Stepnstone, thank you for the link. I've been going back to the thread off and on when I had time today, and it's super encouraging. I'm so happy that she may be able to have a great quality of life even with her disabilities. She's doing better today. She's put on 3 grams since last night
Amazing little fella isn't he... It's good she's already gaining.
I do have a few follow up questions:
1) hair loss- is this an effect of the mites? Is there anything I should be doing to encourage hair growth, besides have her on a nutritionally sound diet? Unless it's permanent? I believe I've gotten rid of most of the mites, I can't see any on her right now.
I'm inclined to think what you were seeing with the black dots were flea eggs. If mites remain a concern I'd purchase Revolution for puppies and kittens and apply just a drop or two from the pipette, that would definitely take care of mites. I'm really thinking whatever had hold of her caused the hair loss on her head, that is not a usual pattern one sees from mite damage. It should grow back with time, having good nutrition will help.
2) her tail- it is already very short (about 1/2 normal length) and the remaining end is hard and I believe it will fall off eventually. Is there a protocol for something like a dying tail?
Your correct, it will fall off eventually, it's best to just let it do it's thing. There is no protocol for a dying tail unless it were to become infected or they were chewing on it.
3) smelly poop with odd coloring- I have baycox that I can give her, but im not positive that coccidia is what's the issue here. I seem to remember that baycox is relatively safe for squirrels, but I wanted to confirm that I'm ok to start her on a regimen of that if I'm not 100% sure that's the problem?
Baycox is safe for use dosed correctly. Personally I'd be inclined to give a little time to see if being on a good diet will straighten her out before I'd jump on coccidia. But that's just me, it's your call.
4)weight- what is the preferred weight gain supplement I can add to her diet? I think Henry's has one, but I don't know if it's preferred.
I wouldn't be rushing her with supplements or adding to her formula as long as her weight is going in the right direction. Obviously she has some catching up to do, give her time. Her formula should be adequate as it stands and you do need to get her bowels stable before pushing too much too soon on her little system.
I have never had to use supplements on my babies outside my mbd squirrel. Others would have to advise you on that and what they have used if you go in that direction.
Finally, I wanted to clarify on her nubs- now that it's light out I can see more clearly, she actually does have healed up scabs/scars on the end of each little nub. So, perhaps it was a rat.
I really do think something had hold of her...
Keep a close eye on her nubs/scabs for any infection. Hopefully she's past that now.
Thank you Stepnstone for all your help
Glad to help...
Here are some pics of her today.
She has stolen my heart
And her little world just got a whole lot better...