Originally Posted by
SamtheSquirrel2018
From Mel: "I’m not sure how long you’ve been giving her diluted formula, but it seems like it’s been several days. I think you need to gradually adjust the formula to full strength and offer sweetened water between feedings. You can also give diluted prune juice or apple juice in place of water. By diluting her formula you are also diluting the nutrition she’s getting."
Thanks Mel! While you were posting I was writing!
Hi SquirrelBaby:
Yes, Peaches may have slower than normal gastric emptying time and still tends to bloat and she may be somewhat constipated as well. All very young baby Squirrels need to be stimulated around their genital regions to urinate and defecate and it may be that Peaches may still need to have this stimulation to some extent although she beyond the age when this would ordinarily be necessary. This is from Henry's website:
"A baby squirrel less than 5 weeks old will need to be stimulated to poop and pee. Use a warm, wet cotton ball, Q-tip, the corner of a Kleenex, or your finger, and flick lightly across the genital area. Some babies may need stimulation before and after feeding. A few may eat better if you potty them in the middle of a feeding."
It does seem that Peaches is more tolerant of the diluted formula and this is an option only for very short-term use. One of the concerns about using diluted formula is that when it is diluted, your Squirrel is not getting the full amount of nutrients and minerals. One of the most important minerals that must be provided is Calcium. A growing Squirrel requires a relatively greater intake of Calcium because this is required for the growing bone structure and also to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Fox Valley 20/50 Formula does have adequate Calcium and other nutrients and the proper Calcium to phosphorous ratio and is used extensively by Squirrel rehabbers! It is usually an excellent choice of formula!
One other option might be to feed relatively small amounts of Standard Strength formula (around 2 ml) every hour or so (Peaches would get her full quantity of formula this way if done over a period of 12 hours). I have used this method before and gradually was able to transition to regular (in peaches case it would be 4 times a day) feedings with success. Again, there are "giants" in the rehab world here on TSB and hopefully some will have some other suggestions. There is a medication that is sometimes used for rodents (and other animals and humans also) called metaclopramide that tends to increase stomach activity and can help with gastric emptying. I do not have any firsthand experience with this medication with animal care so I am not recommending this but others with more experience may be able to comment on this and make other suggestions.
I would also recommend that you not be tempted to return to using Esbilac as Henry's has posted a recent Caution on their website about this particular formula being associated with MBD and "severe" Bloat in Squirrels in the same general age range as Peaches!:
"ESBILAC PROBLEMS (September 2021). We are seeing 5-7 week old babies on Esbilac with MBD (calcium deficiency) and also severe bloat. If using Esbilac, please switch to the Homemade Goat Milk formula (3 tbs goat milk, 3 tbs plain yogurt, 2 tbs heavy cream, 1/2 egg yolk) or Fox Valley formula, as soon as possible. (If you can't find goat milk, double the yogurt.) For more info call 321-626-1897."
Another question I have, especially in light of the facts that you work with a Vet and that your Squirrel was apparently injured and that was what led to her being brought to your office; does your Vet treat Squirrels or at least other rodents and has your Vet examined Peaches?
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel