Now bloat? I think I’m losing him

[Snicker Bar]

The little aspiration pneumonia baby that came to the clinic two? three days ago? seemed to be responding to the Baytril, and at least has taken small servings of formula consistently. The other sick one ( female, wrecked mouth, head tilt and respiratory) has made huge progress today. Even attempted to nibble a block wih only one partial tooth in her mouth. But this one just lays, recumbent ; barely taking formula. His mouth will move in slow motion and I just offer literally drop by drop. But today his belly is different ; lumpy like, and he’s had loose poos since coming here. His body also feels deformed, like his sternum is protruding outward way too far, see pics. He’s like a swollen , hatchet chested , skeleton.
I’m so sorry to have bugged so much last few days! It’s just everything is either great or dying. And then the foot rot. I’ve worked so hard to keep these two sickly ones alive; hate to loose him now. I have the simethicone drops from the rabbit , wouldnthat help? I’ve also been trying to stimulate him, even if he’s way past that. Just hoping might get the guts going, if that’s even the issue??
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See how his sternum points way out?
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[cava]

Gosh, I don't know. Was he always like that? I would start with shock protocol, dark, warm, quiet and can you give sq fluids? If you do, make sure they're warmed to body temp. Keep the stress down. His belly doesn't look bloated and you aren't feeding much since he's hard to feed? I wouldn't think it's bloat.

If you think you are losing him, hold him close and make him as comfortable as possible. You'll know when it's time to stop poking and prodding and to offer him comfort and rest.

[Snicker Bar]

Yes his chest was that way, the rehabber noticed it too . Said she’s not sure what that is, maybe a birth defect? I’ve never euthanized anything so tiny . I’m just going to eke the lights off and keep him warm. I’ll quit cleaning him too, been wiping snot and poo with warm wipes . I also started the half dose twice daily Baytril , hoping it would last longer through the day.
Thank you, will see what happens tonight . At least I know he’s not bloated. Just seems like his gut is more swollen today, when used to shrink in between feedings.

[Nancy in New York]

I will direct island rehabber to this thread. She had a little one, Krista, who
also had the protruding sternum, but for the life of me, I can't remember
what Dr. Pilny said about that. :thinking
Bless you for helping all these innocent souls. :hug

[TubeDriver]

Could he have broken ribs/sternum? Has his breathing improved?

I think you have it covered, 2x/day Baytril for pneumonia/breathing, keep him hydrated and stimulated, quiet, dark and warm. Hope for improvement and give him some time as long as he is not really suffering?

Good luck with this little one.:grouphug

[island rehabber]

I will direct island rehabber to this thread. She had a little one, Krista, who
also had the protruding sternum, but for the life of me, I can't remember
what Dr. Pilny said about that. :thinking
Bless you for helping all these innocent souls. :hug

Yes that is exactly what my poor Krista had. At the time, Dr Pilny pronounced it as a birth defect. Even the internet searches I did on "protruding sternum in rodents" didn't tell me much.

[Scooterzmom]

I wish I was there to help, although I'm not really sure what I could do for these poor babies of yours. :Love_Icon What I do know is, they are in loveing hands. I'm praying for them and for you, SB. Keeping you in my thoughts and sending all the postitive vibes I can your way.

:grouphug

[Snicker Bar]

Thank you, breathing is not really improved other than the clicking is gone. He just took another couple ml over 30 min, very slow so he can breath. I wish they could tell us; if rather be at peace than fighting for life . I guess I’ve always assume if they have the will to try to eat, maybe don’t end it yet ?
Island Rehabber, did the sternum defect cause yours to have problems, or die from it ?
I don’t think they are fractured ( the ribs) as the chest feels solid. No popping or visible movements, or air under the skin..

[island rehabber]

Island Rehabber, did the sternum defect cause yours to have problems, or die from it ?
.

I don't believe so, SB. My little Krista had fallen from a roof and had a compression fracture of the spine. It caused her to have an arched back and stiff hind legs.....she could walk, but she lurched and was better at climbing than walking. Over the course of her year of life, she became an extremely picky eater and, frankly, when she lost a great deal of weight that is when we noticed her sternum protruding. (As a chubby baby I never saw or felt it.) My vet believed it was her organs that shut down, slowly, because of her lack of 'normal' movement and appetite. I sure miss her, though....she was the sweetest squirrel. That's her in purple, in my signature below.

[Mel1959]

Forgive me if I overlooked the initial problem with this guy. I was reDing that there is congestion or possible AP. You are treating with a Baytril? I think you should add Clavamox to his dosing. I had some babies that had upper respiratory infections, not AP. They responded very well to the Baytril/Clavamox combo because it covers such a broad spectrum.

I also used saline in a nebulizer to loosen the nasal congestion.

I hope this helps. Sending prayers, too. :Love_Icon