4-5 week old squirrel diarrhea

[Squirrel Man]

I have been taking care of a baby that fell out of a nest for about 4 weeks now. He's been eating Esbilac every 4 hours as of late and has been doing great. Two days ago, he's been having loose/soft stool and on and off diarrhea. I have been giving him 1ml of sugar water between feedings but have not seen improvement as of yet. His eyes had just opened as this started, he weighs 80grams and gets 5ml every 4 hrs. The little guy is active and still seems in high spirits but has been going to the bathroom in his bed instead of when I help him go to the bathroom which is unusual. I will post some pictures of related stuff below. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[CritterMom]

Try to get him to take PLAIN water between feedings and see if that helps. Sugar is hygroscopic - it pulls water from everything which is why your sugar bowl has a clump of solid sugar in it if you live in a humid place. It will do the same thing in the body and cause or worsen soft stools. It is a very minor tweak and more may be needed but it is a first step.

[Squirrel Man]

Try to get him to take PLAIN water between feedings and see if that helps. Sugar is hygroscopic - it pulls water from everything which is why your sugar bowl has a clump of solid sugar in it if you live in a humid place. It will do the same thing in the body and cause or worsen soft stools. It is a very minor tweak and more may be needed but it is a first step.

Okay I will try that out thanks! Any idea when I should start seeing improvement?

[Squirrel Man]

At the end of the day his poops haven't changed, and he refused to eat for the first time just before bed. I'm going to keep tabs on him tomorrow and see if anything changes.

[Tashahaven]

Is there a possibility he aspirated formula or water and he wasn’t able to fully expel it from his lungs? Causing aspiration pneumonia?

hHe is at the age where they go from barely taking in the formula offered to them, to being ravenous, insatiable little “suckers” which increases the risk of aspirating liquids because they suck so hard. If you hold him up to you ear do you hear any clicking with each and every breath?

[Squirrel Man]

Is there a possibility he aspirated formula or water and he wasn’t able to fully expel it from his lungs? Causing aspiration pneumonia?

hHe is at the age where they go from barely taking in the formula offered to them, to being ravenous, insatiable little “suckers” which increases the risk of aspirating liquids because they suck so hard. If you hold him up to you ear do you hear any clicking with each and every breath?

Thanks for the reply! His breathing is okay and there is no clicking noises to be heard. As of this morning, his poops are back to being firm and he is eating well again. I think I am good from here, thank you both for your help! :great