice.