Blood in Poop

[Mouse&Chubs]

Hello, I have an approximately 2 week old baby squirrel with bloody stool.

Background: Good Samaritans heard the babies crying and they spent 24 hours trying to get mom back. When mom didn't come back to the nest (suspected death via car), they brought the babies in the house and searched for rehabbers for two days to no avail. By the time they came to our rescue, baby girl passed away. Baby boy was in rough shape and received sub-q fluids and started formula after hydration--he's still very skinny. After a feeding, I heard clicking and suspected pneumonia, most likely from the cold conditions he was in for two days while searching for a rehabber (they didn't keep him as warm as they thought they should have). He was treated with SMZ for 3 days. He was on FV 32/40, but had intolerance and severe bloating, so he had lots of warm baths, was given simethicone, and formula was switched to Goat's Milk Esbilac (which is provided to the rescue by ARC). Everything seemed fine, but he did not gain weight for many days until I added Ultraboost to the GME (and FV LA-200 Probiotics). He's now 23 g and has been getting 1.1 mL every 3 hours. His milk line is gone by the next feeding and he's peed and pooped each time. However, at his 4 PM feeding, I noticed bloody mucus in his poop and his stools have turned from a yellowish color to a blood color. Also, in between all feedings, he gets FV Electro-Stat. I have no idea what could cause this? GME? Should I switch back to FV 32/40 even though he had bloating? At a loss and would appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

[Spanky]

Is he dehydrated... I am trying to ascertain the need for giving Electro-Stat between feedings. If he has been on that for a while, switch to plain water in between feedings for hydration (if needed), knowing that a dehydrated baby cannot properly digest any sort of formula.

What are the ratios of GME and Ultraboost being used?

Also, SMZ is a slow acting antibiotic (but effective against AP) and if he had AP, I'd suggest a minimum of 5 days FWIW.

I'd not switch back to 32/40 unless you have tons of experience with this formula... I never recommend and TSB does not either. The plain Esbilac (powdered version) and not the Goat's Milk version is what I recommend at this age... again, FWIW.

[Mouse&Chubs]

Is he dehydrated... I am trying to ascertain the need for giving Electro-Stat between feedings. If he has been on that for a while, switch to plain water in between feedings for hydration (if needed), knowing that a dehydrated baby cannot properly digest any sort of formula.

What are the ratios of GME and Ultraboost being used?

Also, SMZ is a slow acting antibiotic (but effective against AP) and if he had AP, I'd suggest a minimum of 5 days FWIW.

I'd not switch back to 32/40 unless you have tons of experience with this formula... I never recommend and TSB does not either. The plain Esbilac (powdered version) and not the Goat's Milk version is what I recommend at this age... again, FWIW.

Yes, he seems to continue to be dehydrated. Okay, will switch to plain water. I followed the instructions on the Ultraboost package: 3 parts GME to 1 part Ultraboost = 1 part, then added 2 parts water. Yes, I've had experience with FV 32/40 with all my previous squirrels, and this is the first squirrel that's had issues with it. I didn't know there were issues with 32/40 until I joined TSB and saw posts about it. At the rescue we're supplied GME, so we thought this was good/acceptable formula for squirrels, and a rehabber from The Squirrel Forum said the GME was fine. Thinking of switching to homemade GM with the Meyenberg Powdered GM--do you think that'll be better?

Thanks!

[CritterMom]

Yes, he seems to continue to be dehydrated. Okay, will switch to plain water. I followed the instructions on the Ultraboost package: 3 parts GME to 1 part Ultraboost = 1 part, then added 2 parts water. Yes, I've had experience with FV 32/40 with all my previous squirrels, and this is the first squirrel that's had issues with it. I didn't know there were issues with 32/40 until I joined TSB and saw posts about it. At the rescue we're supplied GME, so we thought this was good/acceptable formula for squirrels, and a rehabber from The Squirrel Forum said the GME was fine. Thinking of switching to homemade GM with the Meyenberg Powdered GM--do you think that'll be better?

Thanks!

The problem with the Esbilac GME is that apparently goats milk spoils really fast, and MANY of the unopened cans of powder contain spoiled formula. One of the big rehabbers (not on this board) purchased cans from all over the place - locally, online, etc., and when they were tested, the majority were rancid. ALL formulas will go bad quickly after opening, and all formula powder should be stored in the freezer. The temp does not hinder mixing it.

Meyenburg powdered is just goats milk - it is very lean and does not have a lot of what your squirrels need to eat. The formulas have all of that added.

I would get some plain Esbilac powder, keep it in the freezer, and use that to see if they turn around. When they are a bit older, you can slowly transition to Fox Valley 20/50.

[Mouse&Chubs]

The problem with the Esbilac GME is that apparently goats milk spoils really fast, and MANY of the unopened cans of powder contain spoiled formula. One of the big rehabbers (not on this board) purchased cans from all over the place - locally, online, etc., and when they were tested, the majority were rancid. ALL formulas will go bad quickly after opening, and all formula powder should be stored in the freezer. The temp does not hinder mixing it.

Meyenburg powdered is just goats milk - it is very lean and does not have a lot of what your squirrels need to eat. The formulas have all of that added.

I would get some plain Esbilac powder, keep it in the freezer, and use that to see if they turn around. When they are a bit older, you can slowly transition to Fox Valley 20/50.

Yes, I store all formula in the freezer upon arrival. Ok, and the Meyenburg GM would be used to make the homemade GM formula, where yogurt, whipping cream, etc. is added. Thank you.

[Mel1959]

[Mouse&Chubs]

Just an update on this thread, it appears this one instance of blood in the poop was a sign of coccidia infection. However, diarrhea didn't show up until just a few days ago, and when my other baby had diarrhea, I knew this was coccidia. All babies are being treated with Albon; however, one baby isn't responding as well, so I may switch to SMZ and isolate him from the others (to prevent re-infection for the other two that are responding to treatment).

Thanks again!

[CritterMom]

Just an update on this thread, it appears this one instance of blood in the poop was a sign of coccidia infection. However, diarrhea didn't show up until just a few days ago, and when my other baby had diarrhea, I knew this was coccidia. All babies are being treated with Albon; however, one baby isn't responding as well, so I may switch to SMZ and isolate him from the others (to prevent re-infection for the other two that are responding to treatment).

Thanks again!

I strongly suggest you get and switch to this (lots of other sources out there but this is a small bottle. It is commonly used in horses so you can imagine the size of those!)

If the Albon isn't working there is a good chance that the SMZ won't. This stuff is the bomb - literally - for coccidia.

[Mouse&Chubs]

I strongly suggest you get and switch to this (lots of other sources out there but this is a small bottle. It is commonly used in horses so you can imagine the size of those!)

If the Albon isn't working there is a good chance that the SMZ won't. This stuff is the bomb - literally - for coccidia.

I didn't see a photo or anything in your response? Is it Baycox by chance? I have a shipment on the way, but it won't be here until next week at the earliest (unfortunately). SMZ worked really well for this baby in the past (he arrived at the rescue with pneumonia and was treated with SMZ).

Thanks!

[CritterMom]

I didn't see a photo or anything in your response? Is it Baycox by chance? I have a shipment on the way, but it won't be here until next week at the earliest (unfortunately). SMZ worked really well for this baby in the past (he arrived at the rescue with pneumonia and was treated with SMZ).

Thanks!

https://www.allthingsbunnies.com/Tol...s-p/med132.htm

Sorry!

[Mouse&Chubs]

https://www.allthingsbunnies.com/Tol...s-p/med132.htm

Sorry!

Awesome, that's what I ordered! I found a TSB thread that had dosage guidance, so I'll follow the instructions from that. Thanks again.

[CritterMom]

LOL. Go back to that linked page and open the Technica Specs tab and you will find:

Dosage is 20mg/kg. Concentration is 5% or 50mg / mL which is equivalent to approximately .18ml/cc per pound. Plan enough to treat your animal twice. This product should produce results within 24 hours of first dose, but a second dose can be given 24 hours after the first dose if needed.

[Mouse&Chubs]

LOL. Go back to that linked page and open the Technica Specs tab and you will find:

Dosage is 20mg/kg. Concentration is 5% or 50mg / mL which is equivalent to approximately .18ml/cc per pound. Plan enough to treat your animal twice. This product should produce results within 24 hours of first dose, but a second dose can be given 24 hours after the first dose if needed.

Oh wow, that's a small dose. Great, thanks for this!

[Mouse&Chubs]

So, one of my babies had this horrible issue again, and I treated with the Baycox 5% (toltrazuril) with 0.03 cc, just once, and he has been acting VERY strange. Has anyone had issues with Baycox?? He had GI issues last night (from the Baycox) and I had to give him a warm bath and he farted a lot. I think the bath helped, but today, he's just so restless... he's grunting constantly, not in a good way, almost like he's in pain or really bothered by something? And he just let out a shriek/cry for no reason. I'm deeply concerned about my little guy.