Severe diarrhea in 4month old red squirrel.

[Scarfam7]

Hello! I have 2 babies, approximately 4 months old. The female has severe diarrhea and is very lethargic and refuses to eat or drink. The Male seems fine. They have been very healthy, happy little things-growing and developing as they should. We were in the process of preparing them for release, when the little girl became very inactive, 2 days ago. Overnight she developed severe diarrhea. It is a milky beige color with a very foul smell. I have been forcing fluids, every 4 hours, for the last 24 hours. I'm thinking parasite, but unsure of what kind or how to treat it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[CritterMom]

The foul smell sort of sounds like coccidia. Old school treatment is either Albon (sulfadimethoxine) or SMZ-TMP (Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim). Better and much faster is a drug called Baycox (toltrazuril) which takes only a few days to work.

A lot of parasites can cause GI issues like this - hookworms will do this, too. Is there ANY way to get a fecal done?

[RockyPops]

Hello and welcome Scarfam7 to TSB.

I'm from NW Al. as well. Let me know if I can help.

Keep checking back here often for help.

Meanwhile, what's her weight and diet in case meds are needed. I think I know a squirrel friendly vet if you need it for a fecal sample.

You need to act quickly for these little ones. So let us know.

Thanks for helping your babies!

Do you have any pictures and even better, video?

And do they have names?

[Scarfam7]

The foul smell sort of sounds like coccidia. Old school treatment is either Albon (sulfadimethoxine) or SMZ-TMP (Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim). Better and much faster is a drug called Baycox (toltrazuril) which takes only a few days to work.

A lot of parasites can cause GI issues like this - hookworms will do this, too. Is there ANY way to get a fecal done?

Hello, and thank you for responding! I dont think it's safe for me to take her to the local vet for a fecal test. She has done a bit better today. Still has the diarrhea, but not as often and smaller amounts. She was a bit more active, not much, but she did snack on a bit of a tomato and sweet potato. I am still forcing fluids every few hours, and also giving a little formula in between. She willingly sucks down the formula, but doesn't want anything to do with the sugar water. Her belly is extremely bloated, and I've given her a couple of warm baths to soothe her, but also to help clean her poor little bottom. I feel so terrible for her. I would have been on here sooner, but I've just had too much to do today. Which medications should I get for her, and where should I look for them?

[Scarfam7]

Her name is Lucky, and her brother is Jimmy. My children named them.

[RockyPops]

I'm going to see if I can get contact info for a vet.

Are you within driving distance of Florence and Killen area?

[Scarfam7]

I'm going to see if I can get contact info for a vet.

Are you within driving distance of Florence and Killen area?

I'd have to map it. I'm not sure. I'm at the feed store now. What should I get her for now? I grabbed panacur, so far.

[lukaslolamaus]

What is Lucky's weight, and what strength penacur did you get?
That way someone can dose the penacur for you, deworming definitely won't hurt her.
I'm in NE AL.
I'm pretty sure it would be ok to give her baby gas x for the bloating, but I'm not sure what the correct dose would be. I have never dosed meds before and only follow directions on how to.

[Scarfam7]

What is Lucky's weight, and what strength penacur did you get?
That way someone can dose the penacur for you, deworming definitely won't hurt her.
I'm in NE AL.
I'm pretty sure it would be ok to give her baby gas x for the bloating, but I'm not sure what the correct dose would be. I have never dosed meds before and only follow directions on how to.

312833312834

[Scarfam7]

Her diarrhea is different now. It's less watery and has mucus in it. The odor is completely gone. No smell whatsoever. She still only wants formula, no water. And she is a bit more active but still wants to lay, covered up all the time.

[RockyPops]

Scarfam7,

Sorry i can't answer questions about meds. Hopefully someone will check in soon.

I have a vet for you from another member on here. I have never used this vet. I don't know if it's ok to give the name publicly so if you need it you could pm me. And just guessing I'm saying about an hour and a half from you.

Edit: just read your post. What about the bloating?

[Scarfam7]

Sorry, going to weigh her right now.

[Scarfam7]

Scarfam7,

Sorry i can't answer questions about meds. Hopefully someone will check in soon.

I have a vet for you from another member on here. I have never used this vet. I don't know if it's ok to give the name publicly so if you need it you could pm me. And just guessing I'm saying about an hour and a half from you.

Edit: just read your post. What about the bloating?

Okay, great! Yes, please send me the vet info, just in case. The bloating is still there, maybe a bit less than earlier. She has been getting rid of a lot of waste in the past 30 minutes, and she hadn't been all day. I'm assuming this may be a good thing??? I cannot get her to stay on the scale. The last time I weighed her, she was an infant and stayed sleeping while I set her on the scale. This is a challenge....any suggestions?

[RockyPops]

Certainly sounds like improvement. Just keep fingers crossed.

If you have anything she really likes, a tiny amount of food, a couple of sf seeds, or even her formula, try giving it to her on the scale and get a weight while she's distracted. Or weigh her inside a box and then subtract the weight of the box.

I'm gonna try sending you the vet info pm!

[lukaslolamaus]

When I have to weigh an older baby I usually put a plastic container on the scale, the put it on 0 once and then place the baby in the bowl.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi scarfam7, I noticed that we haven’t asked which formula you used. Unfortunately, the formula we usually recommend for baby squirrels is defective right now. Which formula is she taking? Also, what are they eating?

[Scarfam7]

These are the formula and blocks we use. We also feed them nuts and fruit occasionally, and lots of fresh veggies daily. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and cucumber are their favorites.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Very good! :grin2 I just wanted to make sure that you were not using ‘bad’ formula.
The FoxValley 20:50 is exactly what you need.

I can definitely dose the Panacur (fenbendazole) but I will need the weight. I’m not sure what you mean by a red squirrel. Are you referring to the tiny American Red Squirrel. Some places call them Pine Squirrels. I didn’t think the little reds were in the south. :) My other thought was the big orange Fox Squirrels which are huge compared to a little red. Because I’m confused about the type of squirrel, I wouldn’t want to estimate the weight.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I’ll check back in the morning.

[Scarfam7]

Very good! :grin2 I just wanted to make sure that you were not using ‘bad’ formula.
The FoxValley 20:50 is exactly what you need.

I can definitely dose the Panacur (fenbendazole) but I will need the weight. I’m not sure what you mean by a red squirrel. Are you referring to the tiny American Red Squirrel. Some places call them Pine Squirrels. I didn’t think the little reds were in the south. :) My other thought was the big orange Fox Squirrels which are huge compared to a little red. Because I’m confused about the type of squirrel, I wouldn’t want to estimate the weight.

I am no expert! I guessed that's what they were, based on my own research online. I can be, and most likely am, wrong. I'll attach a picture of them, and you can tell me what you think. This is our sick baby girl.

[lukaslolamaus]

You have 2 beautiful Eastern Gray Squirrels :Love_Icon
How is Lucky today and were you able to get her weight?

[RockyPops]

She's just beautiful!

And a big girl! Must be a foxer based on size but sure looks like a gray in these pics.

Were you able to get a weight?

Is she feeling better today?

Edit: Sorry lucaslolamaus, didn't see your post.

[lukaslolamaus]

She's just beautiful!

And a big girl! Must be a foxer based on size but sure looks like a gray in these pics.

Were you able to get a weight?

Is she feeling better today?

Edit: Sorry lucaslolamaus, didn't see your post.

No worries :)

[Scarfam7]

She's just beautiful!

And a big girl! Must be a foxer based on size but sure looks like a gray in these pics.

Were you able to get a weight?

Is she feeling better today?

Edit: Sorry lucaslolamaus, didn't see your post.

She seems a little better today! I have not been able to get her weight. I did give her a bit of the panacur last night, the size of a small grain of rice. I got some dosing advice from the sweet lady from Henry's. She still just wants to hide away, but she did eat a pecan earlier. I put a bit of carrot, and sweet potato in there, as well. I have not checked on her in the last 20 minutes, so I'm not sure if she's eaten any of those. I had given her a bath and that was a bit stressful for her, so I'm leaving her be for a while. The diarrhea is close to constant. Especially following fluids or formula. She is urinating well, so I'm glad she's absorbing the fluids!! I'm feeling very optimistic today. Thank you all, so much, for all the help!

[frankc]

I am no expert! I guessed that's what they were, based on my own research online. I can be, and most likely am, wrong. I'll attach a picture of them, and you can tell me what you think. This is our sick baby girl.

I might be wrong ? But they look like Eastern Gray's to me ?

[Scarfam7]

We are up and eating! She still has nearly nonstop diarrhea, so I am still pushing fluids. But she is snacking on some honey coated granola with almonds, and isn't falling over as before. How long should I expect her to have the diarrhea? Also, no bloating today!

[HRT4SQRLS]

I’m so happy to hear that she’s eating and not bloating. That’s progress but the continued diarrhea is concerning. See if she will eat block. Maybe some solid food will firm up the poop. I wonder if she ate something spoiled that she found. They hide everything, even things that will spoil.

I know of a few cases where diarrhea continued as long as they were on formula. I know some have discontinued formula and got them solely on solid food and the diarrhea resolved. It’s a thought.

[CritterMom]

Panacur is not just a one time deal - they should be treated for 3-5 days, then again in 2 weeks for 3-5 and often a third round in 2 more weeks.

[Scarfam7]

[QUOTE=CritterMom;1307029]Panacur is not just a one time deal - they should be treated for 3-5 days, then again in 2 weeks for 3-5 and often a third round in 2 more weeks.[/QUOTE

Yes, I'm aware! Should she continue to have diarrhea through the treatment, though? I've tried to get her to eat solid foods, but she won't eat anything willingly today. I continue to push fluids and formula because those are the only things I can force her to ingest. Is this typical for squirrels with a parasite? Or could it be that we need to start her on some antibiotics, just in case?

[Scarfam7]

I’m so happy to hear that she’s eating and not bloating. That’s progress but the continued diarrhea is concerning. See if she will eat block. Maybe some solid food will firm up the poop. I wonder if she ate something spoiled that she found. They hide everything, even things that will spoil.

I know of a few cases where diarrhea continued as long as they were on formula. I know some have discontinued formula and got them solely on solid food and the diarrhea resolved. It’s a thought.


She won't eat anything willingly today. I've been been forcing a little bit of nutri-cal with the formula for extra nutrition, but I have to force her to take it. She's less active today and I'm concerned. I feel like her brother would be showing symptoms if they were exposed to a parasite. They've always been housed together, even after Lucky started with the diarrhea. I'm just throwing ideas out now because I really thought she might be improving by the 2nd day of the panacur treatment. What if it wasn't a parasite, and the medication is causing tummy issues? Thoughts????

[lukaslolamaus]

If Lucky was mine I would take her to vet.
Is the vet Rockypop suggested close enough to you that you could make it work.
One of the boys I'm currently overwintering had unexplained diarrhea.
I dewormed him and put him on an other medication after that, but he ended up not getting better until I completely stopped giving him formula, I hated doing it, but we suspected that he is possibly lactose intolerant. He was much younger Lucky when that occurred. He never seen to feed sick while he had diarrhea.
Maybe someone else has a good idea, but I think vet would be my next step if that is doable.
I would definitely finish a 3 day course of the penacur.

[Scarfam7]

If Lucky was mine I would take her to vet.
Is the vet Rockypop suggested close enough to you that you could make it work.
One of the boys I'm currently overwintering had unexplained diarrhea.
I dewormed him and put him on an other medication after that, but he ended up not getting better until I completely stopped giving him formula, I hated doing it, but we suspected that he is possibly lactose intolerant. He was much younger Lucky when that occurred. He never seen to feed sick while he had diarrhea.
Maybe someone else has a good idea, but I think vet would be my next step if that is doable.
I would definitely finish a 3 day course of the penacur.

Well, I just went in to give her some fluids, and she was up and alert. I had already placed solid foods in with her- fresh every morning. She came out when she heard me, and ate quite a bit- the most I've seen her eat since this all began. I'll skip formula now that she has eaten. She still has runny stools, but not as watery as it was earlier today. Tonight would make her 3rd night of the panacur, so I'll be sure to give her that. The vet that was suggested is about 2.5 hours away from me. It would be difficult to get there, so I will wait to see how she does overnight, and re-evaluate in the morning. I have 5 children whom I homeschool, and we only have 1 vehicle at the moment. Hopefully skipping the formula, and her eating solid foods tonight will help harden up the stool. We shall see! Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I'd be lost without you all.

[Nancy in New York]

Has anyone suggested to give her a couple of drops of Pepto?

[RockyPops]

Scarfam7, I thing you are near Tuscaloosa?

If you want to see the vet, maybe I could meet you half way to get her and bring back after visit.

I'm about an hour on the other side of vet from you but it may be doable.

Of course we'd need to make phone contact with vet to be positive they would see her.

Maybe she's pulling out of this funk she's been in.

[Scarfam7]

Has anyone suggested to give her a couple of drops of Pepto?


I just gave her 2 drops of imodium. Fingers crossed that it helps! She ate a bit of a cracker with it too.

[Scarfam7]

Scarfam7, I thing you are near Tuscaloosa?

If you want to see the vet, maybe I could meet you half way to get her and bring back after visit.

I'm about an hour on the other side of vet from you but it may be doable.

Of course we'd need to make phone contact with vet to be positive they would see her.

Maybe she's pulling out of this funk she's been in.


That's so sweet of you to offer to do that! I will let you know how things are in the morning. She seems a little better tonight. She has eaten a bit more, and I gave her the imodium. I sure hope she's pulling out of it! Poor little thing. I just want her to feel like her normal, playful self again! This has been tough on all of us.

[Scarfam7]

❤❤❤
Wish I could figure out how to turn the photo upright.

[lukaslolamaus]

She's a little cutie :Love_IconLucky:Love_Icon
All of us here on the board know how worrisome it is when a little one gets sick
It would be so great if you guys could meet halfway if she ends up needing a vet.
That is such a sweet offer Rockypops:grouphug

[Mel1959]

Pumpkin has been known to firm up stool, as does rice. There is a pumpkin baby food if you can find it, or canned pumpkin for pies, if you can’t. There are also rice crackers made for babies that might help. I believe they come in flavors like banana and such.

[Nancy in New York]

The only pumpkin that is recommended is the plain canned pumpkin,
not baby food or the canned one for pies, too much sugar.

OR you can try the BRAT diet:


Brat diet
3 tablespoons (already) mixed formula 2-1
1/2 tsp baby rice powered cereal
1/2 tsp banana baby food.

[Mel1959]

The Gerber pumpkin baby food contains only pumpkin, no salt or sugar. The same is true for Libby’s canned pumpkin that you have to add the other ingredients to in order to make a pie. You don’t want the pumpkin pie filling that you just open the can and pour into a pie shell. It contains ingredients like sugar, etc.

[Scarfam7]

I am happy to announce that I think we are finally over the worst of this, and Lucky is feeling much better. She actually ate the fresh cubes I put in her tote today. 4 total! I still haven't been able to catch her drinking from her water bottle, so I will continue fluids until she is drinking on her own. But she has much more energy today- enough to wrestle with brother! I cannot tell you how relieved we are! Thanks, again, for all of your help!

[SGwinn96]

I can recommend you this way to get rid of worms. You can use Anthelmintics such as fenbendazole. It is better to buy pure fenbendazole capsules (https://www.fenbenlab.com/product/fenbendazole-capsules-222mg/) without extra impurities.