Black Squirrel with Unusual Injury

[Specter1075]

Hello all,

I toss out peanuts and bird seed for a bunch of squirrels, chipmunks, ducks, and various smaller birds in my backyard, and noticed today that one of my squirrels has an injury to a front paw. I took a few pictures with my camera to try to get a better view of it, but cant really tell what the nature of the injury is. He doesn't use the paw when moving around, but can still climb (at least partly). Rather than try to describe it, I'll post pictures here. I was hoping someone might be able to identify what exactly the injury or disease is.

Thanks!

Chris

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t146/Specter1075/DSC_4630.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t146/Specter1075/DSC_4626.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t146/Specter1075/DSC_4620.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t146/Specter1075/DSC_4637.jpg

[Specter1075]

I apologize if I should have put this in the specific ailments forum. Truthfully, I didnt notice it at first.

[pappy1264]

Looks like a break from the pic, at the 'wrist', judging from the swelling.

[Specter1075]

Thanks for the reply. I wasnt sure because of the fur loss, but in the case of a break, should I be seeking help? Is there anything that can be done?

[island rehabber]

Others may not agree with me here, but I would not attempt to capture and treat a break on a wild adult squirrel. I think the stress factor obliterates any possibility of actually helping him, and furthermore what could you do, wrap the limb? he would rip that off in seconds. Then what? Catch him again to re-wrap?
So long as he is functioning and eating and looks as beautiful as he does, I would let him be. IF the swelling gets worse and you suspect infection, slipping him some antibiotics would be in order.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

It almost looks like he had something wrapped around his arm and he hopefully has chewed it off.
After dogs have had a rope or collar en-bedded in their neck and it is finally removed it can look like this

[Skul]

Ya, I'm guessing the leg was caught in something and he/she was injured trying to break free.
Gotta agree with IR.
Most likely best to not cause any further trauma.
Squirrels can adapt far better than we realize.

[Margie]

Looks like a wound of some sort where there was an abscess or soft tissue injury. Also looks like the end of one toe is missing. With the hair loss, I would guess an abscess along with an injury. The squirrel is using the hand and it is a long way from his heart so hopefully it'll continue to heal. More mobility should return as the swelling goes down.

[Specter1075]

Thanks for the replies. We usually have quite a few squirrels (due to the food, of course) and usually they all seem quite healthy and normal. A few weeks ago, I had one that was having a hard time with his back leg. He was avoiding using it, and when he would try to sit up, he would tip over. He wasnt able to climb so I made sure there was lots of food on the ground and left some fresh water for him. He limps now, but seems better.

Then today I see this new injured squirrel. Im not sure how they are hurting themselves, but I hope there arnt any more because I certainly wouldnt want to have to trap/treat him as an amateur (though I would if he/she needed it). Fortunately, they are comfortable enough with me to run over when I come outside, so I'll be able to keep an eye on him.

Thanks again everyone! I appreciate it, and Im sure the squirrel would too!