mainemargaret
07-15-2010, 04:52 PM
Hi All - I have been in touch with two wonderful local rehabbers about this baby but would greatly appreciate the advice and experience that is found here also.
One of the spring gray babies has a disturbing looking rear right foot. I've attached the best pictures I've been able to get. This is the 1st time I've tried to upload photos so apologies in advance. When I first noticed this little one I thought it's foot might be deformed. Over the past week, though, as I've tried to get a closer look, I'm worried that it's an injury. I got a quick glimpse of the bottom of the foot yesterday and saw some red. The baby seems to run and climb well, although the toes on that foot are held up off the ground because of the bulge. I've seen him/her scratch with that foot, and hang from both back feet.
My local contacts are worried about pox. This doesn't look like any photos of pox that I've seen here or elsewhere, but I have no direct experience with it. The foot has looked odd for well over a month, it's just recently that I've been able to get closer to get photos. The bulges have gotten darker over the past weeks, and may have grown slightly. None of the other squirrels around, and there are about a dozen now, have any lumps or scabs. I hand feed a few adults and so can get a really good look at those. The babies all look perfect except for this little one's foot.
It's been recommended that I try to trap this one, which I am willing to try if necessary, but I'm wondering if it would be reasonable to attempt to treat first before taking a step that will be very traumatic. I can get nuts to this one very well, so I could put something on those. He hasn't been keen on my homemade HHBs, but I could make something else tempting. I don't want him/her to suffer, but I'd rather take a less stressful approach first and try trapping as a last resort. But I really need your advice on that!
If attempting to treat first is reasonable, what do I give? Metacam was mentioned by a local contact but is that just for pain? Wouldn't an antibiotic be better? Thanks to IR, I have a name of a local vet who I may be able to get meds from. I haven't called her yet, just want more advice before proceeding.
Thanks for your help/opinions/recommendations!
One of the spring gray babies has a disturbing looking rear right foot. I've attached the best pictures I've been able to get. This is the 1st time I've tried to upload photos so apologies in advance. When I first noticed this little one I thought it's foot might be deformed. Over the past week, though, as I've tried to get a closer look, I'm worried that it's an injury. I got a quick glimpse of the bottom of the foot yesterday and saw some red. The baby seems to run and climb well, although the toes on that foot are held up off the ground because of the bulge. I've seen him/her scratch with that foot, and hang from both back feet.
My local contacts are worried about pox. This doesn't look like any photos of pox that I've seen here or elsewhere, but I have no direct experience with it. The foot has looked odd for well over a month, it's just recently that I've been able to get closer to get photos. The bulges have gotten darker over the past weeks, and may have grown slightly. None of the other squirrels around, and there are about a dozen now, have any lumps or scabs. I hand feed a few adults and so can get a really good look at those. The babies all look perfect except for this little one's foot.
It's been recommended that I try to trap this one, which I am willing to try if necessary, but I'm wondering if it would be reasonable to attempt to treat first before taking a step that will be very traumatic. I can get nuts to this one very well, so I could put something on those. He hasn't been keen on my homemade HHBs, but I could make something else tempting. I don't want him/her to suffer, but I'd rather take a less stressful approach first and try trapping as a last resort. But I really need your advice on that!
If attempting to treat first is reasonable, what do I give? Metacam was mentioned by a local contact but is that just for pain? Wouldn't an antibiotic be better? Thanks to IR, I have a name of a local vet who I may be able to get meds from. I haven't called her yet, just want more advice before proceeding.
Thanks for your help/opinions/recommendations!