HELP!! Cat Caught baby squirrel — Vernon Parish, Louisiana

[Helloleahjoy]

Our cat caught one of the baby squirrels in our yard. We have MANY families of squirrels that live in the trees surrounding our home. We love them like a little extended family, we’ve even named a few of them. (Ed, Edd and Eddie, counts, right?)

I read online that cat saliva is poisonous to them. That they need antibiotics within a certain time period. We immediately put the baby into a little box. He seemed to be in shock. He’s got fleas, for sure.

My vet has given me a powder azithromycin for our cat who has chronic sinusitis, but i’m uncertain if this would work for a squirrel muchless how much to administer.

All the vets are closed today and when I called Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries I got a voicemail. It said someone would get back to me, but that could take a while so I thought I’d check here to see if there is anything else I could be doing.

Please help! I don’t want this little guy (I’ve named him Leo) to suffer.

[CritterMom]

I don't personally have dosing info for azithromycin and it wouldn't be a first choice, but if someone can help you they will need info on the strength of the powder you are describing - is there anything written on it at all?

Do you have other antibiotics in the house? For humans? If so, list what you have.

[Mel1959]

Thank you for rescuing Leo. How old does he look? Eyes are open or closed? Does he have fur and a bushy tail or not? In order to dose any meds we’ll need to know the strength of the medicine and the weight of Leo. I’m not sure about that antibiotic, but others will help you. In the meantime can you call around to family and friends or check your medicine cabinet for other antibiotics in case azithromycin is not appropriate. Medicine for people will work depending on what the drug is. Someone will be able to dose it for you.

Keep Leo warm by putting some blankets in the box for him. If he’s really young he will need a heating pad set on low UNDER 1/2 of the bin/box he’s in. Keep him somewhere that’s quiet so you don’t stress him. Be sure he can’t jump out of whatever box you have him in. If he’s young he will need to be fed formula. Esbilac powdered puppy formula is what you’ll need. You might be able to reunite with mom during daylight hours, but must keep him warm and watch for predators while attempting this.

Here’s the link to baby squirrel care. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?62545-Henry-s-Baby-Squirrel-Care-Link

And here’s a link with a recording of baby calls https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?65195-One-Hour-of-Baby-Squirrel-Cries-to-attract-the-Mother

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi Helloleahjoy:

I'm so sorry about the cat probably biting your baby Squirrel, Leo. Please review the general Baby Squirrel information provided by Mel! This is extremely important. Also, Most likely the baby is well on his way to becoming dehydrated and rehydration would be extremely important! Here is the Baby Squirrel information from Henry's Pets: https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/
This has some great information and is easy to understand and follow.

In regard to the probable cat bite; cat saliva is not in itself "poisonous!" The problems with a cat bite are potentially very serious, however! Cat's mouths contain many bacteria. The classic bacterium present in a cat's mouth is called Pasteurella multocida. Many antibiotics may possibly treat this bacterium including your Azithromycin but sensitivity to Azithromycin is not consistent and there are "better" antibiotics to consider if at all possible. Cats mouths also contain many other bacteria beside the Pasteurella including anaerobic bacteria which grow best without oxygen. Cats, of course, have this, long, sharp teeth and a deep puncture is very common with a cat bite and may be very difficult to recognize as there may not be an obvious wound or even bleeding with a puncture! These almost inevitable puncture wounds are an ideal "set-up" for an anaerobic infection to begin! In humans, probably near 80% of untreated cat bites become infected and I have no doubt that the statistics are just as dismal with Squirrels who are bitten by cats!

An almost ideal antibiotic for Cat Bites is a combination antibiotic; Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate. This is different from plain amoxicillin! A human brand name for this medication is Augmentin and this a a commonly prescribed medication. You, a member of your family or a friend or relative may have some Augmentin or the generic (Amoxicillin plus Calvulanate) available. Only one or two tablets or capsules or some of the powder made for suspension is all that would be needed. A veterinary brand is Clavamox. Your Vet may be willing to write a prescription for this or have some that he or she would be willing to provide for you. IF you have only Azithromycin, Please check for any other antibiocs you may have available and post this information. Time is of the essence with a baby Squirrel who has sustained a Cat Bite and antibiotics should be started immediately. I would recommend using Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate but IF all you is the Azithromycin, it should be utilized and begun immediately.

I have sent some dosing options to CritterMom for Azithromycin from a source we both recognize. She can then evaluate this and determine if this will help her provide dosing instructions for you.

It is essential that you provide an accurate weight of your Squirrel, preferably in grams and post this ASAP. Dosing cannot be made without an current and accurate weight!

Please do NOT delay on the general care for you baby Squirrel as a baby cannot even regulate his temperature and he must have some rehydration and regular general nutritional care with appropriate formula!

One more thing; most of us at one thought that the Fish and Game people would help with care of wildlife but their Department does not really exist to help injured or sick wildlife! They will most likely confiscate and either euthanize Leo or simply set him out to be food for a predator! Please try you Vet if you can trust that person not to confiscate your baby Squirrel. Hopefully he will help. Unfortunately most Vets do not treat wildlife and some may even confiscate wildlife themselves! There are many on TSB who can offer suggestions to you the experience of these members is a tremendous basis for their advice!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I don't personally have dosing info for azithromycin and it wouldn't be a first choice, but if someone can help you they will need info on the strength of the powder you are describing - is there anything written on it at all?

Do you have other antibiotics in the house? For humans? If so, list what you have.

Hi CM:
I'm about to send a PM to you as a possible source of dosing information. I agree that Azithomycin is not a first choice but I would use it if it is the only option!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel