Released squirrel showing signs of pox?

[Emmdano]

One of my boys that I released 2 years ago. Has shown up with wounds and swelling on his face that has been getting worse. It looks like it may be pox.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hello, there have been a few recent threads here on TSB for POX. Best advice is to start treatment early as possible to minimize the virus. There is a forum on TSB specific to POX.

That's beautiful squirrel and looks so happy. Please deal with POX early to save him the pain and suffering.

[Emmdano]

My friend was able to catch him while I was at work today. I called the vet to see if they would prescribe the medications for him but all they said they would do was put him to sleep. I ordered what I can get without a prescription. Hopefully he makes it the next three days while it is delivered.

[AlaskanSquirrelNeighbor]

One of my boys that I released 2 years ago. Has shown up with wounds and swelling on his face that has been getting worse. It looks like it may be pox.

Sad, but sweet that he would return to you after all that time in a time of need.

I don't know anything about pox in squirrels but I'm glad you're trying to help him. Hopefully it works. Even if you're unsuccessful, it's a service being there for him in the end and giving him a safe place.

[AlaskanSquirrelNeighbor]

Just did a tiny bit of research on Squirrel Pox. It appears it's not fatal to grey squirrels since they have built up immunity over many years. Hopefully that's the case here although I'm not sure if yours is a gray or not.

From the little I've read, it doesn't jump to humans which is good. We have something called Alaskapox up here that is in small mammals including squirrels and can jump to humans and killed one man here in 2024.

Taking care of wild animals always carries risks. I once found a poor raven on our trail who couldn't fly and took him/her home. He had Bird Flu and it really affected his brain beyond taking away his ability to fly. As in your case, the vets didn't offer any options other than euthanizing him. He drove with me for five hours in the truck in the passenger seat to the nearest city and a bird refuge and waited when I went in and confirmed what would happen to him if I gave him to them. He rode five hours back to the homestead with me. I made it as comfortable as I could for him but sadly he passed a few days later.

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But he had a safe place to be, spent time outside and came back inside when he wanted, enjoyed a feast with our squirrels (and they're not usually friends) and he had some enjoyable moments he wouldn't have had otherwise. There is value in that.

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[supersquirrelgirl]

My friend was able to catch him while I was at work today. I called the vet to see if they would prescribe the medications for him but all they said they would do was put him to sleep. I ordered what I can get without a prescription. Hopefully he makes it the next three days while it is delivered.

What meds did you order ??

[Emmdano]

I ordered Nutri Feron but even with the fast shipping its estimated delivery date is the 21st. I am keeping him dry, and he gets dusted with gold bond powder a few times a day.

[Emmdano]

He is doing better today, most of the sores around his eye's are healing nicely and he has more energy.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Good update. I do wonder if this is really POX ?? Maybe an insect bit or something ?? Really hard to see from the pictures.

This picture being zoomed-in makes squirrel look like he's in jail cell......hahah

Your picture on first post is so cute,,,,very nice looking squirrel

[AlaskanSquirrelNeighbor]

Glad to hear he's doing better!