Case Questions Squirrel GI problems

WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.

home > Esbilac Update

home

publications

Help us collect information on the GI problems being reported in juvenile squirrels!

Our Privacy Policy

We will not share names of people who respond. Rather, the info will be compiled only in aggregate form - not identified to a specific individual. We would, however, like to have your state to help with demographics. If you would be willing to be interviewed as we continue to see information and solutions, please include your name and phone number.

As you know, some squirrel rehabilitators have seen a larger number of gastrointestinal problems in juvenile squirrels this summer. We are collecting information to help identify and understand the problems, and possible causes and solutions. Some of the causes may be the typical things that seem to occur every year. Others may be related to the single step drying process change in the Esbilac. That’s what we’re trying to help figure out so we can all help the wildlife in our care.

If you could take a couple minutes and send an email to wlrehabproject@aol.com with the answers to these questions, it will help in the compiling the information. You can copy and paste the questions in your email and then just type the response below the questions. Any information you can provide will be useful.

Questions (copy and paste the section below into a new email, provide your answers, and then email it to us):

1. How many years have you been rehabilitating small wild mammals? What species?

2. On average, how many small mammals do you feed Esbilac® each year?

3. Approximately percent of wild mammals that you feed Esbilac® have stool problems each year?

4. What percent of the squirrels, opossums, etc. that you have had in rehab that have been fed the ‘new’ Esbilac® have had stool problems this year (2009)?

5. How many animals and of which species have had health problems where you strongly suspected it might be related to the new Esbilac®? How recovered? How many died?

6. What were the symptoms (stool problems, bloat, fever, etc.)? Were symptoms or severity different for different age animals? If yes, how?

7. Have you had any fecals done on your animals that test for endoparasites or infection? Any culture sensitivities for types of infection, if any? If yes, what did the fecals or culture sensitivities reveal? If bacteria, which?

8. What have you tried to resolve the stool problems this year?

a. Diluting the new Esbilac® -- percent dilutions?

b. Decrease number of feedings by one

c. Albon® - in case it's coccidia

d. Flagyl® - in case it's giardia

e. Panacur® - in case it's giardia or other endoparasites

f. Return to using Esbilac® powder manufactured prior to the single step dry change (new lot numbers)

g. Change to another formula? Which? Results?

h. Other things you've tried? Results?

9. What has been the growth rate of your squirrels? Grams per day? Normal rate? Etc. What about for other species with which you use the 'new' Esbilac®?

10. What have been the lot numbers on the Esbilac® packages (if you know)?

11. Do you personally measure and mix the Esbilac® formula, or do volunteers do this?

12. Are the gastrointestinal problems resolved or continuing?

13. Any other ideas, comments, suggestions, or questions?

14. Your name, state of residence, and phone number. Also, please note if you would be willing to be interviewed on this. Again, we compile the data in summaries and trends. We won't share your name or specific info with others or use the contact info for other activities.

Thanks in advance for your time and willingness to share your case with us!

home

return