← Back to Other pets
0
Other petsBRENTNovember 3, 2026

I live in El Salvador, where it has been difficult to find a veterinarian with experience…

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 Brent Nations

A licensed veterinarian’s answer

DWDylan Wilson, DVMVerified VetSmall Animal, Mixed Animal, Preventive Care, Laboratory Medicine · KY license 293504Answered 9d ago

Hello, sorry to hear about your squirrel. I can't do video consultations, but there may be other resources that you can find a vet that can offer that. Loss of appetite can be a from a large amount of different issues. Kidney disease can lead to nausea and dehydration. Subcutaneous fluids and syringe oral balanced electrolytes can be routes to help. Syringe feeding is necessary as well if there have been several days of no eating. Offer a dish of pedialyte or another electrolyte drink without added sugar. She will need an evaluation to answer what her condition is and bloodwork would be applicable.

PawsRx pays this veterinarian for the time they spend answering questions. The answer is their own; PawsRx does not review or approve clinical content.

1 reply, one from a vet

A verified vet’s answer sits first, whatever the sort.
Up to 4 photos and one video, under 50MB.
Say what you did and what happened.

Community posts and replies are written by pet parents and independent veterinarians, not by PawsRx. We do not review, verify, or endorse them. Nothing here is a diagnosis or a substitute for examining your pet. For a medical concern, consult a licensed veterinarian. In an emergency, contact an emergency clinic immediately.

I live in El Salvador, where it has been difficult to find a veterinarian with experience… | PawsRx