Aspiration Pneumonia - not getting better with Albon

[Mouse&Chubs]

I have a 5 week old squirrel named Maribel (Belly for short). She came to the rescue when the finders found her on the ground outside and no nest was to be found. The finders fed her electrolytes and one feeding of milk (type of milk unknown). Belly was at the rescue for a day before I took her home since she was the last baby of the season, and I noticed she had aspiration pneumonia - clicking, excessive sneezing, and eventually white snot came out of her nose. The finders had good intentions, but yeah... I treated her with Albon for 7 days (no SMZ or Baytril available), but I noticed her white snot is coming back and she’s sneezing more often again. Should I order Baytril and treat her with that? Start with the Albon again? If Baytril is best, should I order the 2.5% or 10%? Any advice is appreciated. Note, Belly is currently getting FV 20/50 q4h (and being fed 5 times a day). She’s 93 g and has gained 30 g since she’s been with me. The FV is supplemented with probiotics and the Albon was given 2h after her first feeding of the day. This is my first squirrel with AP, but we’ve treated so many at the rescue; Belly’s the only one who hasn’t responded to Albon.

[CritterMom]

I am a little surprised you have had so much success with the Albon for A/P. If I had the choice I would go with the Baytril 10% - it can be diluted to dose a bitty baby and not if a larger animal. The 2.5% will mean you have to give a pretty big dose to a larger squirrel and it tastes like the worst thing you have ever tasted x100. Smaller dose is easier on everybody.

If you or anybody you know has any Cipro, a human antibiotic, it is virtually interchangeable with Baytril (squirrels can take both, humans can only take Cipro). If you can find one - it comes in 250 and 500mg size, we would only need to know the weight of the squirrel and the size of the pill and can dose it for you. Another excellent choice is Amoxicillin clavulanate, human brand name Augmentin, veterinary brand name Clavamox - same drug. As above, we would need the size in mg of whatever pill you end up with.

[Mouse&Chubs]

Ok, we do have powdered amoxicillin at the rescue that I can go pick up. There is a mammalian dosage on it, but once I have the bottle, I can send the information. I’m not sure if it states how long squirrels should be on it, so I may need assistance with that!

[CritterMom]

Well, it is a little better than the Albon. Amoxicillin and amoxicillin clavulanate are two different drugs. The A/C or Baytril or Cipro would be better.

[Mouse&Chubs]

All we have is SMZ-TMP, Albon, and chloramphenicol palmatate (but that is expired). The amox we have is not augmentin, just straight amoxicillin. I ordered the Baytril, but I doubt it’ll be here until after the new year.

[CritterMom]

All we have is SMZ-TMP, Albon, and chloramphenicol palmatate (but that is expired). The amox we have is not augmentin, just straight amoxicillin. I ordered the Baytril, but I doubt it’ll be here until after the new year.

Go ahead and use the amoxicillin - unless you can find someone who can give you a cipro they have left over.

[Mouse&Chubs]

Go ahead and use the amoxicillin - unless you can find someone who can give you a cipro they have left over.

I was able to meet with another rehabber and she had 10% Baytril. Belly is 93 g. Is anyone able to help with dosing?

[Mouse&Chubs]

Is dosing information usually sent via private message?

[CritterMom]

Dosing is in your PM box

[Mouse&Chubs]

Thank you very much!