pox has hit home

[Loopy Squirrel]

Well, the pox has finally caught up with me. I wasn't sure I wanted to publically post this because it is up setting but I thought it was important because we may have another way to spread this virus...fleas. All five of my keepers have come down with the pox virus last week. At first I did not notice my guys had it. Casey's first lesion was on her belly. It was Oliver who had lesions developing on him that I first noticed. Since I have to hand feed him I handle him everday. All the squirrels except Oliver have between only one to four lesions. Oliver has more but the lesions are very small so far. I think that my keepers have a mild form of the virus, however, it is still pox. I practiced quarantine protocol and washed my hands and changed my shirt when ever handling the wild pox squirrels. The wilds came in with numerous fleas which I susequently defleaed. The only way my guys could have gotten it was through fleas. Sophie especially doesn't like to comeout of her cage because she feels vulnerable because of her severe nurological problems. She and Cy were never ever near the pox squirrels. I don't handle them often either because they are older and do not like to be cuddled. The only way they could have gotten this is via a flea. Since fleas travel it is possible that I missed some. All are on acyclovir and antibiotics and handling it pretty well so far. I am hoping the virus will run its course and we will have a positive out come. BTW, Rudy and Tater are pox free so far. Prayers are needed for a good outcome.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:grouphug

[4skwerlz]

:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug
It was caught early, and you're giving all care possible. Praying for a quick recovery for all. Maybe they'll have some immunity going forward, which would be good. Have you asked your vet about the flea problem on your dogs?...sounds like the fleas might have become resistant to the stuff you're using. Usually dogs and squirrels each have their "own" fleas, but maybe nobody told the fleas.
:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

Yes different fleas...but all fleas will chew on any mammel given the opportunity. All Fleas HOP, I have heard the myth that sq fleas do not hop...that is NOT TRUE...they do. I have been speaking with several vets about fleas and treatments lately, as I have been thinking fleas since December when TinyMite was in my care. I knew it was fleas after her...RIP baby girl.
Praying for all Loopys babies:grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

Advantahe isn't working. I was told by a worker in the animal field to alternate between the advantage and the frontline to keep it under control.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Dr.Maulman said Revolution and Frontline...I have her dosing info here if you need it Loopy, although I may have already givren it to you...? I can't remember didley...let me relocate my notes...Spice has rearranged desk several times this past week!:soapbox
{sneaky Spice}
Doc also said Adams in spray bottle to dose baseboards and nestboxes, light spritz!

[Pointy Tale]

Loopy Squirrel—you have my prayers. I am sorry that your squirrels have this virus, but thankful you know exactly what to do. My goodness, this virus is terrible, I just don’t know what to say about it. Obviously I know nothing about anything to help anyone, but here it goes anyway.

Is there any way that either a natural remedy is available for outside use something like Diatomaceous earth (http://www.all-pets-info.com/fleacontrol/Outdoor-Flea-Control.html) or maybe it is better to use a pesticides, I know they are harmful, but what if we could spray the grounds of our properties?
Again, I have no idea what I am talking about, so please keep that in mind when you are reading my post.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

You know you are in my thoughts, along with all the precious heads.:grouphug Praying that good somehow comes out of this.
I have noticed that fleas are becoming more and more resistant to advantage!

[Mountain Mama]

:grouphug Praying for you.

[tatcat]

you are in my prayers darlin!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

I also have noticed that about Advantage...Fido has been using for 10 years, and now I have to reapply 7-10 days sooner than I used to...
:dono

[Legomom]

Loopy, I don't know what to say. This sucks! You are living one of our worst fears, I think. If there is anything that I can do, name it.
Call my vet, do research on the computer, drive something to you....anything. You, your babies & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

Here are some pics of the lesions on some of my guys.

[Legomom]

I know you've been around sqs longer than me & have heard this before, I'm sure. Do you have Vetri-DMG? Not only is it good for neuro issues, but it is particularly good for supporting the immune system. I'm guessing that supporting their immune systems is something that they really need right now & probably not a bad idea in general for indoor squirrels. Just my .02.

Give all of your sweeties kisses from me & mine. :grouphug

[Pointy Tale]

Those pictures really bring it front and center. I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. Continued prayers.

[island rehabber]

Many many prayers and lots of good energy going out to you, Loopy....:grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

I am just thankful that it isn't worse. I don't feel like we are out of the woods yet but we are getting there slowly. My biggest worry is Oliver and Casey as they have developed a few new lesions. Even though Oliver has many lesions he is still active and acting normal. Casey is the one I am worrying about. She has only developed one new lesion but it is a biggy and her activity level has gone down. Her roomate Joe won't leave her side either.

[JLM27]

Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Please help Loopy with her squirrel babies. Please cure their pox and support and sustain her through her ordeal. Take them in your loving hands and protect them from this evil. Guide Loopy's hands that they might bring your healing to these innocents. We all of us pray this in the name of your Son, our Savior, dear Jesus. Amen.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:shakehead Loopy, how are you and the kids tonight...the fuzzy ones? aaand the other ones? I talked to AmyJ at FVS, she said to use Advantage. {I have the dosing or Spice does, she trashed the desk}..Also Amy said to use sevin dust in moderation on most things,including the sqs. I am going to sprinkle the outside nestboxes with it, maybe hang garlic too! :smiley_vampire Something, anything...the anti-pox! grr..
Go look at Sharons sqs, they are doing good with the meds..Patches has never had the acyclovir and it took over 6 weeks to clear up his lesions, he was getting doses of pain and antibiotic meds. He kept his appetite. Spot had the acyclovir, and although he did miss a few doses, he took twice a day and we extended the two weeks to three weeks. I thought about making each dose heavy since we did not really know if they ate entire peanut shell full of dosed avacado,but thought a longer time frame maybe safer.:dono He also had the ABs and metacam Both kept their appetites, but Spots lesions cleared up so much faster using the anti viral.

I have positive thoughts about your sqs and these meds and NO STRESS. Them being at home and normalish makes me feel better, I hope I am right. I hope we are learning something...:soapbox .

Did you get the package from zoologic , probably not yet...hope soon, Please post info when you get it. I want to read it.
So what suppliment will you give them? Gee I wish we had a book to reference about now...:carzy2
BTW, thanks Jamie!:bowdown :bowdown me and the poxy ones love you! Thank you!

How is littl Sophie tonight, I can see her now wondering around...too cute!
hello Tyler and Tim, and :poke you too Troy! Hows that snake?, back at the park yet? Your poor mother and Grandmother! I have a NO Snakes in the CAR rule, no way!
Do any of the sqs seem achey or stiff...some esbilac and a rice buddy...
Rocky even had a dose of metacam tonight, I think the rain has him feeling his arthritus, his back seems stiff...poor old grouch! Seven next month! I am going to haet up his yucky rice buddy too.
:shakehead :eek: geez, I can hear the flyers screechin in the backyard...neighbors probably think I am running a concentration camp, all the hammering lately, funny new hut, weird screaming all night long!:rotfl
Give Cy and Sophie, Casey and Joey kisses, give Oliver two!:grouphug
LOVE YOU GUYS! I hate this Lynn, keep your thought high!:grouphug
Do you need anything?

[Legomom]

:wave123 Hi, Loopy! Just stopping by to see how you, the family & the furr babies are doing tonight. How's everyone doing? Do you need anything? I'm only about 2 hours away & I'm sincere in my offer. Just ask & I'll do whatever I can to help.

Give all of your little ones kisses for me! Even the ones that are taller than you! :grouphug

[luvs squirrels]

Oh, Loopy - you have my prayers.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I wish I could come and help you, praying for all your babies here..and your strength.
Its hard enough caring for everyone when they are well let alone sick.
When is ds graduation?

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I'm so sorry that you know have to go through this with your own kids.
This site depends on you so much, and we will be there for your strength to rely on when you need us.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Bear with me everyone.... I am riding an emotional rollercoaster here. Everyone is o.k.today. Casey's new lesion has already scabed over just since yesterday. See seems a little dizzier than normal today though. Oliver I think is slowing as far as developing new lesions. He is holding steady with no seizures so far. Poor Joe's lesion has opened more and looks much more sore today than yesterday. Sophie and Cy have not developed any new lesions and seem to be doing the best out of then all. No signs of pox for Rudy and Tater so far.

[Pointy Tale]

Loopy Squirrel—Sending you prayers and positive energy.

[Anne]

Loopy, If there is anyway I can help just call. Poor babies, at least they have you -one of our best-to care for them. My daily prayers include you and all your fuzzers. Keep up the good fight. Most loving kisses to all.:grouphug

[wheezer]

I just saw what you are going through:grouphug

I have high hopes all will be fine. I feel the best medicine for pox is good nutrition, immune support and LOVE:tilt I am a little leary of the hard core drugs just because of possible internal damage from them but who really knows:dono When I hear of pox, I always think of Benny. He had the worst case of pox I have ever heard of. Check out his story, it will give you hope:Love_Icon http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15163

Prayers and Hugs coming your way:grouphug :grouphug

[Equinox Rain]

I am sorry that your guys are ill. I am concerned about using Frontline though. I may be wrong, (please tell me if I am). I know that it can be fatal for Rabbits. Advantage and Revolution are safe though. Could someone more knowledgeable than myself please weigh in on this?

[Jackie in Tampa]

Remember when I was alone and scared , when I had pox in my yard and no one knew what it was?
Remember when I did not sleep and bleached my entire life day in and day out...I looked at my sweet babies with horrible ugly nasties all over their bodies. Remember when no one knew what to do? When no one would help? When vets hung up on me? Well I remember...and I felt alone and without any clue. I euthanized beatuiful babies in fear of infecting others, because I was told that was all we could do. So I did it regretfully, but all in the past. We, TSB, helped each other and worked together. We did not find any real answers, but we tried.
We have discovered some things that do not work and some things that seem to help...but not a cure, no real answers. No one is protected from this...it can happen anywhere. This is not a CREATED problem, this is a deadly virus, and all sqs are at risk everywhere, none safe.
Since last year ...Loopy, myself and a couple others have been non stop thinking about pox...we have all lost sleep many nights. Racking our brains and picking others. Nothing in concrete at this time, no real answers...STILL!
I know Lynn...lucky me...and this is a serious crisis. Loopy is not dramatic, nor about sensationalism...but now POX has come back to haunt her and kick her kids.
It is breaking my heart that her sweet NRs are positive with pox...and no answers still.
Please bare with me....
loopy gives her all, and if you have ever needed her, you know that. She is smart, and always on task. She is the first to jump in and get dirty. Lynn needs our thoughts and prayers...our support in return.
Pray for her babies...pray for answers fast. Just Pray.
Now is not the time to forget about one of our own...she needs us.
She needs big hugs and warm thoughts.
Loopy has dedicated her time to helping wilds and US....
So please take the time to extend to her what she always gives us...
LOVE AND SUPPORT
We love you Lynn
:grouphug
sorry if I seem dramatic...lol, I just am.

[JLM27]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Praying that you and your babies will come out safe. Wish I could do more to help.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Thank you everbody for bearing with me, especially those of you who weathered my wrath this morning. It hasn't been easy watching your own suffer. It is difficult watching any squirrel suffer but it is so much worse when it is your own and they look at you and say with their eyes, "please mom help me, I don't feel good." Watching Casey struggle this morning w/ her dizziness is very hard. She has this often and most times she regains her composure and she is fine. Now all these crazy thoughts are entering my head, like is this a side effect, is it getting worse, etc.. I am not sleeping well at night. I keep waking up at 1,2,3 o'clock in the morning and can't get back to sleep. I know my guys are strong and they probably will make it through this, it's just very hard to watch it everyday and to know that it was I that brought "it" home. I appreciate all that have given words of kindness and support. It really means a lot to me to know that you all care about my guys too. Please bear with me in my moments of insanity.

[JLM27]

Loopy, since you don't know how they caught it for sure, I don't think you can conclude that you brought it home. Does anyone know how this pox spreads? Is it a virus or a bacterium? Does it travel on fleas or are there other vectors?

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

L............
I am so sorry you are having to go through this...but not alone...
I am sorry I missed this earlier...
I had a nudge in the right direction..
So..sorry....
I bet it is very painful...poor babies..
I have about 6 blisters on my lips...NOT gonna kill me..but PAINFUL...
Are there any meds...you may need...??
If yes...you have my phone number call me..and see if there is something I have..that may help...
Better yet..I'll call you..I do have unlimited long distance...I dont remember if you do to?:thinking
Ugh, sorry I'm rambling...:grouphug
I cant even imagine...seeing that on my little Sweet Love...
I am sending my LOVE and Prayers...for the PX to GO away and NEVER come back..
Those darn Flea's!
Useless.....insect..bug..what ever it is...
I have no,clue what their purpose is in this life...
Lynne...I am SO sorry...xoxoxo
Hugs & kisses to the boo boo's (though I am highly contageous..now.. We will have to blow my kisses):Love_Icon :tilt
Rachel & Bean ox:grouphug

[digiandchipper]

Oh Loopy!!!! I am so sorry to hear about your babies; I know you are worried! I wish I was close and could come and help!

I am sending prayers and love you way...can I send ANTHING else??? Flea powder, medicines, spare fleece, blankets, bleach, anything???? Just let me know!!

I am thinking of and praying for you and your darlings....:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Legomom]

Loopy, since you don't know how they caught it for sure, I don't think you can conclude that you brought it home. Does anyone know how this pox spreads? Is it a virus or a bacterium? Does it travel on fleas or are there other vectors?

I don't think anyone knows for sure, but speculation at this point in that fleas are a vector & possibly through feces.
Someone I spoke to recently warned me that if you have pox sqs in your yard, DO NOT use those same shoes in the house!

Love to you & the babies, Loopy! :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Jackie in Tampa]

I don't think anyone knows for sure, but speculation at this point in that fleas are a vector & possibly through feces.
Someone I spoke to recently warned me that if you have pox sqs in your yard, DO NOT use those same shoes in the house!

Love to you & the babies, Loopy! :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon
pox lesion scabs are contagious.
mosqitoes and fleas are vectors
Also thinking close contact in the nest ....it is a virus.
I don't want to seem like a know it all, but the info is coming together
with each day..and this is the best that we have at this time.

[Charles Chuckles]

I am so sorry for your babies, this has to be just heart breaking...however I feel they will come out all fine with positive prayers going out to them...hang in there and I know you are feeling so bad, but we would all feel that way, it is so hard to take care of squirrels when they get sick or something happens with them....boy do I know that feeling, I am sure we all have at one time or another.....make sure to take care of yourself too and we are all sending big healing vibes your way:grouphug

[FallensMommie]

Oh Loopy my heart is saddened by this news...but do know we are all here in support of you...lifting you up...thinking and praying for your babies :grouphug

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I know Lynn...lucky me...and this is a serious crisis. Loopy is not dramatic, nor about sensationalism...but now POX has come back to haunt her and kick her kids.
It is breaking my heart that her sweet NRs are positive with pox...and no answers still.
Please bare with me....
loopy gives her all, and if you have ever needed her, you know that. She is smart, and always on task. She is the first to jump in and get dirty. Lynn needs our thoughts and prayers...our support in return.
Pray for her babies...pray for answers fast. Just Pray.
Now is not the time to forget about one of our own...she needs us.
She needs big hugs and warm thoughts.
Loopy has dedicated her time to helping wilds and US....
So please take the time to extend to her what she always gives us...
LOVE AND SUPPORT
We love you Lynn

:goodpost

[Sarabi]

:grouphug Praying Hard:grouphug Fight Babies, Just Fight:Love_Icon

[tatcat]

:wave123 hey loopy, sorry you have to go thru this...i will support ya in any way i can...sending good vibes and prayers your way!!!:grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Loopy Squirrel/Lynne :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug


:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Sophie :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Cy :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Casey :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Joe :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Oliver :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Loopy, I'm sure most of us cannot begin to fathom what you are going through, but we are here for you and thinking about you and your guys. :Love_Icon

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug:Love_Icon :grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

Sorry guys for the scare yesterday. I almost didn't take the baby squirrel but when he told me how serious the situation was I couldn't tell the guy no.

Good news: No new lesions today. All the lesions are coming and scabing over very quickly. The big one on Casey's chest has already scabed over in less than 24hrs.. Sophie and Cy have not developed any new lesions since the first days. They only have one each. Those two by far are the least affected. Oliver hasn't really gotten anything new since the day before. I think what I am feeling is the others getting slightly bigger. Even his are scabing over quickly. This could be an indication of how fast the medicine works when started early. I have to say that since I have been using the acyclovir on my guys and their positive reaction to it I am less scared of using it on others. Buddy's Mom, Jackie, and I have been discussing this very issue and I am beginning to think that the reaction I saw in the wilds was mainly the effects of the virus because it was so advanced. At this point I wouldn't hesistate to use it again, only sooner rather than later. Now I just wish I could go back in time and use it on Tyson.

Thank you to all for the continued prayers and good wishes. The vibes are working.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:grouphug :thumbsup Sorry guys for the scare yesterday. I almost didn't take the baby squirrel but when he told me how serious the situation was I couldn't tell the guy no.

Good news: No new lesions today. All the lesions are coming and scabing over very quickly. The big one on Casey's chest has already scabed over in less than 24hrs.. Sophie and Cy have not developed any new lesions since the first days. They only have one each. Those two by far are the least affected. Oliver hasn't really gotten anything new since the day before. I think what I am feeling is the others getting slightly bigger. Even his are scabing over quickly. This could be an indication of how fast the medicine works when started early. I have to say that since I have been using the acyclovir on my guys and their positive reaction to it I am less scared of using it on others. Buddy's Mom, Jackie, and I have been discussing this very issue and I am beginning to think that the reaction I saw in the wilds was mainly the effects of the virus because it was so advanced. At this point I wouldn't hesistate to use it again, only sooner rather than later. Now I just wish I could go back in time and use it on Tyson.

Thank you to all for the continued prayers and good wishes. The vibes are working.

[island rehabber]

Prayers will keep coming until all are well! Loopy this may sound ridiculous, but I saw acyclovir in action last winter when Paul broke out into painful shingles (another herpes-type virus, like pox) on his face and neck. We knew immediately what it was and, despite many friends' dire predictions that "this would take a looooong time and maybe never really go away.....", three days of acyclovir literally wiped the virus and its blisters out completely. (He continued to take it for 3 weeks.) I think when the herpes-type virus is "young", acyclovir can work miracles.

[4skwerlz]

Prayers will keep coming until all are well! Loopy this may sound ridiculous, but I saw acyclovir in action last winter when Paul broke out into painful shingles (another herpes-type virus, like pox) on his face and neck. We knew immediately what it was and, despite many friends' dire predictions that "this would take a looooong time and maybe never really go away.....", three days of acyclovir literally wiped the virus and its blisters out completely. (He continued to take it for 3 weeks.) I think when the herpes-type virus is "young", acyclovir can work miracles.

Oh, I agree. Every drug has side effects, but acyclovir's are mild compared with the pain and debilitation of pox. It's important to remember that acyclovir is a relatively "old" drug--in use for 30 years now! This means its side effects are very well known; and any rare but serious side effects would also be known by now. Actually, because of the way the drug works, it is concentrated mainly in the virus-infected cells; healthy cells are relatively unaffected. (This also means the drug would be useless as a "preventative.") The drug is processed mainly by the kidneys--not the liver--in other words, it is "peed out." This would only be a problem for a patient who already has decreased kidney function.

I hope this makes you feel better about treating your precious babies. I just know they're going to do fine.:grouphug

[JLM27]

Loopy, this is such good news. Still praying for your precious babies.

[Legomom]

Good morning, Loopy & kids! It sure does sound like everything is heading in the right direction, but the prayers will continue until you say that they are all healed.

How is everyone tolerating the treatment? I hope they are staying strong & hungry despite what they are going through.

I know that I've thrown this out there before (I think), but has anyone considered using Zovirax ointment on the lesions? My son has stress herpes outbreaks on his lips whenever he is very nervous or upset. If I put the cream on just as they are forming, and one or two more times, they are gone within 24 hours. Something to think about.

Love to you, the furr kids & family! :grouphug

[luvs squirrels]

Great news :thumbsup

Continued prayers for the little ones.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[jbillings]

Just checking in to make sure everything is still good on the home front since 6:30am. Hope all of your little guys are kicking some POX BUTT:D . I hope your taking care of YOURSELF too. :grouphug Keep us posted (If you have time).

[Loopy Squirrel]

Everybody is doing o.k. tonight. They are getting restless though being in quarantine. They don't understand it since they have always been allowed free range. I think too they are beginning to suspect the worst of me everytime I come in the room because I keep shoving meds down them, then I try to entice them with some peanut butter, avocado, or cream cheese with the gold seal meal in it. They don't know whether to run and hide or be the first out to see what I have.

[Legomom]

Sweet dreams to you, the family & all of your sweet furr babies. http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/love/love0051.gif

[4skwerlz]

:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug
Hugs and prayers for you and all your babies.

[Buddy'sMom]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

Loopy has been busy helping others by post and telephone and I think she hasn't had a chance to come post an update, so I thought I would do that for her.

As of last night, all her guys were still progressing well. No new pox or symptoms. No signs of appetite loss or pneumonia (both of which had been a concern, from past experience). Many of the pox lesions have dried up and the scabs fallen off --- well, "fallen off" may not be accurate as it seems that some were helped along by vigorous nibbling :D . They are still acting a little bit "off" but that is to be expected -- they have a virus, after all.

Fingers crossed that the worst is behind them and they just continue steady progress to recovery. :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup

[Legomom]

Prayers continue to come your way, Loopy. Kiss the babies for me. :grouphug

[jbillings]

That is great news. :thumbsup :thumbsup Keep up the great work Loopy. Thinking about you and your little guys always:) :)

[Loopy Squirrel]

Hey everybody.... all is good today. My guys are doing well, just a little tired. Joe ripped of his scab yesterday but it is slowly healing, just looked raw. Casey has left hers alone so far. Sophie and Cy's lesions are clearing very well and almost are gone.Oliver is scabing but he does have way more than the others. I got the nystop today ( a big thanks to jbillings) and I started to put it on them. Oliver liked the body massage at the Squirrel Spa. He reminded me of the pics of Fallen with the legs stretched way out. Toes pointed too reminded me of a ballerina. Will give updates tomorrow on how the powder is working. Thanks all for caring.

[Legomom]

Keep the good news coming, kids! You're doing your squammy proud! :thumbsup
All of my love & prayers to you & yours, Loopy! :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[jbillings]

I'm so glad you finally got it. Sorry it took so long. Not sure why? I sent it "2 day". Better late than never, I guess :thumbsup

[Loopy Squirrel]

That's just the way FL mail works!

[Anne]

Love hearing the news that all are healing:crazy :crazy My love to all at your house.:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :grouphug

[Legomom]

Just popping in before I go to bed to see how all of the kids are doing.
Hoping & praying that all is well with all of your sweeties. Sweet dreams. :grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

All are doing well today. I am thinking of weaning all but Oliver off the meds. Sophie and Cy are almost lesion free. Joe and Casey are getting there. Their lesions were a little bigger than Sophie and Cy's lesions. Oliver still has some, no new ones though. The nystop is helping him really well though.

[4skwerlz]

Wonderful news!:thumbsup
:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[jbillings]

So glad to hear it:thumbsup :thumbsup

[Anne]

:wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Great news:thumbsup

[Legomom]

:wott Wonderful news, Loopy! :wott
I hope to be seeing you & your babies very soon! :Love_Icon
Give all of them an extra head rub for me! :grouphug

[tatcat]

:wahoo :grouphug :wahoo :grouphug :wahoo

[JLM27]

Hooray! So glad to see that your babies are much better.

[luvs squirrels]

:multi :multi :multi :wahoo:wahoo :multi :multi :multi

[Lady Squirrelly]

Great news.

You do such a good job with those little sick squirrels.:bowdown :bowdown

[Jackie in Tampa]

:D

[Buddy'sMom]

I hope they are all still doing well and the Nystop is taking care of the remaining lesions. tinfoil tinfoil

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Legomom]

Just stopping by to check on the kids & you. Hoping all is still going well!
Love you & your babies! :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

I need pics of the kids and their booboos and T&T too,
Give the big one a Graduation Congratulations Hug from us! :thumbsup

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

:wahooGlad to hear everyone is recovering and doing well :wahoo.

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

hello,hello..
just popping in to say hello...and see how you are doing.....:grouphug

glad to read..the furry clan is doing better...
thanks for updating ...
sleep well...ox
:grouphug

[Legomom]

I hope that things are going well & that you've been too busy celebrating your son's graduation to give us an update. Congrats to the whole family! :thumbsup

Sweet dreams! :wave123

[FallensMommie]

Hey Loopy...I know you are busy with the gang, but wanted to pop in to say hello and I hope things are going well. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! :grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

Well, it has been very busy around here this week and I haven't really gotten anything done. We had two graduation ceremonies this week. Whatever time was left was making sure everyone had proper clothes and shoes (BOYS???). Tyler had his final graduation last night so hopefully things will calm down a little now. My house looks like a cyclone has hit it from unsupervised squirrels. Tater has decided that she MUST get into Tyler's room and has chewed a beautiful hole in his door. She's not through it yet but she is in trouble. As far as the wobblers, all are almost there. Everybody is fine and desperately wanting out of quarentine. All lesions are either gone or are tiny scabs. No one has shown any signs of respiratory complications and all are off meds now, even Oliver. Throughout this whole ordeal Oliver hasn't suffered not one seizure which was my greatest concern.

[Loopy Squirrel]

First off, I wanted to say to Buddy's mom that I am sorry I keep missing your calls. It's been a crazy week and when it was all over first I slept, then all the rescues started coming in. I really didn't get much of a break after Tyler's graduation.

Jackie: NO THEY ARE NOT SQUIRRELS....mostly birds, except for the adult pox squirrel that came in last week. And Hammy's mom took back the dog attack squirrel last night. He is doing really good.

Now, my question....all the squirrels came off meds recently because they were healing with no new lesions. Casey suddenly developed two new lesions over the past two days. They are not big and her other lesions are clearing. My question is, do I put her back on the acyclovir? I am afraid of creating a resistance by stopping and starting which would also include the antibiotic because the acyclovir lowers their immune system so much. Her system is fighting the virus but these new lesions tell me that her system alone may not be enough. Antivirals are a new territory for me so I do not know about resistance problems. Anybody with experience using antivirals???? I don't know if putting her back on would compromise her more.?? Her appetite and behavior is still good.

[luvs squirrels]

:wave123 Hi Loopy

I'm sorry to hear about Casey's new lesions. Sorry I can't be of assistance to you, but I'll be praying for you and the little ones.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[JLM27]

Loopy, did you ever determine the infection vector? Could she have been re-infected? I don't know whether one can build up immunity to this pox virus. Does anyone know that?

Are there any vitamin boosts that would help? What about vitamin D?

[Buddy'sMom]

:tilt Loopy and I didn't have much more luck today in connecting by phone -- she had an urgent household need that needed attention before we got a chance to discuss restarting the meds. So I ended up sending her an email and thought I would copy and paste it here as well --- if anyone has any different thoughts, please share them. :)

Acyclovir: Does not work like antibiotics so I don't think there is the same issue of resistance. It doesn't kill virus, just gives the body a chance to overcome. It sounds like her body still needs help. It's a surprise, but I would re-start the antiviral, since I guess there are still active viral particles reproducing. The original instructions we got for the antiviral duration was kind of "watch and see." This is now much longer than human dosing, but it is also not dosed as frequently, so would have lower efficacy (and therefore need a longer duration). I don't see any issue with having a gap in the middle of dosing it.

Baytril: Not sure what to say about this. I don't know if what you saw with the other squirrels [non-responsive respiratory infection after the meds were stopped] was a result of lowered immunity from acyclovir or from the ravages of the disease. I would think perhaps the latter. HOWEVER, this is your Casey and you will not want to risk being wrong. If you think the Baytril can act to prevent respiratory infection (bacterial) then a few more days on it is probably advised. I don't think there is any issue about resistance here either, but for a different reason. She was not treated for an actual infection that she had, so there is no colony of bacteria that you need to be sure to wipe out. It was more preventative, to get a jump on them before they could multiply.

Loopy is also starting to treat the new lesions with Nystop.

JLM27, all her squirrels are also getting immune-boosting supplements. We have come to believe that is a very important part of the treatment. By boosting the squirrel's immune system, they have a better chance of defeating the disease. IMO, it is not a re-infection but is a relapse in recovery, where her body had not yet totally wiped out the pox virus and there was enough left to again reproduce and cause additional pox lesions to form.

The thinking is leaning very heavily to fleas as a major vector (in addition to mosquitos and close contact (either respiratory contact or contact with sores or fluid or scabs from the lesions). That is the only likely source for Loopy's group and we have also been advised that pox outbreaks take place in the far north during winter (no mosquitos).

It is believed that once a squirrel recovers, it does have some immunity and would not get pox again.

Hoping for a speedy recovery for Casey!

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[JLM27]

Sweet little Casey. Fight, girl, you got it, now give it to 'em! We all love you and are praying for you darling.:Love_Icon :Love_Icon xoxoxox

[jbillings]

I am so sorry to hear that Casey has developed more lesions. I do agree with BuddysMom about restarting the Acyclovir. I don't have much experience with giving it to squirrels, but I work in a hospital pharmacy and do know from experience that it does not develop a resistance like others do. Your little guys couldn't ask for any better care than what you are giving them:thumbsup. Hope Casey gets better soon. She'll be in my thoughts :grouphug.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Sorry BM, Troy's foot is o.k.. Have no idea how he put it through the glass door panel....KIDS???? I swear everytime I get on the phone either the battery goes dead or a kid gets hurt.

I read the post, thank you BM. Casey was tolerant of the nystop today. We will see if the new lesions go down. I will restart the meds again. Her behavior is still good but the fact that she has new lesions also leads me to believe she needs a little more time on them. I hope I didn't stop too soon. It seemsto be taking as long as three weeks to see a response to the meds and for the lesions to start to go down. I think I may have stopped too soon. The others are fine but I'll be keeping a very close eye on them.

JLM: I am pretty sure it was the fleas. I tried to be very careful and put all wilds in quarentine. I washed my hands after handling the wilds and I changed my shirt. I may have let down my guard at one point with Oliver because I handled him so much during that time that it was possible. However, the other squirrels were no where near the pox and since I don't handle them as much the only way for it to have spread to them were fleas. All the wilds had them and I treated as they came in, but all it takes is to miss one flea. All my guys did have fleas on them when I first found the pox. So I treated all of them as well but it was already too late. Rudy and Tater had also been exposed as they had fleas on them too,but till this day they have not shown any pox. I am wondering if they have a natural immunity. I have spoke with a few of my vets and they have never seen pox in flyers or foxers so they may very well have a natural immunity. I would have expected at least Rudy to develop it since she was immune compromised after her illness and the "fern" incident, but she is clear and we are past the incubation period.

p.s. Thank you all for the prayers and concern. These guys still need it. You are all wonderful!!!!

[Anne]

Bless your heart, Loopy. You sure are loaded down with problems.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug I am sitting here thinking:hmmmmm who is the scamp- thing one, thing two, thing Troy?:jump :jump :jump :jump I love each and every one of them (especially Troy :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon )

[Legomom]

:grouphug Casey :grouphug I'm praying for you, sweetie! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[4skwerlz]

Sorry BM, Troy's foot is o.k.. Have no idea how he put it through the glass door panel....KIDS???? I swear everytime I get on the phone either the battery goes dead or a kid gets hurt.

I read the post, thank you BM. Casey was tolerant of the nystop today. We will see if the new lesions go down. I will restart the meds again. Her behavior is still good but the fact that she has new lesions also leads me to believe she needs a little more time on them. I hope I didn't stop too soon. It seemsto be taking as long as three weeks to see a response to the meds and for the lesions to start to go down. I think I may have stopped too soon. The others are fine but I'll be keeping a very close eye on them.

JLM: I am pretty sure it was the fleas. I tried to be very careful and put all wilds in quarentine. I washed my hands after handling the wilds and I changed my shirt. I may have let down my guard at one point with Oliver because I handled him so much during that time that it was possible. However, the other squirrels were no where near the pox and since I don't handle them as much the only way for it to have spread to them were fleas. All the wilds had them and I treated as they came in, but all it takes is to miss one flea. All my guys did have fleas on them when I first found the pox. So I treated all of them as well but it was already too late. Rudy and Tater had also been exposed as they had fleas on them too,but till this day they have not shown any pox. I am wondering if they have a natural immunity. I have spoke with a few of my vets and they have never seen pox in flyers or foxers so they may very well have a natural immunity. I would have expected at least Rudy to develop it since she was immune compromised after her illness and the "fern" incident, but she is clear and we are past the incubation period.

p.s. Thank you all for the prayers and concern. These guys still need it. You are all wonderful!!!!

With pox that is carried by mosquitoes, you typically see the first lesions where mosquitoes most often bite, which is on areas where there is less fur: the ears, eyes, face, genitals, hands and feet, etc. Is the pattern any different on your kids? I mean, don't fleas concentrate where the fur is thickest?

[Hammy'sMom]

I am sorry to hear that Casey has new leisons. Since your other kids have beat the nasty virus, then I am sure Casey will also make a full recovery. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. :grouphug :Love_Icon

[Loopy Squirrel]

I think we may finally be out of the woods. All the lesions have cleared on all but Casey. No new lesions have appeared on her since the last recent outbreak. She is almost clear except for the one on her chest. All are eating and acting well.

[4skwerlz]

:wott:wott:wott

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup

[JLM27]

Go Casey! I'm also interested in whether these lesions show a different pattern from mosquito borne lesions, just out of curiosity.

[Loopy Squirrel]

It is hard to say because each squirrel had lesions in different places. Casey had a few on her face but most were on her under belly. Joe & Oliver had some on the under belly as well. The pox in the wilds seemsto hit the face and the gentital/butt area. My guys had a similar pattern, but fleas do like the under belly. When I first noticed the fleas on my guys they congregated around the neck area and the under belly. Casey and Oliver did have lesions near the neck.

[Legomom]

I'm so happy that this seems to be behind all of you now. I'm sure you're relieved. Give all of your babies kisses from me! :grouphug

[JLM27]

Yes, hugs and kisses. So sorry their sweet little underbellies had to go through all this. Thanks for the description.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

:wahoo :wahoo

[island rehabber]

I'll keep praying and hoping for continued good news in this thread!!! :thumbsup:grouphug:grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

Quick up date... all my babies are out of the woods. All lesions are gone and everybody is back to normal. They still have some missing fur but that will take awhile to grow back. Finally the pox is GONE!!

[Legomom]

:wahoo :wott :wahoo :wott :wahoo :wott :wahoo

Thank you, God!!! And, thank you, Loopy, for doing everything you could for your babies. Kiss them all for me - LOTS!!! :grouphug

[4skwerlz]

:wott

I'm so happy for you.

So what was the magic treatment that worked so well?

[Nancy in New York]

Loopy...I never thought that I would see this day. You are an amazing person, that's for sure. I hope that you are writing a book. So much sickness for you for sooooo many months, and now today you can write, "finally the pox is gone"..did you ever think that you would see this day??:dono :thinking They owe it all to you my dear...YOU did this...ABSOLUTELY AMAZING:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :wahoo :wahoo :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown:bowdown

[Loopy Squirrel]

Leigh, I think that the trick was catching it early and the "no stress" good nutrition thing. That seemed to make all the difference. I mean they still has pox, but even right from the start you could tell it was notgoing to be as devastating as the wild ones I have seen. I can't explain it. I still have a wild squirrel here that I haven't posted about named Mason with pox. To my amazement she is surviving this virus too. When she came in I thought she wouldn't makeit because she was so bad but it's been three weeks and she is still with me. The cure still alludes me.

Nancy, thank you for the support. The pox is gone for my babies but I still fear that more is out there. I am so thankful though that my babies are o.k..

Shanon, I will kiss them but not in public... you know how teenagers are. Joe just gives me that look like you really aren't kissing and loving on me are you??? My friends are looking!!!

[Legomom]

Shanon, I will kiss them but not in public... you know how teenagers are. Joe just gives me that look like you really aren't kissing and loving on me are you??? My friends are looking!!!

I know exactly what you mean, which is why you SHOULD do it with his friends watching! LOL! :jump :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Remember when I was alone and scared , when I had pox in my yard and no one knew what it was?
Remember when I did not sleep and bleached my entire life day in and day out...I looked at my sweet babies with horrible ugly nasties all over their bodies. Remember when no one knew what to do? When no one would help? When vets hung up on me? Well I remember...and I felt alone and without any clue. I euthanized beatuiful babies in fear of infecting others, because I was told that was all we could do. So I did it regretfully, but all in the past. We, TSB, helped each other and worked together. We did not find any real answers, but we tried.
We have discovered some things that do not work and some things that seem to help...but not a cure, no real answers. No one is protected from this...it can happen anywhere. This is not a CREATED problem, this is a deadly virus, and all sqs are at risk everywhere, none safe.
Since last year ...Loopy, myself and a couple others have been non stop thinking about pox...we have all lost sleep many nights. Racking our brains and picking others. Nothing in concrete at this time, no real answers...STILL!
I know Lynn...lucky me...and this is a serious crisis. Loopy is not dramatic, nor about sensationalism...but now POX has come back to haunt her and kick her kids.
It is breaking my heart that her sweet NRs are positive with pox...and no answers still.
Please bare with me....
loopy gives her all, and if you have ever needed her, you know that. She is smart, and always on task. She is the first to jump in and get dirty. Lynn needs our thoughts and prayers...our support in return.
Pray for her babies...pray for answers fast. Just Pray.
Now is not the time to forget about one of our own...she needs us.
She needs big hugs and warm thoughts.
Loopy has dedicated her time to helping wilds and US....
So please take the time to extend to her what she always gives us...
LOVE AND SUPPORT
We love you Lynn
:grouphug
sorry if I seem dramatic...lol, I just am.


Awe, I just thought this needed to be brought forward again...what a long road you have walked...

[Jackie in Tampa]

yipee!
I love you Squirrels! Glad you feel better!:D

[Buddy'sMom]

Quick up date... all my babies are out of the woods. All lesions are gone and everybody is back to normal. They still have some missing fur but that will take awhile to grow back. Finally the pox is GONE!!
:wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo

:alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Anne]

So enjoyed our talk on the phone yesterday:D :D We have to plan one (or more?) days together. We'll leave Trevor here with Cjas under the corvette's hood or whatever, while You, Troy and I visit Maynard Cox and talk snake! I better check that Maynard is still alive-huh:thumbsup Then we will hit the Jax zoo and hopefully a behind the scenes visit with Steve Gott for more snake and reptile talk.
Was so glad to hear all the baby story's and to hear how the furry (and feathered) guys were doing. You are aleays in my thoughts and prayers.:bowdown :bowdown For all you do and all that I have learned from and through you.:grouphug :grouphug

[Ontario Rehabber]

Finally found my way here. I knew your little guys had pox, but didn't know there was a thread. I am thrilled, and ecstatic, that all of your babies have overcome this disgusting disease with your expert and loving care.:alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif This is terrific news. Smootches and cuddles to all. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Loopy Squirrel]

Bad news, but not about the pox...Oliver had a really nasty seizure today (sorry Jackie). I had a feeling one was coming on. Yesterday my son saw him have a very short seizure and last night around 10:00 I heard banging around in his cage. When I checked on him he had that beadie eyed look and twitching. I had a feeling a bigger one was coming. He hasn't had a seizure in a long time. He has acted up a few times and I thought one was coming but it never came, then today. He is running a slight temp too, but nothing like the last time he had a series of cluster seizures. I have been keeping him hydrated but not too much just incase there is any swelling going on. I did manage to get some injectable phenobarbital in him and he hasn't seized since but poor little guy will not sleep. He is so tired but hyperviligant. Prayers for Oliver that this doesn't turn into cluster seizures.

[Legomom]

:grouphug Oliver :grouphug

Christine, Teddy & I are all praying hard for you, sweetheart. :Love_Icon

[Ontario Rehabber]

Prayers for little Oliver, poor little guy :grouphug

[island rehabber]

oh Oliver, you'll be in my prayers today for sure......:grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

:sanp3 :sanp3 :sanp3 :sanp3

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug for Oliver and Mommy

[Loopy Squirrel]

Oliver is better this morning but still outof it. I spent hours with him last night trying to calm him so he would sleep. He finally fell alseep around 1:00am so I went to bed, sleeping very light so I could hear him if he stirred in the cage. No more seizures so far but it can take days for him to recover. It takes so much out of him and it was a nasty seizure. Thanks all for the prayers.

[Ontario Rehabber]

Prayers for Poor little Oliver to recover quickly. :Love_Icon

[tatcat]

:wave123 hey loopy, i am glad to hear oliver is doing better along with the other babies...:jump

[FallensMommie]

Good morning Loopy and gang :D Just stopping by to see how the fuzz butts are :D

[Loopy Squirrel]

Here is Olly from last night just "hanging out"...yes he actually sleeps like that sometimes.

[Pointy Tale]

Olly looks Great! What a cute sleeping position!

[Ontario Rehabber]

Look at that sweet li'l face! Give him a big smooch on his cute little nose.:Love_Icon

[Loopy Squirrel]

It is so nice to see things returning to normal around here. Oliver hasn't had any seizures and is spending his time grooming himself. I spent some time with him this afternoon on my bed and he was running all around the bed and jumping away from my hand like he wanted to play tag. Joe and Casey were on the office chair this morning lumped on top of each other. They were grooming each other. They take turns. It's like watching a game of musical chairs. They wobble all over trying to change positions grabing on to each other for balance. Cy has become a sprint runner on my bed. She runs along the sides back and forth. Sophie is dangling from her cube again and ringing all her bells. She went down to her hanging planter basket that is lower in her cage and chewed on her wooden bird toy. All are out and about!:jump

[Pointy Tale]

Loopy Squirrel—so glad that things are returning to normal—normal is always good. Excellent news about Oliver. Joe and Casey grooming each other sounds—perfect. Cy, running along the bed, how sweet and Sophie, dangling from her cube--***big smiles***. So very happy to read your good news, it really brightened my day!

[Ontario Rehabber]

Wonderful news :D It's so nice to see them enjoying life and doing their normal squirrelly things - a lot less stressful for Mom as well. :thumbsup

[island rehabber]

Such a blessing to hear everyone's doing better.....:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

It is so nice to see things returning to normal around here. Oliver hasn't had any seizures and is spending his time grooming himself. I spent some time with him this afternoon on my bed and he was running all around the bed and jumping away from my hand like he wanted to play tag. Joe and Casey were on the office chair this morning lumped on top of each other. They were grooming each other. They take turns. It's like watching a game of musical chairs. They wobble all over trying to change positions grabing on to each other for balance. Cy has become a sprint runner on my bed. She runs along the sides back and forth. Sophie is dangling from her cube again and ringing all her bells. She went down to her hanging planter basket that is lower in her cage and chewed on her wooden bird toy. All are out and about!:jump
What a WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL post!! :flash3 :flash3 :flash3

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[luvs squirrels]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:wahoo :wahoo