Red fox losing fur

RoxanaIancu · #1 (**permalink**) 05-02-2012, 01:24 PM

Hi guys,

I'm new here but I need your help.
I've spotted lately a red fox in our backyard but it seems to be sick. Initially I noticed a small area on her back without fur and I tought that maybe it got bitten in fight or something, but nor it seems to spread on her lower back. The rest of the fur and on the tail the fur seems ok, so I'm not sure if it's mange or not.
I attached a few pictures showing the evolution of the fur loss - maybe you can help me to find out what it is and how I can help her/him.

1.

2.

Thanks,
Roxana

Farplace · #2 (**permalink**) 05-02-2012, 01:34 PM

This fox has mange. It can be fatal to the fox, and it can also be transmitted to other animals. The National Fox Welfare Society sends out free treatment for you to give to the fox, if you are willing to help it. This is the website: NFWS

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 05-02-2012, 01:38 PM

This looks rather typical of Sarcoptic mange, which is quite common in foxes. The rump tends to be one of the earlier areas to show signs of infection along with other parts of the hind quarters, before spreading forward. Unfortunately this parasite often results in the foxes death.

I know feeding things like sunflower hearts can help the skin of the fox which may help. There are several animal rescue people on here who should be able to help you out.

By the way its looks like a male (or dog) fox.

EDIT: Farplace beat me too it.

RoxanaIancu · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2012, 11:48 AM

Hi there,

First of all I would like to thank you for the replies and the extremely useful information. I contacted the National Fox Welfare Society and hopefully I will receive some help with the treatment from them.

Since I spotted the fox, especially considering that it doesn't seem very healthy, I am regularly feeding him (so it's a male

) - I would be easily able to slip in the treatment as well.

Unfortunately the health state of the fox is decreasing quickly, for 2 days it lost quite a lot of fur also on the tail and, for my surprise, today it came to eat accompanied by another fox

The second one doesn't seem to be sick, but it has a strange greyish colour and I am afraid the disease might spread if they stick together.

I will keep you posted once I receive the treatment and I can see some improvement.

Thanks again for your help!

Roxana