Lesion

[Doodles]

I have a Douglas squirrel who came in 7/23 cat caught with a large laceration across his back, but no puncture wound into the underlying tissue, so we cleaned it thoroughly and glued the edges together and he had a course of clavamox. That has healed nicely, but he now has a wartlike lesion lateral to his L ear canal, very ugly. We believe it is either botfly or fibromytosis. We had to sedate him (hah!) and managed to irrigate the area thoroughly with saline followed by a dilute betadine solution, applied neosporin, gave him a dose of ivormectum (IWRC has an article about botfly) and started him on clavamox for a suspected secondary infection. We were unable to see any larva or botfly in the lesion to remove. My understanding is that there is no treatment really for fibromatosis. Has anyone any experience with either of these maladies? We did take pictures, and I will post when they are sent to me.:dono

[Doodles]

Oops! Didn't find the Bot Fly info in the ailments section until after I wrote my query. Great info, sorry to take up space unneccesarily.

[smoknbunny]

Didn't take up space unnecessarily. All I can contribute is the story of a squirrel I had who had a nasty wound on her back which healed beautifully on it's own. Squirrel's, in my opinion, have an amazing capacity to heal. Just keep an eye on it and I'm sure with all you are doing it will heal very well.:)

[Sciurus1]

Don't believe that about Squirrel Pox (Fibromatosis) , for our members here have had some great success of late with overcoming that disease. Check in our forum under Specific Ailments, for more on that. Perhaps our members can share the links to specific threads that address that here.

[Sciurus1]

In the Specific Ailments forum under Squirrel Pox, are a number of treatments that have worked quite well, even some on babies apparently from what is shared in this post I have copied below, posted by Wendy. Not sure how old they have to be to use them though. NYSTOP was mentioned too. Mars our homeopathic specialist here, may be able to offer some direction, along with other members, like Jackie in Tampa, who have battled this disease back and won. If a baby has other issues, likely triage is in order. Before commencing with any treatments, confirm the diagnosis, and check out the others treatments list in that forum, as well as consult with one of our rehabbers who has had experience in fighting this disease.



As soon as Pox is identified, try boosting the babies immunity with a natural herb mix called Host Defense, 2 to 4 drops , 2X a day depending on age, I also add a capsule(opened) of Echinasia to there formula, liquid benedryl at night 2 to 4 drops also, to help them sleep and stop scratching off scabs, Amoxicillin, when pox start scabbing and pussing,for secondary infections. Betadine baths everyday when possible or with a q-tip or cotton ball. Clean bedding daily. It seems like a lot of work, but it's worth it! Good luck.

[Doodles]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've read all the threads on pox and bot fly in the specific ailments section, wonderful info. One problem is that I don't believe we have a vet in the area who could diagnose this lesion. I'm attaching the best picture we have. It is a single lesion, can't find any others. He's active this am, I totally cleaned his cage and put new bedding and other natural habitat items in. In addition to the clavamox, I'm giving him some extra RL po to ensure he's adequately hydrated (he's been totally weaned for several weeks). He doesn't have a great appetite, but I'm sure he will totally balk at formula and I don't want to traumatize him further. I did give him bioplasma this morning also. He hates me worse than ever now (just kidding, you know how those chickarees are!)Would it hurt to empirically treat him for pox also?

[Doodles]

Oops again, forgot the picture!

[TexanSquirrel]

Poor baby! Best of luck to you both!

[Doodles]

There might have been a hole at one time, but there isn't one now. I can't figure out why the picture transferred so large.

[Apple Corps]

Doodles - not sure about that being the "pox". Gently palpate the lump:

Is it warmer than the surrounding skin?

Is it firm or soft?

Anything oozing out?

Does the fuzzer appear to be in pain when you touch it?

Abscess ???

[Jackie in Tampa]

Hello and welcome..:Welcome
I am thinking abcess also...can you get a better pic?

[Sciurus1]

Question, does anyone know, if pox normally have those dark spots or not?

[Doodles]

We took this picture before we had cleansed the lesion. Those spots were just debris, the surface of the lesion is rough, firm and pinkish purple. No pus, doesn't seem particularly tender to Rootbeer, but he is definitely freaked by the whole process, so hard to tell. I'm very reluctant to lance it as I have with abcesses, I think I will wait and see how he progresses over the next several days.

[Sciurus1]

Has this lesion grown in size since you first noticed it, and if so, how much, and how long has it been from then till the time it stopped, if it has stopped that is?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:shakehead I'm not giving any advise here...but I will say I don't think you should lance it:nono Someone will be on soon to help you find a vet/rehabber that can look at your squirrel.
Thank you for helping this little one, Rootbeer:Love_Icon

[Doodles]

I saw the lesion for the first time yesterday when I took him along with three others (he was in a separate cage because of his original injury) to Nan's release cage at a higher elevation where Douglases live. I feel terrible not seeing it earlier, but he's been weaned for several weeks and always races to his hammock when I approach. I had been able to see that his back wound had healed, but never saw this lesion. He did escape about a week ago in the squirrel room and was all over the place until I was able to safely net him, can't believe I wouldn't have seen it then, but I just don't know. In hindsight, I should have measured it, and I will in the am. I don't believe it has perceptibly grown since yesterday. Thanks again everyone for your collective wisdom. Are there usually multiple lesions with pox?:thankyou

[Sciurus1]

Jackie in Tampa here knows far more on that than me, having worked to heal many of her squirrels that had the pox. From the photos she and others have shared of squirrels with that disease, most have more than one or two pox, but it is possible to have just one I suppose.

Any rehabber you decide to take it to needs to agree not to euthanize it out of hand, pox or no pox! And if they will not treat it for reason of having found it has pox, to give it back to you to do so, for many here can help you in that regard. The Rehabbers sites and lists can be found in our Rehabbers forum.

As far as a Vets goes, an Exotic Vet should know what this is. Be careful though to check first BEFORE bringing the squirrel in, that they will treat it like a pet, that is allow you to take it home, even if it has pox, nor take it from you to euthanize, thinking there is no cure, even so there is! You can look up the AEMV online for it's list of Exotic Vets in your State.

[wheezer]

My best guess would be pox.
Don't know if you read about Benny here. He had the worst case I have ever seen and he was cured! Check it out if you haven't seen it yet:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11364&highlight=benny

[Doodles]

Root beer is going to the vet this pm, I'll let you know the outcome. The lesion looks about the same, he's doing ok, eating his solids and horsing around in his cage, though not as active as other Douglases typically are. Hope we can fix him up!

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thankyou Good Luck

[Apple Corps]

Whatever - don't let the vet "put him down" - we can help you and him work through the pox. Jackie has lots of first hand experience :grouphug :grouphug

[Doodles]

AC, would not allow the vet to put him down under any circumstance! He will definitely be coming home with me, I just need a dx and definitive treatment plan if possible. This vet has seen many of our squirrels, and also my skunks, and is always reluctant to euthanize if there's any hope of recovery. Will let you know.

[Apple Corps]

Great :thumbsup :thumbsup

[Sciurus1]

AC, would not allow the vet to put him down under any circumstance! He will definitely be coming home with me, I just need a dx and definitive treatment plan if possible. This vet has seen many of our squirrels, and also my skunks, and is always reluctant to euthanize if there's any hope of recovery.

So glad to hear your Vet is part of the team!

[Doodles]

Root Beer and I are in the midst of a nightmare now. We went to the vet at 4:30 yesterday, I gave him aconite before departure, as I knew he would be even more stressed than ever. On examining his lesion, the vet said immediately that it was a polyp, similar to polyps dogs and cats get in their ears, usually they're internal but this one is external. Surgery to remove it was discussed, the primary risk being hemorrhage, as these tend to be very vascular, and it had a wide base. It seems to be a matter of meticulous slow dissection, ensuring that the vessels are cauterized before continuing. The other option was to leave it alone, but he's a wild squirrel who needs to return to his natural habitat, and that lesion is huge, no telling what would happen out there, especially given their scrappiness and territorality. Anyway, we decided to have it removed Thursday afternoon. Here's the horrible part. When I got him home to put him back in his cage, he was scarcely moving, unlike earlier. I got him out, and he rolled over and drank some water from his bottle, then using only his front legs, crawled to the other part of the cage. He couldn't move his rear legs. I was in shock, I have tears just telling you. I gave him some caro syrup and RL, and gave him dex and after a bit some belladona for possible seizure. He remained feisty, slapping and attempting to bite. I put him on heat, warm, dark and quiet, and let him be for the night. This morning he's the same, no change in his rear legs. He's breathing rapidly, but lungs are clear to auscultation.. I've given him more RL orally and also aconite to hopefully reduce his stress. He remains on heat in a basket with fresh blankets so I can tell if he has bowel and bladder function. I just can't believe it, I feel I'm going to lose him. Don't know what else to do for him. Perhaps I should have posted this on the life-threatening thread. Any thoughts are most welcome. Please pray for him.

[Apple Corps]

No more aconite - whatever it is.....

In reverse roles - I would opt for surgery - especially if you are going to release him - high risk either way.

Were you with him while the vet examined him - any injury? Did the vet sedate him?

[Doodles]

I was with the vet and holding Rootbeer during the exam, and he was not sedated. All I can think is that he suffered a back injury during transport or exam, or he had a stroke or blood clot secondary to his level of agitation or some unknown condition. Won't give him anymore aconite, can you explain the rationale for that? Not sure if surgery remains an option given his new acute problems, obviously return of rear motor movement and coordination is critical for releasability. Thanks for your recommendations.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thinking Bella donna is toxic and hallucinagenic if I remember right...
where did you get that, and for what?
I am just curious, I know nothing about it.
Also what is that aconite?
If he has no use of his back legs, he is Non releasable.
I too was thinking injury, maybe lump is pressing on nerves.?
Wow...what a nightmare is right...poor you and poor Rootbeer :grouphug
Keeping you in my thoughts.

[Apple Corps]

The rationale is simply removing variables from the Dx equation. A back injury while transporting - while possible - is not that probable IMO.

We are all praying and pulling for Root Beer - some high risk decisions ahead but the alternative is.........

[island rehabber]

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/aconi007.html

I don't understand why a poison was used on this squirrel.
But then again, I have learned that I am not smart enough to understand homeopathy. :dono
Going down in the back legs is a symptom of MBD. There may have been no back injury to speak of -- merely the cumulative effects of poor diet?

[Doodles]

Our squirrel team uses homeopathy in addition to traditional veterinarian medicine to help treat disorders and symptoms. We give aconite to all our squirrels who are rescued on intake to help reduce stress, in the same way folks use rescue remedy. Belladona is recommended in the management of seizure type activity, which I observed last night with rapid, repetitive movement of his upper limbs. I gave both on the recommendation of my team leader. I'm not going to do anything more except give fluids. I guess he could have MBD, although his diet has been greens, broccoli, watermelon, corn on the cob, mushrooms, grapes and other fruits, as well as pine nuts, and an occassional pecan piece or walnut. He also would eat the bark on logs and pine cones as well as a deer antler. He never has seemed to have an appetite comparable to my other Douglases. He also had been outside on a protected back deck with direct sun in the AM until all this came about.
I'll be calling the vet shortly. It's pretty devastating to think I may have contributed to his difficulties, I want to do what's best for him, but the guessing makes it so hard.

[Doodles]

I just read the MBD specific ailment section. It certainly fits his picture, I've never had a squirrel with it that I've known about. Given that he's not really eating, can I give him calcium crushed up and mixed with fluid in a syringe to get him started? I need a plan that doesn't presume he's going to take it through eating. Thanks. (I do have powdered Rep Cal, can I use that?)

[Apple Corps]

Go Gamma Go :alright.gif :alright.gif :alright.gif

[Doodles]

Thank you all so much. I've started him on the calcium crushed up and in water with a syringe, and have a call into the vet.:thankyou

[Mars]

First and for most YOU DID NOT NOR COULD YOU POISON THIS LITTLE ONE with the homeopathic remedies you used!!!!!!

That said - Deep breath every one - Let's see if we can figure out what is going on.

Why do you think it could be MBD?? How long has this little one been off formula?

[Doodles]

:thumbsup Rootbeer and I are back from the vet, he was excellent, not agitated today. He had an xray of his back, no fracture::wahoo. His long bones are fine with no indication of MBD, however, he has two areas of abnormality in his spine, one in the upper thoracic region and one in his lower thoracic region, and his spine is less dense on xray than his long bones, so the vet and I are proceeding as though he has early MBD in his spine. He continues to pull up his hind limbs to toe pinch, his feet are warm, and he has spontaneous bowel and bladder function:wahoo .
Treatment Plan:
1. Continue protocal for MBD, he had D2 today
2. Full spectrum lighting/cage outside on deck for short periods
3. Small low level cage with hay/blankets for bedding
4. Ongoing consultation with Mars regarding role of homeopathy
:dono I would welcome suggestions re: nutrition, or anything else. He has had no interest in the solids I've been offering, I have been giving him some weakened ensure which he took better this AM, but I need guidance on how much I should be giving him and with what if any supplementation to help beef him up. He weighs 120 gm and is about 10 wks old.
Thank you again for all the assistance. I am cautiously optomistic that in time he will be back in the forest.:jump
PS: Lesion temporarily off the radar screen.

[Apple Corps]

Great news that RootBeer is on the path to recovery :thumbsup :thumbsup

Mars & GB have the Tx (treatment plan) in hand.

The lesion - while secondary for the moment - will have to be dealt with at some point - but I understand first things first.

[Doodles]

I :Love_Icon to bake, what fun to make critter goodies, and can share with fellow rehabbers. Luckily, I have most ingredients on hand. Thanks, GB. I'm going to give him approx 5cc ensure 3x/d plus continue to offer solids, solids first, then ensure. Do you think that will be adequate?

[Doodles]

Sadly, Rootbeer went to squirrel heaven last night at 8 PM after suffering another seizure. I was holding him, as I knew something was wrong. Poor baby, he really had a struggle, but he's at peace now. I'm missing him badly, but thankfully have my Scooter who's turned into a bluey now, and my baby skunks to keep me going.

[Buddy'sMom]

So sorry. :grouphug RIP Rootbeer. :Love_Icon

I know that you did what you could for him -- and most importantly kept him safe and warm and loved, and surely he knew that. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon Sometimes that is the most that you can do -- and it is a great gift to give. :bowdown

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Apple Corps]

Oh no - so sorry - :grouphug :grouphug

[Mars]

:sad

[Apple Corps]

Doodles - hope you will stay with our family of squirrel lovers - sad day for all of us for sure.

[Doodles]

AC, will definitely stay in touch, hopefully with happy stories and pictures. You all are a terrific source of support, inspiration and knowledge.:)