Wild squirrel w squirrel pox

[Athenarose123]

Hello, not sure what to do about a squirrel I came across at the park
yesterday who was covered in squirrel pox. Not sure if i should get
him captured and try to take him somewhere since all the reading I've
done there is no cure and he seems pretty content at this park since
people go there specifically to feed the ducks and squirrels he is
friendly... Not sure what to do, if he is fine just w the pox all over
him I don't want him to end up getting euthanized bc I was trying to
help him but i don't want him to suffer if I can help him either ... I
can even go to the park and try to give him something That can help
him on my own since he is somewhat friendly and will take my food....
Any ideas on what I should do To help him please let me know,..this
little squirrel needs my help I just don't know how to help him😢
Thank you
Athena256686256687

[squirrelfriend]

Hi

i don't know much about pox but I'm sure there are people on here that do. Hopefully someone will see this soon. I thought I read on here a couple of years ago about there being something that could be done. Hang tight. Someone should be here soon to help you. Thanks for caring for the little guy.

[Kristi S]

Poor thing has it bad! From what I've read, it's possible to treat the pox, but difficult and not always successful, especially in a squirrel at such an advanced stage of the disease. There is no drug that offers a good chance of a cure, though a few that might help in a captive setting. As an adult, though, capture and captivity might put such a strain on him that it tips the scales toward mortality. Even if there is a chance he'll survive on his own, one consideration might be the possibility of it spreading the virus to other squirrels. It's almost always fatal in reds; Eastern Grays can sometimes survive.

[TubeDriver]

Poor little squirrel! :(


That is very advanced, it looks like virtually his entire body is covered by lessons. Pox also manifests internally and his organs are probably already compromised.


Treatments used successfully include antivirals like Acycolvir and also immune boosters including this one:

http://www.caoh.org/liqimbarecbe.html

Of course, the earlier the treatment the better and this case of Pox is very advanced. Making sure that healthy food and clean water are available also seems to help to keep them strong.


My guess is that many Wildlife Centers would euthanize because this case is 1) very severe and 2) to prevent transmission to other squirrels.:(

I think that if you can offer him healthy food like some HHBs and put out a little bowl of fresh water daily under his tree that would be a start. If he could be captured, then he could be tried on antivirals and/or the CAOH solution. Before attempting to capture him, I would have a plan in place for him. Can you keep him for a while? Do you know a local rehabber who is willing too treat? Talk with a wildlife center and ask them what they would do if you brought this squirrel in? Show them pictures.

Then you can decide if there is a reasonable plan and whether you should trap him or not.

I feel like that case is very severe and his ability to eat as well as his vision may be compromised so he probably does not have much time left. :(

I hate Pox, it is such an ugly and terrible disease. It is possible that he recovers on his own but not likely IMHO. I wish I had some better advice, maybe other members here will have some ideas.

[island rehabber]

Unfortunately, I have seen the best of the best, especially in Florida, try to cure squirrels of the dreaded pox.....with little or no success. If you can catch the animal when it has less than 8-10 lesions, a course of valacyclovir (Valtrex) will halt the progress of the pox and the squirrel survives. Once it is as advanced as this poor boy, I'm afraid I have to be a hard-liner and say that euthanasia is the greatest gift you could give him. :( Sorry.