Diarrhea in NR fox squirrel

[CritterMom]

Considering getting the metronidazole just so we have it on hand but not sure if there’s a preference on 500mg or 250mg tablets.

Buy the cheapest. Any of these drugs will go a long way - they are human meds for something giant compared to a squirrel and all need diluting.

[Potassy]

Buy the cheapest. Any of these drugs will go a long way - they are human meds for something giant compared to a squirrel and all need diluting.

Thank you, CritterMom. Have placed the order!

[Potassy]

Just popping in to say I read the entire thread on the Board from a year ago where Hank the squirrel had diarrhea for two straight months. Sounded like literally everything was tried and then I didn’t see any final updates (the OP found a vet that would help?). I wonder what ultimate prognosis was…
Anyhow, I did get the idea of trying to take in a fecal sample to a vet without bringing in the squirrel (or even saying the fecal is from a squirrel). Will research.
Also sounds like some people get equipment and reference charts/images to DIY fecal smears/floats?
Very much hoping to gather maximum information about Sassy’s condition and assess all possible variables before we start any more medication.
In terms of Sassy updates: she slept soundly last two nights. Poops are well formed but mucusy with a stinky smell (don’t know how to characterize it though). She has a good appetite but is back to not drinking, so we’re forcing fluids by syringe with mixed results. Energy level is ok, but not great. I need to get a new weight on her.

[Potassy]

Sassy is down to 515g this morning.

Working on forcing fluids by syringe but she is soooo uncooperative even when it’s apple juice flavored water.

Poops this morning when she woke are back to being soft and extremely mucusy, with small traces of blood. Gave her .5 of kao again. Kao certainly helps poops form and slows down bowel movements, but mucus is always present to some extent.

[supersquirrelgirl]

What is ETA on the Metro ??

So far, Sassy had a course of Amx/Clav followed by Cipro. Both are good antibiotics but in the end, it comes back to same symptoms. I'm concerned by blood traces in the poop along with weight loss. I'm not sure the Kao is helping other than absorb hydration and firm-up the poop. Must be something else going on.

Mr.SSG

[Potassy]

Metro is in transit (currently in Missouri) with USPS and probably will arrive early next week.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Got it. Glad Metro is coming soon. Thank you.

[Potassy]

Metro has arrived! These are 250mg pills.

Sassy last weighed in at 525g.

[Potassy]

Got dilution and dose in PM from CritterMom. Thank you!!
Will report back.

[Potassy]

Also, for transparency, we will start meds tonight (1/29). Wanted to wait for last dose of kao from two days ago to clear her system so we have accurate baseline with logging symptoms etc.

[Potassy]

Update after 4.5 days of Metronidazole:
Sassy has been eating well (I haven't seen her drinking but she must be doing that in her cage before I get her in the morning and when I'm not watching--she's still peeing normally). She has had very good energy, very playful and curious. She is starting to gain weight. I neglected to get a weight for her today before she went to bed, but will plan to get one later when I wake her for meds.
Bowel movements are trending towards normal although they still have some streaks of mucus and odor.
By all indications I would say that Sassy is feeling better.
Last dose of Metro will be Thurs morning.
Pic today of Sassy eating endive; today eating a sprouting maple seed (a seasonal delicacy!); a still from her jumping for joy when she went outside today (if she had working back legs she'd be a very bouncy Fox squirrel); bowel movements overnight from Feb. 1

[island rehabber]

Very good news! She looks great.