Sick Deer (healthy pic added) good news

[fnshtr]

URL=http://s429.photobucket.com/user/fnshtr/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpstvcqp1nu.jpg.html]   [/URL]

I have pics of this deer from last year, but other than a few warts he looked healthy. This year he looks real sick.

I remember someone posted a kill last year of a buck with this virus. I understand it is usually not fatal unless the growths prevent the deer from seeing or eating.

Feel bad for this guy!

[Sawpilot 75]

That's a terrible shame. He needs put down.

Yep, he is in a bad way!!!!

Bisch

[jsweka]

Here's that post from last year.  It's Deer Fibroma.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=146701#000000

[fnshtr]

I sent a pic to our regional DNR office asking if the virus can be transmitted. Cutaneous fibromas.

[huntingarcher]

Hate to see an animal suffer like that!

[Chad Orde]

That's horrible look at his back he is skin and bones. I had a buck with a broke back leg last year that walked real bad like he got hit by a car. It tears me up seeing them like that.

[highlow]

Hopefully someone will put it out of its misery soon.

[fnshtr]

Here he is last year. Healthy with just a few warts.

If the DNR will let us, we will put him down soon. If not I will gladly burn a tag on him. Our bow season begins on the 24th.

[highlow]

That deer should be put down ASAP. With or without DNR approval.

[mark Willoughby]

I have to agree with David I wouldn't even bother with the DNR
He doesn't deserve that .. I would put him down asap and in this case prob not with archery equipment

[Keith Zimmerman]

I would use my tag if I had too.  Just to end his suffering.

[Iowa Tom L.]

Are you sure it is the same buck? Both deer appear to be young bucks (~1.5 years old).

Typically, deer that are susceptible to the virus and display cutaneous fibromas one year are immune to reinfection thereafter.  That is why you usually only see them on younger animals.

The fibromas or deer warts usually regress during the fall and winter.  Some deer are completely immune from the start while others have varying levels of resistance initially.

Also don't sell deer/wildlife short, it isn't feeling sorry for itself and it is really amazing what they can sometimes overcome and go on to lead a  healthy life.  Although, as everyone has noted, this buck is in poor shape - there may also be something in addition to the fibromas that is contributing to its condition.

Take Care,

Tom

[fnshtr]

I've had the same thoughts Tom. Thanks for that perspective (not selling him short).

As for them being the same deer, I'm pretty sure they are the same. Last year he had the four points, as can be seen in the pic. There were other "warts" on him that can't be seen in the pic posted from last year, but I have many pictures of him. Many of the pics from different angles show warts that can't be seen in the pic above (from last year).

I think the reason he looks a year younger now is due to his health. One thing I left out is that in some cases, the warts can hamper breathing and/or eating. It appears to me he cannot eat as he should. All the other deer I have pics of are healthy looking.

Plenty to eat in the area too.

I'm calling DNR tomorrow morning as I have not gotten an email response from them yet. Hoping they let me put him down, which may not be easy as he is only coming around my trail cams at night.

[fnshtr]

Got a return call from our game biologist with the DNR. He gave me permission to put him down. Wish me luck.

[Iowa Tom L.]

Was he interested in looking at the deer or obtaining any samples if you are successful?

Good Luck,

Tom

[fnshtr]

Wants pics. Going out again in the morning.