Ten-year-old pet squirrel with no teeth refusing solid food for three days, taking only yogurt

What they asked

Hello Doctor, I am contacting you because I need veterinary advice and, ideally, a virtual consultation for my 10.5-year-old female squirrel. I live in El Salvador, where it has been difficult to find a veterinarian with experience treating squirrels and wildlife. I am increasingly concerned about her health because she has recently developed a significant change in her eating habits. Medical history and recent symptoms: 1. Age: She is approximately 10.5 years old. 2. Dental history: She lost her teeth approximately one year ago. Despite having no teeth, she continued eating a wide variety of solid foods without difficulty until recently. 3. Sudden loss of appetite: For the past three days, she has refused almost all solid foods. Previously, she would eat practically everything, including bread, fries, fruit, and other foods. 4. Current food intake: She currently accepts yogurt and some peanut butter but refuses most other foods. She recently showed a preference for a different yogurt flavor. She attempted to eat a small piece of pear but only managed to take a very tiny amount. She also refuses soft bread. 5. Increased urination: Over the past year, I have noticed that she urinates considerably more frequently or in greater amounts than she did in previous years. 6. Activity and behavior: She remains relatively active and alert, although she seems to be sleeping slightly more than usual. 7. Food rejection: She often smells food and then refuses it rather than attempting to eat it. My concerns: Given her advanced age, increased urination, and sudden loss of appetite, I am concerned about possible kidney disease, diabetes, an underlying infection, gastrointestinal problems, or another age-related medical condition. I would appreciate your professional opinion regarding the possible causes of these symptoms. In particular, I would like to know: - Could these symptoms indicate kidney disease or diabetes? - Would blood tests to evaluate kidney function and blood glucose be appropriate? - Would a urinalysis help identify the underlying problem? - Could she be experiencing nausea or another condition affecting her appetite? - What can I safely do at home to maintain her hydration and nutrition while arranging treatment? - Is there any treatment or supportive care that could help improve her quality of life? I am very concerned about her because she has been eating so little for three days. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to arrange a video consultation or receive guidance from a veterinarian experienced with squirrels or exotic wildlife. I can provide photographs and videos of her behavior and eating attempts if helpful. Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I want to do everything possible to help her and ensure she receives appropriate care. Kind regards, A concerned squirrel owner