Nystatin is an anti-FUNGAL. Pox is a virus. It's possible that something would be both antifungal and antiviral -- does that occur frequently enough to think there is a direct effect/attack on the virus, at least on the lesion?
Is it likely that some of the secondary infection seen would be fungal (not bacterial) and so this would help treat secondary infection (but not necessarily be stopping the pox virus in a systemic way)? This still would be helpful for the sq.
Could it be doing something else to the surface of the pox that makes it scab up sooner than it would? So it LOOKS better but just cosmetically? (this is sort of the worst-case thinking and I don't want that to be the case, but it seems like it's at least a possibility)
The vet claimed the lesions were clear in five days using Nystop. My understanding is, Nystop was used to see the effect and it worked.
Originally Posted by info from the Vet Network
Just an interesting tidbit from our wildlife rehab people. We have been seeing alot of juvenile squirrels with pox lesions. On a whim one of the rehabers applied a nystatin powder called NYSTOP to the lesions. Within a day they begin to dry up & fall off. I always thought the fungal infections were secondary to the viral lesions but maybe they are on to something..... The rehab people also stated they had tried other nystatin formulations but this was the only one that worked.
[You treat with Nystop BID and by the 5th day the lesions are clear]
This was the last response on the thread:
I looked it up as there is more to a pharmaceutical than just the active ingredient - and was curious if the label might provide some insight into the other components of the formulation that perhaps might instead be responsible for the observed efficacy? Unfortunately labeling was not of much further help in this regard.
My suggestion would be to contact Paddock Lab Inc and make them aware of your observations as they may be not only interested but additionally willing to reveal further regarding the product's formulation.
IV. Baytril Antibiotic - VERY IMPORTANT vs secondary infections!
"BAYTRIL" is the brand name for a veterinary antibiotic that can be used for squirrels. It is prescription, not available over the counter. It does not affect the pox (which is a virus) but can be used if they develop a secondary infection (such as pneumonia) because they become debilitated from the pox. This is one reason to monitor their overall health, eating, breathing, activity level (and not only the number of pox lesions you see). So that other infections can be treated if needed. Each case seems to be different. Some that Jackie saw were quite mild, only a few lesions and not too much effect on activity. She also had more severely affected squirrels. And it ranges to the very very debilitated squirrels that Loopy has gotten.
VI. Erythromycin Optic (Eye Antibiotic Ointment)
VERY IMPORTANT IF EYE INVOLVEMENT!
Many squirrels have lesions on/around their eyes -- this is used to prevent, treat secondary infection, prevent scarring, to save their sight if possible.
VII. NutriFeron Supplement - to boost immunity
Wikipedia: Nutriferon is a dietary supplement manufactured by Shaklee Corporation. It claims to boost the body's natural interferon. Its ingredients include pumpkin seed extract, safflower seed extract, Asian plantain seed extract, and Japanese honeysuckle flower extract.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11806 [MADS]
REHABBER PM (partial):
Interferon is use in AIDS and other auto immune disease to strengthen the immune systems. The chemical form of interferon used in hospitals is ridiculously expensive and has many side effects. But Shaklee Corp has a plant based interferon patented under the name Nutriferon. It is also expensive but nowhere near so as the other. And it has been clinically tested to show none of the other's side effects. Shaklee does not promote their products for critter use. Nor does the general rehabbing community want to go there. But it HAS been used in critters (not necessarily for squirrel pox …) with good results. I can't promise it will help against the pox but it's worth a try.
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DOSING
Jackie - NutriFeron Tea:
I did not offer water, only the tea...no problem, they loved it. 3 tablets to gallon of water, I crushed tablets with spoon, and dissolved. I put in bird bath, their normal watering hole. I DO FEEL IT HELPED!
ORIGINAL DIRECTIONS:
Crush 1/2 NutriFeron tablet
Dissolve in 25cc of water. (25 cc = 2.5 teaspoons)
*DOSE is 1cc per pound of squirrel -- approximately.
(fyi, if this is a helpful visual: 1/8 teaspoon = 1.25 cc, so its slightly less than 1/8 tsp)
This is not exact. My source feels we can go on the light side and still get a good dosage in. Remember it's food based and very safe.
METHODS OF DOSING:
Syringe: Perhaps for your inside squirrels, you could give it this way. (?)
On Food: It could be a nut dipped in it or a piece of bread crust. Anything that works to get it into them is good. It could be flavored with a touch of fruit juice.
Drink: Possibly they would drink it – but it's such a small amount I don't see how you would do it. It seems too hard to control the dosage if you put it in a dish of water for them.
* In case you or the local rehabbers or vets want to know what the dosing is based on:
The dosage for an adult human is two tablets per day. Figured a human adult to be over 100 pounds. SO 1 tablet = 50 pounds. 1/2 tablet = 25 pounds. Dissolved in 25 cc so each cc= 1 lb.
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>From
Shaklee.com site :
NutriFeron® Powerful Immune Support - Clinically tested, natural interferon booster*A Shaklee exclusive, NutriFeron is a patented, clinically proven blend of immune-strengthening plant extracts. Taken daily, NutriFeron strengthens immune response by boosting the body’s natural interferon.*
Our immune systems are under increasing attack, every day. The scientific and medical communities have identified interferon as critical to healthy immune function. Dr. Kojima, the world renowned immunologist who discovered interferon in 1954, spent 40 years searching for a natural interferon booster. The result of Dr. Kojima's work is the proprietary botanical blend in NutriFeron, the ONLY dietary supplement in the U.S. created by the discoverer of interferon that naturally increases the production of interferon in the body.*
Breakthrough immune protection!
Exclusive patented formula providing our highest level of daily immune protection
The only supplement created by the discoverer of interferon
Naturally increases levels of interferon
Proven by 4 human clinical studies
-------------
http://www.excelwithus.com/nutriferon/ To read more about Yasuhiko Kojima, MD click here
....developed by the man who discovered interferon 40 years ago and is a natural herbal formula.
CLINICAL STUDIES
Today scientific breakthroughs can help provide unprecedented support to the immune system. Natural solutions are available and clinical studies are in progress all over the world. Shaklee has the WORLDWIDE PATENTS on this life-changing product!
But why NutriFeron?
• Interferon is a very powerful component of the immune system. A protein that “interferes” with viruses, interferon allows cells to signal to one another. When a cell detects interferon from other cells, it produces proteins that help prevent viral replication.
• NutriFeron contains a proprietary blend of plant extracts that naturally stimulate the body to produce more interferon... helping to build natural immunity.
• NutriFeron, which has been clinically proven to support and stimulate the natural immune response process at the cellular level.
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