Help! Bloody butt, not eating.

[IdahoRay]

I noticed yesterday that his breathing seemed fast. He also shook a little. From reading here, I'm guessing he has an internal infection. Has had some diarrhea, his thighs and butt have blood on them. Idaho is a state where no vet will help. I need to know what I need to get for him. We have a Petco, and such here in Twin Falls, ID. He's not doing well so please, quick responses would be appreciated.

[Spanky]

I noticed yesterday that his breathing seemed fast. He also shook a little. From reading here, I'm guessing he has an internal infection. Has had some diarrhea, his thighs and butt have blood on them. Idaho is a state where no vet will help. I need to know what I need to get for him. We have a Petco, and such here in Twin Falls, ID. He's not doing well so please, quick responses would be appreciated.

There is not enough information here for us to be helpful. Pictures might help.. of his bottom, thighs and even the poop. I know this is gross, but what kind of smell does his diarrhea have? Knowing the color may help as well.

How old is this squirrel? What is their diet? Are they on formula and if yes, what formula specifically.

Is he low energy? Lethargic? Do you here is "clicking" noise in his chest when you hold him up to your ear?

While you might be able to get medicine for parasites (worms) and the like from a PetCo you will not be able to get antibiotics. Ask around to all your family and friends and try to locate some antibiotics. If you locate any, tell us what you have found and the strength.

We will also need to know how much the squirrel weighs to dose any medications.

[IdahoRay]

There is not enough information here for us to be helpful. Pictures might help.. of his bottom, thighs and even the poop. I know this is gross, but what kind of smell does his diarrhea have? Knowing the color may help as well.

How old is this squirrel? What is their diet? Are they on formula and if yes, what formula specifically.

Is he low energy? Lethargic? Do you here is "clicking" noise in his chest when you hold him up to your ear?

While you might be able to get medicine for parasites (worms) and the like from a PetCo you will not be able to get antibiotics. Ask around to all your family and friends and try to locate some antibiotics. If you locate any, tell us what you have found and the strength.

We will also need to know how much the squirrel weighs to dose any medications.


I cleaned both him and his bedding so there won't be any pictures. He is on formula. Has been on kid milk(goat) formula for weeks. Mixed at as directed then thinned 1 1/2 - 2 parts water. He is approx 4-5 weeks old. He opened his eyes fully 4 or 5 days ago. His stool was normal until 2 days ago. It started to get runny, and now is very much so. What would seem a normal light brown diarrhea. I also need to know what antibiotics. There are tons out there that do different things. If I had to guess I would say he weighs around 4 oz. He appears as a healthy looking weight. He is slightly lethargic right now. I would guess this would be because he feels bad as much as his illness. Eyes are still clear and mostly open. Thank you

[TamiKakes]

I cleaned both him and his bedding so there won't be any pictures. He is on formula. Has been on kid milk(goat) formula for weeks. Mixed at as directed then thinned 1 1/2 - 2 parts water. He is approx 4-5 weeks old. He opened his eyes fully 4 or 5 days ago. His stool was normal until 2 days ago. It started to get runny, and now is very much so. What would seem a normal light brown diarrhea. I also need to know what antibiotics. There are tons out there that do different things. If I had to guess I would say he weighs around 4 oz. He appears as a healthy looking weight. He is slightly lethargic right now. I would guess this would be because he feels bad as much as his illness. Eyes are still clear and mostly open. Thank you

You should get a scale ASAP- you can get them at Walmart in the kitchen section for about $12.
This is needed for knowing how much to feed also to know how much meds when dosing.

Also you should get Esbilac Puppy formula.

Ideally the antibiotic you would want is Cipro-

[IdahoRay]

Okay, thank you. I'm on the hunt for antibiotics. I'll get a scale, and the formula. I'm guessing this is a common formula you can find at the pet store?

[IdahoRay]

Also, does the formula need to be thinned, or given as directed?

[TamiKakes]

Also, does the formula need to be thinned, or given as directed?
Given as directed. 1 part powder (NOT the premixed liquid) to 2 parts water.
Make sure its the one with the fluffy white dog with the probiotics. not the one with the lil cute bulldog.

Also, are you feeding with a syringe or a bottle?

I would also try to get some pedalyte in her (given no longer than 24 hours) as she is probably dehydrated and needing some electrolites back in her system from the watery stools

[IdahoRay]

Geez, I can't edit past comments so I'm making 10 posts as questions arise. Sorry about that. As a last resort would something like this work? Obviously dosage would have to be figured.

https://mydbsupply.com/578f89efa6df1a3681e9ad12/terramycin-250mg-24ct-btl

[IdahoRay]

Given as directed. 1 part powder (NOT the premixed liquid) to 2 parts water.
Make sure its the one with the fluffy white dog with the probiotics. not the one with the lil cute bulldog.

Also, are you feeding with a syringe or a bottle?

I would also try to get some pedalyte in her (given no longer than 24 hours) as she is probably dehydrated and needing some electrolites back in her system from the watery stools

I was feeding with a syringe, he moved on to the bottle with no issues after we modified it for easier usage. He did just drink some water. Not a whole lot, but at least it was something. I'll grab some pedialyte, I fully understand the need for electrolytes.

[TamiKakes]

I was feeding with a syringe, he moved on to the bottle with no issues after we modified it for easier usage. He did just drink some water. Not a whole lot, but at least it was something. I'll grab some pedialyte, I fully understand the need for electrolytes.

Bottles are very dangerous for baby squirrels as they can aspirate very easily from them, i would suggest going back to the syringe. The best would be a 1cc syringe with an Oring and a miracle nipple attached.

Please read this 6 page starter guide if you have not already. This is the basics of caring for a baby.
https://www.henryspets.com/1-basic-setup/

A lot of the information I have given is in this, plus some more.

Once you get a hold of some antibiotics -cipro is best- but any that you can get, please get the baby's weight and the antibiotic information as soon as possible so a qualified member on the board can properly dose your baby.

Also, pics- even if not of the bloody butt, but any pics to see your lil cutie, will be helpful and appreciated.

Also, when you hold her up to your ear, do you hear a clicking sound when she breathes?

[IdahoRay]

Bottles are very dangerous for baby squirrels as they can aspirate very easily from them, i would suggest going back to the syringe. The best would be a 1cc syringe with an Oring and a miracle nipple attached.

Please read this 6 page starter guide if you have not already. This is the basics of caring for a baby.
https://www.henryspets.com/1-basic-setup/

A lot of the information I have given is in this, plus some more.

Once you get a hold of some antibiotics -cipro is best- but any that you can get, please get the baby's weight and the antibiotic information as soon as possible so a qualified member on the board can properly dose your baby.

Also, pics- even if not of the bloody butt, but any pics to see your lil cutie, will be helpful and appreciated.

Also, when you hold her up to your ear, do you hear a clicking sound when she breathes?

Yes I have read the starter guides, most have expectations of availability of a lot of these we don't have access to. I can go back to the syringe, but it seemed he was having a much harder time with that than the bottle. I don't hear any clicking, but I thought I could feel a bit of congestion(rattle feeling) in his breathing. I have someone who has some penicillin, or I can get the antibiotics I linked above.305669

[IdahoRay]

https://www.facebook.com/ray.hinrichs.5/videos/2177251195640164/

[Spanky]

Please stop feeding with a bottle. He WILL get aspiration pneumonia feeding from a bottle if he does not have it already.

[Spanky]

The Terramycin (oxytetracycline) is not one of the medications we typically recommend for aspiration pneumonia (AP). However, it is in the same class of drugs as "doxycycline" which has been used to some success in the past. Know this is a slower acting and definitely less effective medication at best when treating AP.

The best thing you can do is try to locate some Cipro.

[IdahoRay]

Please stop feeding with a bottle. He WILL get aspiration pneumonia feeding from a bottle if he does not have it already.

well there in is the problem though. I understand what you're saying. He would choke or get it in his nose with the syringe, no matter how slow we fed. With the bottle he doesn't. I mean you guys are the experts here, but I don't understand going back to something he was having issues with. Would AP cause the issues he is having(bloddy butt)?

[IdahoRay]

The Terramycin (oxytetracycline) is not one of the medications we typically recommend for aspiration pneumonia (AP). However, it is in the same class of drugs as "doxycycline" which has been used to some success in the past. Know this is a slower acting and definitely less effective medication at best when treating AP.

The best thing you can do is try to locate some Cipro.

There is just none available. I don't have a huge network of people to go to. I did locate some penicillin. I don't know if that is a better answer than the Terramycin? I have to go get a scale, and formula. I'll pick up another syringe, and a miracle nipple.

[Spanky]

There is just none available. I don't have a huge network of people to go to. I did locate some penicillin. I don't know if that is a better answer than the Terramycin? I have to go get a scale, and formula. I'll pick up another syringe, and a miracle nipple.

Most penicillins cannot be used in squirrels.

[Spanky]

well there in is the problem though. I understand what you're saying. He would choke or get it in his nose with the syringe, no matter how slow we fed. With the bottle he doesn't. I mean you guys are the experts here, but I don't understand going back to something he was having issues with. Would AP cause the issues he is having(bloddy butt)?

How large of a syringe were you using to feed him? This sounds like it was a syringe that was too large for the little guy.

[Spanky]

Would AP cause the issues he is having(bloddy butt)?

I have never heard of AP causing rectal bleeding. Hopefully others will share their experiences.

It seems that would more likely be caused from something upsetting the gut, maybe the goat's milk? :dono I am not familiar with this, what all it is mixed with etc. but this could well be intestinal agitation from the formula. Maybe his gut's flora is out of whack and he needs some macrobiotics?

[TamiKakes]

OMG! His is just too adorable! I am very partial to foxers (thats what I have, and all we have around where I live)

I have a few 1cc syringes at home that I cant use cause my lil girl just wont use it, PM me your address, I will send a few with a miracle nipple since you can only get those online.

For the diarrhea, i would hold off on the formula for a few days and go to hydrating with water- for 24 hours use the home made pedalite mix ) (someone with more knowledge please correct me here if I am wrong)

Homemade Rehydration Fluid

1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar or apple juice
2 cups warm water
Store in refrigerator. Discard after 24 hours.

Note: If the baby refuses fluids, try leaving out the salt

After 24 hours go to straight water.


Also, remember the 5-7% feeding rule when you start back on formula in a couple days

5-7% Feeding Rule:

You can figure the amount to feed using the 5-7% feeding rule. Weigh the baby on a gram scale; multiply that number by 5%; and that will be the number of cc’s (or ml’s) to feed per feeding. You can go up to 7% (weight in grams x .07) for most babies after a few feedings. Do not overfeed! Babies will overeat if you let them and get diarrhea, which can be fatal. Weigh the baby every day at the same time to determine if they are gaining or losing weight.

[IdahoRay]

How large of a syringe were you using to feed him? This sounds like it was a syringe that was too large for the little guy.


Okay so the syringe is 6cc, but has a elongated end on it. Very small. I actually had to cut some off so that it was a larger orifice, and didn't spray instead of flowing. Okay so I located some amoxicillin. I got a scale, he weighs 4.75oz. So now I need dosing instructions. I got him esbilac, but am holding off until he gets some pedialite in him. Thank you all for your input. Lastly, let me clarify what I understood earlier. Give him the Esbilac without diluting beyond the instructed mix? (got the powerder of course)

[stepnstone]

He is on formula. Has been on kid milk(goat) formula for weeks. Mixed at as directed then thinned 1 1/2 - 2 parts water.

This baby has had a lot of fluid and very little nutrition, what he's putting out is the fluids.
Unless he has developed aspiration pneumonia I would hold off on antibiotics, they are hard
on their stomachs and would just add to the problem.
I would suggest giving this baby the properly mixed formula and treating with some Kayopectate or
Pepto Bismol to coat the stomach and help with the diarrhea.
If hydration is necessary give in between his formula feedings, not instead of.

4.75 ounces= 134 grams, at 5% he should be eating 6.7 cc's per feeding.
I would not feed more then the 5% at least until the diarrhea is resolved.

[IdahoRay]

This baby has had a lot of fluid and very little nutrition, what he's putting out is the fluids.
Unless he has developed aspiration pneumonia I would hold off on antibiotics, they are hard
on their stomachs and would just add to the problem.
I would suggest giving this baby the properly mixed formula and treating with some Kayopectate or
Pepto Bismol to coat the stomach and help with the diarrhea.
If hydration is necessary give in between his formula feedings, not instead of.

4.75 ounces= 134 grams, at 5% he should be eating 6.7 cc's per feeding.
I would not feed more then the 5% at least until the diarrhea is resolved.


After reading about diarrhea, I'm actually thinking this is far more the problem than an infection. I have the proper formula, and he just ate right around 6cc. This was after about 2cc of pedialite about 30 minutes prior. He is much more active and was excited about the formula. I will measure exactly what he eats from here on out, and adjust it as his weight increases. He is starting to nibble a bit on his blanket. Not to the point of eating it or anything, but showing interest in solids. I've heard about 50 differing statements on when they can have vegetables, and which ones. What do you feel is appropriate? Thank you

[Spanky]

Below is is link to the healthy squirrel diet. BUT, I suggest you not introduce any solids until the diarrhea has resolved. Then, the first and only solid should be a hi quality rodent block. Henry's Healthy Block (HHB) is the gold standard and is a supplment block so they need only eat 2 - 3 of these each day. Only after he is eating whatever block well, would I start to introduce veggies from the list...

Diet:
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

HHB:
https://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

[TamiKakes]

Also, in case you did not know....
Make enough formula to last about 24 hours. It's best to let sit about 4+ hours before feeding (not making it right before you feed)
Only heat up what you will be using per feeding and toss out any unused reheated formula. Never reheat it.

I purchased these at dollar tree, there are 10 in pack for a dollar. They are great to portion out and stick in the fridge, then just set it in a mug of hot water to heat it up. *the lid may pop off/loose while heating, secure it then shake before using once warm)

[stepnstone]

Below is is link to the healthy squirrel diet. BUT, I suggest you not introduce any solids until the diarrhea has resolved.
Then, the first and only solid should be a hi quality rodent block. Henry's Healthy Block (HHB) is the gold standard
and is a supplment block so they need only eat 2 - 3 of these each day. Only after he is eating whatever block well, would
I start to introduce veggies from the list...
Diet:
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

HHB:
https://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

Actually once he has adjusted well to the new formula the addition of block can be introduced
and may even help to solidify the bowel. No fruit, no veggies at this time.
Pedilyte should not be given for more then 48 hours due to the sodium content, if hydration is
still needed the home made recipe or just plain water will suffice.