mange question

[IskyWildlifeRescue]

I just received 2 aprox 10 wk old squirrels who are thin and have mange. I gave them SQ fluids and that perked them up. I have been reading the boards past conversations on treating with ivermectin and i want to make sure i'm clear before administering. I have the 1% injectable labeled for swine and cattle. I can use that orally? And they don't mind the bitterness? I don't need to mix it with VAL syrup like the vet does for palatability?
Should I fatten them up a little bit before I introduce this into their system or do you think the discomfort of the mange is the reason they are thin?
I can call my vet tomorrow but I want to check with you guys as well, your the experts.
I know I'm a pain with all my questions but we have had a storm here and now I have 19 squirrels! All these little faces needing me are making me start to panic!

[bcguy92]

Better let someone who has experience which i dont. I believe that you CANNOT
use the 1% without further diluting it for small mammlas. 1 part ivermectin 99 parts water. However please check with the pros first before giving

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I have used it full strength, but carefully follow these directions:
Using a syringe with a needle, drop a pin head size drop onto a nut (pecan) a amaller piece is fine and watch that they eat it all...mine chomped it right down.
This is the 1% Ivermectin liquid from Chris's squirrel store.
I have done this with 10 week olds, but wouldnt personally use on squirrels any younger.
Retreat 2 weeks, using the same directions.
You cannot mix ivermectin with water, it has an oily base. I believe its propolene glycol that you have to mix it with for injections. Injections probably work quicker..I prefer to give it orally much less stress.

[Tori]

We also use the full strength ivermectrin at the dose of one drop per squirrel, not to be used on very young or debilitated babies. I would make sure the babies are stable and getting good nutriton before giving it personally.

[IskyWildlifeRescue]

Thank You So Much Guys! I'm am so glad to have all of you as advisers :)
(I haven't figured out how to implement all those cute icons on the side over there)

[C*ndy]

You are right, Propylene glycol is what is used to dilute Ivermectin for use in heart worm preventative in dogs which is given orally. I never knew you could use it for squirrels! thanks!

[IskyWildlifeRescue]

Isn't propylene glycol antifreeze or am i thinking of a different glycol?

[C*ndy]

Oh no it is not antifreeze!!

[Apple Corps]

Ethylene Glycol = antifreeze

[IskyWildlifeRescue]

ok, that 'glycol' makes way more sense :)

Well, today when I went to AM feed I discovered one of my mange squirrels had died and the other didn't look so great. I gave SQ fluids and that perked the one up but I'm wondering what happened. I've never lost a squirrel yet so I'm a bit overwhelmed.
I gave them each .03cc of ivermectin and the next day at feeding they were just fine. Today, after my discovery I brought the remaining squirrel to work with me to monitor and now he is showing central nervous system symptoms. My vet here at work says that if it were due to the ivercide CNS symptoms would have been noticeable within the first few hours. Our vet doesn't think it looks too hopeful. We decided to monitor him today and see how he does. It just seems too coincidental with the ivercide dose.
Has anyone had any similar problems?

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

.03 is too much 0.01 about as big of dot as this period .
thats it. Its a very potent medication.
Using a syringe with a needle, drop a pin head size drop onto a nut

[IskyWildlifeRescue]

Oh no, I feel terrible. I consulted with 3 different vets who work in my building. I should have studied it more through this board. I hate to learn from a mistake that killed. I don't think I'll ever take on a mange squirrel again. I feel like a big turd. I should mail my license back to DNR.

[IskyWildlifeRescue]

"A pin size drop" I just reread your post. Why didn't I just listen to you and not the vets? I feel sick.

[Elizabeth]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug