7 Week Old Squirrel possible Aspiration Pneumonia

[morganbailey]

I think my squirrel aspirated. Yesterday I was hoping it was the hiccups but I am growing increasingly worried. It seems the clicking noise is coming and going. (most noticeable after he eats)
I have liquid amoxicillin 400mg/5ml at home. I figured it would be best to give him that rather than nothing.
He has hair, open eyes, loves rodent blocks, and usually active.
I plan to weigh him as soon as I get back home for an exact number. But how is the dosage calculated?

[frankc]

When you get his weight, Post it here and someone will give you the dosage .

[HRT4SQRLS]

Morgan, if the clicking isn’t constant it might not be aspiration pneumonia. They do make ‘clicky’ little noises with their mouth. With aspiration pneumonia the clicking will be audible even when they sleep.
They also stop eating when they have AP and are very lethargic.

If your baby is still eating and energetic I wouldn’t treat BUT if the baby is lethargic or stopped eating I would treat. I will await your reply and a weight. Is the Amoxicillin in date? We dose expired pills and tablets (except doxycycline) but we don’t dose expired liquid meds. They lose their potency. Let us know.

[jbtartell]

Morgan, if the clicking isn’t constant it might not be aspiration pneumonia. They do make ‘clicky’ little noises with their mouth. With aspiration pneumonia the clicking will be audible even when they sleep.
They also stop eating when they have AP and are very lethargic.

If your baby is still eating and energetic I wouldn’t treat BUT if the baby is lethargic or stopped eating I would treat. I will await your reply and a weight. Is the Amoxicillin in date? We dose expired pills and tablets (except doxycycline) but we don’t dose expired liquid meds. They lose their potency. Let us know.

I agree ☝️

[morganbailey]

He weighs exactly 8 oz so 226.79 grams.
He is still making a strange noise.
Almost sounds congested or as he's jumping around (getting excited to see me) its a loud crackling/chirping noise.

[HRT4SQRLS]

That’s an odd description. Doesn’t really sound like pneumonia. You should check the mouth to make sure there isn’t something hung in the mouth. Also, while you’re in there check the teeth. Make sure there are no punctures of the palate.

I am sending you a PM.

[morganbailey]

https://youtu.be/VhVbwm0VaXU


Here is what he sounds like

[HRT4SQRLS]

That is definitely NOT normal.

I need to get more history.
What formula were you feeding the little one?

[HRT4SQRLS]

Also, how long have you had him?

[HRT4SQRLS]

Morgan, the reason I asked about the formula is because one of the recommended formulas for baby squirrels is defective as of the fall season. If you used powdered puppy Esbilac formula your baby could have serious problems. Esbilac is causing Metabolic Bone Disease because something is terribly wrong with the calcium source. The bones of many these babies have broken. I just want to rule out the possibility of a rib fracture.

I’m not sure what the problem is but I think it might be serious.
Do you have vet access?

Assuming it is a respiratory, can you get doxycycline or tetracycline? This doesn’t sound like aspiration pneumonia and I think you need more than amoxicillin.

[morganbailey]

I got him 3 or 4 weeks ago. He had fallen from a tree and mom left him.
His eyes were closed and tail still partial bare underneath.
He's been eating puppy formula with heavy cream.....
Great eater and goes to potty every feed.
Recently started climbing and eating rodent blocks and treats

The formula is not Esbilac brand...

[HRT4SQRLS]

I’m so happy it wasn’t the Esbilac. I’m also glad you used the heavy cream.
Just as a curiosity, which brand puppy formula?

Which rodent block? Treats?
By the way, he is precious. I just love those little Fox squirrels.
What is his name?

[morganbailey]

I’m so happy it wasn’t the Esbilac. I’m also glad you used the heavy cream.
Just as a curiosity, which brand puppy formula?

Which rodent block? Treats?
By the way, he is precious. I just love those little Fox squirrels.
What is his name?

It is Pet ag
And the rodent block is Mazuri
For treats he's tried broccoli and macadamia nuts

And I've changed his name each week...first week was Scratch....then Rocky.....then Arnie......today its Lazarus lol

[HRT4SQRLS]

The Mazuri rodent block is fine.
I’m concerned about the Pet Ag formula (Pet Lac?). It’s made by the same company as Esbilac.
There aren’t enough users to know if the PetLac has the same issues as the Esbilac. It definitely is deficient but we don’t know how much in terms of the current calcium problems. We don’t recommend it especially now with the issues that PetAg is having with formula. Thankfully the heavy cream would help some. If Lazarus can get past this I would highly recommend that you order Fox Valley 20:50 online. Henry’s Healthy Pet is a site that carries it.

I really think he needs a vet. He clearly is having respiratory distress.

[HRT4SQRLS]

One more thing. Hold off on nuts. Nuts are very unhealthy.
Offer kale and sugar snap peas.

There is a temporary formula you can use that’s made of goats milk. It would only be used until the Fox Valley 20:50 arrives.

TEMPORARY GOAT'S MILK FORMULA:

3 parts goat’s milk
1 part heavy whipping cream*
1 part vanilla yogurt

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Goat’s Milk
This can be purchased at natural food stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, and at most health food stores that sell groceries. It is a product for humans. Do not substitute commercial formula made for baby goats or other livestock sold at feed stores.

Goat’s milk is available fresh in a carton; evaporated in a can; and as a powdered milk. If you purchase either the evaporated or powdered versions, please blend them with water according to the package directions before using to make the formula.

Heavy Whipping Cream
This is found in small cartons in the grocery store near the coffee creamers and half and half. Regular heavy cream may be substituted if it is unavailable, but the heavy whipping cream has the highest fat content, and is preferred.

Yogurt
Yogurt has beneficial bacteria in it that soothes and settles digestion. Full fat yogurt is best, and a good choice that is very widely available is Stoneyfield Yobaby yogurt. However if it is unavailable, a low fat vanilla yogurt may be substituted. Avoid those that have artificial sweeteners in them. Vanilla and banana are both popular flavors, and the sweet taste of the yogurt helps to convince the baby to accept it.

[morganbailey]

It so strange because when I hold him or when hes climbing he stops making the noise. But after he eats or looking around he makes the noise more.

[Mel1959]

Can you locate a vet that will see him?

[HRT4SQRLS]

It so strange because when I hold him or when hes climbing he stops making the noise. But after he eats or looking around he makes the noise more.

That is the strangest thing. It is VERY concerning. I couldn’t get this off my mind last night. The more I thought about it the MORE I think you need to get the baby off of PetLac. I would get the ingredients for the temporary Goat Milk Recipe today and I would order the Fox Valley 20:50 ASAP.

As far as the ‘noise’ I have no idea what that is but I feel certain it is a serious issue.

[Mel1959]

If you let us know what area of Texas maybe we can find a vet for you. We have several members in Texas that have competent squirrel vets.