Fur loss....Mange, Mites?

[Nancy in New York]

I am posting this on behalf of a friend, who is not yet a member on the board. Here is what they wrote along with some pictures. Any input would be greatly appreciated.


What do you think this is? Mites? Mange? 7 yo male, HHBs, healthy otherwise, had full fur at Christmas. He is scratching. Also note the recent new fur around the neck. Can a pet squirrel get mange? Thank you!

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[Nancy in New York]

Sorry, I didn't have time to post myself when I put this up.
I am wondering if this is just some normal shedding, since he is getting new growth along the neck area.
I believe with mange and mites, there is usually crusty skin.

The fact that he is itching could be just dry skin? But I would be curious to know if he is scratching more than usual.
I do hope that this person becomes a member, because it would make it easier to ask the questions.:D

I have noticed on my overwinters that some of them are also getting sparse fur in spots, but their cages are right near the baseboards, so perhaps this is a sign of shedding.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I don't see red scaly skin which is associated with mange.
In humans hair loss can be related to stress which weakens the immune system. Does he rub himself against anything to wear it off? What laundry detergent is being used, or softener, that could be causing an allergic reaction.
Is he in with another squirrel who could be chewing the fur off (Peaches did this abusive grooming to Zuzu , she was loosing hair so I split them up till hair came back )

[Nancy in New York]

I don't see red scaly skin which is associated with mange.
In humans hair loss can be related to stress which weakens the immune system. Does he rub himself against anything to wear it off? What laundry detergent is being used, or softener, that could be causing an allergic reaction.
Is he in with another squirrel who could be chewing the fur off (Peaches did this abusive grooming to Zuzu , she was loosing hair so I split them up till hair came back )

I don't think there is another squirrel, I believe this is the only one.
I do hope this person joins the board because there is so much they could answer here, that I just cannot.:dono
BUT I appreciate your input.:grouphug

[CritterMom]

Nancy, P spent most of last winter with a naked tummy. His skin was perfect - I would KILL for skin like that - just no fur.

I would suggest giving him a dose of Revolution just because, purchasing a warm steam humidifier and running it in the house all the time (winter heat turns out homes into deserts), and either getting him into some sunlight or investing in a reptile lamp (best bet is the tube type Reptisun 10.0, best place to buy is www.petmountain.com). I did all of these things and he is perfect now.

[Nancy in New York]

Nancy, P spent most of last winter with a naked tummy. His skin was perfect - I would KILL for skin like that - just no fur.

I would suggest giving him a dose of Revolution just because, purchasing a warm steam humidifier and running it in the house all the time (winter heat turns out homes into deserts), and either getting him into some sunlight or investing in a reptile lamp (best bet is the tube type Reptisun 10.0, best place to buy is www.petmountain.com). I did all of these things and he is perfect now.


Thank you CritterMom.
Oh you've got that right that Mr. P is perfect now. WOW I saw his latest pictures, hard to believe you could ever see any skin on that handsome guy!

[Jackie in Tampa]

where does the squirrel live?
could there be something in the environment around his area?
does not look like diet issue that I have ever seen...:shakehead