6 week old squirrel with diarrhea x 4 days

[kathygalt]

Hey everyone. I'm new to the boards here, but have been rehabbing squirrels off and on for a couple of years. I have 2 squirrels, a male who's eyes opened a week ago last friday (10 days ago), and a female who's eyes look to open any day now. They were both doing well, and then he began with diarrhea (from normal pellets to watery/mucousy) in less than 2-3 stools. I did 24 hours on pedialyte, and then have begun 50/50 mix of formula and pedialyte, and began Albon 2 days ago. Fecal doesn't show coccidia, but sure smells of it. The diarrhea is not improving, so added Benebac and has had 1 dose now. He is still active, but anus and hocks starting to get red as he oozes. Any further suggestions? He weighs 174 g, down from 192 g 3 days ago. Any suggestions to help would be appreciated. He has been on Esbilac formula since he came to us July 10.

Thank you!

Kathy
"Hank" & "Hattie"

[Spanky]

Do not mix the formula with Pedialyte. You can hydrate between feedings, but mixing and giving together is counterproductive.

Are you using the powdered Esbilac and not the premixed liquid?

[kathygalt]

We have been feeding the Esbilac powder. I can go to feeding with pedialyte in between. I was thinking of trying the Kaopectate, which I have never used, or the rice cereal added. Any thoughts? How long have you guys seen Albon take to resolve a coccidia infection if one was present (or at least make the diarrhea turn the corner)?

Thanks so much for your help!

Kathy
"Hank" & "Hattie"

[Spanky]

They are precious!

How much are you feeding... overfeeding can cause the runs.

Are you mixing the Esbilac hours in advance, storing in the fridge and not reusing Esbilac that has been warmed up for feeding but not used?

[kathygalt]

I've been feeding based on the 5% rule. I've been weighing about every other day to gauge feeding volume. I've been mixing the Esbilac maybe an hour in advance and letting it set in the fridge, not reheating unused portions. So the first feeding off the batch hasn't sat for hours usually, but all subsequent have. She was extremely constipated initially and is now doing great, and he went to diarrhea. Very frustrating, as she was so fragile initially and is now a spitfire, and he has been a tough guy and is now the one I'm worried about. Thanks again for the quick responses.

Kathy
"Hank" & "Hattie"

[Spanky]

You can try Kaopectate or Pepto Bismol.

You might prefer to try the following:

(Partial) Brat Formula Mix
3 tablespoons (already) mixed formula 2-1
1/2 tsp baby rice powered cereal
1/2 tsp banana baby food.