Babies arching their backs

[ENZO]

We have two siblings around six weeks old (opened their eyes 5 days ago). They are taking 4cc FV every three hours. Yesterday we found the female with her front legs stretched out and her head pulled up at nearly 90 degrees. Her body was very rigid. We decided to give her pedialite which revived her. This was around noon. The rest of the day she was fine and eating well. This morning she was again in this same state non responsive with symptoms listed above. Her brother also exhibited similar symptoms but not quite as severe.

Also while they are coming out of this state they seemed to drop their heads into their bellies into a U shape (head tucked) but then slowly return to normal...

Please help

[cnmnnaturalist]

They are very likely suffering from seizures. I don't have a ton of experience with neurological issues, but you may have a case of MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) due to deficiencies.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...ease-%28MBD%29

[CritterMom]

This really shouldn't be happening if they are getting FV though 4cc is sort of a small portion for a 6 week old..I wonder if this is some sort of hypoglcemic seizure - especially since the pedialyte seemed to help.

Try supplementing with sugar water or even better, some molasses in water and give a bit in between feedings. They may be having low blood sugar issues. Can you give us their weights?

[Jackie in Tampa]

i know i have asked before, brain fade monday, where are you again?

[ENZO]

We are in Jacksonville FL.

[crazy4squirrels]

Is your formula new?? I had one that did that from FV that had settled. I took her off and flushed for 24 hour, got new fresh FV from a rehabber that was close by then I ordered another batch and I mixed or kneaded the bag each time before pouring it to mix. This is a good possibility if they had no trauma because that is exactly what my Ivy did. Flush them and start now.

[ENZO]

Female is 80 grams
Male 84 grams

[Jackie in Tampa]

thinking magna or anne would be able to take a look at them for you and advise...
they are both near Jax...
hoping whatever is going on can be corrected...

[island rehabber]

Sounds like hypoglycemic seizuring -- not enough nutrition. 4cc sounds VERY small as a portion for 6-wk olds. Two of my 2.5wk olds are already up to 6cc per feeding. My 4wk olds, eyes still closed, take 8-10cc per feeding. Yes I know Northern greys are larger than Florida greys, but not twice as large. Also, every 3 hrs for FV at their age is far too often.
We can really help you so much better if we see a pic of them....can you post one?

[magna]

Just sent you a pm. I am in Jacksonville today. If pedialyte pulled her out of it I would think it was a bad mix on the formula or something along those lines. If sugar water revives them they are lacking in glucose or nutrients in general. Every three hours is too often and I agree with IR 4cc's is a little short. 5-7% of their weight would be 4.5-6cc. How are you mixing the FV 2-1 or 3-1? that can make a huge difference especially if you are winging it for the mix. A 3-1 cuts their nutrition 30% and that's a huge amount when you are talking about them at this size. IF it's FV I am sure it's a 2-1 mix.

[Skul]

Couple other thoughts.
What water/FV ratio is used, and do you add any yogurt or heavy cream?

[ENZO]

We are mixing two parts water to one part FV. Not sure if it's FV1 or FV2 as it is given to us by the wildlife rescue coalition here in Jacksonville.

Thanks to all for the responses and any other help is greatly appreciated.

[cnmnnaturalist]

When I got my trio of Greys, I was feeding them 8ccs of the FV at LEAST every 4 hours. Ideal was between 8ccs and 12ccs. They definitely have to eat at least twice as much as what you are giving them. If they are being fussy about eating, you may have to experiment with different feeding temps, nipples and even ways to soothe them.

[ENZO]

working on pictures.

[magna]

If I can be of any help let me know. I am in Jacksonville today and tomorrow. I live an hour north and Anne is in Orange Park.

[ENZO]

This is the female the male is virtually identical.

[ENZO]

Poor pic their eyes appear normal.

[farrelli]

So are you going to adjust their diet?

[ENZO]

Already adjusting it. My guess is to gradually increase... Or should we bump it up quicker?

[Anne]

You are feeding way to little way to often. And it does sound like they are also having a problem with hypoglycemic seizing. Go to Walmart and buy their brand of molasses (it is unsulphered). Mix with some water and give that to them. I am going to PM you my phone number to make sure you have the correct supplies.