Milo's Treatment Plan
Week One
1. Eliminate
all nuts and seeds and other unhealthy foods, and feed only foods from the Diet List.
2. Provide an emergency calcium source. I usually don't like adding vitamins to water simply because you have no idea how much they are getting--not enough or too much. It is easier to control dosage with
plain calcium carbonate pills (600 mg) for nibbling, and to be crushed and sprinkled on all foods. However, whatever works. The important thing is to get the calcium and other nutrients into Milo.
Blackstrap molasses is another excellent source of emergency calcium. The normal calcium requirement for a squirrel is approximately 2,500 mg per week.
In a squirrel with MBD, you should try to double that to 5,000 mg for the first week and see how Milo does.
3. Provide sources of Vitamin D: Time outdoors in his cage on a sunny day (but in the shade) provides by far the most beneficial light. However, at this time of year, this is only true if you live in the Southern half of the country. In addition, Milo will need
full-spectrum light indoors all day long until he is well. Plus all the Vit D rich foods you can give him:
mushrooms, eggs, dairy products (especially yogurt--make sure the label says the yogurt contains Vit D).
4. Provide sources of Vitamin C: Oranges are good, but
red or green bell peppers are the highest.
5. The foods Milo is already eating are fine: "kale, brocolli, grapes, sweet potatoes, green beans, craisins, cabbage, dried bananna chips, blueberries, blackberries, oranges." However, for now you should try to feed Milo only
foods from the Diet List (high-calcium/low phosphorus).
6. Introduce a different rodent chow: try
KayTee Forti-Diet for Rats and Mice. If Milo won't eat the Forti-Diet, try the
KayTee Healthy Bits for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs. It is similar to a kibbled food, but tastier, and is fortified with a lot vitamins and minerals. It might be a good "transition food" to a rodent chow.
Please keep us posted on how Milo is doing, on which foods he will or will not eat, as his treatment can be adjusted accordingly.