Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Red Fox

Is that abnormal? Give us a call to find out.

This Red Fox kit was spotted in Frederick County circling and acting abnormal. Animal Control was able to contain the kit and bring him to us for evaluation.

Upon exam, this kit was ataxic (presented with abnormal and/or uncoordinated movements), with a head injury that we suspect may be causing the neurologic abnormalities.

Radiographs were taken that confirmed a small skull fracture. We suspect this may be either from a vehicle strike or, more likely, an interaction with another animal. A catheter was placed to allow for intravenous supportive care and treatment.

We are hopeful for a full recovery and release, but his prognosis is guarded at this time.

Because foxes are a rabies vector species, this kit is isolated and is only being handled by vaccinated staff at this time.

Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, so if the ataxia is due to rabies, we would expect quick worsening of issues despite treatment in the first 24-48 hours, which we did not see. Rabies can show through neurologic signs, but so can a skull fracture and head trauma.

If you spot wildlife acting abnormally, please call us before attempting to help the animal.

ALL mammals can get rabies. Foxes, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, bats, and more are rabies vector species and any interaction with humans (including feeding or watering) becomes a health department concern. If there is a concern of exposure, the health department will likely require us to euthanize the patient to be tested for rabies and the only way to test for rabies is with brain tissue, post-mortem. We are very grateful that was not the case for this patient and he has a chance at recovery!

Thank you to the homeowner who spotted this kit and realized it needed help, and to Frederick County Animal Control that contained and transported him to us. We couldn’t help wildlife without our amazing communities who care just as much as we do!

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