Squirrel with mange is struggling

[Geri]

Hi, all!

I'm new to the SquirrelBoard. I live in Michigan and am trying to help a backyard wild squirrel through what I believe is mange. I gave her/him the 1st dose of Ivermectin on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, and the second dose on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. Tried to be very careful with the dose - descriptions of the recommended amount vary from source to source from the size of a grain of rice, to what will fit on a pinhead, to 1/2 a drop, to what will fill as "O", so it's difficult to gauge the exact amount to give.

I've also been feeding her for about 2 weeks - mostly walnuts, some with coconut oil, some with peanut butter, some plain, and also Henry's Picky Blocks - a recent add to her diet.

She's perky and has a good appetite. But I'm very worried because she continues to lose fur and is still scratching a lot. And now has some drops of blood on her skin from scratching. I'm attaching a picture of her from today and one from Dec. 15th. On Dec. 15th she still had a little hair on her haunches and a full tail, but now she has no hair on her haunches and is starting to lose fur from the base of her tail.

Should I be doing something different with the doses? Giving her more than what I've been giving her? Giving her a mid-cycle dose less than a week from the last dose?

Any suggestions will be welcomed.

[Scooterzmom]

Once a week for 3 weeks, size of a grain of rice. That is what I have used for adults and it worked. It does take a while though. I'd say at least 2 weeks before you see any change worth noting.

[Geri]

Thank you for your reply! So I shouldn't assume that I've under-dosed her, or that it's not working, even though she is not only not making improvement, but her condition is getting worse - less fur, scratching bloody spots on her body? Is that what I should be expecting? I wouldn't be quite so glum about this if she was staying at least steady...

[stepnstone]

Where did you acquire the Ivermectin and in what form is it?

[Geri]

Hi!

Thank you for your reply! I purchased Bimectin (Ivermectin) Paste 1.87%, 6.08g at Tractor Supply.

[TubeDriver]

The ivemectin 1.87% paste should be working. Try kneading the tube well in an attempt get the active ingredients distributed better. I would also purchase a new tube in case you just got a bad/weak batch. It does take some time before the hair grows back in so while it might be working, you might not notice improvements for a couple more weeks.

I have recommended using the amount needed to fill in this "O" but that is a conservative, safe amount for a full grown, adult squirrel. Do not give doses closer than 7 days apart. You can certainly give a 3rd or more additional doses if needed. Another option is to get some Kitten Revolution, we can help with dosing if you go this route.

Hi!

Thank you for your reply! I purchased Bimectin (Ivermectin) Paste 1.87%, 6.08g at Tractor Supply.