He has a hurt foot

[Chickenlegs]

One of my shed squirrels has a hurt foot. I think it got pinched in the condo door (door to my chicken pen that's inside the shed) when my foot was first surgicaled almost 3 weeks ago (folks were real helpful--letting the chickens in and out and feeding them--that sort of stuff). I bet one of the helpers wasn't careful and a little foot was caught in the gate. When I noticed the little guy a week or so ago he wasn't putting any weight on that foot at all and it looked swollen. It's not so swollen anymore and he uses it but the top is raw and a couple of days ago it looked like he'd knocked the scab off. He's friendly but not so that he wouldn't be crazy wild if I caged him (IF i can get him in a cage) and took him to the vet. It looks like the foot is healing but the wound on top is still raw looking. I wish I had some antibiotic powder. i think i could get some onto that foot. I have some SMZ-TMP and some Baytril. I'm pretty sure I can get him to take medicated pecan halves--provided he shows up regularly (he does take off occasionally and I don't see him for a day or so). I took a picture of him and his foot this morning but Photobucket has apparently crapped out on me so I can't post anything. I'd guess he weighs a little over a pound tho with his winter coat he looks like a gray football. He does jump onto my shoulder for treats. I don't want to medicate unless he needs it but I don't want any infection getting into that foot either. Suggestions?

[CritterMom]

You know, as long as it isn't swollen/oozing or pussy looking I would just watch it and make sure he gets LOTS of good food and clean water to keep him close to home so you can monitor. If his immune system is in good shape I bet he will shake this off just fine. Medicating when you can't insure that they get the proper dosages because they may or may not show up has it's own set of problems. That is how antibiotic resistant bacteria are created.

[Chickenlegs]

You know, as long as it isn't swollen/oozing or pussy looking I would just watch it and make sure he gets LOTS of good food and clean water to keep him close to home so you can monitor. If his immune system is in good shape I bet he will shake this off just fine. Medicating when you can't insure that they get the proper dosages because they may or may not show up has it's own set of problems. That is how antibiotic resistant bacteria are created.

Thanks CM--I was thinking along those lines. Wanted to post a pix of him and his foot but like I said--Photobucket comes up but shuts right down. He and two others live in the shed. I know he has a warm bed and he gets treats and plenty of good food--not always sure he eats the good stuff but he does get plenty--and isn't so injured he doesn't come up to the house and scam nuts at the back door. Thanks. All these squirrels are my babies and when one gets hurt the mama in me comes right out.

um--not sure why there's a chorus line in this post--doesn't show up in edit. Well--maybe it's telling me the little guy will get a healed foot for Christmas.

[CritterMom]

They are my kicking line. I'm special.:D

[Chickenlegs]

Well yes you ARE and thanks for the kicks!

[farrelli]

Chickenlegs, the Santas are a product of you using the abbreviation "C M" - with no space. This software parses it out and substitutes the image. That's how all those emoticons work. You may notice that many people use CrM instead? That's why.

[Nancy in New York]

CritterMom did you specifically take that user name, knowing that you would get dancing santas.......:dono :poke

[Chickenlegs]

So where are my dancing chickens?

[Milo's Mom]

This is continuing on the slight threadjack, sorry Chickenlegs (you did start it though)...if you type cm in caps you will get the dancing santas but if you type them in lowers (as I have done) you will not get them!!!

In caps = CM
In lowers = cm

[CritterMom]

Hey! Knock it off, MM! How else am I going to quickly know if I am being talked about?? Don't tell the secrets!:D

[Milo's Mom]

Hey! Knock it off, MM! How else am I going to quickly know if I am being talked about?? Don't tell the secrets!:D

Oooops, sorry. I will not speak of it again, CM. :D

[riefderrico]

Missy came to us after she had fallen out of her nest and within a day or two we noticed her broken back leg (no puncture wounds or scratches - just wasn't using it and would pull it up when I touched it). She spent most of her time sleepin' (she had just opened her eyes) But about two days after we got her, it swelled up and looked like a cartoon foot that had been flattened by a steamroller. After about two weeks I had to give her hind quarters bath and that is when I noticed a scab at her "knee" (this was not there before). After the warm bath - the scab came off, the swelling went down and she was good to go within 2 days. She's been a little rebel rouser ever since :jump