Possible Pox Virus?

[NutmegsMommy]

Hey All,

I've got (I believe female) squirrel who has shown up and she looks a hot mess. Her left eye is a giant tumor looking thing, can't see at all - no eyeball and she's got some tumor looking sores under her neck area. Her right eye is normal looking. Appetite is good - does struggle to climb a little bit - not quite as quick as the others. I call her my "one-eyed, one-horned, flying, purple people eater" - she's got a really cute personality.

Anyway, I'll try and get a picture of her so you can see - I've been trying to trap her because I am concerned about her being able to see well enough to survive - I am able to walk right up to her on her left side and she is completely unaware of me being there until I make a sound. I'm concerned about predators getting her.

Now.....if it turns out to be pox, this would be my first time dealing with pox...so ladies....what do I do? Or should I do?

[Nancy in New York]

Hey All,

I've got (I believe female) squirrel who has shown up and she looks a hot mess. Her left eye is a giant tumor looking thing, can't see at all - no eyeball and she's got some tumor looking sores under her neck area. Her right eye is normal looking. Appetite is good - does struggle to climb a little bit - not quite as quick as the others. I call her my "one-eyed, one-horned, flying, purple people eater" - she's got a really cute personality.

Anyway, I'll try and get a picture of her so you can see - I've been trying to trap her because I am concerned about her being able to see well enough to survive - I am able to walk right up to her on her left side and she is completely unaware of me being there until I make a sound. I'm concerned about predators getting her.

Now.....if it turns out to be pox, this would be my first time dealing with pox...so ladies....what do I do? Or should I do?


Miss Jackie is the pox expert...I would consult with her.

[CritterMom]

Liquid acyclovir, what they give children for chicken pox...

[island rehabber]

Yes, acyclovir. If you can only get a tablet I can find the dosage I used by diluting it. Keep ALL other squirrels away from her and use ICU-type hygiene methods!

[NutmegsMommy]

Jackie???? Since you are in the area, if this squirrel turns out to have pox, can you help out?

[Jackie in Tampa]

It's very contageous...scabs and body fluids.

The treatment is baytril for secondary infections, metacam and heat for comfort, and like CRMom mentioned pediatric acyclovir to treat virus. Don't treat the mange, too many meds on an already compromised immune system. The other meds will take care of everything. Nystop powder for gooey lesions, nystatin cream/ointment for dry lesions.
Building his immune system is key...all intake should be fed with that in mind. I recommend Shaklee's Nutriferon...or echinechia {sp} in drinking water as an aid with immune boost..
Also a good eye ointment, erythromycin ophthalmic would work.
If you have one pox sq, there are more outside. It's a virus and transmitted initially thru fleas, skitters, and mites. Blood transmitters.
Dang woman, the ill kids know your address!:shakehead
I have a heavy load right now, ugh.
Very time consumming cleaning wounds daily and removing scabs.
Not cheap either. Lots of medical supplies needed, guaze, qtips, rubber gloves, betadine, bleach, the Nutriferon is $50. I have one tablet left. It will make 1/2 gallon of drinking water if refridgerated, enough for one sq.
You are welcome to it.
I do not have acyclovir on hand I don't think, my vet MIGHT give it to me, she knows why I would want it. Vets are not usually happy about treating what they consider mother natures work. I have talked with many many vets about treatment. They agree with the protocol we have used in the past, but just do not want to be involved unless pet sq is affected.
Most will tell you, pox virus is due to stress amoung the wilds, over population, lack of food, lack of habitat.They call the virus, clean up.:shakehead
Many sqs will die due to being captive, the stress is just too much. They are fragile. Heat is very very important, as is extremely good diet.
I prefer to not triage here, very risky with the numbers I am doing.
I am at my limitations Dawn and truly believe treating in the wild is best if possible and conditions allow safety etc. weather, domestic pets yada yada.

I will include a link to a thread with lots of tips to success in treating in the wild. Sharon in the keys made a commitment and had many survive with her skilled protocol.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15897&highlight=florida+keys

We transported the first of Sharons sqs with sad results, all passed. They were very valuable in the treatment and triage process , they will be with me forever, RIP Rocky & Chip.
The thread is fantastic, very moving and yet full of great info...
it was the beginning for me, those sqs taught us alot:grouphug .
If no other option presents itself, I can try.
PS, I did have pox here at Central prior to Sharons epidemic, I really hate it, REALLY.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I will post a facts sheet with our collaborated info...it's long!:sanp3

[Jackie in Tampa]

Summary of Squirrel Pox Information and Treatment Options

I. Squirrel Pox Information

1. Squirrel fibromatosis: Comparisons & contrasts with bot fly infestation
Frank Slansky & Lou Rea Kenyon || fslansky@ufl.edu (http://us.mc841.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=fslansky@ufl.edu)
http://botfly.ifas.ufl.edu/fibroma/fibrintr.htm (http://botfly.ifas.ufl.edu/fibroma/fibrintr.htm)


II. Acyclovir Antiviral
This is an antiviral that stops the virus from multiplying, giving the squirrel's immune system a better chance to fight it off and recover; it doesn't outright kill the virus like an antibiotic would kill bacteria.)

Rehabber re uses of acyclovir for squirrel pox: squirrel given short course of acyclovir; recovered from pox; non-releasable due to unrelated issues, meaning that squirrel has been followed for almost two years -- no pox relapse and no apparent internal organ damage (good general health and function)

ORIGINAL DOSING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Rehabber started with .1 ml (4 mg), went to .4ml (about 16 mg) of suspension
(FOR A 5 WEEK BABY)

Two later PINKIES!! Acyclovir 200mg/5mL
0.1mL PO QID started on One (70g) only. {Other not treated; couple of pox dried up on own}

Rehabber, for Dottie and DeeDee [they were 8 months old; est. 3/4 lb.] [dose=24mg]:
Have Jackie give Dottie and DeeDee 0.6 cc each TWICE a day.
Twice a day means the doses should be given 12 hours apart.

Suspension is 5ml = 200mg
divide by 20 (for 10mg dose)………… to get .25 ml dose (to give 10 mg)

For TinyMite (122 grams (3months, scrawny) - started with 0.2 ml dose
(disease too advanced -- she died within about 24 hours of intake)

Dosing info calculation for 1.25 lb sq:

The acyclovir suspension has 200mg per each 5 ml of suspension.
The dose is 20 mg per kg of body weight. 1 kg is roughly 2 lb
so that's:
10 mg per 1 lb
5 mg per 1/2 lb
2.5 mg for 1/4 lb

Suspension is 5ml = 200mg
divide by 20 (for 10mg dose)………… to get .25 ml dose (to give 10 mg for 1lb sq)

You can see that adding more for the additional "1/4 lb" is really just a smidge
(via calculator: 0.3125 ml …. so call it 0.3 ml)

So each dose: 0.3 ml
Four times each day if you are able to manage that -- but it might be hard to do.
MINIMUM twice a day

[FYI, the original info given to Jackie was for a higher dose, but it was for wilds and the best to hope for was treating twice a day. (that dose was .6 ml for 3/4 lb sq) It would be MUCH better to follow the above and dose more frequently to achieve a steady level of med.]


Acyclovir:
It was pointed to me that twice a day dosage is not ideal for efficacy of THE med. The info on humans is for 4 times a day. If that is feasible, it would be better dosing. The original rehabber found 4x was very hard, even for babies. And for treating a wild adult, approaching them with meds is stressful for all, so 4x might not be feasible or desired. Still, it's a balance.

Here is some more info, including websites for technical info:
http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_zovirax.pdf (http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_zovirax.pdf)
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/acyclo.htm (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/acyclo.htm)
http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/DrugsNew/DrugDetailT.aspx?int_id=8 (http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/DrugsNew/DrugDetailT.aspx?int_id=8)Medicinenet re acyclovir: http://www.medicinenet.com/acyclovir/article.htm (http://www.medicinenet.com/acyclovir/article.htm)
Medicinelineplus/NIH: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a681036.html (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a681036.html)

ZOVIRAX®(acyclovir) Capsules
ZOVIRAX®(acyclovir) Tablets
ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir) Suspension -- THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED; TABLETS ARE NOT VERY SOLUBLE IN WATER

ZOVIRAX is the brand name for acyclovir, a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpesviruses. ZOVIRAX Capsules, Tablets, and Suspension are formulations for oral administration.

Each teaspoonful (5 mL) of ZOVIRAX Suspension contains 200 mg of acyclovir and the inactive ingredients methylparaben 0.1% and propylparaben 0.02% (added as preservatives), carboxymethylcellulose sodium, flavor, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, and sorbitol.

Acyclovir is a white, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C8H11N5O3 and a molecular weight of 225. The maximum solubility in water at 37° C is 2.5 mg/mL. The pka's of acyclovir are 2.27 and 9.25.
------------
For treatment of chickenpox:
Treatment of Chickenpox: Children (2 years of age and older and weighing 88 pounds (40 kilograms) or less): Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 20 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight, up to 800 mg, four times a day for five days. [ELSEWHERE SAYS 10 -20 mg/kg used in clinicals]

1 pound = .45 kg (about .5kg) therefore dose = 10 mg per 1 lb squirrel

Chickenpox: The most frequent adverse event reported during 3 clinical trials of treatment of chickenpox with oral ZOVIRAX at doses of 10 to 20 mg/kg 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days or 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days in 495 patients was diarrhea (3.2%). The 498 patients receiving placebo reported diarrhea (2.2%).
[BUT NOTE: CHILDREN GET SUSPENSION IN SORBITOL -- WHICH IS A LAXATIVE]

[Jackie in Tampa]

III. Nystop Nystatin Powder (or Salve if Powder not available)
[quote=Pam] Nystatin is an anti-FUNGAL. Pox is a virus. It's possible that something would be both antifungal and antiviral -- does that occur frequently enough to think there is a direct effect/attack on the virus, at least on the lesion?

Is it likely that some of the secondary infection seen would be fungal (not bacterial) and so this would help treat secondary infection (but not necessarily be stopping the pox virus in a systemic way)? This still would be helpful for the sq.

Could it be doing something else to the surface of the pox that makes it scab up sooner than it would? So it LOOKS better but just cosmetically? (this is sort of the worst-case thinking and I don't want that to be the case, but it seems like it's at least a possibility)

The vet claimed the lesions were clear in five days using Nystop. My understanding is, Nystop was used to see the effect and it worked.

Originally Posted by info from the Vet Network
Just an interesting tidbit from our wildlife rehab people. We have been seeing alot of juvenile squirrels with pox lesions. On a whim one of the rehabers applied a nystatin powder called NYSTOP to the lesions. Within a day they begin to dry up & fall off. I always thought the fungal infections were secondary to the viral lesions but maybe they are on to something..... The rehab people also stated they had tried other nystatin formulations but this was the only one that worked.

[You treat with Nystop BID and by the 5th day the lesions are clear]

This was the last response on the thread:
I looked it up as there is more to a pharmaceutical than just the active ingredient - and was curious if the label might provide some insight into the other components of the formulation that perhaps might instead be responsible for the observed efficacy? Unfortunately labeling was not of much further help in this regard.
My suggestion would be to contact Paddock Lab Inc and make them aware of your observations as they may be not only interested but additionally willing to reveal further regarding the product's formulation.


IV. Baytril Antibiotic - VERY IMPORTANT vs secondary infections!
"BAYTRIL" is the brand name for a veterinary antibiotic that can be used for squirrels. It is prescription, not available over the counter. It does not affect the pox (which is a virus) but can be used if they develop a secondary infection (such as pneumonia) because they become debilitated from the pox. This is one reason to monitor their overall health, eating, breathing, activity level (and not only the number of pox lesions you see). So that other infections can be treated if needed. Each case seems to be different. Some that Jackie saw were quite mild, only a few lesions and not too much effect on activity. She also had more severely affected squirrels. And it ranges to the very very debilitated squirrels that Loopy has gotten.

VI. Erythromycin Optic (Eye Antibiotic Ointment)
VERY IMPORTANT IF EYE INVOLVEMENT!
Many squirrels have lesions on/around their eyes -- this is used to prevent, treat secondary infection, prevent scarring, to save their sight if possible.


VII. NutriFeron Supplement - to boost immunity
Wikipedia: Nutriferon is a dietary supplement manufactured by Shaklee Corporation. It claims to boost the body's natural interferon. Its ingredients include pumpkin seed extract, safflower seed extract, Asian plantain seed extract, and Japanese honeysuckle flower extract.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11806 (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11806) [MADS]

REHABBER PM (partial):
Interferon is use in AIDS and other auto immune disease to strengthen the immune systems. The chemical form of interferon used in hospitals is ridiculously expensive and has many side effects. But Shaklee Corp has a plant based interferon patented under the name Nutriferon. It is also expensive but nowhere near so as the other. And it has been clinically tested to show none of the other's side effects. Shaklee does not promote their products for critter use. Nor does the general rehabbing community want to go there. But it HAS been used in critters (not necessarily for squirrel pox …) with good results. I can't promise it will help against the pox but it's worth a try.
-----------
DOSING
Jackie - NutriFeron Tea:
I did not offer water, only the tea...no problem, they loved it. 3 tablets to gallon of water, I crushed tablets with spoon, and dissolved. I put in bird bath, their normal watering hole. I DO FEEL IT HELPED!

ORIGINAL DIRECTIONS:
Crush 1/2 NutriFeron tablet
Dissolve in 25cc of water. (25 cc = 2.5 teaspoons)

*DOSE is 1cc per pound of squirrel -- approximately.
(fyi, if this is a helpful visual: 1/8 teaspoon = 1.25 cc, so its slightly less than 1/8 tsp)

This is not exact. My source feels we can go on the light side and still get a good dosage in. Remember it's food based and very safe.

METHODS OF DOSING:
Syringe: Perhaps for your inside squirrels, you could give it this way. (?)

On Food: It could be a nut dipped in it or a piece of bread crust. Anything that works to get it into them is good. It could be flavored with a touch of fruit juice.

Drink: Possibly they would drink it – but it's such a small amount I don't see how you would do it. It seems too hard to control the dosage if you put it in a dish of water for them.

* In case you or the local rehabbers or vets want to know what the dosing is based on:
The dosage for an adult human is two tablets per day. Figured a human adult to be over 100 pounds. SO 1 tablet = 50 pounds. 1/2 tablet = 25 pounds. Dissolved in 25 cc so each cc= 1 lb.

------------
>From Shaklee.com (http://Shaklee.com) site :

NutriFeron® Powerful Immune Support - Clinically tested, natural interferon booster*
A Shaklee exclusive, NutriFeron is a patented, clinically proven blend of immune-strengthening plant extracts. Taken daily, NutriFeron strengthens immune response by boosting the body’s natural interferon.*

Our immune systems are under increasing attack, every day. The scientific and medical communities have identified interferon as critical to healthy immune function. Dr. Kojima, the world renowned immunologist who discovered interferon in 1954, spent 40 years searching for a natural interferon booster. The result of Dr. Kojima's work is the proprietary botanical blend in NutriFeron, the ONLY dietary supplement in the U.S. created by the discoverer of interferon that naturally increases the production of interferon in the body.*
Breakthrough immune protection!
Exclusive patented formula providing our highest level of daily immune protection
The only supplement created by the discoverer of interferon
Naturally increases levels of interferon
Proven by 4 human clinical studies
-------------

http://www.excelwithus.com/nutriferon/ (http://www.excelwithus.com/nutriferon/) To read more about Yasuhiko Kojima, MD click here


....developed by the man who discovered interferon 40 years ago and is a natural herbal formula.
CLINICAL STUDIES
Today scientific breakthroughs can help provide unprecedented support to the immune system. Natural solutions are available and clinical studies are in progress all over the world. Shaklee has the WORLDWIDE PATENTS on this life-changing product!

But why NutriFeron?
• Interferon is a very powerful component of the immune system. A protein that “interferes” with viruses, interferon allows cells to signal to one another. When a cell detects interferon from other cells, it produces proteins that help prevent viral replication.
• NutriFeron contains a proprietary blend of plant extracts that naturally stimulate the body to produce more interferon... helping to build natural immunity.
• NutriFeron, which has been clinically proven to support and stimulate the natural immune response process at the cellular level.
• Supports and stimulates the immune system by increasing the activity of macrophages and inducing natural interferon production.
• Optimizes immune response against environmental irritants and airborne substances.
• Provides unsurpassed support for the immune system’s most powerful frontline defenses.
• Designed by eminent immunologists
• NutriFeron is the premiere immune defender

[Jackie in Tampa]

VIII. Solid Gold Seameal Mineral & Vitamin Supplement - to boost Immunity
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11865 (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11865) [MADS #2]
Post #10, 11 Solid Gold Seameal

http://www.k9cuisine.com/p-84-solid-gold-seameal-powder-with-flaxseed-meal.aspx (http://www.k9cuisine.com/p-84-solid-gold-seameal-powder-with-flaxseed-meal.aspx)
Post #15 - (BM) I had looked briefly at the website for the Solid Gold Seameal -- interesting product and website. For anyone wondering what this is, this is some of what they say about the product:
Solid Gold Seameal contains 60 trace minerals, 12 vitamins, 22 amino acids, digestive enzymes, and flaxseed meal. It is excellent for animals with allergy problems and/or skin and coat problems. When Seameal is added to food, it increases the digestibility of the food. It is made with 19 different species of sea vegetation, an excellent source of nutrients. The addition of seaweed and kelp to an animal's diet can produce many great benefits. SeaMeal can help boost the immune, hormone, and enzyme systems of the body, restore lost hair growth, intensify coat color, and boost the immune system.

Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein, Min. 9%
Fat, Min. 10%
Fiber, Max. 13%
Moisture, Max. 12.2%

Ingredients:
Dried Seaweed Meal, Flaxseed Meal, Dehydrated Lemon Powder, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Pineapple, Lactose

8 oz bottle $14
----------------

IX. Vitamin A/Echinacea

1. Squirrel Fibroma - A Pox Among Us; A Case of Squirrel Fibroma (1998)
by Nonda Surratt, State Licensed Rehabilitator
http://www.squirrel-rehab.org/rehabinfo/fibroma.shtml (http://www.squirrel-rehab.org/rehabinfo/fibroma.shtml)
One squirrel treated with Echinacea and Vitamin A for boosting immune system. Bathed lesions with weak Betadine solution, and applied aloe. Amoxicillin for secondary infection. Nutracal and Bene-bac given for nutrition. Squirrel recovered and was released.

2. http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7603 (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7603) - Posts re immune boosting treatment -- in babies (6 and 10 weeks at onset); Treatment: boosting the babies immunity with a natural herb mix called Host Defense, 2 to 4 drops, 2X a day depending on age, I also add a capsule (opened) of Echinasia to their formula, liquid Benedryl at night 2 to 4 drops also, to help them sleep and stop scratching off scabs, Amoxicillin for secondary infections. Betadine baths everyday when possible or with a q-tip or cotton ball. Clean bedding daily.

[philomycus]

I know it's hard to say no, but sometimes, you just cant risk infecting all those other babies you have graciously saved!!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

I know it's hard to say no, but sometimes, you just cant risk infecting all those other babies you have graciously saved!!!
so true Alana...but really...I saw what stress will do to them..
it's just so sad...
Pox is very dibilitating mentally as well as physically.
I really think treating in the wild is best!
I mean that with all my heart...
I know what pox does.
As hard as it is to say...it's better for the sq...
We all want to do all we can, Sharon proved that it is best and can be done. I have at least 200 shots of her outsiders..maybe more...
she emailed me updates daily...I was amazed at what commited help can do...
I will love The Gardners forever..they set a dang good example by doing their ALL. Great family:Love_Icon
Nutmegs Mommy is also a very committed woman, I have met her several times, and she is able to stay home.
I will absolutely try to help with the meds if her vet won't....

and yes, it's very SCAREY contageous...
big sponges in bleach filled trays located at the door for decontaminating shoes etc... lots of work goes into treating Pox.
:grouphug poor sqs...
I am still waiting for pics so we can verify pox or something else..
It is the right time of year for the virus to rear up:shakehead
I am so hoping it's something else...but Dawn is a sharp lady...she is probably right on.

[NutmegsMommy]

Hi All,

I saw the squirrel this AM, but was unable to get pics just yet - she was a little skittish. I'm going to keep trying until I do so I can get a confirmation if it's pox or not - please send picture taking prayers this way.....I'm on it!!!!!tinfoil tinfoil

[Tickle's Mom]

:grouphug :camera :camera :camera :grouphug

There's my "picture taking prayers" for you. I have limited smilies :shakehead

[Jackie in Tampa]

tinfoil do we have any updates????

:Love_Icon sending good vibes...

wanted to say to all TSBers.... pox vectors are mosquitoes and fleas...
intervention will help with prevention...
empty all standing water and treat for fleas for everyone's safety!
Yucky Pox:shakehead

[NutmegsMommy]

Hey All,

Well it is w/o a doubt squirrel pox. I named her Foxy and I'm sorry to report that I think Foxy has crossed over the rainbow bridge. She showed up the day before yesterday and had what appeared to be a neurological attack while in my backyard eating. She spun in circles a few times, then climbed up on the fence post and hung her head down. A few times it appeared she had gone home to be with Jesus - I sat outside with her for a while and talked to her and told her it was okay to close her eyes and sleep - that she was beautiful and she was loved. Soon after she mustered up the strength to leave my yard, but before she disappeared out of sight, she turned around one last time and looked at me. And I knew, then and there, I would never see her again. It broke my heart. But I believe she is free now to run in the heavenly trees.

PS - on a side note, a young juvi squirrel I got a few weeks ago, whose family was slaughtered by a dog has turned out of have POX!!!! Say it ain't so...but it is!!!! I'm on it - and I hope because it's in the early stages that little Walter will survive and nobody else in the house will get it. My poor hands are soooooooooooo bloody from washing them so much. Ugh, the fun just never seems to end around here.:crazy :crazy :crazy :crazy :crazy

[gs1]

this is a good thread on pox...http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24667

mrs skuls echinacea tea is on here too ....

it does them no harm and will boost their immune system.... her wilds also drink the tea as do the birds.... it is not bitter ....

the rest of the thread is also invaluable...

i wish you all the best.... pox is the worst ....

as for your beautiful little foxy girl ... i'm so sorry.....:grouphug she sounds wonderful... so smart ....and yes in heaven now....

:grouphug