Possible Pox outbreak in St Pete, FL

[JessicaLynn]

I don't think I'm jumping the gun here. I recently posted a question about Mange/Pox on Jr, my youngest released. I research for a living (wanted to pursue vet school, but I would've eventually killed a neglectful "owner" or two!), so I try not to make assumptions until I'm pretty sure of something. Jackie in Tampa is now backing me up by giving me all the help and info she can. When I first found the Board I was glad to see that there was somebody so informed and caring in my vicinity, but I could've never guessed that she would be such a determined angel <3

Anyway, I'm noticing MANY more sores on my baby, but that could be because he's wanting so much love while I make him stay inside with me. My oldest, Sir Steve ( long story :D ) is now a sweet, sickly squirrel as well. He only has a bump on his ear and an itchiness issue, thank goodness, but I've seen three other squirrels today with a bump or two. They are now enjoying echinacea water, and I plan on giving them anything else I can.

I'm doing my best to keep thorough documentation. Today is day one of Operation Pox Buster (yes, we need a better name for it!) :Cannon
With all of the wonderful work everyone has done, it deserves to be compiled even further with thorough case studies. Once I can get Jr through his first round of meds (still working on that part, unfortunately) I'll elaborate.

If there's anyone in the area, please feel free to PM me with reports of any presence/absence of symptoms. I'd love to be able to help, even if it's just with documentation. :grouphug

[4skwerlz]

Wishing you success in your battle against pox. I hate that disease.:shakehead You have a strong Squirrel Angel fighting at your side. The earlier you start meds, seems like the better the outcome.
:grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

It was nice to see you again...wish the visit didn't include pox...
every year at this time...it rears it's ugly head.
The mosquitoes aren't as bad tonight as last night..errrrr!!

Sounds like both your boys are healthy and that does make a difference imo. It would seem so, as their immune system is compromised.
It was good to see you again!
Most people really irritate Rocky, he was so sweet and calm! He didn't even growl! :thinking must be the blonde hair!!:rotfl
get the nutella out!!!!:thumbsup and get those boys well asap!:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[JessicaLynn]

Thanks you two! Jackie, I really did have a wonderful time! Although it was because of the same unfortunate disease, this visit was definitely a lot happier. I have hope for my boys. Jake, a third one I told you about, came by to say hi this evening. He looked good. :D

Jr didn't want Nutella tonight. I had to jump into my neighbor's yard to finally talk him into coming down and refrain from scratching for a bit. He was a little cranky, and I had no choice but to use a syringe for the first doses. After he wiped his mouth off ALL over me :shakehead and drank some e-water, he seemed happy to hang out on my shoulder and eat a couple of nuts. Hopefully he'll be hungry enough in the morning to try a different approach. I'd like to think that the meds are at least helping a bit tonight, and he'll start feeling a bit better soon.

Today has really worn me out, but I plan on keeping close track of progression of illness (or lack thereof!) and the meds. I want to see if I can get any of my friends at school to help, as well. I'll try to convince them that this has relevance in some of their studies, which I wholeheartedly believe!

Thanks again, and goodnight!!!

[lilidukes]

JessicaLynn I recently sent jit a link to a site for an immune booster. I have had great luck with it. It is prescription. Check out http://www.healx.co.uk/booster.html I have Sunshine Factor and Booster and use them both daily.

Much luck in your fight against the worst enemy ever to squirrels:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[JessicaLynn]

Thank you, lili!

I'll definitely check it out; anything that might help is so very much appreciated. I know the lengths you will go for your babies, I'm always so happy to hear that there are others out there with such big hearts. I know that I'm in for a struggle, especially after last night's fiasco with Jr (although he may have just been playing me- he knows how to wrap me around those adorable little toes...). I may usually be a spectator here, but I've learned everything from you all. I'd love to be able to contribute, so I hope both the outcome and the research proves positive and useful! :grouphug

[SquirrellyMom]

I have a few in the land lab where I work that have sores and scratching. They aren't friendly but are taking the e water and meds pretty well with some nutella. They will come close enough for me to make sure they are eating their meds and seem to be improving over the past week. They all appear to be young I think they are possibly siblings. They get friendlier daily and I think the nutella really is helping in that. I have built a feeder for them and am giving them some of my boo balls in there in the mornings so that they are getting good nutrition while fighting this. There are about 6 of them all male. We are in Gibsonton so you know for your research.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I have a few in the land lab where I work that have sores and scratching. They aren't friendly but are taking the e water and meds pretty well with some nutella. They will come close enough for me to make sure they are eating their meds and seem to be improving over the past week. They all appear to be young I think they are possibly siblings. They get friendlier daily and I think the nutella really is helping in that. I have built a feeder for them and am giving them some of my boo balls in there in the mornings so that they are getting good nutrition while fighting this. There are about 6 of them all male. We are in Gibsonton so you know for your research.
what meds if you don't mind me asking...
I have been trying to find the perfect solution to help these littles get well as fast as possible...
the longer they wait for meds, it seems the worse they get..and I hate when they disappear:sad
thanks for helping them!:bowdown :Love_Icon :bowdown

[JessicaLynn]

SquirrellyMom, thanks for helping! It's definitely good to know. :thumbsup I'm interested in your meds and dosing as well. I know pics might be tough, but it could help us compare progression in these cuties.

I'm still looking for Nystatin. It might be right under our noses. Anyone that's had dental work, thrush, any type of fungal infection, might have access to it. I though I had some for my dog, but was mistaken. Ironically, the name sounded familiar because I had to memorize the drug's mechanism for school a few weeks ago. :/ Has there been any research or experimentation with OTC derivatives of this drug? Monistat sounds like the closest one, but I wonder how other antifungals would perform and which would be safe. Mice are usually used in initial trials, so does that mean that squirrels would be okay? Jackie and 4skwerlz, this would be a wonderful time to start looking through journal articles; this should be an easier question to answer than the major one at hand. I'll contact the chemists I know, and we're gonna find some answers, you can bet your cute little paw prints! :D

[JessicaLynn]

Oh goodness, I got carried away... I wanted to report in! This morning, after making me climb up on the garage again (the things we do...), Jr came in along with Steve!!! I had to make my way through the backyard with them chasing each other on me. It killed, but I was glad they had it in them!

Steve took Acyclovir almost willingly, and the Baytril was pretty easy as well. He was too excited to stay still for long, so I didn't get an exact weight. It seems that he's about 490g, 20g heavier than Jr, but that may be an underestimate. I gave him dbl the dosage of Jr because I'm not sure if he'll come home tonight. He still has a bump on his ear but it's not getting dark like Jr's yet. There's also one on his back now, just starting.

Jr refused Nutella even though he wanted the whole jar yesterday (I practically had to fight him for it!). We did oral syringes again and, while he did put up a bit of a fight, we definitely had an easier time today. He was completely fine and loving afterwards, so I don't believe this is causing him much stress.

In the future, I'll keep the long documentation to myself and give you guys the important stuff, if that's better. I'm still trying to figure out the cleanest way to take these notes. Yep, I'm a bit of a dork. :)

[Anne]

I have the Nystatin powder here. If you want it, just PM me with your address information. It is early enough in the month that I have a few $$$ to pay for mailing it to you.

[4skwerlz]

In the future, I'll keep the long documentation to myself and give you guys the important stuff, if that's better. I'm still trying to figure out the cleanest way to take these notes. Yep, I'm a bit of a dork. :)

Please continue with the long documentation! :thumbsup All of this info is IMO extremely valuable: day-by-day observations of the progress and appearance of the lesions, trouble with dosing and any tricks that work, how sqs handle the stress of treatment, etc., etc. I don't think there can be too much detail. Need pics too.

This thread will be a big help to the next person trying to treat backyard sqs with pox.
:thankyou

[lilidukes]

I agree with Leigh maybe you talking out loud can give others ideas that may help:thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

anne, it would be about $2 at the post office..:) parcel post will get there same as 3 day..I think.
what is the expiration date on your nystatin powder?..Is it the NYSTOP?:thumbsup
yeah jessica...it appears they love you...coz that baytril is yuck yuck..
I can get the nystop if we need to....
I haven't looked on the $4 list, it may be there..:dono
last time I bought any, walgreens, 30grams $68:shakehead
and really don't need that much anyways...
I sent mine somewhere, but that was forever ago..last year.
watch their appetites...some sqs lose theirs on the anti viral.
iif so, reglan...but since both boys are young and healthy ...hoping for speedy recovery.:alright.gif
did they have yogurt??probotic:Love_Icon

[JessicaLynn]

Anne- Sent! Thank you for your help, you have NO idea how much it means to me. Jackie asked me yesterday if I was ever going to have kids... I told her maybe, but these guys ARE my kids no matter what! :)

Leigh, I'm glad you like it! I'll eventually come up with a more scientific approach, but I don't want to miss anything! I've got to go back through recent events to figure out just when I first noticed it on Jr. I've got video... :D I'm trying to take pictures too, but they'd rather chew on my phone than stand still for a pic. :shakehead

Lilidukes, it seems that I'm getting feedback AND help! I absolutely love you guys, and I love feeling like I'm not alone in this fight! It's really taking its toll on me!

Thank you for the offer and the heads-up, Jackie! I hadn't thought too much about appetite loss. They were fine this morning. Steve was just starting, of course. He really appreciated the nuts, but it was tough explaining that he had to share. I had to hide them when he wasn't looking, because he'll watch! Jr seemed the slightest bit tired, but he could've just been taking advantage of the peace and quiet (Steve wanted his face rubbed). He stole my plum and helped himself to a bit of the buffet I had out for him, but it was the e water he was the most excited about. I guess it's better chilled. :rotfl

I'll make sure to document eating habits as well. I'll contact you if I have any sudden changes, of course!

[SquirrellyMom]

I have been giving nystatin, baytril, childrens motrin for pain from scratching too much and reglan. I don't have the dosages in front of me the agriculture teacher has her vet assisting kids measure it out for me every day and put it in the fridge. The motrin and reglan are from my son he has stomach issues and has from birth so it is always on hand. The nystatin and baytril they have for the rabbits and such here. We gave them ivomec in a VERY VERY minute dosage to make sure it wasn't mites as well. We can't get the best look and information with them not getting close enough. Today when I was out there with the kids they watched us from trees and looked to be doing better. I am feeding them everything I would a juvenile and even giving calcium to make sure they are going to be ok. None of the females in the area look to be affected but some of them are my releases so they come to me and get fed and have really good immune systems as they still get supplements and extra healthy food.

[JessicaLynn]

Alright guys, I'm feeling rough and not much has changed, so this may be short.

I had to help my grandmother with her own animals, so I didn't make it home in time to see if Steve was hanging out, but I didn't expect him to. I eventually got Jr in (he tried to get me to climb a tree to see him, silly boy!). He will not be fooled with medicated treats, so I had to use a syringe again. He wasn't happy; he'd bite the tip of my finger and hold on (c'mon Mom, not again!), but he was happy to be through with it. He's still scratching a lot, but it's not continuous. It was already late, so he ate a bit and took some nuts outside with him. The first sore on his face seems more pronounced (but not wider in diameter). The one by his leg looks larger in diameter due to a second sore (?) overlapping it. He was unhappy about me trying to look, so I felt bad trying to get pictures tonight. I'll have a better chance in the morning.

[JessicaLynn]

Well, I've got mixed news today. Jr came by for both treatments (eventually!), but I did not see Steve. This was kind of expected, but I was sectretly hoping that he'd eat the extra attention up. He wasn't looking that bad yesterday morning, so I guess I have to see what happens. I don't want to confine him and stress him out if he's able to fight this.

I weighed Jr this morning: 468g. That's 2g less than his weight at the beginning of treatment, but that might be within normal variation. The large sore on his face is hard and scabbed, as is the second. The third appears to be completely gone, but it was small to begin with. The sore on his stomach has grown due to the one right up against it. I could only get him to drink and eat plum before medication, but eventually he even wanted some Nutella!!! :thumbsup He was pretty active inside; he wanted to play but was rough at times. I think he's feeling a bit better. He's still itchy, and his ears are getting pretty crusty. I held him while my brother took pics for me, but he missed the sores... :shakehead I'll try again tomorrow, I'm dying to share pictures!

I do have a couple of questions still... The Reglan? Is that an appetite stimulant, and should I consider it? I'm not sure that his appetite has been affected, but I want to play it safe. Also, I'm worried that the itching is causing a lot of stress. He started to zone out while I was rubbing his face and scratching his back... he loved it, but it makes me think that his skin is really bothering him. Jackie, I know you said not to treat the mange, but I want to make sure to show you his ears and demeanor. I'd like to know if you think priorities change at all. Pics tmro!!! Last question (I think): I know that the scabs are bad, and while they don't look easily, um, pickable (yuck, lol), I want to do everything right. Once you see, I'd like to know your opinion on how to go about that and when.

I guess that's all for now. I'll have some extra hands tomorrow, so I should be able to get clear pictures of the two major sores. I'm watching the size and amount of the others, but I'm using the biggest as reference points.

[lilidukes]

I'm just checking in on you.:grouphug I have no experience with pox just very interested and concerned. Please don't feel alone in your fight, we've got your back. Wishing I was closer and could help you.

jit is the best to have on your side at a time like this.:thumbsup The one thing that stands out to me about her is that she would never knowingly let you harm a squirrel without a major fuss. I wouldn't want to mess with that little fire ball. Ask her about the neighbors trash can:D

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

I'm just checking in on you.:grouphug I have no experience with pox just very interested and concerned. Please don't feel alone in your fight, we've got your back. Wishing I was closer and could help you.

jit is the best to have on your side at a time like this.:thumbsup The one thing that stands out to me about her is that she would never knowingly let you harm a squirrel without a major fuss. I wouldn't want to mess with that little fire ball. Ask her about the neighbors trash can:D

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
hoping steve will get his meds daily...they can be squirrely and stay away as we know...
lili...I wish I had the trash can incident on film!!!!:rotfl
You can dab some neosporin ortriple antiB on his ears to soften them some...even mineral oil will work if they are really dry and crusty..
The baytril is given as a treatment to the secondary infections that come along with the virus...
My guts and several deaths say to NOT TREAT the mange..
however, you are a smart girl and I can only advise what little I really know. BUT I WOULD NOT> I gave ivermectin to a little girl sq, she was maybe three months old and she passed away with in 30minutes. I also have seen and helped a fellow rehabber triage and the ivermectin was used and sq did not make it, actually several sqs..just seems to be too much on a weakened stress and compromised sq...they are 1 pound and we are administering alot of meds for their body to metabolize...
:peace hard on the liver...
:grouphug :grouphug
Are you seeing alot of wilds infected with the virus?

[JessicaLynn]

Lilidukes, that really means a lot to me, thank you! :Love_Icon Everything else in my life has been put on hold because of this, and it's pretty tough. It's a very hard thing to go through, as you know. Even the ones that aren't around for that long mean a lot, and it's horrible seeing them in pain.

Jackie, I definitely trust your judgement. I definitely WILL NOT touch the ivermectin. It scares the crap out of me that I tried to treat the mange before I saw the pox! Thank goodness that Jr's still around!!! I was actually thinking about a topical route. Although I'd like to do it, Revolution (etc.) scares me when there's so much else going on. What about a little bit of a pyrethrin? Maybe a kitten miticide, just on the ears? Jr's ears look like they're getting painful. :( I put some ointment on them for the time being. He let me do it, so I think he was appreciative. Thank you!


Okay, this morning Steve came home!!! :jump Jr did too, but I was worried that Steve was mad. Jr was waiting at the neighbor's back porch! :nono Steve's ear was even more swollen. It's not the best pic, but you can see the swollen portion of his ear. The spot on his back has lost a little bit of hair, but it wasn't noticeable in pictures. He's still in pretty good shape, though. The tips of his ears are the slightest bit crusty. He took the dbl dose of medicine like a champ, and had a variety of fruits/veggies. I'm very proud of him! Now I'm just hoping I see him tomorrow!

Jr. was VERY energetic this morning! The sores on his face are scabbed, his stomach did not look any different. I didn't notice any new sores, but I just saw him last night. He tried to avoid swallowing the gross meds :shakehead but he's enthusiastic about Nutella again, so I'm going to try and sneak it to him tonight! He didn't act like he wasn't hungry, just picky as usual. He ate well, considering! His ears are a bit ragged, and the hair between his ears and eyes is thinning out. He had a lot of fun with my sweater! It's better than my wrists, ouch!

So, if those pics help at all with the whole scab thing, what do you guys suggest? Jackie, should I do the Nystatin thing? I'd love to hear about the trash bin! :D I have not seen any horrible sores on any of the locals. There is a bit of itching, and I haven't seen the poxy ones today. So far, so good... I've got to work on the Nutriferon next, and anything else I can do to help the neighborhood. They still don't mind the e water. Whew, I hope I'm not forgetting anything!

[Jackie in Tampa]

glad the boys are both
participating...that's a good thing!

the trash can incident...just me being me...
neighbors had 5 kids and generated alot of trash...so many many trash cans...
yet with 5 kids ...no one was issued trash can detail/duty/chore and they were always in the street...for years...
on occasion I would walk down and put them away and try to teach the motherless 5 some manners and etiquette, nicely!
well one day I was having sod delivered and I had a crew working on the house I owned next door {a flipper} well the sod truck could not get thru so he threatened to leave, sod and all...NO DELIVERY...
I guess it was the final straw...so I got in my trusty van and backed those trash can s right up to his front door...of course one got stuck under my van..meanwhie I had alot of spectators on the clock watching and giggling...so as I tried to go forward and backward rocking/releasing the can from beneath my vehicle ...the pOOlice showed up!
Yes I got a ticket...but after I paid it stupidly, my attorney said on private property no ticket could be issued and I was clearly on his porch!!!:jump
The officer was the dads friend...so it was unwarranted...BUT we never had trash cans in the street again!:D and I got my sod...:thumbsup
This is the same father that I punched in the face...really the only human I have ever touched in my life...not even my son was ever smacked in his crazy teenage years...goes to show you there are morons on everyblock...that can push a peaceful person over the edge...:crazy

I will say that I called the pooolice as the kids got older and burned rubber for sometimes long enough to fill the air with that terrible smell...they have since been foreclosed, the dad went to prison for three years for mul'ing cocaine from South america...I still see the kids around and they are surprisingly better mannered since being with their auntie! amen!

You ought to hear the stories about the tree trimmer that throws sqs in the chipper ...he and I have had some run in's!...:nono

and then there's the most recent issue of the neighbor who threatened me with MY BEE"S ...told me if one of my bee's bit his children he was going to...????
well guess what...when his pool turned green...I marched my butt over to his house and told him if one of his skitters bit me or fred...:rotfl
he was renting...he has moved!:thumbsup
I am a tree hugging 106lb rebel...:alright.gif
but I really am nice and civil:rotfl ..I swear!:D

sorry to thraed jack...but that'll give ya something to laugh at!:jump

I have ordered more nystatin based meds from vet...will let you know when we have them!!!!
Keep up the good work jessica...and as far as doing more...I can only say to use your own judgement as I have limited knowledge and experience with other treatment routes...ugh!:dono

:Love_Icon thank you J!!!!!:bowdown
saving sqs is the most wonderful fullfilling thing I have ever done in my life... and helping you with yours has me sleeping well!:grouphug

[4skwerlz]

Just wondering if applying a little ivermectin solution topically to the ears would knock out a few mites and be safer than oral.... (Don't beat me, Jackie, I'm just asking....):tilt

Poor lil' punkins, it's so hard to see them like this, it must be uncomfortable. But you're right, they look pretty good:thumbsup and so lucky to be getting treatment.

I'm optimistic for a great outcome.:)

[Jackie in Tampa]

Just wondering if applying a little ivermectin solution topically to the ears would knock out a few mites and be safer than oral.... (Don't beat me, Jackie, I'm just asking....):tilt

Poor lil' punkins, it's so hard to see them like this, it must be uncomfortable. But you're right, they look pretty good:thumbsup and so lucky to be getting treatment.

I'm optimistic for a great outcome.:)??:dono
no beatings today...well maybe Palmer if she doesn't quiet down...omgosh! she has been barking for 6 hours non stop...I may leave!:tilt
Hi Leigh!:wave123

[Mrs Skul]

:wave123 JessicaLynn
Sorry to hear about your boys. Glad to see them taking there med.:thumbsup
I used GNC ECHINACEA EXTRACT
This was added to all watering stations, and I even started more of them. It sure help the Wild Squirrels heal a little bit faster.
I also tried the Wal-Mart bran! :nono Please don't use that one. The Squirrels quite drinking the water. :eek:
The GNC ECHINACEA taste like tea. Open 1 capsule to 1 gal of water. This is the 500 mg capsule. I would pre mixing all judges the night be for.
I used old milk judges.:D I had Squirrels coming up to 6 blocks to eat and drink. They would not take the other meads. :shakehead
So they just got the ECHINACEA WATER. In 1 week you could see a difference in all my Outside POX SQUIRRELS! :thumbsup


PS
GS1 Has a picture of the bottle some where. :thinking
Skul sent it to her long time ago. She has also posted it be for.
Good luck. Christal

[JessicaLynn]

I'm sorry I've been slacking; by the time I get all of my babies medicated and happy I'm usually exhausted! I'm at my sister's house, typing on my phone, so this will be somewhat brief.

This morning marks the fourth day in a row that Steve has come home! Yay! He even stopped by twice yesterday. :D The sore on his ear has shrunk a bit, and it seems like the two small ones on his back are not getting any worse.

Jr has not missed any treatments. The sore on his stomach doesn't look much better, but it's not getting worse anymore. I'm still wondering if the reason I've found people suggesting removal or treatment of the scabs is because it halts the recurrence of a sore... He only has one more scab on his face, and his ears are looking slightly better.

They are both acting like they feel MUCH better! I'll share more pics soon!

[4skwerlz]

I'm sorry I've been slacking; by the time I get all of my babies medicated and happy I'm usually exhausted! I'm at my sister's house, typing on my phone, so this will be somewhat brief.

This morning marks the fourth day in a row that Steve has come home! Yay! He even stopped by twice yesterday. :D The sore on his ear has shrunk a bit, and it seems like the two small ones on his back are not getting any worse.

Jr has not missed any treatments. The sore on his stomach doesn't look much better, but it's not getting worse anymore. I'm still wondering if the reason I've found people suggesting removal or treatment of the scabs is because it halts the recurrence of a sore... He only has one more scab on his face, and his ears are looking slightly better.

They are both acting like they feel MUCH better! I'll share more pics soon!

This is good news. It seems as though once the lesions stop progressing--lesions not increasing in size, and no new lesions--you've got it beat. Hoping and praying that's what is happening here.
:thumbsup :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

this update is wonderful!

[JessicaLynn]

Hey guys!

Not much has changed recently. Jr has not made it home the last two mornings, so yesterday I had to give him a dbl dose at night. I'll do the same today. His two main sores are the only significant ones he has now. The one under his eye has a large scab that makes it look worse, and the sore under his leg has since lost its scab and is hardening again. I still don't know if this will continue in those spots if I don't medicate topically, or if they will eventually heal like the others. He's still slightly itchy, but his ears aren't crusty anymore!:wahoo He's definitely feeling better, and he voices his objection to the medicine (but he's happy once I give him some almond butter!).

Steve has actually been coming home twice a day for a while now, but I haven't split his dosage because I know, with my luck, he'll quit it if I do. His skin looks pretty good, he's just got a bit of a sore on his back (still has hair, and it's only barely noticeable). The sore that was swelling his ear has since gone down. There is a small dark scab there, and I'm not quite sure how that will heal due to its location.

I'll try to get pictures tonight but I will be in a hurry, so if they take to long to satisfy I might have to wait until tomorrow.

YAY FOR HEALTHIER SQUIRRELS!!! KEEP IT UP, GUYS!!! :D

[JessicaLynn]

I'm SO sorry it's taken so long for an update! I haven't been able to catch a break, but I've been putting it off for too long.

Well, I can't find a single bump on Steve!!! :wahoo In one of the pictures, you can see where the scab on his ear is gone, and he's looking pretty dang handsome!

Jr's face is healing quite nicely. In the picture below, there's still a bit of a scab, but this pic is a couple days old. It now looks more like Steve's ear. The sore on his stomach is healing as well. He is liking the medicine less and less, and will not take anything that remotely smells like it.

It seems like (more so with Jr) administering the meds is affecting our relationship. They will still come in, and they'll enjoy the food and rubdowns after the meds, but they aren't as trusting as they used to be. I guess that their health is the most important issue, though.

I do have a question about the meds. Jackie, this may be one for you. How long should I continue? I don't want to give them more than I need to (I'm sure it's a lot on their little systems), but I don't want to stop prematurely. I'm almost out of Acyclovir, so I'm guessing, at the least, I'll need to get more for Jr. I've got Baytril, so I can continue as needed with that. They made it, guys! I couldn't have done it without your help/support/advice!

I've seen a few poxy guys in my backyard. They're taking the echinacea water, and they love the HHBs that my boys are to picky to eat. :shakehead I haven't seen any drastic changes in those guys, but I'm keeping a close eye on them.

[pattil]

I live in NE St. Petersburg and saw a wild squirrel in my front year yesterday with what I think was a severe case of POX (after some researching on the internet). He had pox marks all over his entire body and one eye looked like it was blind. Other than that he acted like a normal squirrel, running on the ground and up into the trees. I hope this will be an isolated case and the rest of our squirrels will not catch this virus. I had never seen this before, has anyone else started to see this in NE area of St. Petersburg?