Pox in wild squirrels

[SarahBrez]

We have wild squirrels that visit our balcony on a quiet street near an urban area. Within the past week we have seen some of the younger squirrels develop lumps. Is there any treatment for pox in wild squirrels? I've read about echinacea treatment in water (we have a water dish out for them in summer heat). There are 3 young squirrels that we have seen develop lumps over the past week. We have about 8 squirrels total that visit our balcony (we can recognize each of them by their face and features). Only the young squirrels seem to be developing lumps quite quickly, no signs of lumps in the older squirrels. The older squirrels have been visiting us for over a year. The photos are of a a young squirrel we call Bright Eyes from a week ago with no lumps, and then this week with lumps on his paw, ears, and nose. Any help, advice, knowledge is appreciated!
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[Mel1959]

The only treatment we have heard of is by using a Rx drug called Acyclovir or Valacyclovir. I would be happy to send you a couple of Valacyclovir (Valtrex) pills if you send me your address in a private message. Someone on here will be able to help you reconstitute it and dose it once you get the pills. The best success with this dreadful disease is when treatment is started early. Others have also had good luck adding a product called CAOH Immune Barrier to the wild squirrels water in conjunction with the Acyclovir medicine. The CAOH is purchased online.

Thank you for trying to help these innocent cuties. :hug

[SarahBrez]

Can the Acyclovir be added to their water dish?- does it have any affects on other wildlife (birds, chipmunks that also drink/bath at our water dish?). I will look into the CAOH treatment for the water online as well! I read on a previous thread on this forum that echinacea tablets added to the water may work as well? I ask because I can purchase that immediately from a local vitamin shop while waiting for other treatments to ship. Thank you!

[Mel1959]

I'm not sure what the recommended way to dose the Acyclovir is. There are others on here that have treated wilds for pox. You could reach out to farm mom by private message. I believe she has treated squirrels for pox. Hopefully others that have some experience or know of someone Who has experience, will chime in.

[Spanky]

Adding the anti-virals (acyclovir or valacyclovir) will not be effective, the doses would have to be given directly to the affected squirrels daily for many days. Placing into a boo-ball is an option.

Can you get any pictures of the affected ones tummies and genital regions? I have not seen the ears affected like in these pics, but the paw sure resembles pox... not so much the ear. Usually it presents in the genitals, extremities (paws) and abdomens first.

[CritterMom]

The acyclovir can absolutely help but not in the water - you need to get the dose IN the squirrel. If they come to eat and are tame enough for you to toss a treat that is hiding meds every day to each squirrel with lumps, it can absolutely be done. But just setting food out or dosing the water won't do it. Is this a possibility for you?