URGENT Treatment for Aflatoxin / Acorn Poisoning

[Squirrel Friend]

I am in desperate need of actual help. I believe my squirrel has acorn poisoning. Does anyone know how to treat acorn poisoning? If it is treatable at all? How long the symptoms may last? Antibiotics? Homeopathic treatments? Anything at all regarding what one can do if this happens?

[stepnstone]

Treating this type of toxin is a difficult task as there isn’t a specific treatment plan that can be followed nor is there an antidote to the poisoning. Prevention and supportive care are the best options when it comes to treatment. Supportive care consists of getting as much of the toxin out of the animals’ system as possible with IV fluids. Activated charcoal can also be used immediately after ingestion to help eliminate as much of the toxin as possible.

[Rocky1]

Not sure of a definite solution.

Thoughts that come to mind:
1. I agree with activated charcoal,
2. "The solution to pollution is dilution" (offering drinks) and
3. foods with vitamin k to help counteract excessive bleeding if that is a symptom (ex. avocados with no skin and no seeds if he will eat that).

[Squirrel Friend]

Thank you both. He's about 4 months old. He has been sick for about 4 days now. Day 1 he vomited a few times. He's been drinking water and taking tiny bits of formula, apple juice, and electrolyte mix, but not really eating at all. I was able to get him to eat a tiny bit of kale, avocado, and art of a rodent block earlier today. He is super weak. Are there any other things besides fluids and activated charcoal that you think might help? Any antibiotics? Anything for pain? Milk Thistle? Bentonite? Acidophilus? Calcium?

[Rocky1]

Cashews have vitamin k too.

I checked other threads about poisoning to check my accuracy since I was unsure and I think my above statements are correct. Do you mind if I ask what the current symptoms are? I understand if you are too busy caring for him and do not have time.

Only read the below threads if you want. There is not much new information, but hopefully a confidence booster.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?50345-A-poisoned-adult-female&highlight=poisoning

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?42260-Possible-poison-or-toxins-URGENT!!!!!!!&highlight=poisoning

[stepnstone]

He is super weak. Are there any other things besides fluids and activated charcoal that you think might help?
Any antibiotics? Anything for pain? Milk Thistle? Bentonite? Acidophilus? Calcium?

Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens and mutagens, he has been poisoned. Ab's can't help or reverse that.
Understanding what carcinogens and mutagens are and do explains why.

This is text:
************************************************** ****************
A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer. This may be due to the ability to damage the genome or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes In genetics.

A mutagen is a physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material, usually DNA, of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the natural background level.
************************************************** *********************

The purpose of activated charcoal is it binds the toxins to it before it gets to the blood stream so They can pass it.
This is why it's said to use as soon after ingested. Once it gets into the blood stream... unpredictable.

I have heard of using milk thistle to prevent/help keep poisonous antitoxins from reaching and damaging liver cells which aflatoxins can do.

Keep hydrating his system to keep it flushed and I would manipulate his limbs and such to keep a good blood flow.
I have heard of losses from Acorn Aflatoxins and of those who survived. Four days is hopeful, don't lose hope. :grouphug

[Diggie's Friend]

Follow up the Activated charcoal milk thistle seed extract and Pycnogenol, that both are liver (hepatic) protective when it comes to toxins ( including alfatoxins and mycotoxins), shown to prevent liver damage due to these toxins in rats. MTS has been used for a long time by Veterinarians to address aspergillus fungus ingestion or inhalation. PYC is a newer source that has many healing properties studied over 50 years in over a 100 studies, a number of them in rats.

Best to get a source of MTS immediately, yet the lower the better, for reducing the dosage sufficiently is needful. With most sources by measure over 500 mg. it isn't easy to reduce it accurately. Whatever source you find of milk thistle seed extract (not MTS leaf extract), even up to 6 mg. will be fine for the first dose. In reducing the lowest total dosage of one capsule of Milk Thistle Seed powder you find, by dividing it down repeatedly till it is as close as you can get it to (2 to 3) mg. in dose, it can be further reduced by diluting it and then taking one portion of that dilution to give by non needle syringe slowly as not to result in aspiration of the liquid.

This source from Dr. Forest notes 150 mg. Silymarin per 1 Tablespoon, is easily reduce to 1 Tsp. = 50 mg. ; and again to 1/64 Tsp. the size of a drop of water. times three approx. = to (3/64 Tsp.) of Silymarin. Add this to a tiny bit of hot water to steep and then let cool is advisable if you are going to get it into the squirrel by non needle syringe slowly but steadily at a 45 degree angle just behind the incisors onto the tongue.

o give it by non needle syringe

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQRBT8Z/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07KQRBT8Z&pd_rd_w=u7MCT&pf_rd_p=f0355a48-7e73-489a-9590-564e12837b93&pd_rd_wg=E47B4&pf_rd_r=3VDS1P5ZQZ0X56A6QEBC&pd_rd_r=8cd591ed-5727-43d6-921b-46375fd2b625&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExT0FNS0pZMzRYSjVTJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTg2NDk0MjVOREk2SEFUTlI3MyZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzQyOTc1MkJMUVI4RUZaM0VaSiZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2t SZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= (

MTS is a bitter herb, so a a drop of raw Coconut oil would be advisable if you don't have a food that covers up the taste well t


This potency source of Pycnogenol is easily reduced from 30 mg. down to 3.25 by dividing the contents of one capsule's powder by one eighth the capsule contents. Deliver the same means as the MTS powder.

https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Orgins-Pycnogenol-Capsules-Count/dp/B00CLYNA14

[Diggie's Friend]

Forgot to include adding the powdered MTS or PYC to steep in hot water then cool to reduced amount to pull up a portion of it.

Four a 4 month old, splitting the dose would be advisable, or reducing it further. to the target dose of 2 to 3 mg. Siyimarin from MTS. Be advised it really tastes bad, so adding a drop of even dark molasses or maple syrup to the hot water mixture or honey is advisable.

If you happen to find Oregon Wild Harvest Milk Thistle seed Elixer, This liquid source can easily be reduced to 6.25 mg. using one needle drop from a 1 cc 1 ml needle syringe, then add (1/16 Tsp.) water and give one half to one third by non needle syringe to get it down to 2 to 3 mg. dose.

https://www.amazon.com/Oregons-Wild-Harvest-Thistle-Supplement/dp/B00J9MKEUG/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=milk+thistle+seed+elixir&qid=1607501765&s=hpc&sr=1-4

I have seen "Oregon Wild Harvest" extract products available at our Sprouts Market; yet because markets vary in what they carry, you may want to call ahead to not waste time driving around to find it at night.

[Diggie's Friend]

Dilution MTS powdered extract using (1/16) Tsp. or a bit more if needed to reduce the measure and the divide for targeted dose of 2 to 3 mg. Silymarin extract. Sorry for the typo. DF

For liquid MTS extract from Oregon Wild Harvest source that notes 1000 mg. per 1 ml. add the one needle drop to 1/16 Tsp. water and give half to give half by syringe.

[Mel1959]

How’s your little one doing today?

[Procyon Lotor]

I am in desperate need of actual help. I believe my squirrel has acorn poisoning. Does anyone know how to treat acorn poisoning? If it is treatable at all? How long the symptoms may last? Antibiotics? Homeopathic treatments? Anything at all regarding what one can do if this happens?

"homeopathic treatment"

I really hope.you mean holistic.

Homeopathy has been disproven thousands of times and is at best a placebo, at worst it is harming the patient. I would assume most rodents wouldn't view a random medical treatment given by as human as something that would help them as I dont think they have that capacity. Given that, I think it could be reasonable to extrapolate the futility of a placebo.

[Squirrel Friend]

"homeopathic treatment"

I really hope.you mean holistic.

Homeopathy has been disproven thousands of times and is at best a placebo, at worst it is harming the patient. I would assume most rodents wouldn't view a random medical treatment given by as human as something that would help them as I dont think they have that capacity. Given that, I think it could be reasonable to extrapolate the futility of a placebo.

LOL well aren't you just a peach.

Coming at people in a negative tone is not helpful in any way, shape, or form. If you do choose to be rude and unhelpful, you should really proofread your response.

I 100% meant homeopathic treatments. As in natural substances, i.e. activated carbon, milk thistle, bentonite, probiotics, minerals, etc. You may want to do some research because it appears you don't know what you are talking about.

With that being said, we're all here to help eachother and learn from one another. You, my dear, have helped me to learn that some people here are not actually looking to help anyone. So thanks buddy. ✌

[Squirrel Friend]

How’s your little one doing today?

He is doing much better. I have no doubts that he will make a full recovery. Thank you for asking 😊

[stepnstone]

He is doing much better. I have no doubts that he will make a full recovery. Thank you for asking 😊

YES!! http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/happy/happy-clap.gif
Thank you for the update, so great to hear!
Please keep us updated on his progress. :grouphug

[Charley Chuckles]

Great news! Sending prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I'm totally into natural herbal remedies, they REALLY DO WORK 👍👍👍

[island rehabber]

Homeopathy has been disproven thousands of times and is at best a placebo, at worst it is harming the patient. I would assume most rodents wouldn't view a random medical treatment given by as human as something that would help them as I dont think they have that capacity. Given that, I think it could be reasonable to extrapolate the futility of a placebo.

Procyon Lotor, I agree that your tone is unnecessarily aggressive and dismissive -- and while you cite the "thousands of times" that homeopathy has been disproven, rehabbers on both sides of the Atlantic can cite thousands of times that it has WORKED on wildlife. In fact, in Europe homeopathy is the go-to method for wildlife treatment in many areas; they only resort to human 'cillins and 'floxacins if stronger stuff is required. The Squirrel Board prides itself on staying open-minded to many different ways of healing our wildlife friends -- and being kind to each other.

[BCChins]

So glad your little one is doing better please continue to update when you can. :Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

Wonderful update! :dance Keep us posted and please let us know everything you did. It could help others that may be in this situation in the future. :grin2

[Buddy]

That's awesome new! :dance Great suggestion Mel! Squirrel Friend, please share what you did to help your little boy! :w00t

[Diggie's Friend]

He is doing much better. I have no doubts that he will make a full recovery.

That is wonderful news; so glad!!

[Squirrel Friend]

Thank you everyone. It was definitely a stressful time. I took a holistic approach using homeopathic remedies along with conventional antibiotics, good nutrition, and small amounts of movement. I placed a heating pad on low in his cage to help regulate his body temperature. Kept pushing fluids (water, Pedialyte, apple juice) and offering foods every hour or two. Since he wouldn't eat solids at first I went back to formula and gave him Nutri-Cal. I alternated very small amounts of milk thistle and bentonite each day and gave him a calcium supplement and Acidophilus as well. Over time he started perking up and eating solids. He's not 100% yet, but is getting closer every day.

[BCChins]

Saving this in my notes! So Diggie's Friend will this possibly work for other small animals like a Sugar Glider/rats/hamsters also? Vet care would always be the first approach if possible but sometime even the Veterinarian's need a little friendly tip or two ;)

[Diggie's Friend]

Small single gut mammals (non-ruminant), including humans, have been found to benefit from Milk thistle seed MTS extract. Milk Thistle seed, MTS extract lends protection from damage to the liver from mycotoxins consumed and inhaled. For ingestion or inhalation of mycotoxins (alfatoxins one form), MTS along with ATC are commonly used by veterinarians to counter toxins, even for the accidental ingestion of some human dose meds. (Always best to check with a veterinarian for specific antidotes for meds!)

The most common source of food found to be contaminated with (Aspergillus flavus) toxic fungus, is corn; this fungus is commonly found in other grain sources. Other sources of mycotoxins commonly found in foods are found in the fridge, the optimum place to support food, 'science experiments'.

Aspergillus flavus, which produces alfatoxins, is actually present most everywhere, as the spores travel in the air. The spores are generally are more concentrated indoors than outside in the open. This form of fungus is also found in the soil and in other mediums like molding hay; due to it's toxicity caution should be taken in disposing of it properly.

To read more: https://www.bustmold.com/resources/mold-library/aspergillus-flavus/

Other sources of mycotoxins are commonly found in foods stored too long in the fridge, the primary incubator of molds, aka: 'science experiments'.

To read more: https://oawhealth.com/2014/06/10/11-foods-highest-in-mycotoxins/

"Oregon Wild Harvest" also carries a combination liquid extract of MTS and Dandelion root, both known to be effective liver detoxifiers. Having this liquid source on hand can save a life. (store in the fridge)

https://www.amazon.com/Oregons-Wild-Harvest-Thistle-Dandelion/dp/B000Q3X076

MTS for prophylactic use towards preventing illnesses in small mammal pets from air and food exposure to toxins that aren't obviously contaminated with fungal/mold toxins, the powdered organic source from, "Dr. Forest" is the lowest and most easily reduced to a Teaspoon fraction measure. when supported by miniature teaspoon measuring spoons, to add directly to mix into a moist food. Organic baked Butternut squash would be my pick for the moist food to include as a staple in the diet daily.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Star-Foodservice-42924-Stainless/dp/B00KH9PSNI/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=miniature+english+measuring+spoon+set&qid=1606276309&s=home-garden&sr=1-3

[BCChins]

Diggie's Friend

Thank You so much for that valuable information. I have it stored in my medical file for animals. :hug

[Charley Chuckles]

Thank you everyone. It was definitely a stressful time. I took a holistic approach using homeopathic remedies along with conventional antibiotics, good nutrition, and small amounts of movement. I placed a heating pad on low in his cage to help regulate his body temperature. Kept pushing fluids (water, Pedialyte, apple juice) and offering foods every hour or two. Since he wouldn't eat solids at first I went back to formula and gave him Nutri-Cal. I alternated very small amounts of milk thistle and bentonite each day and gave him a calcium supplement and Acidophilus as well. Over time he started perking up and eating solids. He's not 100% yet, but is getting closer every day.

This should be a sticky😉

[Charley Chuckles]

Small single gut mammals (non-ruminant), including humans, have been found to benefit from Milk thistle seed MTS extract. Milk Thistle seed, MTS extract lends protection from damage to the liver from mycotoxins consumed and inhaled. For ingestion or inhalation of mycotoxins (alfatoxins one form), MTS along with ATC are commonly used by veterinarians to counter toxins, even for the accidental ingestion of some human dose meds. (Always best to check with a veterinarian for specific antidotes for meds!)

The most common source of food found to be contaminated with (Aspergillus flavus) toxic fungus, is corn; this fungus is commonly found in other grain sources. Other sources of mycotoxins commonly found in foods are found in the fridge, the optimum place to support food, 'science experiments'.

Aspergillus flavus, which produces alfatoxins, is actually present most everywhere, as the spores travel in the air. The spores are generally are more concentrated indoors than outside in the open. This form of fungus is also found in the soil and in other mediums like molding hay; due to it's toxicity caution should be taken in disposing of it properly.

To read more: https://www.bustmold.com/resources/mold-library/aspergillus-flavus/

Other sources of mycotoxins are commonly found in foods stored too long in the fridge, the primary incubator of molds, aka: 'science experiments'.

To read more: https://oawhealth.com/2014/06/10/11-foods-highest-in-mycotoxins/

"Oregon Wild Harvest" also carries a combination liquid extract of MTS and Dandelion root, both known to be effective liver detoxifiers. Having this liquid source on hand can save a life. (store in the fridge)

https://www.amazon.com/Oregons-Wild-Harvest-Thistle-Dandelion/dp/B000Q3X076

MTS for prophylactic use towards preventing illnesses in small mammal pets from air and food exposure to toxins that aren't obviously contaminated with fungal/mold toxins, the powdered organic source from, "Dr. Forest" is the lowest and most easily reduced to a Teaspoon fraction measure. when supported by miniature teaspoon measuring spoons, to add directly to mix into a moist food. Organic baked Butternut squash would be my pick for the moist food to include as a staple in the diet daily.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Star-Foodservice-42924-Stainless/dp/B00KH9PSNI/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=miniature+english+measuring+spoon+set&qid=1606276309&s=home-garden&sr=1-3

Great info :thankyou