Hairloss in 10 week old orphan

[lahamlin]

Hello,

I am caring for a ~10 week old fox squirrel. When he came to me he was suffering a tail injury, was listless and underweight. After a week of antibiotics (.05cc Clavamox, 2x day), Alvin is gaining weight steadily and looks good in most regards. The new problem is hair loss on his face and forearms. At first I attributed this to spilled formula during feedings, as I wasn't very tidy at first. However, the hair loss is accelerating and I'm getting worried.

Alvin is now 180g, and drinking 8-15cc of Esbilac 3 x day. He is eating Zupreen biscuits, kale, fennel, sweet potato, egg and ground eggshell as well as veggie puree baby food. He has twigs and pinecones available to nibble, as well as a cuddlefish bone. I have just recently (today), removed an electric blanket from his nest box. It was wrapped in towels and on "low". His indoor cage is 2'x2'x3.5' with hammocks and branches. He climbs around it less than I expect, preferring to spend most of his time in the nest box.

The now exposed skin is reddish in places and looks a little inflamed.

Any thoughts ? Am I seeing a fungal infection due to too much moisture and warmth ? Maybe mites ? I don't suspect calcium deficiency in his diet, but welcome thoughts and suggestions.

A little background: Alvin was originally rescued by a friend as a ~4 week old, along with a nestmate. They were found on the ground after a tree was trimmed. The nestmate died at 6 weeks, and Alvin moved to my house at 7.5 weeks. At that point he was 70g. The tail injury happened somehow during transfer to my house.

I am not an experienced wildlife rehabilitator, but have successfully raised wild baby parrots for release in the past.

Thanks much !
Louise

[stepnstone]

Hello,

I am caring for a ~10 week old fox squirrel. When he came to me he was suffering a tail injury, was listless and underweight. After a week of antibiotics (.05cc Clavamox, 2x day), Alvin is gaining weight steadily and looks good in most regards. The new problem is hair loss on his face and forearms. At first I attributed this to spilled formula during feedings, as I wasn't very tidy at first. However, the hair loss is accelerating and I'm getting worried.

Alvin is now 180g, and drinking 8-15cc of Esbilac 3 x day. He is eating Zupreen biscuits, kale, fennel, sweet potato, egg and ground eggshell as well as veggie puree baby food. He has twigs and pinecones available to nibble, as well as a cuddlefish bone. I have just recently (today), removed an electric blanket from his nest box. It was wrapped in towels and on "low". His indoor cage is 2'x2'x3.5' with hammocks and branches. He climbs around it less than I expect, preferring to spend most of his time in the nest box.

The now exposed skin is reddish in places and looks a little inflamed.

Any thoughts ? Am I seeing a fungal infection due to too much moisture and warmth ? Maybe mites ? I don't suspect calcium deficiency in his diet, but welcome thoughts and suggestions.

A little background: Alvin was originally rescued by a friend as a ~4 week old, along with a nestmate. They were found on the ground after a tree was trimmed. The nestmate died at 6 weeks, and Alvin moved to my house at 7.5 weeks. At that point he was 70g. The tail injury happened somehow during transfer to my house.

I am not an experienced wildlife rehabilitator, but have successfully raised wild baby parrots for release in the past.

Thanks much !
Louise

My first thought was formula scald, the second questions sap from the pine cone.
I suppose it may be possible to be parasite but not the usual pattern one could
expect to see. Can you post a picture for a better evaluation.

[lahamlin]

Thanks much - here are a few photos (sorry that they are sideways). You can see that the hair loss also extends to his belly.

[stepnstone]

Thanks much - here are a few photos (sorry that they are sideways). You can see that the hair loss also extends to his belly.

I can also see it's starting down his legs too...
A bit confusing as it suggests mange but the exposed skin doesn't appear as one would expect with mange.
I'd be inclined to treat him for the mite parasites anyway, if it is it'll take care of the issue if not treatment is not
going to harm him. Can you get hold of any Revolution preferably for kittens & puppies. All you would need is one
(pipettes) and place 1-2 drops between the shoulders, repeat in 10 days.

[lahamlin]

Would Frontline work ?

[lukaslolamaus]

Would Frontline work ?

No to the Frontline, you need Revolution.

[lahamlin]

No to the Frontline, you need Revolution.

I've struck out on finding the Revolution or Advantage multi. Does anyone have a source to buy a single dose ?

[lukaslolamaus]

Hi, sorry to ask so many questions. My vet offered Advantage II, but I can't tell if that is an acceptable choice. From a quick internet check it looks like Advantage multi has a different ingredient and protects against mites - do I need that ?

As far as I know Revolution is the only recommended flea, tick, mites medication.
Asking questions is a good thing, no need to apologize.
My internet is really bad today and that's why my answer was so short.
I'm not an expert and don't really know much about the reason behind it, someone else might be able to explain.

[Mel1959]

Advantage Multi does treat fleas, ticks and lice BUT it has an additional ingredient that treats hookworm, whipworm and roundworm. If your little one doesn't have intestinal parasites, I don't think I'd use it.

Kitten Revolution is tried and true. I'm not sure, but it might be able to be purchased online without a Rx.

[Nancy in New York]

Kitten Revolution is tried and true. I'm not sure, but it might be able to be purchased online without a Rx.

Here you go.
Get the one for puppies and kittens up to 5 lbs.
http://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-cont...-cats-dogs.htm

[Mel1959]

I've struck out on finding the Revolution or Advantage multi. Does anyone have a source to buy a single dose ?

Ok, this is a long shot. Try calling Ravenwood Vet Clinic 386-788-1550. Dr Alicia Emerson treats squirrels. Explain your situation to the girls at the front desk, and that you are a member of TSB, and see if Dr. Emerson would be willing to either send the medication or fax the Rx to a vet in your area. Make sure you know of a vet that carries the KITTEN Revolution, not all vets do.

Ravenwwod Vet clinic is in Florida, so Eastern time zone.

Nancy In New York comes through again! Thank you.

[lahamlin]

Thank you Nancy, and everyone !! Med ordered, a thousand thanks for the help !!