Urgent: Is this Pox?

[JLM27]

This looks like pox but then again doesn't. It's been going on for at least two months and keeps getting worse. The lumps are for the most part not open, but retain the fur. This is why I'm not sure whether it is pox or a parasite.
261679261680

[JLM27]

261681

[UDoWhat]

It certainly looks like it. Are there any other squirrels with a similar condition?

[island rehabber]

It does....:(

[JLM27]

No. Isn't pox usually pink and open?

What can I do about it?

[HRT4SQRLS]

No. Isn't pox usually pink and open?

What can I do about it?

I agree that it definitely does look like pox...no doubt in my mind.
As far as what you can do, here is a link..

http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=906746

Basically, you need to support them with food and water and keep the feeding platform clean. If they are to survive, their own immune system will conquer the disease. There is nothing that you can do as far as treatment. Taking a wild squirrel in to treat with antivirals that IMO do not work, hastens their death. When they are in this weakened state, the stress of captivity is the final straw. I have seen a few cases on this board where wild squirrels with pox do survive if supported. I can't remember any adult wild squirrels with advanced pox that survived when taken in for treatment.

[Nancy in New York]

JLM27 read this. :hug
Great immune booster, you should pick some up.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?38915-What-saved-my-pox-squirrels&highlight=

[JLM27]

Nancy, I got some and I am putting it in his water, which I keep separate from the water for the others. I put it in theirs, too. He is such a sweetie. It's breaking my heart.

[Nancy in New York]

Nancy, I got some and I am putting it in his water, which I keep separate from the water for the others. I put it in theirs, too. He is such a sweetie. It's breaking my heart.

:hug:Love_Icon:hug
It's so difficult watching a loved friend who is sick.
I'm so sorry for both of you.

I just remembered.
PM CritterMom, she successfully treated some wild squirrels in her yard that had pox.

[Rocky1]

Looks like it's time for those near "The Cradle of Liberty" to be very careful about doing things that could spread viruses among wilds. For example, I am going to make sure that instead of putting a bunch of nuts out in one bowl, I am going to spread out the nuts. I may find a way to put out running water, like a sprinkler or hose, rather than a dish of water. I think "The Cradle of Liberty" is Boston, near me. Ugh.

The antiviral treatment is Acyclovir fast asap, but as someone already mentioned, keeping wilds in captivity can be very problematic*. See post #3 here, http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?23884-pox-medication

Per post #3 in the link above:
"ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir) Suspension -- THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED; TABLETS ARE NOT VERY SOLUBLE IN WATER"
The acyclovir suspension has 200mg per each 5 ml of suspension - If you have a different concentration, you will need to adjust the dose.

The dose is 20 mg per kg of body weight. 1 kg is roughly 2 lb
so that's:
10 mg per 1 lb
5 mg per 1/2 lb
2.5 mg for 1/4 lb

(*How problematic capturing and keeping a wild can be, or usually is/isn't, is something for rehabs to explain.)

[Rocky1]

Looks like it's time for those near "The Cradle of Liberty" to be very careful about doing things that could spread viruses among wilds. For example, I am going to make sure that instead of putting a bunch of nuts out in one bowl, I am going to spread out the nuts. I may find a way to put out running water, like a sprinkler or hose, rather than a dish of water. I think "The Cradle of Liberty" is Boston, near me. Ugh.

The antiviral treatment is Acyclovir fast asap, but as someone already mentioned, keeping wilds in captivity can be very problematic*. See post #3 here, http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?23884-pox-medication

Per post #3 in the link above:
"ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir) Suspension -- THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED; TABLETS ARE NOT VERY SOLUBLE IN WATER"
The acyclovir suspension has 200mg per each 5 ml of suspension - If you have a different concentration, you will need to adjust the dose.

The dose is 20 mg per kg of body weight. 1 kg is roughly 2 lb
so that's:
10 mg per 1 lb
5 mg per 1/2 lb
2.5 mg for 1/4 lb




(*How problematic capturing and keeping a wild can be, or usually is/isn't, is something for rehabs to explain.)


Can someone confirm the frequency of these doses? For example: Is it 10mg four times a day for a 1lb squirrel? What is the two times a day dose for a 1lb squirrel?

[JLM27]

Yes, I am trying to keep his nuts and water separate from the others. I am also changing the water frequently and sanitizing the bowls between changes. He has his own bowl. I don't put any nuts I give him that he doesn't eat back in the jar, but give them to the bluejays. I like the idea of scattering the nuts, but we have rats, so it's not something I can do here. They come in my window to get their treats when I am here. I'm going to cut way back for a while.


Looks like it's time for those near "The Cradle of Liberty" to be very careful about doing things that could spread viruses among wilds. For example, I am going to make sure that instead of putting a bunch of nuts out in one bowl, I am going to spread out the nuts. I may find a way to put out running water, like a sprinkler or hose, rather than a dish of water. I think "The Cradle of Liberty" is Boston, near me. Ugh.

The antiviral treatment is Acyclovir fast asap, but as someone already mentioned, keeping wilds in captivity can be very problematic*. See post #3 here, http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?23884-pox-medication

Per post #3 in the link above:
"ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir) Suspension -- THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED; TABLETS ARE NOT VERY SOLUBLE IN WATER"
The acyclovir suspension has 200mg per each 5 ml of suspension - If you have a different concentration, you will need to adjust the dose.

The dose is 20 mg per kg of body weight. 1 kg is roughly 2 lb
so that's:
10 mg per 1 lb
5 mg per 1/2 lb
2.5 mg for 1/4 lb

(*How problematic capturing and keeping a wild can be, or usually is/isn't, is something for rehabs to explain.)

[Rocky1]

Yes, I am trying to keep his nuts and water separate from the others. I am also changing the water frequently and sanitizing the bowls between changes. He has his own bowl. I don't put any nuts I give him that he doesn't eat back in the jar, but give them to the bluejays. I like the idea of scattering the nuts, but we have rats, so it's not something I can do here. They come in my window to get their treats when I am here. I'm going to cut way back for a while.

If this is pox, then to my understanding, it will spread like wildfire and everyone in the area who is aware of it (not just you) should do what they can do to keep it from spreading. I think you live near me too based on the description, "Cradle of Liberty."

[JLM27]

I would like you to know how heart-wrenching this is. My pox boy has a little buddy who has been with him for a few months. He does not show signs of the pox and he is a beautiful sleek cinnamon colored juvie. He adores the pox boy. He is always with him, plays and wrestles with him, and grooms him all the time. He is absolutely in love with his friend. There is nothing I can do about this. I watch them in my tree and the elm next door. This little guy is very shy. He waits until his sick friend is through getting his treats and treated water, then he comes in and takes maybe two or three nuts, but only if I don't move. One move from me and he's gone back to his buddy's side and the two off them run off together.

It just breaks my heart to see how much he loves his buddy and is so innocent about the risks he is taking being with him all the time.

Now Rocky1, I know you are very nervous about this situation. However, I will not abandon these boys or my other guys. I have cut down on the treats they have access to. I am controlling who touches what if it is coming from me. They spend most of the day somewhere else, I know not where. CritterMom is sending me some help. It should be here tomorrow and I will try to treat him and maybe his buddy.

It is my understanding that this disease is spread by insect bites, not by lips touching nuts. I am doing everything I can to remove standing water in the vicinity and have spread diatomaceous earth around my yard. I have been spraying as well. I have been treating all of them with ivermectin to eliminate mange. Tomorrow I will take down both nest boxes and probably throw them away. These guys live out in the wild. We don't control the wild. All I can do is practice good sanitation as best I can.

If anyone has suggestions for getting rid of fleas on them and in the environment, I would like to hear it. I hate spreading poison around, but I will do what is necessary.

[Rocky1]

To provide hope but not information (skip this post #15 if in a hurry)

Uplifting story from 2008 in the following link. I am not aware of any new news in this story (nothing that that would be new to 2015 anyway). It is here in case you want to read something uplifting on this topic. (Be aware that the information in the beginning of this story is antiquated/OLD. This IS, by my understanding the story of how treatment for pox began to come into existence.) You may skip to the end to see that it ends well.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?10163-Support-Needed-Squirrel-Pox-Outbreak&highlight=nystop

[Rocky1]

Personally, I would NOT spread diatomaceous earth. My concern is about that causing injury to paws (cutting them and potentially making it easier for the virus to enter in addition to injury concerns).

As far as food is concerned, I would love for them to still get fed if that's possible, without drawing them in to very close proximity of one another where they would be touching one another (that close). Spreading food out might help.

As far as water is concerned, my first choice would be for a source of running water (hose or sprinkler) as any viral particles should get washed away, yet they would all still get water in this very hot month.

I know this may go without saying, but be extremely careful about cross-contamination... Lots of hand washing, etc.

[stepnstone]

I will not abandon these boys or my other guys.
:bowdown...:grouphug



If anyone has suggestions for getting rid of fleas on them and in the environment, I would like to hear it.
Both Diatomaceous earth and Ivermectin will kill fleas.
DE is also very safe for the environment and wildlife.

[Rocky1]

:bowdown...:grouphug


Both Diatomaceous earth and Ivermectin will kill fleas.
DE is also very safe for the environment and wildlife.

Really, I thought DE was sharp and could cut paws? (Edit: Some websites, now that I look into this say it doesn't hurt dog and cat paws... I'm still skeptical. Who can confirm this is okay for squirrels when it is on the ground?)

Also/FYI: Read ingredients carefully if and when buying DE (Diatomaceous earth) as some has poisons mixed for pest control. I bought some a while back that appeared to be pure DE, but after reading the fine print on the package, I learned that there was more in it than I bargained for.

[stepnstone]

Really, I thought DE was sharp and could cut paws?
Microscopically it has sharp edges... to a flea.
Many of us use or have used it, not a complaint I've ever heard of or have ever experienced
myself from it's use among any animal species I've used it on or around.

Edit: Making sure it's food grade Diatomaceous earth is what one needs to look for when purchasing.

[CritterMom]

OK, I think you guys are missing something. Squirrel fibroma requires a vector - the mosquito. Squirrel A does not give Squirrel B the pox directly. A mosquito would have to bite Squirrel A, then bite Squirrel B.

Last year I had pox pop up in my HERD of outdoor squirrels. I have an outdoor feeder on my back porch with hanging aerial walkways and I have a ton of squirrels that visit the "cafe." I was absolutely horrified. Were they ALL going to get sick and die? I was able to identify six animals that had it - from one that was quite bad like this squirrel to ones that had only one or two lesions. I started dosing all of them with acyclovir. I closed the cafe in order that I could sit out there in the morning with my dosed "medicine balls" and get them into the right squirrels while tossing regular food to the others. Once my 6 got their meds, the cafe was re-opened for the day.

The pox squirrels mixed freely with the healthy ones, eating from the same pile of food and drinking from the same water source (which was also treated with echinacea). Not one other squirrel got symptoms. All of my six survived and got better, even the little one with all of the bumps.

So it is contagious but not squirrel to squirrel. If you could eradicate the mosquito population you would do a lot more toward getting rid of this disease... Don't bury pox boy's little buddy yet.

[pappy1264]

Just seeing this. Jill, best thing you can do is work to keep mosquitos away, as stated, that is how pox is spread (which is why newborn squirrels can get it). Get rid of any standing water, so mosquitos cannot breed. Put some marigolds around, also some citronella, anything that will keep mosquitos away from your general area as much as possible. I am glad you are doing the immune booster. Praying for your little friend.

[Rocky1]

Last time I checked, Shaws in Porter Square was selling Citronella... I'm ready to start a small orchard on my balcony and put trimmings near the bases of trees for added protection.

[JLM27]

Just seeing this. Jill, best thing you can do is work to keep mosquitos away, as stated, that is how pox is spread (which is why newborn squirrels can get it). Get rid of any standing water, so mosquitos cannot breed. Put some marigolds around, also some citronella, anything that will keep mosquitos away from your general area as much as possible. I am glad you are doing the immune booster. Praying for your little friend.
Thanks, Mary. My pox boy came by today, looked in the window at me, sat in the tree for a while, then left. This time of year there is a walnut tree around here somewhere that they all disappear to. Their mouths get a brown stain around the lips. Then they all come back.
CritterMom sent me some medicine balls, but of course he didn,'t come in for treats today. I was here from 9 AM to 12 AM and from 4:30 PM to present. I close up at 7:30 or 8 depending on what I am reading or doing. He still may come in, but I've been abandoned this afternoon. :para

[Rocky1]

Thanks, Mary. My pox boy came by today, looked in the window at me, sat in the tree for a while, then left. This time of year there is a walnut tree around here somewhere that they all disappear to. Their mouths get a brown stain around the lips. Then they all come back.
CritterMom sent me some medicine balls, but of course he didn,'t come in for treats today. I was here from 9 AM to 12 AM and from 4:30 PM to present. I close up at 7:30 or 8 depending on what I am reading or doing. He still may come in, but I've been abandoned this afternoon. :para


PROBLEM- see quote above

OP, do you have a quiet tempurature controlled pleasant place to put a squirrel for a month or two while he recovers? I'm leaning toward the idea of trapping and giving medicine balls 4x a day (or which ever dose is currently recommended). This is just from reading up on pox. I'm not a rehab so I'm curious to hear what they have to say.

[stepnstone]

OP, do you have a quiet tempurature controlled pleasant place to put a squirrel for a month or two while he recovers? I'm leaning toward the idea of trapping and giving medicine balls 4x a day (or which ever dose is currently recommended). This is just from reading up on pox. I'm not a rehab so I'm curious to hear what they have to say.



Taking a wild squirrel in to treat with antivirals that IMO do not work, hastens their death. When they are in this weakened state, the stress of captivity is the final straw. I have seen a few cases on this board where wild squirrels with pox do survive if supported. I can't remember any adult wild squirrels with advanced pox that survived when taken in for treatment.

I have to agree with HRT on the stress factor, really can do more harm then good with the wilds.
I've even seen where really terrible abscesses when treated in the wild heal so much faster then those in captivity.

[Rocky1]

I would like to provide a link that I found helpful to anyone who doesn't already know about it, http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?165-Squirrel-Pox

Additionally, I would like to draw attention back to post #23 in case anyone has a solution to that urgent problem of not taking medicine due to walnut tree.

[stepnstone]

This time of year there is a walnut tree around here somewhere that they all disappear to. Their mouths get a brown stain around the lips. Then they all come back.


, I would like to draw attention back to post #23 in case anyone has a solution to that urgent problem of not taking medicine due to walnut tree.

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/confused/confused-face-smiley-emoticon.gif
Unless she just wants to take out her frustration by tracking that tree down and
kicking it in it's bark I see no solution (or problem) with that life sustaining tree...
When he comes back around she can begin treating him.

[JLM27]

Well, he came in today and absolutely refused to eat the medicine balls CM SENT. so, ... now I have to try to put together some meds in his favorite pecan/almond flavor. I will do a dose tonight and see if he takes it. He looks worse. His buddy is still symptom free. I have been policing the neighborhood for skeeter pools, but I read that fleas can pass it too.

[Rocky1]

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/confused/confused-face-smiley-emoticon.gif
Unless she just wants to take out her frustration by tracking that tree down and
kicking it in it's bark I see no solution (or problem) with that life sustaining tree...
When he comes back around she can begin treating him.



Thing is, in the link in post #26 (that area of the forum), I read many threads and while there are exceptions, it seems that most cases of pox are fatal if not treated with acyclovir early, adequately, and on schedule (without regularly missing doses). Furthermore, I doubt that this is exclusively spread, if spread at all, by mosquitoes or fleas. I don't think the methods by which pox is spread has been researched or looked enough to form a reliable conclusion. (To set the record straight, while I am thorough by nature, I was never "worrying" as cited in a previous post in this thread. And I never said anything about "burying" pox boy which was inaccurately attributed to me above. At this stage, I disagree with that notion... So hopefully the this clears the air.) For the sake of the squirrel, from herein, I am going to provide ideas and information that I feel is in the squirrels (rather than getting into a generalized debate about pox, etc.). No matter what is said...

So far, the solutions to issue in post #23 are:
-Taking the squirrel in.
-Chopping down the tree, per quote above.
-Doing nothing.
-Making medicine tastier.
(I suspect that this is not an exhaustive list and that more ideas are possible.)

[stepnstone]

Unless she just wants to take out her frustration by tracking that tree down and
kicking it in it's bark I see no solution (or problem) with that life sustaining tree...
When he comes back around she can begin treating him.



So far, the solutions to issue in post #23 are:
-Taking the squirrel in.
-Chopping down the tree, per quote above.
-Doing nothing.
-Making medicine tastier.
(I suspect that this is not an exhaustive list and that more ideas are possible.)

You'll have to excuse my sense of humor if it offends you however... the word was "tracking."
Nothing was said about "chopping" any tree down. ~sheeze http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/facepalm-smiley-emoticon.gif

[Rocky1]

Another idea:

-If possible, being at the walnut tree bright and early (sunrise) and sitting out there until pox boy shows up. Then offering extra delectable medicine balls right then and there!

I would be willing to do that. However, I understand that jobs, obligations, health, neighbors, etc. may not allow. Other squirrels may also try to steal them.

[JLM27]

Oh I don't know where it is, Rocky1. We have many many trees and wooded places around here.

[JLM27]

Update: I finally got a good dose in him this evening. How? I drilled a hole in a shelled almond, stuffed in the acyclovir added a drop of VERY expensive honey and plugged it up with homemade almond butter. He did sniff and look at it halfway through, but I held my breath, and he finished it. Then he ran out into the tree and he and his buddy groomed each other.
Up again tomorrow morning to try to get another one in him.

[pappy1264]

Good thinking!!!:dance

[JLM27]

Now I only have to do 10 more.:shakehead

[stepnstone]

Update: I finally got a good dose in him this evening. How? I drilled a hole in a shelled almond, stuffed in the acyclovir added a drop of VERY expensive honey and plugged it up with homemade almond butter. He did sniff and look at it halfway through, but I held my breath, and he finished it. Then he ran out into the tree and he and his buddy groomed each other.
Up again tomorrow morning to try to get another one in him.

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/gimme-five-smiley-emoticon.gif Good job! :thumbsup

[JLM27]

Well, some of his lesions are now open and it truly looks gross. He got two doses yesterday. He looks skinnier, but he is a juvie and is still growing and it has been as hot as hades here. All I can do is keep on getting the medication in him as long as I can.
I have now figured out I can make a paste of the dose, spread it on top of a pecan so it gets in the cracks, let it dry and then seal it with a drop or two of honey.

[Nancy in New York]

Well, some of his lesions are now open and it truly looks gross. He got two doses yesterday. He looks skinnier, but he is a juvie and is still growing and it has been as hot as hades here. All I can do is keep on getting the medication in him as long as I can.
I have now figured out I can make a paste of the dose, spread it on top of a pecan so it gets in the cracks, let it dry and then seal it with a drop or two of honey.

Your doing great. I so hope he keeps coming around for his meds. :hug

[island rehabber]

:bowdown Jill :bowdown

[JLM27]

I got two doses in him yesterday and two doses today. He only comes once a day, so he gets the double dose all at one time. It's hard to tell how he is doing. I am trying to keep track of any new lesions, but they go through a stage of being hidden in the fur for a while before they burst open, so then I cant tell if they were there and just hidden, or new ones. He is still lively, playing and eating. It is 90 degrees here and stifling. The squirrels are zonked out in shady breezy treetops not doing much of anything, and they are coming over here only once per day.
Does anyone have any ideas about valcyclovir? Would it be an alternative drug to acyclovir? Someone gave me a large bottle.

[Rocky1]

I got two doses in him yesterday and two doses today. He only comes once a day, so he gets the double dose all at one time. It's hard to tell how he is doing. I am trying to keep track of any new lesions, but they go through a stage of being hidden in the fur for a while before they burst open, so then I cant tell if they were there and just hidden, or new ones. He is still lively, playing and eating. It is 90 degrees here and stifling. The squirrels are zonked out in shady breezy treetops not doing much of anything, and they are coming over here only once per day.
Does anyone have any ideas about valcyclovir? Would it be an alternative drug to acyclovir? Someone gave me a large bottle.

My personal opinion is to stick with acyclovir. Without getting into complicated details, changing medications can give the virus an advantage to get ahead. Pox is terribly aggressive. If at all possible, stick with acyclovir.

(Valcyclovir may be better than nothing or a non-antiviral, but is NOTHING compared to acyclovir. This takes into consideration the fact that acyclovir is what is already being used in this situation with "pox boy," and the fact that acyclovir has been found to be most effective against pox since 2008 overall considering all the threads I've read on the pox specific section of this website - and believe I have read dozens of threads.)

[JLM27]

Update: his skin looks better, but he himself is looking scrawny. It has been over 90 degrees here, and everyone kind of looks scrawny, but he is not eating nuts like he used to. Then again no one is because they are out pigging out on something that makes their mouths brown.

The little stinker came in and ate the pecan down to about half (which means he got half a dose) and the almond down to just where the medicine was, which means he got no dose. I'm tearing my hair.

On top of that, school begins on Saturday and I will be leaving here at 1 PM every day. He comes around between 4 PM and 6 PM. So, after two more days, that's it.
He used to come around in the morning, but now he does not. So, I'm going to have to give it to God. There is no one here to take my place.:sadness

[lennysmom]

Oh goodness JLM27, I'm sorry you are having so much difficulty getting the meds into your little wild friend. :( I have never dealt with pox before, but it looks awful and I'm sure you are worried about him. How many more days is he supposed to be on the medicine now? Giving Lenny meds in the wild proved to be tricky at times too - he would do the same thing and only eat part of the laced nut. I had some success using peanut butter. I always just prayed he got enough in him to do some good. I too have had to give things like this to God and trust Him to take care of things out of my control.. it's not always easy, I know.:grouphug But I do believe God cares about the little animals He created and I find great comfort in that. I will pray that your buddy makes a full recovery.

[JLM27]

Thank you for understanding and for your compassion on my plight and the little one's plight. Tomorrow and Friday I will try to get as much of the medicine in him as possible. He doesn't like peanut butter, He doesn't like almond butter. He doesn't like avocado. He does like walnuts, so I will try to conceal it on the walnuts as well as the pecans.
I'll try to get a picture of him too. He used to be almost fat. He has lost so much weight in the last few days. I really think I am losing him. I waited too long, hoping it was not pox.

[island rehabber]

Thank you for understanding and for your compassion on my plight and the little one's plight. Tomorrow and Friday I will try to get as much of the medicine in him as possible. He doesn't like peanut butter, He doesn't like almond butter. He doesn't like avocado. He does like walnuts, so I will try to conceal it on the walnuts as well as the pecans.
I'll try to get a picture of him too. He used to be almost fat. He has lost so much weight in the last few days. I really think I am losing him. I waited too long, hoping it was not pox.

Jill, I'm so sorry too that you're dealing with this. If the tried and true PB, almond butter and avocado won't work, how about a nice big cherry or a nice blueberry, laced with meds? I rarely meet a squirrel who doesn't love both of those things.

PS: the things they are pigging out on that make their mouths brown are black walnuts. :)

[JLM27]

This guy is PICKY! I had a loaded hazel nut for him tonight with a dab of sweetened hazelnut butter on it. He picked it up for two seconds and threw it down!
Good news, though. He did eat the whole walnut half that had two doses in it. Then he sniffed the pecans and almonds and left. But. . . hooray! Another day another dose! His lesions are looking better. They are scabbing up and getting smaller. His buddy (this is gross) jumps on his back, holds him down and grooms his scabs off of him. I did not get a picture, as I was too busy holding my breath and praying.

Maybe he will make it, but unless he starts coming in the morning, tomorrow night is it!
Maura, what kind of cherry. I'll try anything. They turn their noses up at blueberries.

[JLM27]

Well, it's 5:42 PM and he hasn't shown up, although I'm pretty sure I saw his buddy. I am disappointed, but as I said, "Let go and let God". He is a wild boy who is in his own hands and those of God aka Mother Nature. I hope I gave him a chance.

[CritterMom]

Skipping a day won't wreck everything...

Have you tried...Nutella?

[JLM27]

Update: he came in at about 7 PM (I kinda waited for him) and maybe got a whole dose as he ate half of one loaded nut and half of another. Seems as soon as he detects the medicine, he throws it down in disgust. I can't even taste it, though. It's not like Baytril. His condition still seems to be improving but he is pretty skinny. He is running in the trees, though. Tomorrow I start school.

[JLM27]

Good News: He came in this morning and dutifully took his medicine. What a good boy!

[pappy1264]

Good boy!!!:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

Good News: He came in this morning and dutifully took his medicine. What a good boy!

:bliss:bliss

Fantastic News!!!!!!!!!!! :bliss

[JLM27]

The booger came again this morning and ate his dosed walnut. Then, before I could react, he grabbed another one and ran off with it! I didn't even have a chance to try to get a picture. So today he got two doses. Seems like he likes blue agave syrup more than honey. He is still very energetic, but scrawny looking.

[pappy1264]

Hey, at least he keeps coming! Just keep doing as you are.:Love_Icon

[JLM27]

Hey, at least he keeps coming! Just keep doing as you are.:Love_Icon

Thanks, Pappy.

[JLM27]

Got his dose this morning, but he is not staying to pig out like he used to. On the other hand his buddy came in and got up his courage to come over to take a pecan. however, he grabbed my big toe instead of the nut. I'm sure as soon as he put his little pink tongue on it he knew what a dreadful mistake he made. Pox Boy's scabs are drying up. Maybe I should name them?

[lennysmom]

Oh yay, I'm so happy to hear he has been taking his meds like a good boy! :w00t A great answer to prayer! :thumbsup Yes, perhaps he needs a name.. hate to keep thinking of him a pox boy. Glad you finally found something the little picky guy likes. :)

[JLM27]

Today he ate his dosed walnut plus a few other shelled nuts. I took some pictures, but they are not too good. If I can I will upload them from my phone. His left side and rear end look better, but I don't like his right shoulder, and he still has the old lesions on his belly although they are dark and flat, not red. Does this disease leave scars?

[CritterMom]

Eventually he will grow fur over everything but it can take a while. They itch, so they scratch them and frequently slow the healing.

At this point, is he popping any new pox sores? If not, and you are seeing them dry up, it sounds like he is on the mend. Mostly the acyclovir seems to just interrupt the replication of the virus and the immune system then has to move in and mop up.

The nice thing is that it should also give him immunity to pox in the future.

[JLM27]

I'm not seeing any new ones, but he is skittish. A liitle "flash" these days.