New squirrel pox problem- please advise...

[mommy2kc]

I have been talking with hazel and also chris from squirrels and more.com about the pox. I am sorry to start a new thread, but wanted some advice asap and wasn't sure if it would be seen on the old one. If needed refer to new babies/new mommy for history.

Cracker is now 55g, he has done great until today when the pox under his tail has crept up around his rectum. He was able to pass stool this am, but none since. This is very unusual for him as he usually poops each feed and he is a hefty pooper. He has not pooped the past 3 feeds.

Around his rectum is thick hyperkeratotic like skin (the pox). I have soaked his bum in warm water, I am not sure if it is closed?

please help!!!

[Apple Corps]

Are you confident that he has squirrel pox? Important to make sure we are dealing with the proper diagnosis - please do tell us a bit more about the situation.

[mommy2kc]

Are you confident that he has squirrel pox? Important to make sure we are dealing with the proper diagnosis - please do tell us a bit more about the situation.


Please review the post new babies/ new mommy, all the info is in that, it a lot to re-type. :) There are photo's as well....

I would love more help on this matter. If you have any other ideas on what it is... Please let me know.

kristi

[Apple Corps]

Will do...

[Apple Corps]

Some info:

http://www.squirrel-rehab.org/rehabinfo/fibroma.shtml

[mommy2kc]

Some info:

http://www.squirrel-rehab.org/rehabinfo/fibroma.shtml


Thanks, I have read this it is a great article, but what do you think about the fact that he hasn't pooped since this am and the skin on his rectum is thinkened and hard?? do you think it could be obstructed due to swelling? If so, what can I do?

kristi

[Mars]

Hi

This may be a long shot but it's the best I can come up with at the moment. I have read on another list of using preperation H on leasons in Avian pox. I have been searching but can't put may hands on the postings from the archives. I'm thinking it may help ease the inflamation.

[mommy2kc]

That sounds like a great idea...long shot or not!

FYI...my husband is trying to potty him now....again....

kristi

[Apple Corps]

Another article - basically limited use of antivirals in vet practice

http://faculty.swosu.edu/scott.long/vtph/vpavrls.htm


My best guess - and that is all it is - would be that his anus is probably not swollen shut to the point where he could not poop - especially if the stool is loose. The lesions sit on top of the skin and poop would probably work it way out.

With a viral infection there is only so much that can be done. Have you been able to do a close examination yet to see if he is swollen shut or not?

[mommy2kc]

:wott

Cracker pooped!!! I gave him a small water enema...seriously. He pooped immediatly a lot! The stool was soft, yellow.

OK... i can sleep tonight knowing he is not obstructed.

By looking at the pics....does everyone agree squirrel pox?

:wahoo Poop dance here!!

kristi

[LynninIN]

Hi

This may be a long shot but it's the best I can come up with at the moment. I have read on another list of using preperation H on leasons in Avian pox. I have been searching but can't put may hands on the postings from the archives. I'm thinking it may help ease the inflamation.
That sounds like a great idea. It has an anti-inflammatory and a local anesthetic in it.

Cracker was lucky to be found by a nurse. :thumbsup Poopie dance. :banana

Yes, after looking it up and seeing all the pics, I agree it's squirrel pox.

[Buddy'sMom]

:thumbsup :multi :multi :multi POOP!! (it's so funny how EXCITED we get around here sometimes for POOP! :D )

I'm not a rehabber but just wanted to say that you are getting advice from very experienced people! :bowdown :bowdown :bowdown Chris knows as much about squirrels as ANYONE, anywhere -- and more than most. Hazel is relatively new to the Board but quite experienced and knowledgeable. Mars is one of our very experienced and knowledgeable rehabbers. You have come to the right place and can rely on them for help. :) :)

Our thoughts are with you, hoping his condition improves!!
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[4skwerlz]

Mommy2Kc, So sorry about your babies. I know it's really frightening. I personally have a lot of faith in the immune building remedies that have been recommended. If I were you and could get my hands on an antiviral, I would also try that.

Okay, here's a crazy idea for you about that anal lesion. That is the worrisome one. It strikes me that these lesions are similar to warts, which are of course also viral in nature. Well, what does the doctor do when you have a bad wart???? Just an idea, just in case.

[Mars]

One more idea. Now this one is so far out of the box that I know it has not been tried so heaven knows if it will work. I keep a tube of the plain old origanal Crest tooth paste (no bells or whistles) around for canker sores. A dab rubbed into the lesion will dry them up ussually within 12 to 24 hours. Now I realise we are talking about two different viruses but can not think of any harm in trying it. If anyone else can please speak up. :)

[thundersquirrel]

umm....does toothpaste burn at all?

that's my only concern....i don't know about you guys but that "winter fresh" leaves my mouth pretty ZiNgY.

[mommy2kc]

Ok just home for lunch and wanted to thank everyone for the advice.:thankyou

I stopped at the store and got some prep H ointment. I am going to hold off, but have it on hand if needed.

Crest TP...interesting, I don't see any harm in trying this. Anyone object? Of course, no bells and whistles...no zing for these babies... :nono

I am sad to say, no delivery of meds today. Crossing my fingers for tomorrow.

Just and update...Cracker pooped again today. Yippee!

The babies are doing good. I will keep you all posted.

If anyone finds more squirrel pox info or has suggestions...Please let me know!

I am also wondering if anyone knows of any members from Oregon. I have not been in contact w/ a rehabber from my area or vet from my area.

Thanks,

Kristi :wave123

[Apple Corps]

mommy2kc - a good news report with this condition really is good news.

Getting contacted by a local rehabber might be nice (depending on the rehabber) - but your dedication, experience, and benefit of this TSB virtual rehabber might be hard to beat :-)

Keep up the great work.

[mommy2kc]

Just wanted to check in and let you all know babies are doing GREAT! Cracker has another new pox on his front paw. Oliver still only has one pox.

These squirrels are soooooo cute. I can't stop kissing their furry little heads. Their little tails are getting so furry and soft. I can't believe how much I think about them in a day!!

When we feed Oliver he wags his tail a lot, more than Cracker. Does this mean anything?

Kristi

[thundersquirrel]

i'm so happy to hear that! :wahoo
thank you for letting us know how they are.

the tail wagging is just a reflex thing that some babies do. when they're that young, they're muscles are very unstable, and it sounds like he's trying to use his tail to keep balance. it's good exercise! :)

[Apple Corps]

mommy2kc - are they on the anti-viral med?

Good news - so happy to hear that - keep us posted :jump :jump

[mommy2kc]

I received DMG from Chris today and started them on one small drop/day. Dosage was determined by Chris.

Acyclovir should be here today at 4:30. I will start ASAP.

I am afraid Cracker is going to loos a front claw. It is where he has a pox. It is not looking infected, but it looks loose.

kristi

[Apple Corps]

mommy2kc - any updates ? Hope the anti-viral med made it in - we are all praying for a positive outcome - and there is a better than 50/50 chance we will get that with your TLC in action :bowdown

[mommy2kc]

Hi guys!

Babies are doing soooooo goood!! Babies have been on DMG since Friday. And GREAT news....Oliver's pox is GONE! YES....GONE. It flaked off Saturday. I am only treating him w/ DMG, as he has never developed more than one pox and it has since resolved. I am going to continue DMG for him.

Cracker started Acyclovir Friday evening. His pox under his tail became very crusty and after a good soak, some of it came right off. Skin underneath was intact and is healing well. All his other pox are unchanged. His pox on his front foot is going to cause his nail to fall off. In fact it is almost off now. He is tolerating meds VERY well.

They both are gaining weight...Oliver 65g, Cracker 70g. I think they are almost 4wks now, I am hoping their eyes open soon! They are SOOOO cute....I love them to pieces!

Hope all is well for you ALL! I will keep you updated. I am going to be moving this week, so it may be hectic. I will have my puter down from Friday until.....well it is hooked back up....I am hoping for Monday or Tuesday. If any problems I will post from my parents house.

First pic is Oliver, Second is Cracker. Cracker is much darker and larger than Oliver. He always has been. They are both sooooo handsome!!

Thanks so much for caring so much!!

[hazel]

They're handsome big boys now!
mommy2kc is doing a GREAT job with these babies. (Mr. mommy2kc deserves some credit, too! LOL) :alright.gif

[jules]

I am so pleased that Oliver and Cracker are doing so well. They look wonderful!

Well done!:thumbsup

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Apple Corps]

Thanks for all your hard work - we know it is really a "labor of love" for all of us owned by these lil creatures :owned

They are soooooo CUTE :jump :jump

[Mars]

:thumbsup :Love_Icon :thumbsup

[mommy2kc]

Just wanted to let you all know before my puter is down for the weekend that Oli and Cracker are both doing GREAT! Cracker's pox are drying up and flaking off! He is doing GREAT on the meds!

They are now 85 and 90g. They are eating like champs...and boy can they pee and pee and pee......well you all know!

We found them 4wks ago today. It seems like just yesterday, well not at night then it feels like months...


thanks for all the great advice! I look forward to hanging around for awhile. Hope you don't mind! :wave123

:thankyou

[Mars]

:jump :multi :jump Wonderful News. Thank you.

[Apple Corps]

mommy2kc - great news and we invite you to stay around for a Loooong Time
:jump :jump :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo mjs mjs

[jules]

Please hang around for as long as you want...your most :Welcome

We want to see more pics of Oliver and Cracker as they progress!:thumbsup

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Thats great news, Thanks to all your efforts!!