What to Use? Ivermectin or Revolution for mites

[jacey]

I have been reading through so many posts on TSB the last 2 days trying to find out the correct medicine to use for mange/mites. It seems like there is some differences in treatments. I am scared of Ivermectin after reading but I can't seem to find out much about Revolution and how it is used on a squirrel.
I have a approx. 14 week old male eastern grey weighing about 265 grams. He has what appears to be some nerve damage causing him to drag his rear side and leg. I got him at approx. 8 weeks already like this and put him immediately on Esbilac, Squirrel blocks and veggies. He seemed to be doing great then we had a few more problems. Then we got passed those issues and he started doing this weird thing with his head. At first I thought it might have been siezures but now in my opinion and other rehabbers we think he is trying to itch and scratch constantly but he can't with the nerve damage.

Anyway his latest problem is he is acting crazy jumping around and trying to scratch and itch constantly which he is limited. He is not very tame but I have managed to feel on his back and neck area and I feel and see some red sores and flaky areas. His ears seem to be driving him crazy though I cannot see anything on his ears. I really think this is lice or mites or something and I feel so bad for him cause I cannot make it stop. It has really gotten way worse since Friday night. I am taking him to the vet tomorrow morning but I need to know what is the best medicine that is safe for squirrels. Please advise ! THANKS!!!

[Pointy Tale]

jacey, Hi! I am not a rehabber. Can you post pictures for the rehabbers?

On a personal note, I have personally used Ivermectin successfully on one of my wilds…whatever Snowflakes hair loss and itching was from went away after a short period of time. I dosed exactly as I was instructed to by a professional though, as I have heard it is dangerous.

Please hang tight. Wait for a rehabber to come online to help you and please try to post a picture in the meantime. Thanks for caring for this one.

[Tomo]

Revolution is much better to use than Ivermectin. But it the dose depends upon the weight and age of the squirrel. If you are unsure, you should try to find a vet that can give you advice over the phone regarding dose.

[jacey]

My vet is great but does not treat that much wildlife. I was hoping someone on here could tell me how they have used Revolution on young squirrels without any problems. Thanks

[Reddliz]

I use the revolution on Kola once a month and he is 2 years old, and weighs 2 lbs. I was scared to death to do it at first but our vet retired so we have no choice. I get the revolution from out cats vet and tell her we are sharing it with the ferral cat in my neighborhood. :D

The vet showed me how he applies it and it can be tricky so be careful. He used this amount per Kola's weight.....if they are smaller maybe cut this in half or less.

Snap the cap down hard on the little vial and twist it a few times to assure a clean hole is present. Sometimes the hole does not open all the way and the liquid will not come out properly. Then put the tip of the vial at the nap of the neck where it mets the sholuder bone. Move some fur over until you see skin and squeeze 3 drops ONLY......no more than 3 drops, thats about half of the small vial. Save the rest for next month. Kola gets pissed and won't talk to me for a few minutes but he always gets over it.

I hope that helps. :thumbsup

[jacey]

Reddliz,
Thanks for the reply. It is good to know that you have used Revolution monthly without any problems. My little guy is only a little over a 1/2 pound which is why any medicine scares me! I have no choice but to put something on him soon because he is really going crazy with the scratching. I know it is not molting since I have seen this before with my first squirrel. This one has red sores and skin and flaky and losing fur and totally miserable with the constant itching. It has got to be mites since I cannot see anything moving on him. I only use fragrance free detergent so I don't think this is in any way an allergy. Plus the scratching never stops, definately more than the normal squirrel scratching. My vet will not be in till Wednesday and I hate that I have to wait any longer. I'm just so scared he's going to use Ivermectin and I read it is so dangerous.

[Reddliz]

1/2 lb Oh my.....that is tiny. I'd only put 1 drop if I were you. I have to tell you I don't know if this revolution kills mites.....I'd ask the vet first really. I know it kills ticks, fleas and lice, but mites hmmmm I don't know honestly...please keep us posted so we can all learn from this squirrels experience with mites or whatever skin thingy he has going on. It could be an enternal parasite which needs treatment from a vet....I know that is easier said than done though....good luck.

:thumbsup

[Legomom]

My vet doesn't agree with either one for squirrels, but did tell me that I could dose my Christine with ONE drop of regular Advantage (not the multi)....dog 20-30lb tube. Christine is about 3/4 lb. and 10 months old. They will take phone calls from me, so if you need more info re: Advantage, feel free to drop me a PM or email. :)

[jacey]

Thanks for the replies. He is so miserable I am going to the vet this morning. My vet does not treat squirrels but he does treat some exotics so hopefully we can figure this out today. I'm wondering where do mites come from? Could they be in all of the wood branches, logs, pinecones, flowers etc...that I bring in from outside? I do have 4 dogs, a bird and a pot bellied pig which is due for her annual ivermectin treatment since they get mites alot, maybe them? I just hope this does not spread to my other 2 squirrels! Thanks

[Reddliz]

Good luck I hope he gets the treatment he needs. :thumbsup

[jacey]

It was lice! They were in his ears and on him. The vet didn't do a scrapping for mites because the treatment would be the same for both. I could not see them until my vet put them under the microscope for me to view. That is gross looking! Poor baby! He got Ivermectin orally at the vet and I have to repeat the dose in 10-14 days then maybe a third dose. I bathed him in Blue Dawn when I got home the best that I could with him screaming and freaking out hoping to get more off of him sooner. The vet told me to wash all bedding with bleach and to wipe what I could in his cage with a mild bleach solution or to dust it with sevin dust. So I am still washing and cleaning. He is still scratching but hopefully soon he will get some relief. Thanks again!

[Reddliz]

awwww poor baby glad to hear you got him the help he needed......keep us posted and giv ethe little guy a hug from me & Kola. :grouphug