Help needed

[catdoggy21]

I have a paralyzed gray squirrel about 2 weeks ago he developed a large red round lump and now has lost all the hair on the lump. The lump has not changed in size. Can anyone please help me figure out what this is and how to treat it. I know that the wild life rehab will just put the squirrel to sleep so I need to help him myself and I want to. Any advice is appreciated. I'm not sure his age. I found him in my driveway about 3 weeks ago. He is not sick at all and has a good appetite.

[digiandchipper]

I am not a rehabber so I can't offer any advice but you and your little one are in my prayers.

A rehabber should be on shortly, if you can sit tight.

(I also resized your photos for you so the whole picture can be a little easier to see.)

[digiandchipper]

I'm sorry: Welcome to TSB and thanks for saving this darling. While you wait for a rehabber would you mind to post the squirrel's specific diet, bedding, and condition in when found? Energy level, etc. anything you can think of to help.

Any other pics of the wound in other stages might be helpful as well if you have them.

Good luck and hang in there, help will be here soon.

[catdoggy21]

Thank you!

I don't have any other pictures but it basically looked the same except he had hair on the lump. He sleeps in a hammock with a pillow case he covers himself up with. He has a couple stuffed animals he likes to curl up with. I feed him walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, fresh carrots, fresh apples, and fresh corn. He drinks from a water bottle I have on the cage. His energy is excellent, he likes to scoot around. When I found him it looked like he just fell from the pine tree over my driveway. He was just laying still and used his front legs to run away when I approached him. I took him in and he is a pleasure to have and I would like to take care of that lump but I need help figuring it out. I can take more pics if needed.

[Tomo]

It's hard to tell what this is, but it could be a side effect from his fall. Perhaps an abscess or calcium growth on the bone. Have you tried to find a squirrel friendly vet in your area?

[catdoggy21]

It's hard to tell what this is, but it could be a side effect from his fall. Perhaps an abscess or calcium growth on the bone. Have you tried to find a squirrel friendly vet in your area?


Yes, I have looked but every place I contacted said no to treating a squirrel.:shakehead I thought it might of been caused by the fall but it has not changed..maybe it needs more time? I can move the lump, it's firm, doesn't seem to hurt Nutkin when I touch it.

[merman]

Hi, welcome to TSB and thanks for saving the little one.. :)

I am not a Vet or Rehabber, and i am sure, they will give you better information.
It can be related to nutritional deficiency.
Did you check Nutrition forum ? You can find tons of information there:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=191

Or, check directly Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16093) thread:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16093

It is very important to feed your squirrel according to information given in Healthy Diet thread, otherwise your squirrel may develop MBD which could be painful and fatal for the little one.

Please keep us posted..

:wave123

[Nevara]

Hang in there! I'm not a vet or rehabber. But I do think that you ought to keep a very strict eye on him. See if he's rubbing that area... maybe that's why he lost the fur there?

Rehabbers... is it possible he will heal from the original spinal injury? I know Squirrels are amazing at healing...

Also, is it possible that he already had MBD for any reason?

Are there any rehabbers on the board who can visit this particular fuzzy friend? Maybe it's something similar to Snubby?

catdoggy21... I don't know how familiar you are with squirrels... whether you've kept one before or not... but in case you haven't, PLEASE take a moment to review the guidelines for nutrition in squirrels. We've had MANY cases here on the board where little squirrels are having seizures when just a few hours before they seemed perfectly fine and full of energy. If we can figure out what this thing is on Nutkin's head, and we get past that hurdle, the next hurdle is keeping him healthy on a VERY hard to maintain diet. From what I understand, even though they love nuts, they are high in Phosphorus, which is the molecule that keeps Calcium from being absorbed. Squirrels need a ridiculously balanced diet... and often they don't get enough calcium and end up paralyzed or having seizures. With that diet information under your belt, you are prepared to have a long and happy life with Nutkin! Here's to getting over this first er... "bump/lump" shall we say, and on to the rest of his happy life with you!

Please keep us posted on even the most TINY behavior change.
Tell us what he was like when you first caught him. Did he put up quite a fight? Or was he a bit snippy but put up with it ok?

p.s. thanks for checking out all of the vets in your area. That puts us one step closer to figuring out this process for nutkin.
:grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

:Welcome

I'm sending you a PM (Private Message) with contact information fora vet that might help you. (If you are unable to get the PM, let us know as sometimes that function is not turned on immediately for new members.)

Does the redspot show any signs of being an abcess? Like a whiter part in the center? It doesn't really look like it in the picture, but you can see better in person. Or an opening in the center? Most times when there is an abcess or wound, the squirrel loses the fur in the area. No signs of scratches or bites when you found him (like from a cat)?

Many times paralyzed squirrels regain function (much more so than with humans). A medication called dexamethasone (a steriod/anti-inflammatory) is given which can help. It is preferable to give it immediately, but we have seen cases where it was given later and may have helped. Unfortunately, it is a prescription drug and needs a vet.

Is he able to pee and poop on his own?

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[island rehabber]

I'm thinking abcess as well....one that's not ready to open yet. Usually these heal on their own, but it's important to keep the area very clean and watch the squirrel for signs that an infection has spread or is wearing him down -- at that point antibiotics will be required. Sometimes abcesses on rodents can be a pain to heal so having a vet would be an excellent idea!

[digiandchipper]

:wave123 Checking in on you and Nutkin. Hopefully you got the PM and found helpl.

Great advice from everyone, and the nutrition advice is a must! Let us know if you have trouble finding any of the recommended foods.

Praying for a good status report!:grouphug

[catdoggy21]

:Welcome

I'm sending you a PM (Private Message) with contact information fora vet that might help you. (If you are unable to get the PM, let us know as sometimes that function is not turned on immediately for new members.)

Does the redspot show any signs of being an abcess? Like a whiter part in the center? It doesn't really look like it in the picture, but you can see better in person. Or an opening in the center? Most times when there is an abcess or wound, the squirrel loses the fur in the area. No signs of scratches or bites when you found him (like from a cat)?

Many times paralyzed squirrels regain function (much more so than with humans). A medication called dexamethasone (a steriod/anti-inflammatory) is given which can help. It is preferable to give it immediately, but we have seen cases where it was given later and may have helped. Unfortunately, it is a prescription drug and needs a vet.

Is he able to pee and poop on his own?

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Thank you so much!!

The red spot does not have any white spots on it. No signs of scratches or bites either.

Nutkin has been steadily regaining movement. I move his little legs everyday and now he can curl his toes around my finger, move his tail, and move his legs at times but he's still dragging himself for the most part. He loves to be petted under his neck, he'll raise up his arm and roll over so I can scratch him. If I pet near his back leg he'll kick it really fast as if he is scratching..maybe his ticklish spot?..He seems to like it though.:D He can sit himself up also.

Nutkin is able to pee and poop on his own. I ordered HH blocks for him last night.

[TinyPaws]

Hi :wave123 :Welcome to TSB...glad you found us..your little one is very cute...

[wheezer]

I was thinking abcess too but only time will tell.

I am glad you are getting the squirrel blocks and read the pet squirrel diet, that will help a lot.

Good luck with Nutkin. I had a little squirrel who couldn't use his back legs and got around very well and had a great quality of life. I see your little Nutkin does too:grouphug

[catdoggy21]

Thanks everyone!!

Here's a pic of lil Nutkin's face

Is there anyway to determine the age of him?

[squirrelfriend]

I scanned quickly through this thread. I didn't see anything posted on here about bot flies. Perhaps I missed it. Is it possible that this is a warble?

[Buddy'sMom]

I scanned quickly through this thread. I didn't see anything posted on here about bot flies. Perhaps I missed it. Is it possible that this is a warble?
That was why I asked about if there was an opening. It seems about the size, but maybe flatter? But there would need to be an opening, right? :thinking I'm not exactly sure if we have them here, though. :dono (although maybe we do and I just don't see it)

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[catdoggy21]

Here is another picture of the lump.

[Ontario Rehabber]

It doesn't look like bot fly, there doesn't appear to be an opening which you would typically see with that. I agree that it looks like an abcess.

Here is the link for bot fly info and pics.
http://www.thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2767

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!!

Here's a pic of lil Nutkin's face

Is there anyway to determine the age of him?


What a precious face! I would guess he's about 8-10 weeks old? Hard to tell from this photograph. How's he feeling?

[catdoggy21]

What a precious face! I would guess he's about 8-10 weeks old? Hard to tell from this photograph. How's he feeling?


I was thinking he was maybe 10 weeks old but I wasn't sure. He is feeling fine. He was out earlier and managed to climb up the door frame my husband had to get him back down:D He is a quick lil guy and strong. He's so adorable.

[island rehabber]

catdoggy, once you see this thing sort of come to a head, depending on how tolerant and patient you and Nutkin both are, you can take warm compresses and gently but firmly press AROUND the area of the abcess, as if pushing everything upward. If there is a small opening, it will start to drain. Be prepared....think Giant Pimple From Hell...:osnap.......but it will relieve the pain and pressure that Nutkin may be feeling. It is not necessary to do this unless it seems to really bother Nutkin...these usually pop and drain on their own and then all you need to do is keep everything really clean. A drop of Neosporin on the area AFTER it drains will help.
Thanks, Pointy Tale, for reminding me of this method. :)

[Anne]

Think John Belushi in "Animal House" :D

[island rehabber]

Think John Belushi in "Animal House" :D

:jump:jump :yeahthat:yuck:yuck:yuck

[Pointy Tale]

catdoggy21—Hi Welcome to TSB, I wish it were under better circumstances. I am not a rehabber, or an expert, so I will leave the advice to them. I just wanted to thank you for caring for this little one, tell you, you are in the right place. Listen to everything the TSB rehabbers tell you. Just found Nutkin’s face, he so adorable, simple precious little guy. Did you have any luck finding a vet yet? How is Nutkin doing today? I hope he’s feeling OK! Please keep us updated on his progress!!!!

[Nevara]

It's been previously advised that neosporin/triple antibiotics not be used on squirrels. Polysporin is better. There's a post somewhere here about it, but I can't seem to find it. I guess better safe than sorry! I would never want to take two squirrels and do a test to see which is safer, but I'm just thinking safer is better.

[catdoggy21]

Today Nutkin's lump looks different. It has a small dark maroon purplish dot in the center. Any ideas?

[Nevara]

HMMMM.... suspicious!

Does he seem to be more sensitive to it when you touch it?
Has the hardness of the lump changed?
Can you still move it around?
Is there anything coming out of the maroon spot? Look closely.
Can you see inside of it at all?
Is there new hair growing on the spot at all? Or is it completely bare?
Is the spot flaking? Or smooth?

Hopefully a rehabber will be on soon.

[Pointy Tale]

Hi, I am Not a rehabber, but have questions:

Does the "area" feel warmer than the others areas of the body?

Does the "area red spot" does it appear like it's forming a pipple like head?

Also, were you able to locate a vet or a TSB rehabber in your area?

[catdoggy21]

Hi, I am Not a rehabber, but have questions:

Does the "area" feel warmer than the others areas of the body?

Does the "area red spot" does it appear like it's forming a pipple like head?

Also, were you able to locate a vet or a TSB rehabber in your area?

No, the area does not feel warmer.

No, it kinda looks like a busted blood vessel.

No, not yet. But I do have the information for a Vet that will treat squirrels. Here is another pick...sorry my cam is poor quality.

[catdoggy21]

HMMMM.... suspicious!

Does he seem to be more sensitive to it when you touch it?
Has the hardness of the lump changed?
Can you still move it around?
Is there anything coming out of the maroon spot? Look closely.
Can you see inside of it at all?
Is there new hair growing on the spot at all? Or is it completely bare?
Is the spot flaking? Or smooth?

Hopefully a rehabber will be on soon.

No the spot doesn't seem more sensitive to touch
The hardness has not changed.
Yes, I can still move it around.
No new hair
I did notice a few teeny tiny flakes around the border of the lump and also another teeny tiny red spot inside a lighter(whitish spot) near the border of the lump. The overall lump is smooth just 2 or 3 tiny flakes in his hair at the edge of the lump. I'll call the vet again tomorrow morning when they are open.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Watch it carefully. If it's a bot fly you'll know soon enough. This could be an air hole starting. It's gross and it can be itchy to the little guy but it won't hurt him. Let us know how it progresses.

[Nevara]

Oi vey. Bot flies are NASTY buggers. In my opinion it's either a bot fly or an abcess. However, I'm not a rehabber or a vet. So time will tell. If it IS a Bot fly the vet might tell you to wait it out, but I think they are so gross I don't know if I could do that. It's up to you. There are a couple threads on here detailing how people got them out.

[Tomo]

Looking at the newer photos, this could be a cyst that needs to be drained as well. Usually, they don't lose hair, but it's possible. Are you going to take the little one to the vet? I'm sure if it's treated, he will feel so much better! :)

[catdoggy21]

Looking at the newer photos, this could be a cyst that needs to be drained as well. Usually, they don't lose hair, but it's possible. Are you going to take the little one to the vet? I'm sure if it's treated, he will feel so much better! :)


I called the Vet again today and the Dr. was out so I'll have to call again tomorrow. The receptionist told me that No, they don't treat squirrels but then I mentioned the Dr.'s name and she said I don't know if she still treats squirrels and call back tomorrow to talk to her. I hope the Dr. still does because I really want to get him treated ASAP.

[Buddy'sMom]

I think catdoggy was going to try the local vet contact. Experienced eyes/fingers looking at it in person will probably make a world of difference. :thumbsup

On the nutritional front: I encouraged catdoggy to give Esbilac another try as it seemed (to me) a bit scary for Nutkin to have weaned himself so very early. It turns out that catdoggy HAD bought and tried Esbilac when Nutkin first arrived ......... but Nutkin said "No no no :nono .... I DO NOT LIKE THIS!! Please take it away and bring something else!" :D So I suggested a few things that might make it more palatable (very warm temperature; mixing with: yogurt, a little juice, whipping cream, baby rice-cereal-with-fruit --- in any combination :D ). HH Blocks have already been ordered and I believe a cuttle bone was purchased yesterday, but I do believe if Nutkin can get a couple of weeks of Esbilac, in any quantity at all, he will be better off.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

EDIT: :jump :jump and the vet already has been called. :D :thumbsup

[Pointy Tale]

catdoggy21, hoping that your vet will see Nutkin, but in the meantime do you have alternate plan. Where I live no one wants to see a squirrel and if they do, they put it to sleep.

Do you need additional help trying to an alternate vet? Are you close to any TSB rehabbers that can offer hands on advice? If I can help with researching a vet or something, I would be more than happy too, I am sure you have your hands full caring for Nutkin and trying to read posts and follow the instructions.

[catdoggy21]

I think catdoggy was going to try the local vet contact. Experienced eyes/fingers looking at it in person will probably make a world of difference. :thumbsup

On the nutritional front: I encouraged catdoggy to give Esbilac another try as it seemed (to me) a bit scary for Nutkin to have weaned himself so very early. It turns out that catdoggy HAD bought and tried Esbilac when Nutkin first arrived ......... but Nutkin said "No no no :nono .... I DO NOT LIKE THIS!! Please take it away and bring something else!" :D So I suggested a few things that might make it more palatable (very warm temperature; mixing with: yogurt, a little juice, whipping cream, baby rice-cereal-with-fruit --- in any combination :D ). HH Blocks have already been ordered and I believe a cuttle bone was purchased yesterday, but I do believe if Nutkin can get a couple of weeks of Esbilac, in any quantity at all, he will be better off.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

EDIT: :jump :jump and the vet already has been called. :D :thumbsup


Thank you Buddy'sMom... Nutkin finally took the Esbilac with the organic yogurt and he likes it very warm! He LOVES it now.. how much should I be giving him? He also loves the cuddle bones. Thank you again!!

[Legomom]

Do you have a gram scale to weigh him with? If so, get his weight & multiply it by .05. That will give you approximately how many ccs per feeding he should get. :grouphug (Basically, 5-7% of their body weight.)

Were you able to get in touch with a vet today? Hope Nutkin is doing well!

[island rehabber]

Good work, Buddy's Mom :thumbsup and good work catdoggy for sticking with it until that baby realized he LIKES Esbilac :rotfl. Rule one with squirrels: don't take NO for an answer. What a squirrels hates today will be his favorite food by 11:00am tomorrow morning....and vice versa. :shakehead

[catdoggy21]

Do you have a gram scale to weigh him with? If so, get his weight & multiply it by .05. That will give you approximately how many ccs per feeding he should get. :grouphug (Basically, 5-7% of their body weight.)

Were you able to get in touch with a vet today? Hope Nutkin is doing well!


Thanks you but I don't have a gram scale..

I called the Vet and the receptionist told me no they do not treat squirrels. So I mentioned the Dr's name and then she put me on hold forever, came back to tell me to call tomorrow and ask the Dr. herself if she would treat Nutkin. I'm praying that the Dr. says yes because nobody else in the area will treat a squirrel. I called back my family vet today to beg them to see Nutkin and the receptionist came back to tell me that they could put him to sleep for me. I couldn't believe she suggested that but anyway I'm counting on the other Vet saying yes tomorrow.

[Ontario Rehabber]

Hoping for success from the vet today :thumbsup

[Pointy Tale]

Yes, any news on Nutkin's visit with the vet? Hoping all is going well.

[catdoggy21]

Yes, any news on Nutkin's visit with the vet? Hoping all is going well.


I called this morning and the receptionist said she'd be in at 12 noon. I called back at 12 and she was in surgery so I left my name and number. I'm going to call back right now because she has not returned my call yet. Ok called back at 3:00 and she is still in surgery but the receptionist said the Dr. will call me after.

[Pointy Tale]

Thanks for the update. I'm sure it is probably very frustrating for you, but hang in there. Good luck! Hoping for good news when you finally reach the vet.:)

[catdoggy21]

Thanks for the update. I'm sure it is probably very frustrating for you, but hang in there. Good luck! Hoping for good news when you finally reach the vet.:)

Thank you!:grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

:thinking How is Nutkin doing?? Did you ever connect with the vet? :dono

Hoping no-news-is-good-news.
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[catdoggy21]

:thinking How is Nutkin doing?? Did you ever connect with the vet? :dono

Hoping no-news-is-good-news.
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug


The Vet will not answer or return my calls so Nutkin has not been seen yet. The lump seems a little bitter and it has reddish purple spots on it now. Nutkin seems to be doing ok. He's still taking the Esbilac. I'm still waiting for my Healthy Blocks to arrive so he will get all the nutrients he needs. :grouphug

[Ontario Rehabber]

Have you checked to see if there is a rehabber in your area that will take a look at him if the vet won't.

[Ontario Rehabber]

I don't know where you are in Maryland, but here is a list of rehabbers that may be able to help.

Maryland, Central

Maryland, Central region, Baltimore County (Hampstead)..... 443-507-0950

Gerda Deterer (director), Wildlife Rescue, Inc.
grice1911@yahoo.com
Wildlife Species: any mammal, bird, or reptile including rabies vector species such as
raccoons, fox, bats, and groundhogs
Specialties/Knowledge: Birds of all kinds
Maryland, Central region, Carroll County (Westminster)..... 410-346-7408

David and Terri Coppersmith, licensed home rehabilitators
tacoppe@qis.net
Wildlife Species: All animals except RVS(foxes, raccoons, and skunks)
Specialties/Knowledge: Critical care
Comments: Hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to approx. 11 p.m., including Holidays
Maryland, Central region, Howard County (Columbia)..... 410-740-5096

Judy (owner), All Creatures Great and Small Wildlife Center, Inc.
Limitations: limited by available space - call first
Maryland, Central region (Westminster)..... 410-374-0336

Brian Kristal (Director), Reptile Wonders: The Nature Center on the Go (TM)
naturecenteronthego@hotmail.com
Wildlife Species: Reptiles primarily, others on a species by species/space basis
SPECIALTIES and KNOWLEDGE: Turtle shell reconstruction


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland, Eastern

Maryland, Eastern region, Somerset County (Upper Fairmount)..... 410-621-0709

Sister Mary Winifred (director), Sanctuary House
sistermary.winifred@verizon.net
Wildlife Species: primarily accept songbirds and waterfowl
Maryland, Eastern region, Wicomico County (Tyaskin)..... 410-873-3315

Geraldine Foster (director), Eastern Shore Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
greysquirrelgirl@yahoo.com
Wildlife Species: all except mammals, turtles, pigeons, starlings, english sparrows


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland, East Central

Maryland, East Central region, Howard County (Columbia)..... 410-740-5096

Judy Holzman (Director), All Creatures Great & Small Wildlife Center, Inc.
Wildlife Species: small mammals and birds




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland, Northern

Maryland, Northern region (Aberdeen)..... 410-575-6202

James Dahler Jr., Chesapeake Birds of Prey, Inc.
Wildlife Species: birds of prey (only)
Maryland, Northern region, Baltimore County (Baltimore)..... 410-288-4546

Gerda Demeter, WildLife Rescue, Inc. (formerly Wild Bird Rescue, Inc.)
Maryland, Northern region, Baltimore County (Phoenix)..... 410-628-9736

Kathleen M. Woods, The Phoenix Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
phoenixcenter@comcast.net
Wildlife Species: mammals, songbirds, raptors
Maryland, Northern region, Frederick county (Thurmont)..... 301-271-4816

Di Conger, Last Chance Wildlife Center
Cnile7@aol.com
Wildlife Species: small mammals and all birds

Maryland, Northern region (Gaithersburg)..... 301-926-WILD

Chris Montuori, Second Chance Wildlife Center
chris@scwc.org
Maryland, Northern region, Harford County (Jarrettsville)..... 410-557-8047

Cynthia Long (rescue/rehabilitator), Jarrettsville Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Center
jarrettswildlife@yahoo.com
Wildlife Species: mammals, songbirds, reptiles
Maryland, Northern region (Smithsburg)..... 301-824-2145

Mary McDougal, Veterinary Technician, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
dmmcdougal@aol.com
Maryland, Northern region (Towson).....

Kathy Glaeser-Pater, Emergency Veterinary Technician, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
ERVetTeck2@aol.com
Wildlife Species: mammals and waterfowl


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland, Northeast

Maryland, Northeast region, Cecil County (Elkton)..... 410-398-5444 or 443-553-3245

Debi Patterson (Master Rehabilitator), Wildlife Treat and Release
scraps@crosslink.net
Wildlife Species: all animals


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland, Southern

Maryland, Southern region, Calvert County (Prince Frederick)..... 410-535-2998

Katelin Welles, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
lwwr@mac.com
Wildlife Species: specialize in squirrels, will take small mammals
Comments: currently holds a Master Rehabilitators License.
Maryland, Southern region, St. Mary's County (California)..... 240-725-0785

Mary Martin, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
maryemartin@md.metrocast.net
Comments: currently hold both a Master Rehabilitator and Rabies Vector Species
license


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland, West Central

Maryland, West Central, Carroll County (Westminster)..... 410-346-7408

Dave and Terri Coppersmith (director), Diamonds in the Rough
Wildlife Species: All birds and mammals, except rabies vector species


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Pointy Tale]

The Vet will not answer or return my calls so Nutkin has not been seen yet. The lump seems a little bitter and it has reddish purple spots on it now. Nutkin seems to be doing ok. He's still taking the Esbilac. I'm still waiting for my Healthy Blocks to arrive so he will get all the nutrients he needs. :grouphug

catdoggy21—this is terrible that the vet will not answer or return your calls, I am so sorry. Have you tried any of the places that Ontario Rehabber has listed for you? Do you need help contacting them? Please let us know how we or I can help you.

[floridapossum]

Just one more question for you, is the lump squishy or hard. If its squishy it is probably fluid filled If it is, you might have a couple more options open to you.