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Thread: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

  1. #1
    Baldwin Guest

    Default I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    I have been feeding a squirrel that started out with a bald ring around his shoulder and neck area. Over the last 5 days, it has progressed so that the only fur he has is from the hips down. It get's worse every day. His skin is not crusty like mange. He has a few scabs probably from scratching. Pictures attached.

    Any advice is appreciated.

    Thank you!
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    Actually it DOES look like mange. Notoedric mange in squirrels doesn't typically cause a "crust" like you would see with dogs. Hang tight and one of our more experienced rehabbers will be on here shortly, with advice as to what to do next. They will help you confirm if this IS indeed mange. Oh, welcome to The Squirrel Board and thank you for caring for this little one!!!

    lizharrell1

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    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    I would try to treat this squirrel with ivermectin. Do you have access to a vet? Ivermectin can be dosed on a nut twice in a 2-week period, and will usually cure the mange very effectively.
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    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    Thanks IR for responding!!!! It's your birthday and the squirrels are STILL your #1 priority!!!!

    lizharrell1

  5. #5
    squirrelsrule&bunniestoo's Avatar
    squirrelsrule&bunniestoo is offline Licensed rehabber specializing in squirrels and bunnies, Ohio
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    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    On the subject of Ivermectin, does anyone know if you can still get the small container of it from Chris's squirrel store? Last time I looked you could only get the 50 mL size .
    SQUIRRELS RULE AND BUNNIES TOO!

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    Jackie in Tampa is offline Left TSB to start her own Board
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    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    it maybe sarcoptes mange too...
    i am guessing because of wrinkled look and not just face..
    Build his immune system with good foods and maybe an immune booster from the health food store to put in drinking water/bird baths.
    Feed stores will carry small doses of ivermectin, be careful of the
    dilution %...
    good luck and Welcome to TSB!

  7. #7
    Baldwin Guest

    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    The little guy is almost completely bald now. Do squirrels ever recover on their own?? He is still showing up daily and I feed him almonds. The temperture here is in the 60's and 70's during the day (50's at night), but we have had bucket loads of rain over the last 60 days. Is this warm enough for him without fur?

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    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    Mange is highly contageous so I'd be very careful who/what you handle after being around him.

    As far as the temp goes, I would think if he's from that area and has been coming and going then he probably has a drey to be going to keep warm at night and will pull up more leaves or w/e if he knows he's been cold.

    Nibblette used to remake her nest several times a week. Pushing stuff out pulling stuff in. If we turned on the AC she'd build it more, if it was hot she'd come out and lay on a platform or empty her nest.
    The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

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    Default Re: I'm new, squirrel losing all it's fur

    I agree. Looks like classic mange mites to me.
    + =

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