Mouth infection

[Hilbillygirl]

Ive been trying to clear up a mouth infection with baytril. I got it from a rehabber with mixing instructions to crush half a pill and add 5 cc of pedialite. Then give 2 doses per day up to the 3rd line from the bottom of a 1 ml syringe for 5 days. He had started eating again and was frolicking & was more active. The end of the 5th day was Thursday. Hes back to not eating again. Should i be dosing longer than 5 days? He is 5 years old and weighs about a pound.

[Charley Chuckles]

I've always dosed for 10 to 14 days.
Let others chime in.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Can I be completely honest with you.
Baytril is the wrong antibiotic for a mouth infection.

Clavamox or Clindamycin would be MUCH better. Is there any chance you could get that? The Clavamox is also called Augmentin. Maybe someone can send you some.

Edit..
I have to leave for work so won’t be able to respond to posts until later.

[CritterMom]

The generic form of the Clavamox/Augmentin is Amoxicillin/clavulanate. It is not plain amoxicillin - it is a combination drug and requires both parts to work properly. These are HUMAN meds, BTW. All you need is one tablet.

[Hilbillygirl]

I appreciate the information but have gotten 2 different kinds of antibiotics from 2 different seasoned rehabbers. Im making an appointment to take him to the vet next week.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Don’t be surprised if the vet gives you Baytril. Vets just LOVE it.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi Hilbillygirl:
What was it that made you concerned about your Squirrel's health to begin with? What were the specific signs (swelling, redness, drainage, anything and everything to provide as much detail as possible) that led you and the rehabber to make the diagnosis of a "mouth infection?" Photos can also be of great benefit! Where specifically is the condition located such as the skin around the mouth, at the base of the teeth, on the tongue, (again as much detail as possible). The reason I am asking these questions is because: 1) it can make a difference as to the optimal treatment depending upon where the "infection" is located and 2) because not everything that might appear to be an infection is actually an infection or "only" an infection. As an example, swelling of the skin can be caused by an infection, injury, tumor as well many other causes. There may also be an abscess which is a pus pocket and unless it starts to drain on its own it may require drainage to aid in healing even if you are using antibiotics because antibiotics do not penetrate into an abscess well and the definitive treatment for many abscesses is drainage, either occurring spontaneously as sometimes happens or by making a precise cut through the top of the abscess which is a surgical procedure called an Incision and Drainage. I wish your Squirrel and you the very best!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[HRT4SQRLS]

Thanks for the post Sam.

I thought about this more and felt I needed to add something. A five year old squirrel is at risk for odontoma which is a serious tooth issue. More than likely you will need a vet for a definitive diagnosis if it’s indeed tooth related. Teeth problems require an X-ray.

[Hilbillygirl]

Hi Hilbillygirl:
What was it that made you concerned about your Squirrel's health to begin with? What were the specific signs (swelling, redness, drainage, anything and everything to provide as much detail as possible) that led you and the rehabber to make the diagnosis of a "mouth infection?" Photos can also be of great benefit! Where specifically is the condition located such as the skin around the mouth, at the base of the teeth, on the tongue, (again as much detail as possible). The reason I am asking these questions is because: 1) it can make a difference as to the optimal treatment depending upon where the "infection" is located and 2) because not everything that might appear to be an infection is actually an infection or "only" an infection. As an example, swelling of the skin can be caused by an infection, injury, tumor as well many other causes. There may also be an abscess which is a pus pocket and unless it starts to drain on its own it may require drainage to aid in healing even if you are using antibiotics because antibiotics do not penetrate into an abscess well and the definitive treatment for many abscesses is drainage, either occurring spontaneously as sometimes happens or by making a precise cut through the top of the abscess which is a surgical procedure called an Incision and Drainage. I wish your Squirrel and you the very best!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

He stopped eating and slept a lot. He whimpered even to take a grape I posted pics of his teeth both here and on a rehabber group on facebook and everyone said said they needed to be trimmed. I took him to a rehabber who trimmed the toos and said the bottoms were OK. She said she thought he had a mouth infection. Gave him something for pain, gave me a bottle of Bactrim and sent me on my way. After a week he began eating & being his normal self so I stopped the bactrim with about half a bottle left. In 2 days time he wasnt eating again and no activity. So I called a different rehabber because the first one had her phone disconnected. I sent the teeth pics to her and right off she said he needed antibiotics. When I asked her why she thought that she said by his teeth & gums. This rehabber specialized in bob cats & coyotees but hooked me up with a rehabber that specialized in squirrels who said she would be giving him Baytril for a mouth infection, but you could only get it from a vet. So the lady that recommended this one said she had some Baytril and met me with everything i needed. Said to give it for 5 days. I stopped the meds after the 5 days and after 1 day he was not eating again. I looked online and it said you should continue meds 2-3 days after clinical symptoms go away so i started the Baytril again and today he is eating and frolicking. I found a couple of vets that will see him but I am not certified and it is illegal to have a squirrel here unless you are certified. I have been warned many times of that and told there is a possibility my boy will be confiscated. I feel as if I could be walking into a trap. You would think the fact that someone cares enough to sacrifice their life to give a good quality life to these guys qould be sufficient. I was told when I tried to get help for him 5 years ago to " put him outside and let nature take its course." His eyes were not yet opened. I couldnt look at myself if I did that. He is my world and I am his guardian. I will do whatever I can to continue giving him a good life. Im even getting ready to start classes online to become a rehabber. Sorry this got so long Im just frustrated that there are so many different opinions its hard to do things right under those circumstances.

[Hilbillygirl]

Thanks for the post Sam.

I thought about this more and felt I needed to add something. A five year old squirrel is at risk for odontoma which is a serious tooth issue. More than likely you will need a vet for a definitive diagnosis if it’s indeed tooth related. Teeth problems require an X-ray.
Im planning a call to the vet on Monday for an appointment. This couldnt have happened at a worse time. I dont drive. My 74 year old sister drives me but she just buried her second child a week ago and shes not in very good shape to be driving.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Im planning a call to the vet on Monday for an appointment. This couldnt have happened at a worse time. I dont drive. My 74 year old sister drives me but she just buried her second child a week ago and shes not in very good shape to be driving.


I am so sorry to hear about your present situation and your families loss.

The only way to be certain about the vet is to be right up front and ask. Do this when you call.
Ask them will they confiscate your friend. If the answer is yes, don’t go. We have resources on TSB for access to safe vets. If your vet doesn’t work out don’t lose hope. We might be able to find a vet near you that is ‘squirrel’ safe.

Your description of the problem does sound like a tooth issue. If you’re able to make the vet appointment, make sure they do a head X-ray.

Hillbillygirl, I’m sorry that I was the one to recommend a 3rd antibiotic. I didn’t know about the history of your friend. Like you, a recommendation of a third antibiotic would likely have sent me over the edge also. I do believe an infection/pain is involved and the teeth are the most likely cause. Only an X-ray will determine the nature of the problem. Until the cause is addressed, antibiotics and pain meds will likely only improve the symptoms temporarily.

Please know that the recommendation you received here was not ‘just another voice’ adding to your situation. It was based on many years of seeing outcomes both positive and negative. With that said, I do hope the vet gives you Clavamox and or Clindamycin. It has been proven time after time to address a mouth related infection. It won’t address the cause but it will certainly address the infection until the cause can be determined. If it’s a simple abscess, draining and the proper antibiotic will take care of it. If it’s a tooth it will be more challenging.

A five day course of antibiotics is not long enough. If you saw improvement I would continue it for a total of 7-10 days. Maybe in that time you can get the vet appointment.

What is your friends name?

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi Hilbillygirl:
Thanks for your response. I'm glad your Squirrel seems to be doing better! What is your Squirrel's name? I fully understand the loving bond you have with your Squirrel and I'm sure this bond is mutual! At one time, I thought I was the only one in the world who loved Squirrels until I found TSB! What you were told 5 years ago when the Little One was a tiny baby with unopened eyes is appalling! That would have obviously been a death sentence (which was that persons goal) but even if this individual thought that there was no likelihood for survival for your little Squirrel, why couldn't they be compassionate and why would they recommend a final agony for him and suggest that you leave him outside to meet his fate? If this is how they felt, why did they not suggest a compassionate form of euthanasia so your Squirrel would not suffer? These are all rhetorical questions obviously as you wanted advice in order to help this baby Squirrel survive and thrive! I learned long ago that Love does not come from nature; many aspects of nature can be said to be beautiful in one sense or another but "nature" itself has no conscience, compassion, morality, kindness or love. Nature is only about survival in general at the sad expense of individuals and even entire species. Suffering is rampant. That is why I so admire anyone who would act to ensure a newborn Squirrel would live and have less suffering come his way rather than "let nature take its course!" All that being said, I do think it is best to have your Squirrel seen by someone who is experienced with Squirrel dental issues and mouth conditions. Hopefully, there is such a vet nearby! Wishing is usually useless but I wish your Squirrel could be seen by Dr. Emerson in Florida as she is a known reputable vet with probably more experience with Squirrel oral conditions and disorders than anyone in the world. I do have a suggestion for you if you are going to take your Squirrel to a veterinarian and that is to read any on-line reviews. Most likely they won't be from people with pet Squirrels but you can at least get some sort of opinion as to the vets competence and compassion. I would also suggest that until you finally feel good about everything, maintain your anonymity and if at all possible, try to talk with the vet either by phone or in person about their experience with Squirrels or other rodents and of course your major concern about not losing your Squirrel to confiscation by the vet or the Game Warden. A question you might ask when scheduling an appointment would be to ask if the vet will see pet rats. Rats are legal to possess, are kept as pets, and a number of vets will readily see pet rats. Rats of course are not Squirrels but they are rodents and closely related to Squirrels. In fact much of the medication choices and dosings we use for Squirrels and other treatments as well were derived and based upon on information and studies involving rats and rat care. The bottom line as I see it is that you must find someone who is experienced with Squirrels if at all possible or at least rodents and is also experienced enough with oral diseases, conditions and treatments to recognize the problem your Squirrel has and then help get it resolved and will not directly or indirectly put you at risk for losing your Squirrel!
I wish you and your Squirrel the very best! Please let us know how things are going.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I am so sorry to hear about your present situation and your families loss.

The only way to be certain about the vet is to be right up front and ask. Do this when you call.
Ask them will they confiscate your friend. If the answer is yes, don’t go. We have resources on TSB for access to safe vets. If your vet doesn’t work out don’t lose hope. We might be able to find a vet near you that is ‘squirrel’ safe.

Your description of the problem does sound like a tooth issue. If you’re able to make the vet appointment, make sure they do a head X-ray.

Hillbillygirl, I’m sorry that I was the one to recommend a 3rd antibiotic. I didn’t know about the history of your friend. Like you, a recommendation of a third antibiotic would likely have sent me over the edge also. I do believe an infection/pain is involved and the teeth are the most likely cause. Only an X-ray will determine the nature of the problem. Until the cause is addressed, antibiotics and pain meds will likely only improve the symptoms temporarily.

Please know that the recommendation you received here was not ‘just another voice’ adding to your situation. It was based on many years of seeing outcomes both positive and negative. With that said, I do hope the vet gives you Clavamox and or Clindamycin. It has been proven time after time to address a mouth related infection. It won’t address the cause but it will certainly address the infection until the cause can be determined. If it’s a simple abscess, draining and the proper antibiotic will take care of it. If it’s a tooth it will be more challenging.

A five day course of antibiotics is not long enough. If you saw improvement I would continue it for a total of 7-10 days. Maybe in that time you can get the vet appointment.

What is your friends name?

Thanks HRT4SQRLS! I was typing a post and "slammed" it out there before I realized that you had addressed most of my issues and suggestions!

[Hilbillygirl]

I am so sorry to hear about your present situation and your families loss.

The only way to be certain about the vet is to be right up front and ask. Do this when you call.
Ask them will they confiscate your friend. If the answer is yes, don’t go. We have resources on TSB for access to safe vets. If your vet doesn’t work out don’t lose
. We might be able to find a vet near you that is ‘squirrel’ safe.

Your description of the problem does sound like a tooth issue. If you’re able to make the vet appointment, make sure they do a head X-ray.

Hillbillygirl, I’m sorry that I was the one to recommend a 3rd antibiotic. I didn’t know about the history of your friend. Like you, a recommendation of a third antibiotic would likely have sent me over the edge also. I do believe an infection/pain is involved and the teeth are the most likely cause. Only an X-ray will determine the nature of the problem. Until the cause is addressed, antibiotics and pain meds will likely only improve the symptoms temporarily.

Please know that the recommendation you received here was not ‘just another voice’ adding to your situation. It was based on many years of seeing outcomes both positive and negative. With that said, I do hope the vet gives you Clavamox and or Clindamycin. It has been proven time after time to address a mouth related infection. It won’t address the cause but it will certainly address the infection until the cause can be determined. If it’s a simple abscess, draining and the proper antibiotic will take care of it. If it’s a tooth it will be more challenging.

A five day course of antibiotics is not long enough. If you saw improvement I would continue it for a total of 7-10 days. Maybe in that time you can get the vet appointment.

What is your friends name?

My boys name is Squeebles. I did call one vet that was recommended by the first rehabber I saw and I did ask them up front and was told they would not confiscate him, but I became worried rhat I could be walking into a trap after telling them I was not certified.
A second vet was recommended by the rehabber that gave me the Baytril she said.to just tell them Im certified that rhey wouldnt ask for any proof. Neither are very close but I hate to lie. I was just not beought up that way...Im going to pray on it tonight. Thanks to everyone for your help and kind words. If someone knows of a safe vet in the Fort Worth Texas area It would be much appreciated.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Squeebles :)

I though of something. We have a member in Fort Worth. Actually his user name is FortWorthSqu***** so it’s pretty obvious where he lives. :grin2 I’m going to direct someone to your thread that I think has contact information. He isn’t active on the board anymore but is still rehabbing if I’m not mistaken. He would have a vet. He would also have helpful info about your area regarding squirrels.

If she has information she will contact you by Private Message.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hello Hilbillygirl:
Another possibility is Texas Avian Exotic Hospital in Grapevine. I talked with them today without any mention of you or about Squeebles issues. I was told that they do see pet Squirrels. It may be worth at least contacting them and of course asking the questions that have been suggested in prior posts. If they also inform you that they do see pet Squirrels it seems encouraging and I would tend to believe that they would not confiscate or report because their business could be shot by adverse social media posts but I would still ask all of the questions and maybe even interview the vet before bringing Squeebles to them.
Please us know how things are going!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Contact info:
Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital
2700 W State Hwy 114
Building 2, Suite A
Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: (817) 953-8560

[Mel1959]

Yes, that hospital was in my recommended list. Dr. Antinoff was the vet who saw squirrels, so I’m not sure who at the practice sees them since he’s no longer there.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Yes, that hospital was in my recommended list. Dr. Antinoff was the vet who saw squirrels, so I’m not sure who at the practice sees them since he’s no longer there.

I don't know the answer to that. It may be that since this facility specializes in "exotic" animals, others on their staff might see pet Squirrels. I hope that they still do. It may be that I talked with the wrong person today. I hope I did not! If you do contact them please let us know whether or not they are "Squirrel capable & Squirrel friendly." Also, please keep us informed of any other Squirrel Vets in the DFW area you may find!
Thanks,
SamtheSquirrel

[Hilbillygirl]

Hello Hilbillygirl:
Another possibility is Texas Avian Exotic Hospital in Grapevine. I talked with them today without any mention of you or about Squeebles issues. I was told that they do see pet Squirrels. It may be worth at least contacting them and of course asking the questions that have been suggested in prior posts. If they also inform you that they do see pet Squirrels it seems encouraging and I would tend to believe that they would not confiscate or report because their business could be shot by adverse social media posts but I would still ask all of the questions and maybe even interview the vet before bringing Squeebles to them.
Please us know how things are going!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Contact info:
Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital
2700 W State Hwy 114
Building 2, Suite A
Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: (817) 953-8560

Thank you. Thats great info but too far from us. My 74 year old sister is driving. Having just lost her son 2 weeks ago its a challenge to have her drive. The closer to Fort Worth the safer it is for us.

[island rehabber]

There is also a couple, members here on TSB, who are in Flower Mound TX -- is that close enough? She has been going thru serious health issues lately but I can message her about a local vet. I know she works with at least one vet for their squirrels.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Thank you. Thats great info but too far from us. My 74 year old sister is driving. Having just lost her son 2 weeks ago its a challenge to have her drive. The closer to Fort Worth the safer it is for us.

I'm so sorry to hear about your Family's loss and y'all have my sincere condolences as well as my best wishes for the future, Hilbillygirl! Hopefully, there will be other options for you and Squeebles! IR sent a possible source of help located in Flower Mound but unfortunately it is North of Grapevine. Grapevine is about 30 miles Northeast of the center of Fort Worth. Texas Avian Exotic Hospital in Grapevine has a great reputation! Do you think it might be possible for you to use Uber to get there if they would be able to see Squeebles? This is what I got as an estimate from the Stockyards area in Ft Worth to Grapevine with Uber. You would probable need Uber Pet (carrying of a non-service animal):

Uber price estimator
Fort Worth's Stockyards Station, 130 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, Texas
Grapevine, TX
Your options
Pick Transportation
$3.00
Connect
$33.92
UberX
$37.71
Uber Pet
$41.77

Thanks again for your care of little Squeebles and the best to both of you!
SamtheSquirrel