worms???

[Gina]

This is the second one I have seen...I found one on my arm night before last and was not sure what it was or where it came from.:sanp3
Then this morning I saw this one come out of him along with some normal looking poo. :confused: puke

He is only 25 grams. If it is a worm, how do I treat? Also, do they transfer to humans, possums? My dogs/cats are on advantage so not worried about them. I always wash my hands before and after feeding but with the way the one appeared on my arm I am wondering if a few more dropped without my noticing. They are really small.

That is a 1cc syringe for size reference

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[stepnstone]

That is a tape worm segment, there are forums on TSB addressing treatment that needs to take place asap.

I will try to find them. Yes, tape worms are transferrable.

[stepnstone]

Gina, I've been reading through several posts concerning worms, there are several different medications used for the treatment of worms. If I did find what treatment to use I still wouldn't know how to dose it, all I can say with any certainly is what you are looking at is tape worm.
I wouldn't want to steer you wrong and think it best to wait on someone more experienced that has actually dealt with this to guide you or you should refer this problem to your vet for treatment. It does need to be addressed as soon as possible!

[Gina]

Gina, I've been reading through several posts concerning worms, there are several different medications used for the treatment of worms. If I did find what treatment to use I still wouldn't know how to dose it, all I can say with any certainly is what you are looking at is tape worm.
I wouldn't want to steer you wrong and think it best to wait on someone more experienced that has actually dealt with this to guide you or you should refer this problem to your vet for treatment. It does need to be addressed as soon as possible!

:thankyou I will put a call into my vet now

[stepnstone]

:thankyou I will put a call into my vet now

Good!! :thumbsup

Just a little (more) info. Tape worms usually come from the digestion of an infected flea. When an animal with fleas bites at themselves to scratch they can ingest the flea transmitting it into their own bodies where the tapeworm is hosted and grows. That segment you see is just a section that has broken off or separated from a much larger worm. Each segment is still alive. Although out in the air they can die and dry up, they can also enter another host and become a larger worm themselves. When I say they are transferrable, I'm telling you that other animals as well as humans can get them. The one infected needs to be isolated, everything washed and sterilized. If that little one has been housed with other's, chances are the others could have them also.
You may need to consider treating for fleas if you have not already done so.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Gina, I used droncit...not cheap! I have some
I just treated Einstein for tape worms, vet visit yada yada...
you must eat/ingest the flea itself or the worm...
once the segments/worms/eggs are dry, they are harmless...

I found nothing solid to use as a sq dosing guide...
however I think my winging it was spot on...
Einstein maybe released today or monday, he is worm free and mangeless!
I don't do weekend releases:peace lawn mowers, pool parties etc...
another safe med is panacur.

[stepnstone]

Gina, I used droncit...not cheap! I have some
I just treated Einstein for tape worms, vet visit yada yada...
you must eat/ingest the flea itself or the worm...
once the segments/worms/eggs are dry, they are harmless...
I found nothing solid to use as a sq dosing guide...
however I think my winging it was spot on...
Einstein maybe released today or monday, he is worm free and mangeless!
I don't do weekend releases:peace lawn mowers, pool parties etc...
another safe med is panacur.

I have only dealt with tape worms in cats & dogs, veterinarians dose is pretty specific to their weight. Obviously your "winging it" wasn't without a lot of thought and successful :poke care to share what you would recommend for dosing a squirrel for future reference?

Good to hear Einstein has done so well and will soon be ready for release, another credit to your devotion to these little fuzz butts. :bowdown

[Gina]

I brought baby in for evaluation with the retired rehabber and she said it is actually maggots. The baby was picked up off the ground by a pitbull and she feels that most likely it's mother or siblings were dead and the maggots transferred from them onto him. She checked the ant bites to make sure they were not actually bot flies. All contained some puss, no sign of bot flies but we will continue to monitor.

She feels confident that it is not tape worms because he is so young and it would be very rare BUT if any other worms/maggots are poo'd out then he will be treated.

She noted a head injury, a little swelling on nose and a few scratch-like markings on his torso.Could have been from the dog carrying him or from whatever caused him to be on the ground.

He looks healthy now but she feels his survival will depend on the severity of head injury and possible internal injuries. Today is day 3 and that he is alive and alert is a good sign.

Prayers for Sawyer appreciated

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[SammysMom]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[stepnstone]

[QUOTE=Gina][COLOR="Purple"]I brought baby in for evaluation with the retired rehabber and she said it is actually maggots. The baby was picked up off the ground by a pitbull and she feels that most likely it's mother or siblings were dead and the maggots transferred from them onto him. She checked the ant bites to make sure they were not actually bot flies. All contained some puss, no sign of bot flies but we will continue to monitor.
She feels confident that it is not tape worms because he is so young and it would be very rare BUT if any other worms/maggots are poo'd out then he will be treated.
She noted a head injury, a little swelling on nose and a few scratch-like markings on his torso.Could have been from the dog carrying him or from whatever caused him to be on the ground.
He looks healthy now but she feels his survival will depend on the severity of head injury and possible internal injuries. Today is day 3 and that he is alive and alert is a good sign.

Maggots!! Dayum!! I'm glad you took him to a vet! I have to admit it did slip my mind that you were dealing with an infant pinky. :sanp3 Poor little guy! Sure hope there was just those few and not any more, Can't imagine how you would treat one that young? Even more of a reason it's really good that it's not tape worm! Really hope there is not any internal injuries and he is able to develop. I would say you have really been handed a challenge and have your hands full. :grouphug

[Jackie in Tampa]

maggots require capstar...immediately...no RX needed...petco, vet etc.
what treatment did she recommend?
Gina...maggots will kill...capstar cannot hurt and cannot be overdosed...1/4 tablet crshed and diluted with wee bit of water...syringed.
I am only speaking from experience when I say a one time dose works.
However...call your vet..I am so surpriseed the rehabber did not advise this...oye.
It's cheap enough and easy access....
maggots will eat baby sqs from the inside out...:shakehead

[Jackie in Tampa]

I have only dealt with tape worms in cats & dogs, veterinarians dose is pretty specific to their weight. Obviously your "winging it" wasn't without a lot of thought and successful :poke care to share what you would recommend for dosing a squirrel for future reference?

Good to hear Einstein has done so well and will soon be ready for release, another credit to your devotion to these little fuzz butts. :bowdown
I cried and hives...I was so stressed...the med was 600mgs and I needed .03mg...
you can imagine...I was a wreck!:sanp3
I did the math over and over and over and over...:osnap

$76...I am sooooo willing to share if anyone needs any...the price was ridiculous but Einstein is tape worm free..:thumbsup
{5 tablets, human med}

[stepnstone]

I can only imagine what you were going through trying to arrive at the right dose and after giving it the anxiety you must have been going through the first hour or so. I obviously know where your heart is, I've seen the pictures of your door... :rotfl

[Gina]

maggots require capstar...immediately...no RX needed...petco, vet etc.
what treatment did she recommend?
Gina...maggots will kill...capstar cannot hurt and cannot be overdosed...1/4 tablet crshed and diluted with wee bit of water...syringed.
I am only speaking from experience when I say a one time dose works.
However...call your vet..I am so surpriseed the rehabber did not advise this...oye.
It's cheap enough and easy access....
maggots will eat baby sqs from the inside out...:shakehead


Thank you Jackie...I am going to pick some up at Petco now

[Gina]

[QUOTE=stepnstoneMaggots!! Dayum!! I'm glad you took him to a vet! I have to admit it did slip my mind that you were dealing with an infant pinky. :sanp3 Poor little guy! Sure hope there was just those few and not any more, Can't imagine how you would treat one that young? Even more of a reason it's really good that it's not tape worm! Really hope there is not any internal injuries and he is able to develop. I would say you have really been handed a challenge and have your hands full. :grouphug[/QUOTE]

I actually took him to a rehabber who works with a local wildlife vet. She has been rehabbing squirrels, etc for 35+ years. Is technically retired right now but can't seem to get away from the rescues:D She felt that the worm did not come from inside of him because he has no symptoms such as redness at the anus or being underweight. I thought it came from inside him because it was right there when I went to stimulate him. I bathed him, changed his bedding and have not seen any more...

but

if treating him will not hurt him then I am all for it. I put a call into her to discuss the capstar and in the meantime and going to pick some up.

Will check in later.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thumbsup
I have used capstar on an eyes closed baby...
sending good vibes:Love_Icon

[Gina]

She agreed that it cannot hurt to treat and better to be safe then sorry.

The bad news is it looks like he has bot flies - at least two. Poor baby...the thought just grosses me out. (We need a puke smilie:shakehead )

I wish I had saved the worm-thing so she could positively identify...:sanp3

So, he is treated with ivermectin... I will take more pics tomorrow...don't want to stress him too much.

The Good news is he now has a cage mate!
It's a girl..she is a little older, is dehydrated and very scared. She has a few little marks on her, nothing that looks serious at least on the outside. Will also get some pics of her tomorrow and give her a chance to get used to her new brother and Squammy. Her cry makes me so sad...I want her to be comfy and happy.


Jackie...should I still give him capstar??