Possible situation - coughing/choking

[roguetiger]

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but this needs another pair of eyes asap.

Wart seems to be coughing or choking on something, I can't tell. I got him out of his cage about an hour ago and he stretched upwards and yawned, but the yawn turned into an "ack".

I've been playing with him for the past hour, to keep my eye on him. At first, he was very clingy and just wanted to curl up in my arm or shirt. I stroked his head for a few minutes and he snapped out of it.

He has been running around me like normal and jumping on various things, wrestling, etc. but every 10 minutes or so will pause and cough, like a cat with a hairball with an accompanying squeak.

I'm trying not to panic, but I know this isn't normal. Earlier this evening he aspirated pretty badly, but we hung upside down and he seemed ok. I've only seen him eat a piece of sweet potato this evening and I offered him a little bananna, which he had a few bites of and then hid. There is no popping or clicking when he breathes.

Is it possible he has something stuck in his windpipe? I tried to look with a flashlight, but didn't see anything in his throat.

Please post advise asap!!

[island rehabber]

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but this needs another pair of eyes asap.

Wart seems to be coughing or choking on something, I can't tell. I got him out of his cage about an hour ago and he stretched upwards and yawned, but the yawn turned into an "ack".

I've been playing with him for the past hour, to keep my eye on him. At first, he was very clingy and just wanted to curl up in my arm or shirt. I stroked his head for a few minutes and he snapped out of it.

He has been running around me like normal and jumping on various things, wrestling, etc. but every 10 minutes or so will pause and cough, like a cat with a hairball with an accompanying squeak.

I'm trying not to panic, but I know this isn't normal. Earlier this evening he aspirated pretty badly, but we hung upside down and he seemed ok. I've only seen him eat a piece of sweet potato this evening and I offered him a little bananna, which he had a few bites of and then hid. There is no popping or clicking when he breathes.

Is it possible he has something stuck in his windpipe? I tried to look with a flashlight, but didn't see anything in his throat.

Please post advise asap!!

First I would try hanging him upside down again and massage his upper back very gently, from tail down toward his head. See if that causes him to cough more, or not. Do it a few times, not just once or twice, in case there is something there. If he "aspirated pretty badly" today he probably has stuff still stuck in his little lungs. I would very vigilant with him for the next 12 hours or so, and if you hear wheezing or clicking you must get him on antibiotics ASAP. It may, however, clear itself up and squirrels often do make that "aak" sound to clear their windpipes...mine seem to do it when they eat the rodent chow, I guess because it's dry. Don't panic, but be vigilant. Especially when you are feeding him so that he doesn't aspirate again. :peace

[roguetiger]

Nest question: how do you hang a squirrel upside down when he doesn't want to be upside down?!

Also, is it ok to put him to bed? Should I keep him up through the night?

also, how long do they cough? Hours? A few minutes?

[Mars]

Will he climb down your pant leg? That would be upside down. :) Is he otherwise breathing normally?

[roguetiger]

Ok, I finagled some arrangement. He squeeked a few times, maybe a cough? Hard to tell. Also, he just hopped into his cage and woofed down an apple slice. After a few first bites, he did that kinda choke/gag movement without a cough and proceeded to eat the rest of the apple without a problem.

waiting....

again, should I let him sleep?

[Mars]

It sounds like baby is uncomfortable like when we sneeze milk through our nose. My guess is he will be fine. :) You can check his gums they should be nicely pink if they are greyish or white he isn't getting enough oxygen. But it sound like it's bothering you more than him. I would let baby sleep. You may not get much sleep. I know I wouldn't.

[roguetiger]

Thanks Mars - that helps to know. We're so close to letting him go, I'm frightened he'll never get the chance. He has been sitting in his nest with his little head poking out watching me watch him. He hasn't coughed since he ate the apple (and then a carrot and then a banana) but a few minutes ago he gave a little squeek of a wheeze/small 'ack'. If he was really having a hard time, he wouldn't be eating, right?

I'm going to keep checking on him. Other than grey/white gums, at point will you know if the danger has past or is getting worse? (I'm pretty sure I can figure it out if it gets worse, I just want to be prepared).

Thank you guys for all the support!

[Mars]

The crisis should pass in the next 24 to 48 hours. The longer he goes without getting worse the less likely it is he will get sick. :)

[roguetiger]

I'm really just worried about something being stuck in his windpipe and not being able to do anything about it. I checked on him a few minutes ago and he came out of his house only to cough 3 times 'ack ack ack'. I don't know if that is good or bad. Sigh...it is going to be a long night.

If worse comes to worse, I'll take him to the state vet school in the morning and just tell them I found him like this. They won't treat squirrels unless you have a permit (rehabber) state license.

[roguetiger]

p.s - thank you guys so much. you have really been so very helpful!

[roguetiger]

Update: I was bad and just woke him up. I wanted to check the color of his gums (sheepish). They look fine, but he hopped onto fiance's shoulder and let out a high pitched double cough.

We were wondering if it is possible he has a cold rather than pneumonia? Again, no popping/clicking, but still coughing.

I'm sure I'll be checking on him all night, but if this persists until the morning, what should I do? If no signs of pneumonia, do i get him antibiotics? If still coughing, is something caught or a possible cold?

already sleepless,

ginny (the rogue tiger)

[squirrelfriend]

I am not sure how old your squirrel is but is it possible that he has something stuck behind his upper teeth? My squirrelie has had this happen a couple of time and so has Tilty.

Another possibility is has he had any grapes or apples? Maybe a peel stuck to the roof of his mouth?

[island rehabber]

yep, I'm thinking some peel from that piece of apple.....it may be stuck to the roof of his mouth and annoying him but not really hampering his breathing or anything.

[roguetiger]

Ok, a.m. update:

Wart made it through the night, I hardly slept at all. He poked his head out this morning and seemed eager to get out of the cage. I fixed his breakfast and brought it in. He wasn't interested in the formula (maybe because he is getting older or maybe b/c it was in shallow dish instead of syringe - thought it would be easier to drink since he was having trouble yesterday).

Anyway, he was perky to start, but didn't want any solid food. Ate a nip of avocado, didn't touch anything else. He was on the chair and went to wash his face and coughed then kinda half gagged. Again, he got clingy and tried to curl up in my arm. He hasn't don't that since he was little. I snuggled with him for a bit and he kinda snapped out of that and went to sit on his chair. For a while, he was acting kinda lethargic and timid. He then drank his formula.

Now he is a little more frisky and is exploring and hopping around and will play fight without a problem. He does however, stop and catch his breath after a good romp. I can't tell if he is breathing faster or not (they breath so fast anyway) but his little breaths are from his belly area. I checked his gums and they are pale light pink. I can't tell if that is ok, or if he isn't getting enough oxygen. See pic:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c297/RogueTiger/gums.jpg

He hasn't coughed in a while (last one was about an hour ago, or more). He is eating a little now and still playing.

What should I be looking for? If his breathing is impaired, what are signs?
Could it be a cold?
Any and all help appreciated. Thanks all!

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Did you check the roof of his mouth, like some of the other folks here suggested?

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

Im so glad every thing has settled down..and you can relax a little..your little one sounds like its back to business of being a baby squirrel..
Did you get a chance to get a look see..I know its hard to open and look inside....easier said than done..
Maybe just a quick peek...to be sure nothing is up there..:peace

[roguetiger]

Yep, I did. Unfortunately, he started coughing last night before he ate the apple slice, and no grapes. but I checked just in case.

what I really need to know is at what point do I take him to the vet? Is there anything they can do to help?

He just did a few laps around me and on his way up my back had a huge gasp/squeek and then got the hiccups. He has been taking it easy since then.

[jules]

Hi,

Possible signs of his breathing being impaired:
Lethargic
Loss of appetite
Chest noises; rattling, crackling, wheezing
mucus membranes pale/grey/blue
Weight loss.

Don't panic when you read the list. All or some of these can be symptoms of many causes.
It may be a good idea to take him to a vet, if you know of one that treats squirrels, other than that just keep an eye on his progression.
He doesn't look pale to me!
You're doing a BRILLIANT job!:thumbsup

Jules. :Love_Icon

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

Yep, I did. Unfortunately, he started coughing last night before he ate the apple slice, and no grapes. but I checked just in case.

what I really need to know is at what point do I take him to the vet? Is there anything they can do to help?

He just did a few laps around me and on his way up my back had a huge gasp/squeek and then got the hiccups. He has been taking it easy since then.
I would take him to the vet's...being that he's so young..I wouldnt take any chances..and you still sound uptight..Id go with my gut..is it telling you ..too...to go get medical help? DO you have a vet by you..that you can take him?
Its better to be safe that sorry...espeacially when they are so, young.
Im not trying to freak you out..or stress you..Im suggesting these ideas as a comfort for you.
If you think its some ting you can handle on your own...then just do what you think is best.
Thats just my two bits.
I hope your not wiggen..:peace
Rachel.....................................

[Mars]

I think I can offer homeopathic help to ease his breathing. If you are interested in this possiblity please return my PM and I shall forward information. :)

[roguetiger]

If I take him to the vet, I have to turn him over. They won't treat 'pets' like this without a license. We were planning on taking him this thursday anyway, but if something is wrong, it doesn't need to wait.

If squirrels are lethargic, do they tend to just sit and watch, or do they want to sleep?

He has spirts of energy and then gets settled. Were you guys able to see his gums?

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

Well..then just take it day by day..I know..I hear you...you dont want any one to take him away..I feel it..
IF yout hink he's doing good..and if every one else says he's doing okay..then just do it your self..do the back rubs..and gentle back burpings...and keep him home..
I always burped Bean when he was a baby..EVEN if he didnt get any milk in his lungs...he seems to enjoy it..after his feeding s I wrap him in a few puffs plus..and put him un my chest..and gently burp him..he's ALWAYS settle right down..and fall asleep twitching away..lol
It was so cute..MY husband would walk past me..and say..OH MY GOD your burping that squirrel?!
Id laugh and say YUP..and keep doing it...
It cant hurt..and he loved it!:flash3

[jules]

If I take him to the vet, I have to turn him over. They won't treat 'pets' like this without a license. We were planning on taking him this thursday anyway, but if something is wrong, it doesn't need to wait.

If squirrels are lethargic, do they tend to just sit and watch, or do they want to sleep?

He has spirts of energy and then gets settled. Were you guys able to see his gums?

They will just want to sleep all the time!
I don't think it's at any serious stage. Getting him looked at is mainly to settle your mind...I know you can't help but worry...it's natural!
Keeping a close eye on him at the moment is all you can do, but, if Mars can help with a homeopathic remedy...GO FOR IT! It's brilliant stuff!
Way to go Mars!:thumbsup

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[roguetiger]

I think you are right. He is bouncing around right now and very interested in the dresser mirror. He nibbled on an apple. Monitoring him is about all I can do now. Mars gave me some suggestions I think i will try. I need to keep an eye on his gums to track that and make sure he stays active today.

I think my fear is that I kept him just one damn day too long y'know? Like if I had taken him in last week, this wouldn't have happened. Because of my mistake, he could be sick.

thanks for all the help and well wishes. Will keep updating.

[jules]

It's not your mistake!:nono

We try to care for them all we can, but sometimes these things just happen!
You've been doing a brilliant job and I know you will continue to do so!:thumbsup
I know this because, YOU CARE!:grouphug

Keep us updated....we are all here to help!
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[roguetiger]

Afternoon update:

As near I can tell, he seems to be a little better. One homeopathy treatment later, Wart hasn't coughed for the past 3.5 hours. He has been playing and jumping and being a squirrel. He napped for the past hour in my jacket and sneezed a few times (i think he was taking a bath).

Still waiting for his breathing to slow down and his gums are still pale. Mars was right, waiting is the hardest part. Please keep this little one in your thoughts.

Anxiously waiting...more to follow.

[susanw]

Lots of prayers comming your way! Great job Mars!:thumbsup

[Mars]

Has baby had any more winded panting mouth open spells?

[Gabe]

Please tell me vets don't just randomly destroy animals. Don't they in turn call a rehabber to take them? That's what they do around here anyway. Vets are licensed in what they do to care for animals not just to destroy them because they love animals. Pam what do you think? Do the vets in your area destroy wildlife or do they call someone to take care of them?

[Gabe]

That's horrible! We really need to make an effort to get the names of rehabbers out to the vet offices. They love to be able to pass the buck onto one of us when they get wildlife calls. That's where I get the majority of my referrals from.

[roguetiger]

Whoa whoa! I'm sorry if I created any confusion! When I said I'd have to give him up, I just meant that I'd have to hand him over to the vet school's rehabber program. They won't treat squirrels if you don't have a license (which I don't) so I'd have to just hope they'd take care of him. They have a rehabber program (where he will be going in a few days) and they will release him to a good area. I don't have access to any of their equipment, etc. so it is better for him to go there.

Also, an evening update. Wart did very well today. After Mars' treatment, he hasn't coughed since noon. He was very active today and gobbled up sweet potato, apples and bananas, plus a little formula. My lingering concerns were for his rapid breathing and pale pink upper gum. (concerned about oxygen deprivation).

I had the opportunity to catch up with an old vet friend of mine this evening. I called her and we talked about Wart. She really helped to put my fears at ease. Concerning the rapid breathing, she said it could (note the choice of words: could) be caused by stress from the whole ordeal. It should taper off. Especially if he is active and showing normal squirrel behavior. Either way, the vet school rehabber program has access to diagnostic equipment that can help him if it continues.

Concerning the pale upper gum: squirrels have very little extra skin in their muzzle. She said it was probable that I was blanching his upper gum out when I was raising his lips to view it. Much like cat lips, their gums will blanch out if you lift the lip to view the gum line. Since Wart's lower gum is a healthy pink, she said this was most likely the case, considering an affliction would be affecting both sets of gums.

Whew! These fears aside, she let me know that if he had pneumonia, (which we've ruled out) he would be a much different squirrel. He wouldn't be running, eating or anything. Just laying around and miserable.

I will continue to monitor him over the next few days to make sure all is well. but I thought I'd pass along some of this info to you guys. Maybe it will prove helpful to you, who have been so very very helpful to our little family. Thank you all for your concern and help!

[squirrelybop]

Wondering how this panned out??? Need an update!!! Hope your baby is doing great.

[roguetiger]

Oh Squirrleybop, he is doing very well. I would recommend Mars' advise for these sorts of things. He hasn't coughed since his treatment and he remained very active through the whole ordeal. He has a great appetite and I'm sure the danger has passed. Wart and I are driving out tomorrow to meet with a rehabber who can provide him a habitat (he is ready to be released) and can prepare him for squirrel life. I'm confident that he is ready.

Thank you for asking about him!