My little squeaky needs help

[Bean]

Hi Bean:
I called the Ravenwood Clinic moments ago and was informed that Dr. E is indeed gone for this week. She will be back in the office on Monday, the 15th. I was also informed that there is no one at there facility other than Dr. E who sees Squirrels. I have put in a call to Summertree Animal & Bird Hospital close to Dallas. They also see Squirrels and we have had several of our Memebrs take their Squirrels to Summertree with good outcomes. I am expecting a call back from them after the person I talked with discusses this with the Veterinarians. I'll let you know as soon as they return my call.

One of the problems (Dr. E seems to recognize the line and often she is willing to discuss a case) with a "phone consultation" is that a true Patient/Client-Veterinarian relationship usually requires an actual examination and some of the relatively few Vets who see Squirrels will not even give advice, let alone make a diagnosis and institute treatment. One thing that might help make a phone consultation more acceptable would be if your Vet would initiate it. Are you willing to let your Vet participate in this search for further help and advice and if so, is your Vet willing to to this.

Again, in regard to white fluid, as I mentioned before, this to me is pus until proven otherwise. I still suspect a dental associated infection as the cause of Squeaky's problems! Antibiotics may help with an infection or even cure it it but if there is an odontoma as a condition leading to this, they will not do anything for the odontoma itself! Do you have ANY antibiotics available or can you obtain any from friends or relatives? The antibiotic I would recommend is Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate (examples of a Human Brand is Augmentin and a Veterinary brand is Clavamox) but others would be better than nothing. I would recommend beginning the antibiotics ASAP! We can help you with dosing. Please try to assess the availability of antibiotics in general and find out what you can get right away and post those with the strength in milligrams. Also, an accurate and current weight of Squeaky is essential!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Thank you for your call to the other vet, seriously your help and everyone else's is so appreciated. I will send a message to my vet and see if he can get me some medicine that u listed! Does this need a prescription? If not, I can possibly pick up from another pet store! I suspected a infection too, just didn't think of pus. The x rays show no odontoma, both vets said that have seen them. Besides the small one forming in the one bottom tooth. They both said the roots and everything look good. Dr peters is the next go to apparently after Dr Emerson I have heard and he has replied to emails and helped me a little, but because his teeth are growing thicker, wider, and the bottoms are a little different length, possibly he caught an infection. Any antibiotic would probably help.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Thank you for your call to the other vet, seriously your help and everyone else's is so appreciated. I will send a message to my vet and see if he can get me some medicine that u listed! Does this need a prescription? If not, I can possibly pick up from another pet store! I suspected a infection too, just didn't think of pus. The x rays show no odontoma, both vets said that have seen them. Besides the small one forming in the one bottom tooth. They both said the roots and everything look good. Dr peters is the next go to apparently after Dr Emerson I have heard and he has replied to emails and helped me a little, but because his teeth are growing thicker, wider, and the bottoms are a little different length, possibly he caught an infection. Any antibiotic would probably help.

Hi Bean:
Please try to get human or Veterinary Grade antibiotics and preferable Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate! If your Vet would write a prescription that would be tremendous! Please encourage him to do so ASAP! Augmentin (the brand) and Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate (the generic) are very commonly prescribed and I'm certain that is true in Canada as well! Also try for that through family or friends but try for anything!

I still have not heard back from Summertree.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Charley Chuckles won't mind😂

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi Bean:
I just heard back from Summertree! Mostly good news! I talked with Janna who talked with their Veterinarians. The Vets agreed to talk with your Vet but not directly with you. They will need to have all of the records including notes and x-ray studies and that can be sent by email. Here is a link to the Summertree Website ( https://summertreevet.com ) and here is a link to the Summertree Contact page where there is a phone number and email access ( https://summertreevet.com/contact/ ).

Please let your Vet know and ask him to contact Summertree ASAP assuming you still want that done which I would certainly recommend!

Was your Vet able to write the prescription for Squeaky?

Please keep us updated!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Bean]

Hi Bean:
I just heard back from Summertree! Mostly good news! I talked with Janna who talked with their Veterinarians. The Vets agreed to talk with your Vet but not directly with you. They will need to have all of the records including notes and x-ray studies and that can be sent by email. Here is a link to the Summertree Website ( https://summertreevet.com ) and here is a link to the Summertree Contact page where there is a phone number and email access ( https://summertreevet.com/contact/ ).

Please let your Vet know and ask him to contact Summertree ASAP assuming you still want that done which I would certainly recommend!

Was your Vet able to write the prescription for Squeaky?

Please keep us updated!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Thank u so much! I sent my vet an email and I still haven't heard back yet! I am trying to get a hold of him,
I would rather get veterinary medicine for him, so I hope he hurries and gets back to me!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hi Bean:
I sent a Private Message to you.

How is Squeaky doing today?

I hope that your Vet has been agreeable to expeditiously get an antibiotic prescription for Squeaky. Again, Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate is as close to an ideal antibiotic for mouth and dental infections as we have available for oral use! I would recommend this particular antibiotic!

I also hope that your Vet will be able to contact one of the Vets at Summertree today (ASAP) for a consultation in Squeaky's behalf!.

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Bean]

Hello, he vet hasn't responded to me yet I think I have annoyed them, I been messaging them like every second or 3rd day with more since like April. If they don't respond a little later today, I'm going to Facebook message them and ask what is up. My baby yesterday seemed ok, only sneezed maybe twice, and no discharge from eyes or nose and he was all over the place playing. Then today, more sneezes, when he sniffs really fast at food, he sounds a bit nasally and he sneezes a ton. He seems to always be worse in the mornings but then is ok the rest of the day most times, except the time he had white stuff coming from his mouth. his sneezing and nasally sound when sniffing, is off and on. And is that just 1 medication? Just has both in it? Or is that 2 separate medications? I hope my vet will get back to me and help me out!

[CritterMom]

First, Amoxicillin Clavulanate is ONE medicine, and is branded for veterinary use under the name Clavamox. Since it is available as a generic at less cost than the "brand name", that is what most people end up with.

Second, and this is only an old broad advising a probably much younger person: Don't text, don't tweet, don't FB, don't message, CALL them with your own voice and speak to a human being real time. It is way, WAY harder to ignore a person you are actually speaking to. Don't be nasty or demanding, just tell them what is going on and ask for their help. If you don't hear anything back, CALL AGAIN. Leave a reasonable time between calls - a half a day, but keep calling them and being understanding and polite and eventually, the front desk staff will get the vet to CALL YOU BACK if only to stop getting your polite calls.

There is a shortage of veterinarians and no shortage of pets that need them right now. Most people don't know how HARD it is to become a vet - you need better grades in more science based subjects than you do to get into medical school...and you make less money. All of that means that there are now more people fighting for the attention of each vet. And that means you have to be willing to fight your way through those people and get YOUR animal taken care of.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hello, he vet hasn't responded to me yet I think I have annoyed them, I been messaging them like every second or 3rd day with more since like April. If they don't respond a little later today, I'm going to Facebook message them and ask what is up. My baby yesterday seemed ok, only sneezed maybe twice, and no discharge from eyes or nose and he was all over the place playing. Then today, more sneezes, when he sniffs really fast at food, he sounds a bit nasally and he sneezes a ton. He seems to always be worse in the mornings but then is ok the rest of the day most times, except the time he had white stuff coming from his mouth. his sneezing and nasally sound when sniffing, is off and on. And is that just 1 medication? Just has both in it? Or is that 2 separate medications? I hope my vet will get back to me and help me out!

He Bean:
I too, wish that your Vet would get back with you! Did you specifiy in your request email to your Vet the that you had two specific requests and that you were not emailing them with general concerns? This sometimes makes a big difference and if you make specific requests it is often easier to make a quick response back to you regarding the specific requests rather than him trying to figure out one more time so-to-speak how to get you and Squeaky feeling better! I would suggest contacting your Vet again and try to reach the office as well state that you have two specific requests that you would like granted ASAP; the first would for a prescription for Clavamox (the Veterinary brand of the generic of Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate [the generic is also available] and the other would be for him to contact the Summertree Vet for a consult.

Further, if I could again give you my opinion, I would prioritize the antibiotics and getting started on them immediately and limit this new communication to your Vet to this only! Once you get the antibiotics started you can ask for him to contact Summertree. This consult will requires some scheduling logistics on both sides and is unlikely to be immediately forthcoming and may likely take several days to schedule and come to fruition and this should not interfere with getting Squeaky started on the Clavamox thjis can be of significant potential benefit for oral/dental infections which again, IMHO, is what is currently the major issue with Squeaky!

To help your Vet; probably only one or two tablets is all that will be necessary but I would just tell the Vet that you would like a 10 day prescription for Clavamox (Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate) and he can write on the prescription "use as directed" if he is not familiar with diluting, mixing, and dosing this medication for Squirrels and in that case, we can help you with this! I feel it is essential to begin the antibiotic now! And, yes to your question about Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate being one medication. It is a combination of two drugs but it is considered a single medication! You do NOT need a prescription for both components!

I also wanted to let you know that I have been on vacation but I will be back to work this evening and will have less time available on TSB but I will still be available irregularly each day. There are many others here on TSB who are far more experienced than I and far brighter as well, and they will help you also!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Thanks CM! Once again, I was typing in my usual slow and hesitant manner while you were posting a clear concise and rapidly composed post! Thanks for helping!
StS

[Bean]

He Bean:
I too, wish that your Vet would get back with you! Did you specifiy in your request email to your Vet the that you had two specific requests and that you were not emailing them with general concerns? This sometimes makes a big difference and if you make specific requests it is often easier to make a quick response back to you regarding the specific requests rather than him trying to figure out one more time so-to-speak how to get you and Squeaky feeling better! I would suggest contacting your Vet again and try to reach the office as well state that you have two specific requests that you would like granted ASAP; the first would for a prescription for Clavamox (the Veterinary brand of the generic of Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate [the generic is also available] and the other would be for him to contact the Summertree Vet for a consult.

Further, if I could again give you my opinion, I would prioritize the antibiotics and getting started on them immediately and limit this new communication to your Vet to this only! Once you get the antibiotics started you can ask for him to contact Summertree. This consult will requires some scheduling logistics on both sides and is unlikely to be immediately forthcoming and may likely take several days to schedule and come to fruition and this should not interfere with getting Squeaky started on the Clavamox thjis can be of significant potential benefit for oral/dental infections which again, IMHO, is what is currently the major issue with Squeaky!

To help your Vet; probably only one or two tablets is all that will be necessary but I would just tell the Vet that you would like a 10 day prescription for Clavamox (Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate) and he can write on the prescription "use as directed" if he is not familiar with diluting, mixing, and dosing this medication for Squirrels and in that case, we can help you with this! I feel it is essential to begin the antibiotic now! And, yes to your question about Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate being one medication. It is a combination of two drugs but it is considered a single medication! You do NOT need a prescription for both components!

I also wanted to let you know that I have been on vacation but I will be back to work this evening and will have less time available on TSB but I will still be available irregularly each day. There are many others here on TSB who are far more experienced than I and far brighter as well, and they will help you also!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Thank u for all your opinions and help with my baby! He still hasn't replied to me, I sent the messages to him and the reception and the Facebook message! Still no reply! I am terrible on a phone but I did try calling and no answer there either! I'm getting annoyed cuz it's been 4 days! And honestly I think they are annoyed with me because I have been messaging and calling and taking him in a bunch since April. I have been polite in all my messages and apologized for messaging a lot but said he doesn't seem to be doing well. My vet did tell me if I had any questions to ask and don't be shy and told me to let him know what the other vet says when I showed him the x rays so he can hear his opinions so I'm not sure why he isn't replying.

[Charley Chuckles]

So do you think they have your number on caller ID? Any chance of using someone else's phone or how far is the drive to just go see them in person🤷
Prayers continue for darling Squeaky 🙏

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Thank u for all your opinions and help with my baby! He still hasn't replied to me, I sent the messages to him and the reception and the Facebook message! Still no reply! I am terrible on a phone but I did try calling and no answer there either! I'm getting annoyed cuz it's been 4 days! And honestly I think they are annoyed with me because I have been messaging and calling and taking him in a bunch since April. I have been polite in all my messages and apologized for messaging a lot but said he doesn't seem to be doing well. My vet did tell me if I had any questions to ask and don't be shy and told me to let him know what the other vet says when I showed him the x rays so he can hear his opinions so I'm not sure why he isn't replying.

Hi Bean:
Did you try to call the Vet's office directly?!? I just called the office number listed on your Discharge Summaries with my caller ID blocked and the receptionist answered immediately although I was placed on hold. I did hang up because I was of course not authorized to to discuss Squeaky's case with them and I don't know if your Vet is actually there currently but the receptionist did state that they were open and there must be a Vet there if so! Please try again! Maybe use you Caller ID block or another phone as CC suggested.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Bean]

Hi Bean:
Did you try to call the Vet's office directly?!? I just called the office number listed on your Discharge Summaries with my caller ID blocked and the receptionist answered immediately although I was placed on hold. I did hang up because I was of course not authorized to to discuss Squeaky's case with them and I don't know if your Vet is actually there currently but the receptionist did state that they were open and there must be a Vet there if so! Please try again! Maybe use you Caller ID block or another phone as CC suggested.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

I did call but they must have been busy, but I just got a reply back on Facebook, they told me the Dr doesn't work weekends, he was busy today and doesn't work Mondays n will relay my message and hope he can see the email I left. I mentioned I could pick up meds tomorrow if they would prescribe them for me. They are about a hour drive from me, and I work all day on roofs. I work in the city they are in for the most part but sometimes gets sent the opposite direction so it's not always available to go up there to talk to them. I hope I'm doing a job in the city tomorrow, otherwise il have to have them send me a prescription and I will go pick up the meds at another place.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I did call but they must have been busy, but I just got a reply back on Facebook, they told me the Dr doesn't work weekends, he was busy today and doesn't work Mondays n will relay my message and hope he can see the email I left. I mentioned I could pick up meds tomorrow if they would prescribe them for me. They are about a hour drive from me, and I work all day on roofs. I work in the city they are in for the most part but sometimes gets sent the opposite direction so it's not always available to go up there to talk to them. I hope I'm doing a job in the city tomorrow, otherwise il have to have them send me a prescription and I will go pick up the meds at another place.

That sounds great! The Vet can call in the prescription for Squeaky to any pharmacy you want if he is not going to simply give you the medication. They may write instructions for the pharmacy to prepare by the antibiotic by accurately diluting it in specific amount of water IF your Vet knows the dosing for Squirrels and can direct the pharmacy on how to prepare it. Most Veterinarians do not do this and it would be fine and maybe even preferred (as you will have extra pills) to prepare it yourself. We will give you detailed instructions on diluting, mixing, and dosing the medication. Please obtain at least one 1cc syringe (withOUT a needle) with which to administer the medication to Squeaky. Two so you will have an extra would be prudent. You will also need an accurate weight of Squeaky preferably in grams. Do you have a digital scale or might your Vet have obtained an accurate weight of Squeaky when you brought him in? One of the admins will need to help you with the preparation and dosing of the antibiotic. Once you get the prescription immediately post what it is and the strength in milligrams of each tablet or capsule. Only a very small amount of the antibiotic is needed for each dose. Again, the antibiotic I would suggest is Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate. Clavamox is the Veterinary brand of this but as CritterMom mentioned, the generic usually will save you some money.

Please let us know how this go tomorrow and as soon as you get the medication, post it and the strength and Squeaky's current and accurate weight! Thanks!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Bean]

That sounds great! The Vet can call in the prescription for Squeaky to any pharmacy you want if he is not going to simply give you the medication. They may write instructions for the pharmacy to prepare by the antibiotic by accurately diluting it in specific amount of water IF your Vet knows the dosing for Squirrels and can direct the pharmacy on how to prepare it. Most Veterinarians do not do this and it would be fine and maybe even preferred (as you will have extra pills) to prepare it yourself. We will give you detailed instructions on diluting, mixing, and dosing the medication. Please obtain at least one 1cc syringe (withOUT a needle) with which to administer the medication to Squeaky. Two so you will have an extra would be prudent. You will also need an accurate weight of Squeaky preferably in grams. Do you have a digital scale or might your Vet have obtained an accurate weight of Squeaky when you brought him in? One of the admins will need to help you with the preparation and dosing of the antibiotic. Once you get the prescription immediately post what it is and the strength in milligrams of each tablet or capsule. Only a very small amount of the antibiotic is needed for each dose. Again, the antibiotic I would suggest is Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate. Clavamox is the Veterinary brand of this but as CritterMom mentioned, the generic usually will save you some money.

Please let us know how this go tomorrow and as soon as you get the medication, post it and the strength and Squeaky's current and accurate weight! Thanks!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Squeaky hasn't been milky in the eye or having fluid come out of the mouth since that day I mentioned.now he just has wierd and big breathing movements, mostly when I just walk in..but then goes normal. If he doesn't have an infection, and I get him on the meds, will they make him sick or anything? I still suspect he may have an infection too of some sort somewhere. But just curious, if he doesn't have one, will it make him worse?

[Charley Chuckles]

If what you'll be giving is antibiotics it shouldn't hurt him at all. Truly it sounds like he needs them👍

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Squeaky hasn't been milky in the eye or having fluid come out of the mouth since that day I mentioned.now he just has wierd and big breathing movements, mostly when I just walk in..but then goes normal. If he doesn't have an infection, and I get him on the meds, will they make him sick or anything? I still suspect he may have an infection too of some sort somewhere. But just curious, if he doesn't have one, will it make him worse?

Hi Bean:
There are risks and potential adverse effects with use of any antibiotics (or any medication for that mater). It has nothing to do with whether or not the condition that is being presumptively treated is really present or not! Your question is really one of risks versus benefits! IF the condition that is being treated is NOT present, than there are no potential benefits and it is all risk! If the condition is present, than it is necessary to weigh the risks versus the benefits. The other weighing of risks and benefits is if you are not certain that the condition is really present; is there enough evidence to suggest that the condition does exist to treat it or are the risks of not treating potentially worse than those of treating if it really is not certain that the condition exists. These are considerations that Veterinarians and Physicians deal with every single day! Risks with use of Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate include gut disturbances, allergy, and change in gut bacterial balance (you can use some probiotics and or yogurt to help with this) among many others. Ideally, Amoxicillin plus clavulanate (Clavamox) should be given with food or around the time when Squeaky has eaten recently. Potential benefits of using this antibiotic are curing an infection, preventing spread of the infection to the bone or elsewhere or even into the blood, possibly helping to prevent abscess development, providing more time in which Squeaky could be reevaluated for dental problems or other problems among others! The decision of course is yours (and the Vet's of course!)! One the things that may help your Vet with prescribing is that he can give you a prescription for a certain number of tablets or capsules or powder and simply specify in the instructions section of the prescription (the section that begins with "Sig" the following or something similar; " use orally twice daily for 10 day as instructed." That will allow you to get diluting/mixing instructions here on the TSB for the medication. Again, it is essential if you are going to opt for the antibiotics and the Vet is willing to write the prescription that it be done ASAP. Please immediately post the antibiotic, its strength, and Squeaky's current weight in your thread to allow one of our Admins or others who formulate mixing and dosing instructions to get that done for you. Also, as a reminder, you will need at least one 1cc syringe without a needle for administering the medication.

I will be working most of the day and this evening but will try to check in to TSB as I am able.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Bean]

Hi Bean:
There are risks and potential adverse effects with use of any antibiotics (or any medication for that mater). It has nothing to do with whether or not the condition that is being presumptively treated is really present or not! Your question is really one of risks versus benefits! IF the condition that is being treated is NOT present, than there are no potential benefits and it is all risk! If the condition is present, than it is necessary to weigh the risks versus the benefits. The other weighing of risks and benefits is if you are not certain that the condition is really present; is there enough evidence to suggest that the condition does exist to treat it or are the risks of not treating potentially worse than those of treating if it really is not certain that the condition exists. These are considerations that Veterinarians and Physicians deal with every single day! Risks with use of Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate include gut disturbances, allergy, and change in gut bacterial balance (you can use some probiotics and or yogurt to help with this) among many others. Ideally, Amoxicillin plus clavulanate (Clavamox) should be given with food or around the time when Squeaky has eaten recently. Potential benefits of using this antibiotic are curing an infection, preventing spread of the infection to the bone or elsewhere or even into the blood, possibly helping to prevent abscess development, providing more time in which Squeaky could be reevaluated for dental problems or other problems among others! The decision of course is yours (and the Vet's of course!)! One the things that may help your Vet with prescribing is that he can give you a prescription for a certain number of tablets or capsules or powder and simply specify in the instructions section of the prescription (the section that begins with "Sig" the following or something similar; " use orally twice daily for 10 day as instructed." That will allow you to get diluting/mixing instructions here on the TSB for the medication. Again, it is essential if you are going to opt for the antibiotics and the Vet is willing to write the prescription that it be done ASAP. Please immediately post the antibiotic, its strength, and Squeaky's current weight in your thread to allow one of our Admins or others who formulate mixing and dosing instructions to get that done for you. Also, as a reminder, you will need at least one 1cc syringe without a needle for administering the medication.

I will be working most of the day and this evening but will try to check in to TSB as I am able.
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

My vet just called me, he just told me I need to be careful listening to others on the internet just because some things are pretty dangerous. He told me that that specific medication isn't much liked to be prescribed because it can cause diarrhea in rodents and make them sick. But he is going to prescribe me an antibiotic for a dental infection which is good for pus and everything. He looked into their anatomy and said they can not throw up, so he figured that could be pus as well. And he said he was more than happy to do a consultation with summertree as well! I gave him the information. Thank u for all your help!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

My vet just called me, he just told me I need to be careful listening to others on the internet just because some things are pretty dangerous. He told me that that specific medication isn't much liked to be prescribed because it can cause diarrhea in rodents and make them sick. But he is going to prescribe me an antibiotic for a dental infection which is good for pus and everything. He looked into their anatomy and said they can not throw up, so he figured that could be pus as well. And he said he was more than happy to do a consultation with summertree as well! I gave him the information. Thank u for all your help!

Hi Bean:
The relationship you have with your Veterinarian is most important. There are some Veterinarians here on TSB and some very experienced Rehabbers and literally thousands of Squirrels and their people have been help here, including myself! I can say with certainty that there is NEVER any intent here on TSB to come between a Squirrel and his or her Veterinarian! You are very fortunate to have a Veterinarian who is interested in Squirrels and willing to take care of them professionally! Often we want to and try to refer members here on TSB to a Veterinarian and find most often that this is impossible for various reasons. Again, I'm glad that your Veterinarian is accessible and involved!! That is also great news to hear that your Vet will discuss Squeaky's case with the Summertree Vet. Also, Dr. E will be back in her office on Monday and may be willing to review Squeaky's x-ray films and records and make suggestions. If you don't mind, please post the antibiotic your Vet prescribed. Is it going to be prepared by a pharmacist or will you need mixing and dosing instructions? Please keep posting updates! We always like to hear how the Squirrels we become involved with or hear about on TSB are doing!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel