What Are Some Of The Symptoms Of A Sick Squirrel?

Just like human and other animals, squirrels exhibit symptoms of certain diseases that may be contagious. Though some diseases may not manifest, some symptoms are clear indicators of certain ailments. The different species of the rodent are prone to certain diseases while some are not susceptible to them. A red squirrel is prone to a deadly pox that causes distinctive ulcerations on their nose and eyes, and kills them within five days; this doesn’t happen to its other animals of this species. As much as symptoms are deeply rooted to illnesses, some of the symptoms exhibited can be due to shock, dehydration and injuries. So, what are some of the symptoms of a sickly squirrel?

Injuries and shocks
Though it may be hard to diagnose shocks, its behaviors may highly be likened to shock. It may be unable to eat or drink although its physical body seems okay. Broken bones, abscesses, bleeding or severe flesh wound are indicators of an injury casualty. Internal injuries possible symptoms include bleeding from ears, nose or the mouth together with acute listlessness. The common cause of injury is falling from trees. Bites, cuts or scratches are some minor injuries.

Dehydration
Water is necessary for ingestion and if the body’s reserves are exhausted other body processes will suffer. A squirrel’s moist nose or wet mouth is a clear sign of good health. Use the pinch test by holding a fold of skin on its back of the neck and raising it, if it doesn’t retract immediately on release, then that is a probable sign of dehydration.

Illness symptoms
Squirrels are susceptible to multiple diseases. Symptoms that may need consideration include:

• Rashes, scabs, or lesions.
• Release from the eyes, ears, nose or mouth
• Passing of blood and diarrhea
• Overgrown incisors
• Evidence of parasites
• coughing, Sneezing, wheezing, sickness or shivering However, there are other symptoms associated with specific diseases. A combination of a number of symptoms may point to certain ailments.

Squirrel Spots, Fungus, Bugs, and Balding
Squirrel pox is a prevalent viral disease infecting many squirrels’ species. Mosquitoes and other insect bites spread the virus. It causes skin tumors on the body and the tumors in turn cause no other harms. Seldom, the tumors may spread to the liver, kidney,lungs or lymph nodes. Thickened, dark skin and hair loss are likened to notoedric mange. Fungal infections cause squirrel balding, they leave hair brittle making it to break and leave behind short stubbles.