View Full Version : Injured Wild Squirrel, not sure what happened to her
amox33
07-11-2016, 09:09 PM
Hello everyone! I've been feeding the squirrels in my backyard for while now, and I noticed this one today. She (I think) has some skin lesions I think, injuries around both her eyes, one may be missing :-/
She has an appetite still, but has difficulty eating anything with a shell. She gets around ok, if not slowly.
I hate seeing the little ones hurt, so I just want to know if there is anything I can do to help. It looks like she got into a fight, and I know if that's the case there probably isn't much I can do.
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TubeDriver
07-11-2016, 09:28 PM
That could be an injury but it also resembles Pox. :(
In either case, helping her with food and water would help her to keep up her strength. Did you notice this appearing over time or did it just appear one day?
amox33
07-11-2016, 09:42 PM
She just showed up a couple days ago, this is the first day I was able to get a good picture. I like to think I "know" most of the squirrels here, they all have their own personalities and such, but I'm afraid I don't know this one. I must have fed her before, she knows where to go for food.
UDoWhat
07-11-2016, 09:55 PM
This looks like it could be squirrel pox. It is extremely contagious. Do you see any of the other squirrels with these lumps in and around their eyes or other places on their bodies? Since it is a virus there is not a whole lot that can be done. Some rehabilitators have used a human drug called acyclovir. It is the generic name for "Zovirax". Acyclovir is used to shorten the duration of chicken pox, shingles and herpes in humans. It has been used with some success in squirrels with this condition. Supportive care is extremely important. Offer clean fresh water and easily available food to help lessen stress for your squirrels. There is a ton of information on this board about squirrel pox. I do hope this is just a fighting injury. Much easier to treat and help.
island rehabber
07-11-2016, 10:22 PM
I have to agree that does look like pox. She has a lesion on her right paw, as well, which is a typical place where they begin. :(
stepnstone
07-11-2016, 11:14 PM
I have to agree with it being Pox.
I wish she could be treated before it really blows up on her.
Unless it's the camera her right eye has that blue haze that
suggests she may also be blind in that eye too. :(
amox33
07-12-2016, 02:57 PM
This looks like it could be squirrel pox. It is extremely contagious. Do you see any of the other squirrels with these lumps in and around their eyes or other places on their bodies?
No, this is the only one that I've seen like this. Maybe its just me, but it seems the other squirrels "know" something is wrong and don't get too close.
I have to agree with it being Pox.
I wish she could be treated before it really blows up on her.
Unless it's the camera her right eye has that blue haze that
suggests she may also be blind in that eye too. :(
It does appear that way :-/ her eye does not look well. I don't know what I would do to catch her. I will just have to do my best to keep her fed.
redwuff
07-12-2016, 03:04 PM
Bless your heart for caring:grouphug
TubeDriver
07-12-2016, 03:25 PM
Assuming that is Pox, if you put out water for her, you should try to change out the water often. Giving her food will help her keep up her strength and hopfully she will be able to get better.
:grouphug
No, this is the only one that I've seen like this. Maybe its just me, but it seems the other squirrels "know" something is wrong and don't get too close.
It does appear that way :-/ her eye does not look well. I don't know what I would do to catch her. I will just have to do my best to keep her fed.
missPixy
07-12-2016, 04:05 PM
is it possible to "load" a walnut or something else with a dose of the acyclovir? I do this with my wilds with ivermectin when one looks especially mite-infested.
CritterMom
07-12-2016, 04:07 PM
is it possible to "load" a walnut or something else with a dose of the acyclovir? I do this with my wilds with ivermectin when one looks especially mite-infested.
It is a LONG treatment - can take 6-8 weeks or more of at least once daily doses, unlike the ivermectin. They can be dosed in the wild if they come every day and you have the ability to get the medicated food to the specific squirrel. You CAN treat them in the wild but it is hard work and requires a lot of time and dedication.
amox33
07-15-2016, 06:37 AM
Unfortunately, I don't see her everyday. All depends on the weather, if the neighbors are outside, etc. I have't even the faintest idea where she nests. I'll do my best to keep her healthy, hopefully her condition is not fatal.
I was never an "animal person" until I started feeding the squirrels at my new place, and they grow on you! Such friendly little ones, I hate to see them in pain.
squirrelfriend
07-17-2016, 12:09 PM
Thank you so much for caring about her. I hope she does well. They do grow on you don't they. For me it all started with one four week old tgat crawled up our driveway. Now I'm obsessed with them.
Please se keep us updated.
Shewhosweptforest
07-17-2016, 12:36 PM
Praying this baby can beat this :please
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