Squirrel with abscess on neck.

[aslancottager]

I apologize if this is not considered life threatening. We successfully raised a baby squirrel in the Spring of 2007. We realeased him when he was about 18 weeks old and he seemed to be doing well until he was beaten up by some other male squirrels. He actually came back to us at that point, allowed us to treat his wounds and we let him stay and live in our garage over the winter so he could heal. He was quite attached to us and we spent a lot of time holding him. He became agressive this summer so we decided it was time to release him again. He is quite big, fit and strong and has been able to make our yard his home.

Yesterday we noticed he has apparently been in a fight and has a wound on his neck that did not look serious. However we noticed this am that there is a lump forming there. We can get close to him but do not handle him. We have a cage in our garage in front of a window with a hole. Pipkin will go into this very large cage and eat nuts and drink water.

We are not sure what to do about the situation.

We live on Long Island, New York. Does anyone know if there is a vet who would treat him if we manage to bring him in? Alternatively is there and antibiotic we can obtain and put in his water?

Thank you for any help you may give.


Aslancottager

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

If you can get pictures that would help. Although there hasn't been much rain here it could still possibly be a bot fly I guess. Depending on the abscess it might have to be drained and flushed. There are a few vets in the NY area that will see squirrels if you are willing to travel ( not sure if you are on west or east LI) Even a rehabber might be able to quickly lance and drain it for you at no charge ( or donation) if its not bad and let you release him back on the property. I know we would but we are in NJ.
You need to make sure its an abscess and not something else first. Can you catch him?

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Is there hair on the abscess?

[aslancottager]

I'm sorry. Having some technical trouble posting the photo (photo is on the camera memory instead of the card and no one seems to recall where the cable is.

Anyway the photo shows nothing but a furry lump in the vicinity of the back of the neck- it is fairly large. Near where there is bare skin where we can see he has a small wound. This popped up overnight. My best guess is it is not a bot fly but I could be wrong. The lump is quite a lump.

If I take him to one of the vets will they treat him and let me re-release in my yard? Luckily all of our little ones have been healthy or had issues I have been able to treat them for in the past. I have always wondered what would happen if I had to take on to the vet. I do not want them to make me leave him there; he has been happy living in our yard. He has built of couple of dreys in our trees.

Thank you all so much for your help.

Aslancottager

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

If its mostly furry then it sounds like an abscess to me. I would ask one of the NY rehabbers if they would look at it , lance and drain it for you before you go to the vets. Even if you get a vet suggested make sure you ask them first. Rehabbers are always looking for release sites. Being this squirrel came from your property and you feed/ care for it I am sure they will have no problem letting you leave with him as well.
I'll let the NY rehabbers on here suggest a vet or offer help. If you don't get help feel free to pm me and we will get it taken care of.

[Peaches]

I don't think Long Island has bot flies yet. Is he eating, running around and otherwise acting normal?

[aslancottager]

Sorry for leaving everyone hanging for so long. It was so nice of everyone to respond so quickly. Pipkin is fine and yes, his lump was just like the one posted (and almost in the same spot.) He's back to life as normal!

Anyone who has taken care of squirrels and observed them is aware that male squirrels can be brutal to each other. They bite hard!! My husband knows this because Pipkin went after him one day just prior to being given his freedom. He bit my husband on the shin and SUNK his teeth in. (They are friends again but my husband is wary and will not let Pipkin on his shoulder anymore.)

Anyway the lump went down almost as quickly as it appeared. We were able to get some peroxide on the bite area which was near the lump.

It is a BIG relief to have access to this board. At lease now I will have somewhere to turn if we get an emergency.

I would like the name of a few Long Island vets if anyone has them who will treat squirrels. I am in eastern Suffolk county.

Thanks again.

Aslancottager

[aslancottager]

I've lived on Long Island my whole life and have never experienced bot flies.

Aslancottager:wott

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

I've lived on Long Island my whole life and have never experienced bot flies.

Aslancottager:wott
Don't worry they are on their way :sanp3 We had one case this summer and I am only 10 mins outside NYC on the Hudson.

I only know of a vet in NYC and some in NJ. I would pm IR or Tomo and ask them.

[Squirrellie]

I'm glad your guy healed up quickly :thumbsup :thumbsup , as did my Rosie (the squirrel in the picture you saw). The back of the neck seems to be a common place for bites. You might expect a little hair loss in the area, but it will grow back.