Need some help, 6 - 8 week old 100-125gram babies something is wrong

[BehrleJay]

I've been caring for 4 babies. They've been thriving and growing, just doing great. Up until yesterday I noticed the runt if the little seemed a little blah. He has been up and down in health ever since. I've rehabbed babies from squirrels to baby rabbits and I can usually tell if there has been aspiration or if they've got bloat but I don't know what's going on here. He started becoming less active, his fur seems duller and his belly seems a bit bloated. Poos are darker so I've been rehydrating him with pedialyte and honey. He wants to drink and at times nibbles at food but all around is just blah. No clicking if I listen to his chest. But his breathing and heart rate are elevated. My vet tech friend suggested I start a bactrim course 0.1ml for every 25 grams every 6 hours which I started today, she has had 1 dose so far. Seems very touch and go. Now just tonight a second baby is act ik nf a bit off, his tummy too looks bloated and his most recent poo is a bit darker than usual. His ears seem a bit low which I usually attribute to dehydration but they all eat just fine. Formula feeding at 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm. Then I supplement with blocks I get from Henry's. The other is still acting like herself and I am so worried. I've never had thriving babies go south this fast. Can someone please give some advice or get in contact with me?

[Mel1959]

I’m really sorry to hear this. I have seen another post where someone had a similar situation, but I don’t remember what the overall problem was.

Have there been any changes in their environment? Food? Are they still taking hydration?

Where in Fl do you live? We have some amazing vets who will see squirrels in this state.

[BehrleJay]

No I've changed nothing, same formula, same food. I'm in Pinellas county. This morning things were looking up, but as the day went on downhill again. But still drinking, even leaving a small dish of water/pedialyte making use of that and drinking.

[CritterMom]

Can you read the first four posts on this thread: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?65622-PLEASE-HELP-! and tell me if it may also be happening to you? Most people don't realize that the POWDER used for formulas can go bad all on it's own...

[BehrleJay]

Can you read the first four posts on this thread: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?65622-PLEASE-HELP-! and tell me if it may also be happening to you? Most people don't realize that the POWDER used for formulas can go bad all on it's own...

I switched to my new bag today just in case!! So far they're looking a little better today so fingers crossed they keep improving!

I was storing the first bag at room temperature. Luckily I had JUST gotten my new bag yesterday from FedEx so I will keep that in the freezer, threw out the older bag and will be keeping it with the blocks in the freezer. I hope this helps. Do you suggest I keep them on the antibiotics course? I wrote my original post wrong I noticed too in a panic last night they're getting 0.1ml per every 25grams body weight every 12 hours.

[BehrleJay]

Can you read the first four posts on this thread: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?65622-PLEASE-HELP-! and tell me if it may also be happening to you? Most people don't realize that the POWDER used for formulas can go bad all on it's own...

I think this might be the issue! Since I started withholding formula to rehydrate the runt has been improving. Even ate 9ml of the new formula I mixed this morning. Eyes look brighter, ears are back up, fur looking a little better. I'm so glad I found that post :grouphug

[Mel1959]

I’m confused by the way you’re calculating how much to feed. We recommend feeding 5-7% of their weight at each feeding. For a 100gr baby that would be 5-7ml per feeding. For your 125gr baby it would be 6.25-8.75 per feeding. Please verify the amount you are feeding each time.

How are they doing now that you have switched to the new bag of formula?

[Mel1959]

You are relatively close to a good vet. Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital, Dr. Zellner, 727-877-1400, Tampa. Just in case you need it.

[CritterMom]

I think this might be the issue! Since I started withholding formula to rehydrate the runt has been improving. Even ate 9ml of the new formula I mixed this morning. Eyes look brighter, ears are back up, fur looking a little better. I'm so glad I found that post :grouphug

I am glad it helped. It is really insidious - if you don't realize right away what the heck is happening, you keep giving them the very thing that is making them ill. It would be nice if the products had that info on their labels. I now keep all things squirrel in the freezer because of it. The powder mixes the exact same way straight from the freezer. :w00t

[BehrleJay]

I’m confused by the way you’re calculating how much to feed. We recommend feeding 5-7% of their weight at each feeding. For a 100gr baby that would be 5-7ml per feeding. For your 125gr baby it would be 6.25-8.75 per feeding. Please verify the amount you are feeding each time.

How are they doing now that you have switched to the new bag of formula?

Oh I meant for the medication I was given for them lol not their feedings! They eat about 9ml per feeding.

[BehrleJay]

I’m confused by the way you’re calculating how much to feed. We recommend feeding 5-7% of their weight at each feeding. For a 100gr baby that would be 5-7ml per feeding. For your 125gr baby it would be 6.25-8.75 per feeding. Please verify the amount you are feeding each time.

How are they doing now that you have switched to the new bag of formula?

They're doing a lot better since I stopped formula for a bit to rehydrate and this morning started on the new batch of formula. 100% out of the weeds but they're improving and starting to act like themselves again.

[BehrleJay]

I am glad it helped. It is really insidious - if you don't realize right away what the heck is happening, you keep giving them the very thing that is making them ill. It would be nice if the products had that info on their labels. I now keep all things squirrel in the freezer because of it. The powder mixes the exact same way straight from the freezer. :w00t

I know! They make sure to note it on the blocks to freeze immediately, but not the formula. I never would have thought either because when I used to use puppy formula I didn't freeze. I didnt even do that with my kids formula lol

I think the Frozen formula actually is easier to deal with after mixing with it today.

[CritterMom]

I know! They make sure to note it on the blocks to freeze immediate, but not the formula. I never would have thought either because when I used to use puppy formula I didn't freeze. I didnt even do that with my kids formula lol

I think the Frozen formula actually is easier to deal with after mixing with it today.

Actually, the formula I had go bad on me was the Esbilac puppy formula, so it will and does go bad.

[BehrleJay]

Actually, the formula I had go bad on me was the Esbilac puppy formula, so it will and does go bad.

I always had the small canisters so I imagine I was just fortunate enough to run through it faster than it could spoil. These FV bags are pretty big so I haven't burned through them as quickly. I feel terrible now knowing I was feeding my babies spoiled food. But relieved I found these threads late last night. I frequent Facebook and reddit rehabber groups but only found this little gem of a site last night.

[BehrleJay]

Doing 1000x better! Thank you everyone!! :grin2