Wild squirrel is sick

[SaintPFLA]

Hi all,

I found this site and was hoping for some help and advice. I have attached a pic of the squirrel. She seems absolutely miserable. She cannot see anymore due to the polyps?...tumors?...pox?


I am not a rehabber but am willing to try to catch this squirrel if someone can offer to help. I would love some advice as to 'how'. I do have a LiveTrap Cage, but, I don't think she will find the catch and enter. She seems to have difficulty finding the sunflower seeds and peanuts on the ground.

Sorry for the giant formatting...I couldn't seem to reduce the size of the .jpg

Thanks in advance for any help you can proivde.



72007

[lookmomchickens]

OMG bless her heart... I believe this is pox.

A rehabber should be on shortly to help you. Hang tight.

Oh, and :Welcome to the board!

[lookmomchickens]

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k277/lookmomchickens/Misc%20Pictures/Pox.jpg

[SaintPFLA]

Thank you LookMomC...

I think you may be right. I read the pox info on this site...prior to reading this info, I didn't even know squirrel pox existed. Also, I saw her mate/friend looking similar...partial eye closed. This little guy seems to have both eyes closed.

It's so sad, she sits on the fence most of the morning like that and I can't take watching her suffer anymore. I tried to catch her with a towel this morning, but was unsuccessful.

Poor thing. :shakehead

[Nancy in New York]

That's pox. I am going to try to get someone on that can help. Nancy

[foxsquirrels]

Oh my goodness, yes that does look like pox virus. Can you tell me what city you are close to in Florida?
Thanks,
Gail

[Mountain Mama]

Guess Jackie will be firing up the squambulance...

Poor baby. Thank you, StP, for trying to help her.

[foxsquirrels]

Please PM me your phone number and I will PM you mine.

[Ardilla]

Oh, poor baby. :(

That does look like the pics of squirrel pox I've seen.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wave123 i'm here!

[foxsquirrels]

We're waiting for you to call. Jackie and I are both here.

[Jackie in Tampa]

wanna catch a sq?

[foxsquirrels]

wanna catch a sq?

Sounds maybe like two squirrels!

[foxsquirrels]

SaintPFla, Kimberly, just pm'd me and will be calling soon, just got out of a meeting. Thank you Kimberly.

[SaintPFLA]

Wow...The Calvary has responded! This is great!

I will call you shortly. I just got out of a meeting and saw your replies.

thanks a ton! :)

[Jackie in Tampa]

:bowdown Kimberly will try to trap sq tonight and in morning...maybe a simple snatch off the tree, fingers crossed on that!
We are thinking she may catch other sqs before the right sq finds 'hav a hart'. But she will try. Otherwise we will attempt to catch friday morning! Yes, she said there maybe two:osnap Yes, it's pox:osnap
Kimberly thinks sq lives in a palm tree...nearly impossible to climb!:tilt
I gotta turn the Snap On Tool Truck into a SQuambulance before morning!
{unload compressor and nailers...load safari survival kit, cat carrier and gloves}:D
Good Luck Kimberly:bowdown
Call and keep us updated!:wave123

Thanks FoxSq for the heads up:thumbsup

[foxsquirrels]

Wish I could take credit for that one Jackie, but I can't. Nancy (nmognoni@ny.rr.com) saw it and tracked my butt down! Thank you Nancy!!!!!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Jackie, I am here for whatever you need. You're wonderful!!!!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

That's our Nancy again!:bowdown
I think my numbers are listed in the rehab info section...not sure! I am going to go look now...if not I will post them!:D
Thanks guys for tracking me!

[Legomom]

Don't forget the bandaids, Jackie!! :D

Good luck, everyone!! :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

Don't forget the bandaids, Jackie!! :D

Good luck, everyone!! :grouphug
:thumbsup the Snoopy Band Aids!:D part of the safari survival kit!:D
:wave123 Hello C & C

[Nancy in New York]

Wish I could take credit for that one Jackie, but I can't. Nancy (nmognoni@ny.rr.com) saw it and tracked my butt down! Thank you Nancy!!!!!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Jackie, I am here for whatever you need. You're wonderful!!!!!

Again foxsquirrels you are way too generous, I call what I did panic and pawn...:)
Thank you and Jackie soooooo much!!!!

[SaintPFLA]

Reporting back....no luck tonight and it is now dark. So, I will look for her first thing in the a.m. Fingers crossed.....

Just hoping she makes it thru the night...

[foxsquirrels]

Oh Kimberly, wishing you lots of GOOD LUCK!!!!!:Sham :Sham :Sham :Sham :Sham

Feel free to call me anytime if you have a question or need help!!!:Phone :Phone :Phone

[ella]

I will be Praying that you can get the poor squirrel, made me cry just looking at it. Good luck and best wishes sent your way...Ella

[island rehabber]

I'm sending every ounce of good energy I have here down to you girls for a successful capture tomorrow. That poor squirrel breaks my heart....I will be thinking of her all night. Bless you, Florida TSB angels - good luck tomorrow!! :grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Thank you also to SaintPFLA and AEMJ for all of your care and concern!!! Amazing...:grouphug :thankyou :thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

:dono

[kimpamwright]

I hope something can be done for this poor baby, it's real hard to look at the picture, I hope for the best. good luck guys!!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

She was 'hosting' an important meeting this am...????????guess we are waiting......:dono

[Mookie's Mom]

How sad to see this poor little one like this. I hope he can be caught. If so, he will be very lucky to have your love and care!!

[Skwerly]

Prayers going out for that poor squirrel,Please Lord help get that sick creature help fast.Will she let the rehabbers in her yard while she is gone??

[Jackie in Tampa]

If the sq isn;t caught this afternoon during sq peak time, then we will make the best attempt we can at 7:45am friday/ tomorrow!
The poxy sq has been seen today!:thumbsup
AEMJ HAS OFFERED TO HELP, so here's your invite buddy!:thumbsup
I will wait to hear from him and see if he's available!
Good luck this afternoon Kimberly and thanks:bowdown

[philomycus]

Awh! Poor sweet fuzz butt. You guys are awesome goin to the rescuse! Good luck squirrel hunting tomorrow!!:thumbsup

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Praying for a successful rescue. Poor baby.

[foxsquirrels]

Good luck tomorrow Jackie!!!! Hope everything goes perfectly for you and AEMJ.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Well I met AEMJ:thumbsup ...yep, sq dude thru and thru...drug his wife into it too!:D My new neighbors!:wahoo :wahoo
Only after a couple hours of freezing our patooties off did we see sq sleeping up in tree top! Although we saw plenty of healthy and nursing sqs, alot of doves and parrots! All casually eating in Kimberlys gorgeous backyard habitat, splendid job:thumbsup Poxy Sq did not come down before I had to leave at 10am. I was hoping to get back there this afternoon, but sq feeding time has snuck up! I guess I can try again in the morning.
Last I heard AeMJ, had plans to try again this afternoon. Fingers Crossed!
sorry Kimberly, we'll get her!:wave123
:soapbox going to be another cold one...grrr!

[SaintPFLA]

I wanted to say a special thanks to Jackie and Jeff (aka AEMJ). It's refreshing to meet people who care so much for wildlife. You two are great!:bowdown :wott :thankyou

While we did not have success today, it sure wasn't for lack of trying. Jackie and Jeff tried very hard yesterday and today to find her and spent a lot of time in the cold waiting, looking and walking the property.

In the meantime, I will keep looking for her and even try to catch her if I get the chance. I will definitely call you if I have ANY success.

By the way, my other wild squirrels have never been so spoiled since Jackie and Jeff came to visit with their pecans and hazlenuts served on silver platters! They may turn their nose up at my humble peanuts now since they've had a taste of the 'good stuff'! :D

[Anne]

Good to hear that the squirrel staff were on their toes :jump :jump
Way to go Jackie and Jeff:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Awe, this is amazing. You guys are all so wonderful. Good luck trying to get this little one. You all are in my prayers. Wish I could help out. How long is it from New York??? Love you guys!!:grouphug :grouphug :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

Sqs have been spotted again!
AEMJ is at Kimberlys now...
Wishing them luck!:grouphug
Get'em Jeff!:thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

Jeff has caught her!

[Legomom]

:multi :multi :wott :multi :multi

Now what? :dono

[whopoopwrasse]

OMG! that's great news, who's going to be treating her?

[Jackie in Tampa]

up to loopy now!brushingh teeth...:wave123

[foxsquirrels]

:multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi
I knew you guys would get it done! Bless you all for your hard and persistent efforts. :grouphug :grouphug Kimberly, thanks for being so kind to your yard buddies and seeking help for them. Now just look at all of us squirrel nutty friends you will have.

Thanks everyone another TSB job well done!

[Jackie in Tampa]

omg...I have met my match!~ Jeff is a sq loving DOer!
Fred just made me breakfast...I have transportation duty!:thumbsup

[kimpamwright]

GREAT NEWS, you guys are awesome, we pray that with treatment this baby will survive and get better, THANK YOU

[Nancy in New York]

OMG, this is the best news that I have heard in such a long time. Doesn't it just do your heart good to KNOW that there are sooooooo many people that have such big hearts and are willing to always go above and beyond...
:jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump :jump

[pamela lee]

AMAZING ...ya'll are simply AMAZING!

[Mookie's Mom]

Fantastic news!!!! You people are absolut:thankyou :jump ly awesome!!!!

[Skwerly]

HalleluYAH!!Praise the Lord for Blessing Jeffs' efforts and delivering that poor sick Squirrel into his care!!!:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :bowdown :bowdown :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo

[Mrs. Jack]

what an exciting ride this thread was to read... I hope the squirrel can be made well now. great job all of you.

[Nancy in New York]

AEMJ, you are the best!!!!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[SaintPFLA]

Again...BIG thanks to AEMJ and Jackie! Woohooo! Our squirrel rescue team work was fab! :thumbsup

Big relief that she has been caught! You should have seen AEMJ in action! No fear of being bit (unlike me who was quite fearful of being bit!...LOL...). He just waited her out and then grabbed her!

Thanks to everyone on this board for moving with the sense of urgency required to help a sick wild animal and for responding to my post.

You guys are great!

:thankyou :wahoo

[Nancy in New York]

And this is what makes everything so worthwhile. Got the baby and a big thank you. The first thank you should go to you though SaintPFLA...without you caring for these babies and your research, and you finding this board...none of this would have been possible!:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou :grouphug

[foxsquirrels]

Hey LS, were you in on this too? I should have known!:multi :multi :multi

[Loopy Squirrel]

Well, wild isn't the word for this little guy...did anyone say DEVIL? It's Lilyth's brother. He is doing really good, but scared to death and waiting to attack anything that goes near him. He has been started on antibiotics, pain meds, eye ointment, and the acyclovir. The lesions on his eyes and ears are the ones I am worried about. They are very big and peeling off. This little guy is just a juvenile. He is probably 6-8 months old. He is finally calming down a little and trying to sleep. All afternoon he stayed attached to the side of the cage looking for a way out. I am hoping that his strength will last because he definitely has the will to survive. He is still very strong. The battle is on!!!

[whopoopwrasse]

Wishing hime the best, poor little man! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Loopy Squirrel]

He is a mean little booger. I too am hoping that his strength means he can survive this. He took some formula tonight for me. He hasn't eaten anything else yet and I am sure he is starved. He definitely isn't down and out!

[Loopy Squirrel]

I think that he is so traumatized right now that he has no interest in anything. All he wants to do is to find a way out of the cage. He will take something if I offer it to him orally but that's only because I am holding him down and forcing it. I think he was very thirsty. Once they know they are caught they go into survival/escape mode. He'll calm down soon....I hope. When I put him back this last time he decided to stay under the blankets. He really needs the sleep.

[NewMommy]

Aw, what a great story! What a great effort to save this little precious one. Sending lots of prayers that he'll recover completely and be a happy little guy again!!! Thanks for rescuing him!!!

[Nancy in New York]

WOW, absolutely amazing is all I can say. Please let us know if you need anything...we are just an email away.:grouphug

[4skwerlz]

God Bless all of you.:grouphug Wonderful, wonderful job.:thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup Great job AEMJ and Kimberly..
Poxy Boy is in the best care now!...:bowdown
what a day...
RR kept him calm all the way to Loopys, worked immediately too.:grouphug
He is in rough shape, but still willing. Bless his heart.
Good Luck Loopy and baby sq:Love_Icon :Love_Icon
The squambulance {thanks MM} is in the drive...and ready for the next road trip!
and I need a trip myself:tilt
thanks everybody...:wave123

[Legomom]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_17_10.gif

Wonderful teamwork by all!!
TSB ROCKS!!!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_2_68.gif

[island rehabber]

You know what, I am putting a copy of this thread into TSB Success Stories right now. (I changed the name a bit to Wild Squirrels with Pox!) Whatever the outcome, this was just the most perfect teamwork you'd ever want to see and these poor, horribly sick animals have now been given the best chances in the world for survival. :bowdown to everyone involved! :bowdown

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

Maybe if his nestmate is also captured for treatment and they are reunited, it will help to ease him. Fantastic job to everybody that helped this one. He looks so bad in the pictures.

[whopoopwrasse]

We are going to try and do just that. But they are city squirrels, very smart and great instincts. Not to make light of it but I had a very hard time catching a blind squirrel.

How did you catch the little guy anyways, I blanket, bare hands?
Did he break the skin when he clamped onto your thumb?
Is the other one in equally bad shape?
Jeez, I'm so full of questions this morning :D

Loopy, how is the "mean little booger" this morning?

[Jackie in Tampa]

Here's your Sq hunters!:D
The real Heros!:bowdown
:jump :jump :jump




btw....I have also been bitten by poxy sq, and I haven't got any pox yet:rotfl
however, it "DO" hurt!:tilt

[whopoopwrasse]

:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

[whopoopwrasse]

OUCH! you'd better keep an eye on that:wahoo
I guess gloves or a blanket will be in order next time! :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

Yes Jackie it will get your attention!! :D But like I said I get that about everyday with feeding Adam:poke Mommas Boy :shakehead
Maybe that's why he hates me.:thinking :dono I call him Mommas Boy.:rotfl
me too!.....daily!
I guess if you play with monsters, you may get bit!
:poke and quit calling him names!:nono

[whopoopwrasse]

:dono I was wearing gloves :dono Went right through them as if my thumb were a walnut.:shakehead

Squirrelfriend once told me that putting you hand near a squirrels mouth was like putting it in a pencil sharpener! :wahoo

[Buddy'sMom]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_17_10.gif

Wonderful teamwork by all!!
TSB ROCKS!!!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_2_68.gif
:yeahthat :goodpost :goodpost ALL of you ---- WOW!! :thumbsup

Hoping he responds quickly to the meds and Loopy's good care. :grouphug

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[ella]

So happy to hear you have him, i will do some heavy duty praying at my end, hope all goes well, you guys are great:grouphug Ella

[Loopy Squirrel]

Sorry, been a crazy day all ready. Baby opossums came in last night and a new sick little squirrel tonight. The furry devil child is doing great. He ate for me today and took his meds just fine. He complained though and has decided that he likes the cover of the blankets and isn't trying to escape the cage. When I first went to check on him this morning I didn't hear or see him and when I went to move the covers he snarled so I knew he was o.k.. I really do think he has been coached by Lilyth. We better get a hold of Mountain Mama and tell her to come get her mother-in- law out of his body.

[whopoopwrasse]

Sorry, been a crazy day all ready. Baby opossums came in last night and a new sick little squirrel tonight. The furry devil child is doing great. He ate for me today and took his meds just fine. He complained though and has decided that he likes the cover of the blankets and isn't trying to escape the cage. When I first went to check on him this morning I didn't hear or see him and when I went to move the covers he snarled so I knew he was o.k.. I really do think he has been coached by Lilyth. We better get a hold of Mountain Mama and tell her to come get her mother-in- law out of his body.
Great to here he's doing good! I think you should call him Taz!!! :D

[Loopy Squirrel]

That's a cute name, he IS fast.

[whopoopwrasse]

and snarly! :wahoo

[Skwerly]

Praying for a complete healing for this little feller,and all squirrels that are sick or injured.And also AEMJ's finger....:D

Seriously though,I have never seen a squirrel with pox till now,and I feed ALOT of squirrels in my yard.I have seen mange,but not that,thank the Lord.:bowdown

[Loopy Squirrel]

He definitly doesn't like me and now runs when I come into the room. He knows I am the one who gives him the nasty tasting stuff.

[Buddy'sMom]

:grouphug :grouphug Taz :grouphug :grouphug

Glad he's doing well today -- in a squirrely sort of way! :crazy I don't blame him for hiding under the covers -- poor thing's world just went nuts (and NOT in a good way :shakehead ). He will come to realize that mama-Loopy comes with goodies and comfort, and not just nasty meds. He'll come around. :grouphug

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup
great news!
I thought all sqs were TAZ! I have a houseful named Taz. Monsters
Let us know what we can do to help out Loopy.
Thank you!

[whopoopwrasse]

I think we all need a pic of that hand! :D

[SaintPFLA]

Good morning Team Squirrel Rescue!

See...now you guys have me getting into this 'squirrel stuff' too. :) I rescue kitties - not squirrels - but any animal in need deserves our help.


So, I spotted Poxy#2 this morning. I took a couple of pictures of him to display. He is worse on the left half (view in photo) than the right. His right side, he can see and it has not impacted his eye or other areas. His left side is a mess.

He (she?) still is very fiesty and will not be easy to catch. Not that "Taz" was easy (luv the name...very appropriate!). But, since Poxy2 can see out of one eye, he's still quite active even though he's very sick. He ate some peanuts and was sunning himself on the fence until the neighbor's dog started him and he ran off.

Again, sorry for the giant formatting. Warning...picture is not pleasant to view.





72623

[SaintPFLA]

Here's another photo of Poxy2:


72624

[SaintPFLA]

Sorry....duplicate pic....camera batt just died. I have to charge it and can post another pic later of Poxy2.

[Nancy in New York]

Awe, you guys are the greatest! Thanks for having such big hearts, and taking time out of your busy day. I know I speak for all of us when I say "We just love you".:grouphug :grouphug

[SaintPFLA]

AEMJ: Nope...have not heard from Jackie as of yet, but I seem to recall her saying that she had a busy beginning of the week.

Poxy#2 doesn't seem to be as consistently at the feeder as Poxy #1. I think this guy is going to be difficult to capture.

If you are able to come up with a way to trap P2, then, I willing to give it a try!

[Jackie in Tampa]

I have the hav a heart ready fo return, not sure when I can get it to you guys...trying to figure out my schedule, but it keeps changing! I knoww that we need it over there, not here:thumbsup
:thinking I'll get back with you on this! as soon as I know:dono

[Loopy Squirrel]

Hello everyone... Taz is still hanging in there and as nasty as ever. He does cooperate for his meds though and I got him to take 10cc of formula. It is a battle though. I am going to try a bowl today and see if he truely likes it or if he just took it because I was forcing the issue. His boo-boo's are slowly healing but some are huge and very crusty.

[island rehabber]

Loopy.....:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown
I am in awe of this whole amazing Florida TSB team.

[Loopy Squirrel]

His eyes look o.k. so far. I have been using eye ointment and very carefully using the other ointment around the upper and lower eye lid to help get the scabs off. I am afraid that when this is over poor Taz won't have any ears left. They are just peeling off w/ every scab. They get smaller and smaller everyday. Around his eyes and ears are the worst lesions. He has a few on his body but they are not as bad. I was using SMZ for his skin infection, but I am afraid I will have to move up to baytril because it is so bad. He let me tube him some formula this morning. He wouldn't take it from the syringe but he did take his meds though. The SMZ is cherry flavor, the acyclovir I have no idea, and I know they like the metacam. Wait until he gets the baytril, he'll hate me forever.

[island rehabber]

Wait until he gets the baytril, he'll hate me forever.

ain't it the truth? That stuff smells like rancid bananas and Magic Marker put together :yuck. I have had some success putting it in the fruit-flavored Pedialyte, if that helps.

[Legomom]

Ever try putting it in yogart? Just a thought, haven't dealt with that med, thankfully!! Way to go, Loopy!! Love ya! :grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

Yeah, I have put it in dextrose, yogurt, strawberry ensure, and some how they all still get a taste of that nasty stuff. It's o.k. though, I just hold 'em down and stuff it in.
IR, I never thought of markers, but that is a great description of how it smells. I have unfortunately had the pleasure of tasting it myself when a very fiesty squirrel got out of my grab and when I let go of the syringe some how in the heat of battle I ended up w/ a mouth full. Yuck!!!

Ya know these would make really funny stories. We could call it "What we told the ER". I once ended up w/ a needle full of valium sticking in my wrist after another battle w/ a nasty squirrel. That one would be a good one to try and explain.???? Thank God the plunger didn't depress! Apparently the squirrel though I was the one who needed the valium.

[Jackie in Tampa]

HEy guys...TAZ is a 1lb MONSTER...I magine he hates everything...
but sounds like he's got 'will'! and that's what he needs.

Thanks for entering the ring with him! I know he's a fighter!
Loopy if you need anything...let us know!:bowdown It is the least we can do!
:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

[whopoopwrasse]

Glad to see little Taz is doing well, too bad about his little ears! :shakehead
I see the name I gave him stuck! :thumbsup
Keep up the good work and try not to ingest too much of his meds, he needs them more than you! :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thinking
Any ideas???
Since having pox in my yard last year...I have been paying close attention to this virus.
It seems we originally thought that mosquitos were the vector...hhmmm...it has not rained much in Fla. So I have had other thougts...maybe it is the flea. I have not seen many mosquitos:dono
I think that the flea may be easier to control than the skeeter! On the sqs themselves. Not sure how...:thinking
My signature says it all though....NO STANDING WATER....
Look over your fence into your neighbors yard too!:tilt
any thoughts?????

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wave123 Have we seen P2 today?

[SaintPFLA]

Poxy2 was pretty active in the yard today.

When I saw "her", I put more food out so she KNOWS where the food is in order to keep her coming around to feed daily. She then spent some time sunning herself on the fence. She also drank out of the bird bath. She is doing 'okay' but looks awful. She seems stronger than Taz as far as the illness.

I'm guessing this one is female as I had thought one Poxy was male and one female. But, I'm probably wrong yet again!

Since she has one good eye, does anyone have any suggestions on how to catch or trap this one? Taz being blind was what helped us to get close enough to capture him.

Sorry to hear about Taz's ears. As bad as that sounds, I'm just glad that he is in Loopy's care as he would not have survived in the wild. Poxy2 has similar ear issues, so I'm sure her ears will end up with the same result.

Jackie: no worries...I know you are busy. Just return the Hart cage when you get a chance.

[philomycus]

You guys are awesome!!:bowdown

I wish you all the luck in catching poxy2. I don't know how you will do it- other than a trap. Seeing these little ones breaks my heart!

I wish I were closer to help....

[Buddy'sMom]

Glad Taz is .... being Taz! :D

SaintPFLA, there are a few dietary supplements that have been used to boost the squirrels' immune system, in hopes of preventing or lessening pox. Any of these might be usedful to use -- for "P2" and/or in general for the other visitors to your yard. Jackie has perhaps already given you the NutriFeron info. Echinacea would be per the article below. For the NutriFeron and the SeaMeal, we have no idea if they "did" anything (no scientific study!), but they seemed to do no harm, were well-accepted and … maybe they helped. Here is a little info and also links to threads where they were discussed more.

Echinacea - see http://www.squirrel-rehab.org/rehabinfo/fibroma.shtmlThis is a link to Nonda Surrate's 1998 study.

Shaklee NutriFeron - NutriFeron is a dietary supplement manufactured by Shaklee Corporation. It claims to boost the body's natural interferon (interferon is used in AIDS and other immune disease treatment). It is tablets which can be dissolved and syringe-fed, put on food or offered as "tea" instead of plain drinking water. Jackie put "tea" out in birdbaths for her wilds. Discussed at http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11806 (Mads' thread - She had 5 recent releases that got, and recovered from, pox.) This is available only through Shaklee distributors. If you want to try this we can give you dosing info.

Solid Gold Seameal Mineral & Vitamin Supplement - Also an immune booster. Mads used this for her "Fab 5" and has used it previously for her dogs (discussed at http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11865 -- especially Posts 10, 11, 15). She mixed it with almond butter and her squirrels loved it. Here is the product website: http://www.k9cuisine.com/p-84-solid-gold-seameal-powder-with-flaxseed-meal.aspx

I wish you all the best in caring for your little friends :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown -- and hope these two are the the worst of it.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

AEMJ, thanks for offer. If you need it before I can get it there, pm and I'll share addreess. I think I will have some time to track sqs in Pete, :thinking maybe friday???at least the early shift.
:wave123 Hello Pickle and Loiuse!

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup
I can do a Friday am shift also, maybe we can set the trap up so Kimberly can spring it only on him when the time is right.

[Jackie in Tampa]

pray for warm weather...we'll get her!:thumbsup
search Rugby and a thread willpop up, there are links to purchase on line....I overpaid locally!

[Loopy Squirrel]

Taz is doing pretty good considering. His lesions are so very bad. I have never had a squirrel that had lesions w/ infected puss underneath. Usually they are a hard warty lumb w/ a scab over the top. The scab usually peels off and it can expose raw skin underneath, but Taz has some that are huge and underneath it's like puss pocket. He has some really bad ones around his ears. I am having to flush inside of them to get to the puss. He was so good this afternoon. I knew it hurt but he let me pull off a lot of scabs. The ointment won't work if you can't get to the skin. I have to expose all the infected ones. After a little while he had had enough and tried to bolt so I put him back. We'll try again tomorrow. Poor guy can only handle just so much. I have some pics but bear w/ me because my little drive on my computer for the disk isn't working and guess who ate the original cord to the camera???? I have about four different culprits. I am trying to use a lap top to do it but that isn't working too good either. The mouse pad doesn't work great and guess who ate the one you connect w/ a cord????

[Nancy in New York]

WOW, you are such a wonderful person to be doing all of this. I can't even begin to imagine what is in store for you daily with this baby. Your dedication and commitment leaves me speechless. And the fact that you are willing to take on more... There are no words to express my admiration for people like you. It is time consuming enough to raise healthy little ones, let alone ones that have these complications. Truly amazing!!!:bowdown :bowdown :bowdown

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

It is amazing what the Florida team is doing with this very sick babies. I can only imagine the time it consumes to clean and treat the lesions.

[Buddy'sMom]

:grouphug :grouphug Taz :grouphug :grouphug

You're doing a marvelous job, Loopy. :bowdown :bowdown You're giving him the best possible chance for recovery. :thumbsup Hoping, hoping, hoping that the meds and his immune system will fight off this nasty virus. tinfoil tinfoil (warding off the bad virus :tilt )

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Skwerly]

Continued prayer going up for healing and capture of the others:bowdown

[Loopy Squirrel]

Taz update: He is doing very good today. I have noticed that the "infected" smell he had has diminished quite a bit. His lesions are slowly going down. He was much more fiesty today so I hope this is a good sign. He kept trying to bite the Q-tips today when I was applying the ointment near his face. Thank God it wasn't my fingers.

[SaintPFLA]

Loopy - thanks for all of your help. I am so glad to hear that Taz is improving - thanks to your dilligence!

AEMJ and Jackie:
I didn't see Poxy2 today at all. I can give you a call in the morning if you want if I spot the squirrel?

[SaintPFLA]

Thanks for all of your help too! :):thankyou

[Nancy in New York]

Taz update: He is doing very good today. I have noticed that the "infected" smell he had has diminished quite a bit. His lesions are slowly going down. He was much more fiesty today so I hope this is a good sign. He kept trying to bite the Q-tips today when I was applying the ointment near his face. Thank God it wasn't my fingers.

Yikes...more fiesty????? Fantastic job. Amazing people all of you involved in this.:thumbsup :thumbsup:wahoo :wahoo

[Jackie in Tampa]

It's friday!
Taz is a fighter and Loopy is the greatest.:bowdown
AEMJ, that's the goal, to get him back to St.Pete! Oh my heart smiled as I posted that....sweet thoughts!
Loopy had been sucessful with a pox sq last year. The sq was treated, released and hopefully living a good life! :bowdown
That's the plan anyway, to take back to Kimberlys place. Taz will do better knowing where he is. How does this affect the future? I don't know! Ask Taz, he knows! He wants to live and who are we to want anything other than that!
AeMJ and Kimberly...let me know what time!
:wave123 Good friday morning!
PS...I feel better, bigger shoulders today!:D
Ready to kick butt!

[Buddy'sMom]

:thumbsup :thumbsup

[island rehabber]

Jackie...:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[SaintPFLA]

...(sigh)...Poxy2 apparently had other plans and STILL has not shown up!!!
:dono

I'm almost out of peanuts...all her friends have eaten almost all of them!

I can't figure out her routine. She'll disappear for a few days and then show back up for a day or two then disappear again. :thinking

Poxy2 may be more difficult to help than Taz was. This is frustrating.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup

[SaintPFLA]

I have a meeting myself at 11am (home office) which lasts for two hours. I'm tied up in meetings today until around 4:30pm.

But, I'll leave the gate unlocked...just wave to me when you walk by! :)

[Skwerly]

I learn alot from reading the rehabbers posts.Thanks for all the good info!
Just some thoughts on a few topics from this thread:I was wondering if using a fishing net,like a cast net with a tight weave,might be an effective way to catch squirrels.They are pretty large and can be set up in advance.I thought of this some months back when there was a squirrel with a badly injured leg in my yard,but I never tried it.As for the pox mystery,I wonder if it is'nt tied in somewhere to sanitary conditions,particularly water.I've fed dozens of squirrels on my property for some years now,and have never seen this dreadful disease till I saw it on this site.I give the squirrels I feed fresh water in bowls,and change it at least 2 to 3 times a day,as birds get in it and dirty it up.:thinking

[Jackie in Tampa]

I learn alot from reading the rehabbers posts.Thanks for all the good info!
Just some thoughts on a few topics from this thread:I was wondering if using a fishing net,like a cast net with a tight weave,might be an effective way to catch squirrels.They are pretty large and can be set up in advance.I thought of this some months back when there was a squirrel with a badly injured leg in my yard,but I never tried it.As for the pox mystery,I wonder if it is'nt tied in somewhere to sanitary conditions,particularly water.I've fed dozens of squirrels on my property for some years now,and have never seen this dreadful disease till I saw it on this site.I give the squirrels I feed fresh water in bowls,and change it at least 2 to 3 times a day,as birds get in it and dirty it up.:thinking
Skwerly, that is my signature, empty standing water. During the season, my place is a mosquito hell. I called the city to see where they were coming from and they showed up ready to spray!:nono
I found out that we have a crossbreed of skitters and are actually from the Air Force Base if the wind blows the right way.They are a combination of fresh and saltwater varieties. Also tough to control.
I peek into my neighbors yards and monitor their status also. Thinking they bite the exposed areas on sqs, hence the ears, eyes, toes and bottoms.
When we had pox, all my inside cages had screen on them and every crack was sealed with caulk. We would shine the flashlight in cage to double ck a skitter didn't get trapped in with sqs when I opened the door to feed etc. No sqs ran loose for play time, I was too nervous. Every time Rocky itched I was over the top...I aged 10 years.
Bottom line is, not real sure how and why, not sure about anything , but if it is the mosquito, common sense and respect can help alot!
There is always going to be standing water in the trees, so are they drinking larvea or are they getting bit????how contageous is it? Nest buddies seem to ALL get if one does, but sometimes the severity is different.
My yard buddies have visible scars still. Mostly on their eyes, ears and toes, but evidence it was here, most survived.
BsMom, Fred did spray the lower bark of feeder tree daily as the sqs pee on it to mark....not the greenery though, and well rinsed.:hidechair
I think back now, I did alot of crazy precautionary things...with no sleep.:osnap
btw....BH neighbor had two more trees cut down, large oaks...homes to many I'm sure...I cked, no babies. Not 'one of my tree trimmers either" so not sure if they were telling the truth , I've heard horrible things. Going to start a thread on tree trimmers and city codes after I call the mayor!:soapbox

[SaintPFLA]

I'm afraid it's Day 3 and still no sight of Poxy2. I'll let you all know if I spot her, but, I have to admit, I'm starting to wonder if I'll her again.

:shakehead

[Loopy Squirrel]

Taz is still improving. I was absolutely surprised today when I came into the room he was in and he was out and eating. He stood his ground, growled at me, and continued to eat. We are getting used to each other. He still put up a fight later when it was medication time. Oh well, grumbling is a good thing.

[Nancy in New York]

:wott FABULOUS news!! :wott There's nothing like a big growl, lunging, and teeth chattering to put a BIG smile on your face! :jump

Too Funny,:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[Skwerly]

Hi Jackie,
I hear you about the tree trimmers.We had some come through after all the hurricanes that one year,and they were either completely incompetent,or
being nasty,or both(last choice probably)I just happened to be home when they came through,and I told them to take the least amount possible,
and I think that got them angry,so they trimmed trees that did'nt need trimming,and left others that did!I was so angry,but felt powerless.
On their tree grinder they had a stuffed beaver toy hanging upside down from it.The only one that knew english was the stupervisor.:crazy
They were so arrogant it made me sick.I was glad when they left.Well,one good thing about this state money crisis is they probably won't be back for a long while(I hope!):D
About the skeeters,we have alot of bromeliads in our yard,I like them because they are so unusual and pretty,but they collect alot of water.A few years back,I called the city out
to do something about the mosquitoes,and the guy did not spray,but scattered those little gel pellets that suck up water on my bromeliads,and I thought that was a pretty good idea.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:dono

[SaintPFLA]

Just a quick update...rather...not much has changed.

Still no sign of Poxy2. I'm afraid this is not good news. If something should change, I will post back, but it's been almost a week now since I've seen her.

:shakehead

By the way...the city tree trimmers are working up and down my street today as well. Hopefully, no rescuing will be required!

[Jackie in Tampa]

grrrr! tree trimmers!:soapbox

[Jackie in Tampa]

Hey Loopy. :wave123 Is our boy still kickin this Pox virus http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif
Taz is hanging in! Still mean and onry though.
My fingers are crossed, this one may get to go home...
:bowdown thanks Loopy!
:poke am I bringing meds??

[Jackie in Tampa]

Jeff, how available are you to go south in a few days? Way south, all day affair, In the keys? Not looking good down there, thinking they may need a few extra hands....go and trap as many as we can.:dono

[MsOakley]

A question for Loopy...How in the heck do you manage to do all that stuff to a wild squirrel? I have rehabbed a few adult wilds, but none of them needed treatment, just cage rest. Pretty much they were recovering from breaks, fractures, head bumps etc. I had to sneak their food and water into the cage while they were sleeping. I never handled them. I'm quite sure they would have attacked me. What's your secret?

[Loopy Squirrel]

Taz is still here and ornery as always. He is still very poxy. I don't see any new lesions, but his old ones are terrible. It's been a struggle. His is by far the worst infected I have ever seen. I am afraid he may loose all of his ears by the time he is over this. His poor eyes keep covering over. His appetite changes from day to day. I am not sure if it is because he has trouble seeing or if the acyclovir is affecting his appetite. I am tubing him formula and believe me that is even a battle. Well, I'll take my battles for now, at least he has fight in him still. I think he even swore at me last night after his nasty tasting baytril. I am going to try and get some pics up today but I'll have to do it from my other computer, so it may take a little longer.
Ms. Oakly: Oh, it's a joy getting a hold of them. I use a towel, but it can't be a heavy one because then I can't feel what I am feeling for (sides of jaw). I try to get a hold of them around their necks (sides of jaw) and then scoop them up underneath. If you don't hold well, they will squirm right out from under your grip. If you put the towel around their bottoms and wrap them they are less likely to kick & squirm out. Their claws will get caught in the towel. The biggest problem is not getting bit throught the towel. Taz (Lilyth too) is good at flipping around right when you are about to grab him and bit the towel. I have even had blood draw even through a towel. After the third try I just gently put it over him, put pressure on his back and feel my way up to his head, then clasp around the sides of his jaw. It seems that almost every single wild one I get I have to handle for some reason or another. I have had a lot that have had broken jaws and have to be tube fed. That is joyful too...not! Just as I get the tube in, Taz will grab it and pull it half way back out. It's a fight to push it back in w/ out getting too close to his teeth. Worst part is when they clam down on the tube and you can't get it in or out. Luckily I have never had one actually bite through the entire tube and loose it inside. They usually create bit/air holes and you have to replace the tube next feeding. Needless to say I go through a lot of tubes.

[Nancy in New York]

Loopy you are an amazing person. I am in awe of your efforts to save these poor babys. I will attest to Taz's biting ability.:D As far as Taz goes it sounds like if he comes through this he may be blind. If that is the case and he is unreleasable I would be more than happy to give him a forever home. I ordered the Vetri-DMG (http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/product/1820/vetri-and-dmg.htm) and it should be here shortly. When it arrives I will call Jackie and we will work out how to get it to you. Thanks again for helping these little ones. :thankyou

Wow, you are both so amazing, your offer is beyond generous AEMJ; and Loopy, I can only echo everything above. You two are such special people.:grouphug :grouphug There truely are no words to expresss how I feel, just honored to "know" you both.:thankyou :thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wave123 Hello Loopy and Taz! Glad you are hanging in buddy~
Thanks Loopy!:bowdown Don' let him back talk you!:nono

[island rehabber]

amazing.....taz you hang in there buddy -- your orneryness is what's keeping you alive at this point! That and expert care, of course. :D I'm leaving this thread in Emergency so that anytime one of you miracle workers down there needs immediate attention, here it is.

[lillysmom]

all I can say is WOW

just reading about the pox squirrels makes me want to cry!
the dedication of all the people on this board to help out is amazing!
Prayers for Taz and the other poxies!

[lookmomchickens]

His appetite changes from day to day. I am not sure if it is because he has trouble seeing or if the acyclovir is affecting his appetite.

I take acyclovir for my cold sores... I've been taking it basically my entire life. It has a major affect on my appetite (I'm not sure how that relates to squirrels, but maybe it could help?) and I basically feel HORRIBLE during the first couple days of taking the medication. I don't want to eat anything and there are a couple of things that make me sick to my stomach. Taking acyclovir on an empty stomach isn't a good idea either...

But again, this is 'human' experience... If you guys need some acyclovir, please let me know and I'll see what I can do. If there is a certain dosage, etc... please let me know.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Here he is, mean old Taz...

[Nancy in New York]

OH MY GOD, that poor poor baby. My heart is breaking for that little precious thing. I wished I was down there to help out. I hope he finds peace and comfort and knows that he is in loving hands and that he feels the energy and determination from you go into his little wounded body. Lord give him strength to fight and live and let him know the prayers and the saddness that we feel for his little soul, and please help heal him. Your precious life is now in Loopy's and God's hands, and we know they are loving hands, please feel that when you are touched.:grouphug

[Mookie's Mom]

Omg! poor baby, I've never seen anything like this! You are a real miracle worker if you can pull him through this. Boy if I was in his shape I'd be pretty craby too!! Thanks again for all your dedication :bowdown

[4skwerlz]

Adding my prayers for this little guy.:grouphug Loopy you are an amazing human being.:bowdown

[Buddy'sMom]

Heartbreaking. :Love_Icon Loopy, you are amazing. Awesome. Determined. Surely each squirrel that passes through your care can sense and feel the love and devotion flowing to them from your hands. They may be crabby and defensive by instinct, but surely they also feel the love and safety. :Love_Icon :bowdown

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[lookmomchickens]

:grouphug :grouphug for these guys...

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

He looks terrible. That has to be the most horrific condition I've ever seen. Team Florida, would a steroid speed his recovery?

[BHO]

Thank God you got it. Yes, it is squirrel pox. I have experience with one. It will get worst as it looks like just the onset. What will happen is, the pox will get larger and then they will burst and the pox would become bloody.

What I did for mine, is get some Betadine (Walmart) sell a cheaper brand. Dilute it in water and swipe the pox with cotton wool everyday. It is will help. I mix applesauce with a lot of Nutri-cal for adult dog and syringe feed mine and it took months for mine to heal. It may not want to eat but you would have syringe feed it like I did mine. make sure you check under the body too for pox and swipe that too.

I did not have DMG at that time so I added some echinacea and goldenseal tinture to the food. Olive leaf extract is supp to be good as well. make sure you get from reputable vendors. It took months for mine to heal. I hope your get heal sooner and quicker. BTW, if it opens it eyes, dont be suprise that it is going to be blind for now.

If you have other squirrels, keep them apart as it is contagious. God Bless the poor baby.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I saw Taz and he looks great! Hey he is one onry guy...from the minute I picked him up from Jeff and delivered him to Loop! He is critical, but...some times you can't hold a good sq down.Fight Big Boy! Fight Hard!:grouphug

BHO, how many sqs were affected in your area?
We have pox frequently in Florida and as a TSB effort, we are treating the worst of the worst and recomend giving supportive care to the masses. We also found that building the immune system in the wilds is best effort so far! Having pox in my yard last year, and pleading for help has brought TEAM TSB to explore every possiblity for SQ RELIEF. Thank you for your input, any and all ideas and previous experience is certainly welcome. This is the Sq HEAVY!

Thank you Loopy, and family:grouphug
Taz appreciates all the love and prayers...he has along way to go.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Taz was not a happy camper this morning. Well, I don't think he's been happy any morning. He ate good for me yesterday. He ate orange slices and avocado. He is still getting a supplimental slurry though. He is such a fighter. I caught him out yesterday and he can see but not great. He looked over at me and as I got closer he growled. I think deep down though they seem to know we are trying to help them. If he has lived this long I have high hopes for his recovery.

[BHO]

AEMJ, oh I can believe that it was much worst and Loopy's doing a fantastic job. Jackie, this year we had quite a high number of pox squirrels. Some much worst than others. there was a female who recovered but I think she had a fall, I tried to catch her but failed. Never saw her again.

What I did with all of them is to mix powdered Echinecea and olive leaf in the feed. The milder ones eventually recovered. The really bad ones that I am not able to catch, I never saw them again. One really bad baby healed but got sick again and I caught him but was too late. he passed on the following day.

Loopy when I had mine, many times I thought he was not going to make it but he did. I also gave him a homeopathic pellets call Silicea for his eyes. I can send you somr pellets in an envelope. make sure you dont touch pellets with your hands. This is because of the preparation method, pellets are coated with the remedy and if you touch them, they transfer to your hands rendering them useless. I dont know if it help but it certainly did no harm. If anyone you think it shd not be given, please chime in. I dont mind, cos we are all trying to save these poor babies. I will monitor it this year to see if it makes a difference. Mind you some of the pox came from other areas, they are not my regulars but I had many cases this year (08)

jackie, this year I am going to start to add those herbal powders (echinecea, olive leaf and golden seal) to their feed early, b4 the mosquitoes go rampant. i am assuming it is spread by them. I have also been adding a few mls of DMG in their water after I found out about DMG from TSB.

[BHO]

Oh one other thing, Loopy, if you are not cleaning the pox daily with dilute Betadine already, I find that it really helps to prevent infection. Sorry I just cant seem to find time to read thru all the thread. Just dont have the time. There are many wild ones to feed and I need to keep an eye out on them. All of you are simply amazing..and wonderful people!!!!

[Nancy in New York]

Taz was not a happy camper this morning. Well, I don't think he's been happy any morning. He ate good for me yesterday. He ate orange slices and avocado. He is still getting a supplimental slurry though. He is such a fighter. I caught him out yesterday and he can see but not great. He looked over at me and as I got closer he growled. I think deep down though they seem to know we are trying to help them. If he has lived this long I have high hopes for his recovery.

I think too that deep down he knows that you are trying to help him. He must feel it. My heart breaks everytime I see this poor baby. Just knowing that he is in your loving hands gives me peace. He is not out there struggling to survive. Even though he is out of his element now, it HAS to be so much more stressfree for that baby, and maybe even that will help with his immune system. Thank you so much for caring so deeply for these babies that you are willing to unselfishly devote so much time and love. Every life matters.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Taz was ornery as usual this morning. He is doing a lot better. His eyes are still goopy but his ears are healing. His poor feet & toes are swollen but nothing is open as of yet. His genitals & butt are healing well.

[Nancy in New York]

Always thinking of you...Thanks for the update.:grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

... What I did with all of them is to mix powdered Echinecea and olive leaf in the feed. ... jackie, this year I am going to start to add those herbal powders (echinecea, olive leaf and golden seal) to their feed early, b4 the mosquitoes go rampant. i am assuming it is spread by them. I have also been adding a few mls of DMG in their water after I found out about DMG from TSB.

BHO, thanks for letting us know what you have done to support your yard buddies. We have been aware that some of these supplements have been used in pox situations. It's good to know that you saw squirrels recovering. I do believe that supporting them with good nutrition and immune support can have a hand in helping them fight off and recover from the pox. We would like to develop more detailed information for supporting squirrels "In Yard" where there is an outbreak of pox. For squirrels with mild cases -- or perhaps for all of them in early stages -- support like this might mean that they don't develop the terrible cases that will need "Intensive Care" treatment.

Can you give us the details of how you provide these supplements? The brand name of each and where you get it (type of store, mail order, etc). If you are able to post photos, a picture of each bottle would be wonderful! What "feed" are you mixing it in? How much of each per what volume of feed? Same with the DMG -- a few ml in what volume of water?

:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Skwerly]

I have'nt read all the posts,so this has probably already been discussed,but will Peroxide help their sores?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wave123 Kimberly
I was wondering what you have seen lately? Any new sqs affected? Any sightings of sick baby #2?
Hoping the coast is clear...literally!:flash3
:wave123