Need Help identifying markings on wild squirrel

[artsofeden]

I have this wild squirrel visiting the feeders for a few months now. I noticed hairless bumps on his head region and tried to take some pics of the markings. Some of them initially looked like they a small hole in the end leading me to think bots. But Im really not sure as my research leads me to thinking his bumps are not the right size. I have attached some pics of him. I cant seem to find the initial pics I took but these first ones are from May 22. Top of right ear and base of right ear...there is also another bump above the left eye. More pics taken on May 26 show his left eye looks enlarged and crusty now. Today he visited again and this time I see one just above the base of his tale, one on his arm but the large one at the base of the ear looks grey and healing? while the top of the ear looks bleeding. I would like to identify what it is and attempt to treat if I can.. (pictures posted backward of timeframe...first 2 are from today, middle 2 from May 26 and last 2 May 22)

[CritterMom]

Ugh. It looks like pox to me. If you can get your hands on acyclovir, which is a prescription anti-viral drug commonly used for herpes and also sometimes for chicken pox lesions in humans. It IS available on the internet OTC but I have no idea how that works for you in Canada.

If you cannot locate any, doing everything you can to boost his immune system would be a good idea. Add echinacea daily to their water - the contents of (1) 400cc capsule added to a gallon of water - make certain it is changed daily. Lots of HEALTHY food. If he is strong with a good immune system he may be able to shake it off but it is normally a pretty bad disease that progresses until they are covered with those nasty sores...

[crazy4squirrels]

Yes, looks like pox:shakehead

[artsofeden]

Oh my, well that is not good news. He is not a regular meaning he doesnt visit everyday and is one of many that visits my feeders. Even if I could get the meds, I have no way of making sure he gets any. I dont really feed the squirrels, they just visit my feeders and ponds. Is there anything that I should consider putting out for them that may ensure he is healthy enough to fight it? I live in the country surrounded by woods and a river so many squirrels frequent here... He is not the first to be suspected with this disease..I had one here maybe 2 seasons ago that was in very sad shape..

[CritterMom]

As I said, if you provide water for them on a regular basis - or if you put it out for birds and the squirrels drink it, you can add Echinacea to the water - it is available at drug and health food stores in capsule form. It is said to be an immune system booster and it will not hurt either the squirrels or the birds. My only caveat would be that you do need to change it out daily - you are adding organic material to water which will cause bacterial growth, so a fresh start daily is important. That and providing healthy foods for them is about all you can do without meds. They can be given once per day disguised in something delicious but you would need to be able to get it to the right squirrel.

[Daisey007]

Wow, that's really sad. :Love_Icon

Please do what you can for him. He's beautiful!

Good luck and bless you... :hug