Advice, please! 2 backyard squirrels have mange

[Cyndicsn]

Hello,
I just joined this forum because I am frantically trying to save 2 fox squirrels I have been feeding for about 6 months now. I also feed a family of 4 black squirrels since they were born about 1 year ago. I am a newbie! The black squirrels seem fine. The 2 other ones have gradually lost fur x about 3 weeks now. One has no fur from the waist up- constantly scratching and both have balance problems. I ordered Ivermectin but have not received it yet. I have given them a tiny sliver of my Chihuahua's heartworm medicine which I know is not the 100 mcg. recommended dose but I feel desperate. I have been feeding them good squirrel foods. I have not seen them since 3 days ago because I work full time and am not home during the week days. Should I place a cage with bedding outside? What else can I do? I feel helpless since it is predicted to be 9 degrees below zero tonight. I believe they live in a tree a couple doors down from me. I probably won't see them til I'm home during the day this weekend. I'm so scared they will freeze.
I plan on giving them the medicine when I get it; hopefully this weekend- if they don't freeze before then!
Any suggestions?

[CritterMom]

What type of ivermectin did you get? Is it the horse paste wormer?

Can you either list the ingredients in the heartworm med or find it online and link to it so we can see what is in it? Ivermectin is very effective but it is very strong - you do not want to dose too soon.

Squirrels pile in together to sleep when it is cold. There are a number of internet web cams inside nest boxes and some nights there are so man packed in them you can't tell what body parts belong to whom! They are not necessarily family groups - just a bunch of squirrels using each other to stay warm.

[Cyndicsn]

The Heartguard Plus is what I cut in a tiny sliver. I'm not sure about the other ingredient, but it is 68mcg in 1 whole chewable. I ordered the Ivermectin from a site that specifically sells for squirrels and says to give 1/2 drop on their food. OMG I feel so much better about the sleeping arrangements! I pray they are warm tonight and through the week- won't their exposed skin get frostbite? It already looks red. Poor babies. Anything else I can try and feed them? They are almost falling off the fence when they come to my yard; so sad.

[CritterMom]

The balance problems are odd - normally mange is just skin related... Can you take any pics?

I wish I knew more about both how much of the Heartguard they got and more info on the ivermectin for squirrels. Can you provide a link to that site? You do NOT want to dose them again too soon.

I would get fat into them. Squirrels usually love avocado and it has good, healthy fat in it. You can smear some peanut butter or almond butter on something you know they like - even a blob on a pecan half will boost the fat.

[TubeDriver]

I would hold off any more treatment for now. Did the balance issues start after treatment or before?

In a real bad case of mange, they might be so uncomfortable that it looks alike they are off balance when in reality they are fidgety/itchy/uncomfortable?



The balance problems are odd - normally mange is just skin related... Can you take any pics?

I wish I knew more about both how much of the Heartguard they got and more info on the ivermectin for squirrels. Can you provide a link to that site? You do NOT want to dose them again too soon.

I would get fat into them. Squirrels usually love avocado and it has good, healthy fat in it. You can smear some peanut butter or almond butter on something you know they like - even a blob on a pecan half will boost the fat.

[Cyndicsn]

The Heartguard Plus has 68 mcg Ivermectin and 57 mg Pyrantel in each chewable. I gave about 1/8 of a chewable. Also, maybe they are weak and appear to stumble. Even when they are eating and standing still they seem unstable.
I ordered the Ivermectin from squirrelnutrition@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much- please let me know when I should give them the Ivermectin I ordered.

[CritterMom]

The Heartguard Plus has 68 mcg Ivermectin and 57 mg Pyrantel in each chewable. I gave about 1/8 of a chewable. Also, maybe they are weak and appear to stumble. Even when they are eating and standing still they seem unstable.
I ordered the Ivermectin from squirrelnutrition@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much- please let me know when I should give them the Ivermectin I ordered.

OK, that is the equine paste that the guy you ordered this from has repackaged (and is making a tiny profit from!!) That we can dose for you.

You are the one who carved up the Heartguard. How much ivermectin do you estimate was in the pieces? How large a dog is that size pill supposed to dose? And does the package have any recommendations for re-treating and if so, after how many days?

As you were also asked, did the instability happen before or after you dosed them?

It takes a while to see hair regrowth - they may not require re-dosing at all.

[TubeDriver]

So each squirrel got ~8mcg of ivermectin and ~7mg of pyrantel?

Unless my math is off, I think that is too low a dose since they should get around 100mcg for a 450g squirrel?
The LD50 in mice and rats for pyrantel tartrate is 170 mg/kg so OD should not be an issue here.

I would probably wait till you get the 1.87% Ivermectin paste and then treat with that, since dosing with slivers of a pill is difficult to do with any accuracy unless someone else here thinks they can provide you with an accurate way of dosing that pill?

Can you get any video of the unstable behavior?





The Heartguard Plus has 68 mcg Ivermectin and 57 mg Pyrantel in each chewable. I gave about 1/8 of a chewable. Also, maybe they are weak and appear to stumble. Even when they are eating and standing still they seem unstable.
I ordered the Ivermectin from squirrelnutrition@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much- please let me know when I should give them the Ivermectin I ordered.

[Cyndicsn]

Let me know if you get these pics. I agree- they only got about 8-12 mcg which isn't enough. Well, maybe it will help a little-

[CritterMom]

Aw, poor guys.

OK, when you get the ivermectin from the squirrel place, you want to give them a little bit of the gel the size of a grain of UNCOOKED dry rice. Actually get a grain of rice to go by - they are smaller than you think. It is normally apple flavored so they won't have an issue with the taste. The easiest way to dose is to put the ivermectin paste/gel into the ridges of a piece of pecan. Try to make it the first thing you give them to eat so they eat ALL of it. You can re-dose in 7-10 days - NOT BEFORE and try to not go longer than 10. You are trying to catch the 2nd generation of mites with the second dose - ivermectin does not kill eggs.

If you don't want to wait, the equine ivermectin can be purchased any place that sells horse stuff - Tractor Supply has it. Read the box - you just want plain old 1.87% ivermectin with nothing added. At TS you will pay about $8 for a tube that will treat all the squirrels in the county.

[Cyndicsn]

The instability started way before I gave the meds. I saw them after the medication and they seemed the same; still eating but weak. I'm sure the amount I gave them was not enough if 100mcg is recommended dose- they got about 10 mcg. I will keep feeding them and see if they get better. I am a nurse and can calculate dosages according to weight etc so I would never jeopardize and animal or person.

[TubeDriver]

:thumbsup Dosing using the 6g tube of 1.87% Ivermectin paste is easy to do. You should get the past in a few days and then you can start dosing them.

It looks like they have lost much of their hair on the top half of their body, it must be very uncomfortable. Not sure what to tell you about the balance issues.:( Could be that they are fidgety and itchy? Or perhaps there is something else going on that we don't know about?



The instability started way before I gave the meds. I saw them after the medication and they seemed the same; still eating but weak. I'm sure the amount I gave them was not enough if 100mcg is recommended dose- they got about 10 mcg. I will keep feeding them and see if they get better. I am a nurse and can calculate dosages according to weight etc so I would never jeopardize and animal or person.

[island rehabber]

One thing that occurs to me reading this thread is that the squirrels were unstable before they showed signs of mange. Mange is opportunistic; it's always around but it takes hold of an animal when its immune system is already compromised. (Kind of like shingles, with humans.) These foxers may have a virus or other disease that first showed itself in the instability and wobblyness....then the mange erupted later. :(

[Cyndicsn]

Thanks for all your help!

[astra]

if they are wobbly, then there is a good chance they have neuro problems (there can be ear issues etc. but neuro problems are some of the most common).

If there are neuro problems, then ivermectin is usually not advised. It has something to do with blood brain barrier (it crosses it and worsens neuro condition(s)).
Although some ppl say they dosed neuros just fine, I've seen myself how a neuro worsened after ivermectin dosing.
I do not know whether the worsening of the neuro symptoms becomes permanent or not, but it does happen.
I observed it lasting for quite a few days.

The best route in this case is to trap squirrels and treat them indoors by topically applying revolution. That's what I ended up doing once.
It is not easy, of course, and burritoing wild squirrels to apply revolution is scary for sure.

And if treating them indoors is not an option, then - it isn't.

I do not have any other suggestions, but just wanted to share that if these squirrels had neuro issues before, then ivermectin can certainly worsen them (e.g., make them more visible/pronounced etc)

[Cyndicsn]

Do you think the mange can make the squirrels weak? I don't have a video, but they seem to be more tired; like grabbing onto branches and almost falling off the top of the fence when they try to run fast. They were doing well until I noticed patches of fur missing and they gradually got worse. They seem to want to eat- it has been frigid here and I have not seen them in a few days(I am not always home during the day). The 4 black squirrels are just fine- so far. Will they catch the disease from the 2 fox squirrels? Should I not put out food in the same spot for them? The eastern blacks will take the food from my hand but the foxes will come close but not make contact. I will be home watching for them all week end.

[TubeDriver]

It seems unlikely to me that two squirrels would share simultaneous development of neurological issues unless they were poisoned, or share some type of parasite?

You mentioned temps that are -9 degrees? I don't see have a squirrel can survive those temps without any fur from the waist up?

If you can't trap them, I would probably try with Ivermectin regardless of potential complications since they will almost certainly die without treatment.

Just my opinion, others may disagree.




Do you think the mange can make the squirrels weak? I don't have a video, but they seem to be more tired; like grabbing onto branches and almost falling off the top of the fence when they try to run fast. They were doing well until I noticed patches of fur missing and they gradually got worse. They seem to want to eat- it has been frigid here and I have not seen them in a few days(I am not always home during the day). The 4 black squirrels are just fine- so far. Will they catch the disease from the 2 fox squirrels? Should I not put out food in the same spot for them? The eastern blacks will take the food from my hand but the foxes will come close but not make contact. I will be home watching for them all week end.

[Cyndicsn]

Hi Everyone,
Wanted to update you on my 2 squirrels. I saw one this weekend- not the other:( 'Cheeto' is doing good; I did give her the Ivermectin and she seems much more comfortable- obviously the small amount of Ivermectin last week must have helped her. She is barely scratching and eating whatever I give her- esp. pecans and fruit. She still seems wobbly when she is standing up for long periods although she seems to be running and jumping OK. When she is on her hind legs and looking up at me it seems like her head is tilted slightly. Weird. Fur looks like it is growing back a little. It does seem neurologic.
Can my black squirrels catch something from her? They are running, jumping and taking food OK. They seem to shy away from Cheeto when she is eating and by my door- they kind of wait til she is finished.
I worry about the others. Unfortunately, Chester (lost most of fur from waist up) has not come by for about 1 1/2 weeks. We are having record lows in temp. here in Chicago suburbs, so I think he didn't make it:(.

[TubeDriver]

Mange is contagious. Without knowing what is causing the neurological symptoms, it is impossible to say if it is contagious or not.

If only one of the two squirrels had symptoms then I would think it is more likly NOT contagious. However, the fact that both Foxxers are showing the same symptoms suggests that it may well be contagious. Some type of disease or parasite (or toxin) could be to blame.


I hope you Chester shows up but with no fur and subzero temps (and weakened by some illness), it does not look good. Still squirrels are amazing tough, do not give up all hope yet!

I would continue the treatment, a single dose every 7-10 day for 3 total doses. Astra brought up a great point about neuro issues and ivermectin but I dont see how you have much choice with these super cold temps.



Hi Everyone,
Wanted to update you on my 2 squirrels. I saw one this weekend- not the other:( 'Cheeto' is doing good; I did give her the Ivermectin and she seems much more comfortable- obviously the small amount of Ivermectin last week must have helped her. She is barely scratching and eating whatever I give her- esp. pecans and fruit. She still seems wobbly when she is standing up for long periods although she seems to be running and jumping OK. When she is on her hind legs and looking up at me it seems like her head is tilted slightly. Weird. Fur looks like it is growing back a little. It does seem neurologic.
Can my black squirrels catch something from her? They are running, jumping and taking food OK. They seem to shy away from Cheeto when she is eating and by my door- they kind of wait til she is finished.
I worry about the others. Unfortunately, Chester (lost most of fur from waist up) has not come by for about 1 1/2 weeks. We are having record lows in temp. here in Chicago suburbs, so I think he didn't make it:(.

[Cyndicsn]

251736
My Cheeto is doing well after the med dose. So happy. Her buddy hasn't shown up yet. Still hoping. Will give next dose on Saturday. Isn't she cute? Does have neuro symptoms though. It is 20 degrees below zero here with the wind chill so if she can get through this, I think she will be ok

[Cyndicsn]

Sorry about the pic being upside down.

[TubeDriver]

Keeping my fingers crossed for her and her missing buddy.

In general, nuts are a treat and not very healthy for squirrels but in these cold temps, they need as much protein and fat as they can get. Unsalted almonds make a good treat and are about the healthiest of nuts, they might help them to keep up their strength during these cold temps.




251736
My Cheeto is doing well after the med dose. So happy. Her buddy hasn't shown up yet. Still hoping. Will give next dose on Saturday. Isn't she cute? Does have neuro symptoms though. It is 20 degrees below zero here with the wind chill so if she can get through this, I think she will be ok

[Cyndicsn]

Ok. Thanks. I bought some squirrel mix on line called veggie squares that I added fresh fruit purée to and are waiting for them to dry. It is supposed to be good nutrition for them. I hope this will help her and my 4 black squirrels. They appear healthy so far. Anything else besides apples, avocados, pitiless fresh cherries and pecans? Pecans here are kind of expensive. I try and limit the peanuts.

[Chickenlegs]

Looks like some fur is growing back. I'm so glad they have you in their corner. Winter is hard enough on our squirrels but when there's a problem it becomes life and DEATH without a guardian angel :bowdown

[Cyndicsn]

Wanted to send some pics of my black squirrel babies. 251737251738
Is there a way to make the pics attach right side up?

[Cyndicsn]

251976
Cheeto seems to be better. She had a dose of Ivermectin today. She seems wobbly when she is standing still. Fur growing back!

[Cyndicsn]

Trying to add a video of her eating. K251988ind of unsteady. What do you think?

[TubeDriver]

Good to hear the mange is going away.

Video would be helpful.:thumbsup

[Cyndicsn]

V252071ideo attached. Hope this came through- if not, I'll try again.

[TubeDriver]

All I get is a pic, I can't seem to get any video started?

[Cyndicsn]

Tried numerous times to attach video- won't let me upload and keeps saying invalid file. I keep trying to download videos / clips from my computer and Iphone. Any suggestions?

[Chickenlegs]

Are you downloading the video to YouTube? That gives you a link. I have NO luck downloading video to Photobucket and half the time the photos don't upload.

[Cyndicsn]

OK- after hours of trying to upload the video, I finally posted it on You Tube. It's called 1 Cheeto.

[TubeDriver]

Certainly something going on with balance. Her posture is a little odd too, she sits with her back and head held very high.

It is fairly minor, how is her gait when walking and running? Do you notice anything when she is walking/running?

As long as this does not progress, she may be able to get by. Has it gotten any worse or better over the last couple weeks?

[Cyndicsn]

You are very right- she does hold her head high and back straight when she is sitting or eating. She seems to be running better than before since she isn't stopping to scratch as much. I notice the balance problem more when she is still; so sad she took a rolling tumble off a small step on my patio while she was eating- kind of slipped backwards. Obviously she gets to my yard from her drey- not sure where it is though. She runs fast but not like my others. She walks OK, even charges at the other squirrels to keep them away when she is eating. Should I give her her last dose of Ivermectin? Doesn't seem to be making the balance issues worse. Maybe she had gotten injured. Her buddy has not come back yet:(

[Cyndicsn]

Also added another you tube video 2 Cheeto 3 where you can see her balance better.

[farrelli]

Got links for the YT vids?

[TubeDriver]

I would finish up the treatment. The last (3rd) dose should be given about 8-10 days after the 2nd dose.

Poor little thing, she is lucky to have you helping her!:thumbsup


You are very right- she does hold her head high and back straight when she is sitting or eating. She seems to be running better than before since she isn't stopping to scratch as much. I notice the balance problem more when she is still; so sad she took a rolling tumble off a small step on my patio while she was eating- kind of slipped backwards. Obviously she gets to my yard from her drey- not sure where it is though. She runs fast but not like my others. She walks OK, even charges at the other squirrels to keep them away when she is eating. Should I give her her last dose of Ivermectin? Doesn't seem to be making the balance issues worse. Maybe she had gotten injured. Her buddy has not come back yet:(

[Cyndicsn]

http://youtu.be/llIvbCOo7yY
http://youtu.be/zbXZ_3_K9AU

[Chickenlegs]

Beautiful sweetie--and thanks to YOU she's getting her coat back. These little guys are pretty hearty but below freezing and no clothes--brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[Cyndicsn]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. Anything I could do to help these babies, I will do. I think I figured out how to attach pics and videos thanks to chickenlegs and tubedriver! I'm obsessed with the squirrels and I finally found a place to talk about them and find out how to help care for them.
Thanks again! :)

[Cyndicsn]

Cheeto is still wobbly but her fur is growing. Had her last dose of Ivermectin. So cute- unbelievable that she has made it through this weather!252826252827

[Chickenlegs]

She wouldn't have survived without you. Sainthood suspenders for you darlin!

[TubeDriver]

CL is exactly right!^^^^


Cheeto can look forward to springtime, buds in the trees, warm sunny days and squirrely mischief, all because you cared enough to help her! Thanks! :thumbsup:):w00t

[Carol Lynn]

They look great!! :thumbsup

[Cyndicsn]

https://youtu.be/9YnuKLRKjNO
Please check out my Cheeto. Fur has grown back but it seems as if her leg is broken?- she has trouble getting around. She finds her way to my backyard and eats, but not where she is going after that. Should I capture her?
My heart breaks everytime I see her trying to run or walk.

[TubeDriver]

I cant see the video? But lots of times, an injured legs heals in a week or two. They have incredible healing powers. Is she just not putting weight on the leg or can you see clearly that it is broken?



https://youtu.be/9YnuKLRKjNO
Please check out my Cheeto. Fur has grown back but it seems as if her leg is broken?- she has trouble getting around. She finds her way to my backyard and eats, but not where she is going after that. Should I capture her?
My heart breaks everytime I see her trying to run or walk.

[Cyndicsn]

I'll try copying the link again https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9YnuKLRKjN0

[TubeDriver]

Damn. :(. Poor Cheeto, it breaks the heart to see a squirrel suffer like this.

It does look broken or perhaps dislocated. She did put some weight on it which is good news. Just my opinion, but I would try to trap her. She already had some neuro/balance type issues, and now with that leg she is further compromised. She might have fallen and injured her leg due to her balance issues. At this point, she is an easy target for predators.

I would try to trap her and keep her inside for a few weeks. Give the leg some time to heal and then release her. If you can't catch her, than continue providing food and fresh water so she does not have to forage around for food.

Remind me again, do you have a cage to hold her and a Hav-a-hart trap?





I'll try copying the link again https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9YnuKLRKjN0

[Cyndicsn]

No, I do not but I will go and get whatever I need. What and where can I get it?

[Cyndicsn]

I found one and I am going to get it. what size cage do I need to keep her in?

[pjjere]

Poor little bub, I agree with TD that if you are able you should intervene ASAP. Being compromised like that seems like a death sentence for her. We recently caught a compromised wild and used this cage:

http://www.henryspets.com/henrys-house-exotic-pet-cage/

Make sure to have the cage ready with lots of fleece or t-shirts (no towels with loops). Cheeto should have plenty of cover to hide in and you may want to cover the cage with a towel to keep things dark and quiet if your trapping is successful. Maybe others will chime in re cage options that you can get quicker. Good luck and thank you! :)

[TubeDriver]

That is a very good cage. I actually like the Critter Nation cage slightly better because of the horizontal bars but both are excellent.


You can get a single level and add a second later or just get both levels at one time.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21359&cmpid=08cseYY&ref=XXXX&subref=AA&catargetid=530005150000154523&cadevice=t


Both of these cages are very high qulaity and designed for regular use. You can probably find something cheaper for short term housing, juat look for 1/4" spaced metal bars. Squirrels can chew through plastic like it is not even there.

You can find a good Hav-a hart trap like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Havahart-Trap-1079-for-RACCOONS-32-x-10-x-12-1-DOOR-/390215026910?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adaa0c8de


It is bigger than most squirrel traps but the extra space makes it better and easier to use. Do not get a real small, squirrel sized trap (7x7x24 or smaller).

Good luck.




Poor little bub, I agree with TD that if you are able you should intervene ASAP. Being compromised like that seems like a death sentence for her. We recently caught a compromised wild and used this cage:

http://www.henryspets.com/henrys-house-exotic-pet-cage/

Make sure to have the cage ready with lots of fleece or t-shirts (no towels with loops). Cheeto should have plenty of cover to hide in and you may want to cover the cage with a towel to keep things dark and quiet if your trapping is successful. Maybe others will chime in re cage options that you can get quicker. Good luck and thank you! :)