Tod was Bitten!

[Toddy]

On Tuesday (two days ago), my Eastern Grey squirrel Tod was bitten by an unknown insect. I discovered the bug attached to Tod's back during our morning 'snuggle time'. The bug appeared to be sucking her blood, as it was latched onto her skin, face down, butt up in the air.I tried to rub it off, but it took tweezers to actually pull the bug off of her! I have tried to identify the bug, but have had no luck. It had a very small head, legs situated near the head area, and a much larger rear end. Sound familiar to anyone?

I am concerned because the area where I pulled the bug off has now gotten red and seems to be getting bigger! I have been applying Polysporin to the area for the last 36 hours.

Tod is an indoor squirrel, four years of age. Weight approx. 2.5 lbs.

Any help or info. Would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[Toddy]

214004

[MommaLove]

Tick? here are some images


http://www.lawestvector.org/tickbiology.htm

[Toddy]

No, not I tick I don't think. The head and legs were much smaller, very tiny in fact, compared to it's rear end, which was much much larger.

[MommaLove]

Do you have a photo of the insect that bit Tod?

[CritterMom]

Better yet, do you still have the insect itself. If it is a tick - and it likely is - it can be tested for Lymes...

The bellies get huge after they have been feeding.

[Toddy]

My camera won't focus on the little bugger, it was 214005so small, but I have drawn a picture of it.

[Toddy]

Yes, I saved the bug. It is in a ziplock bag.
Who would test the bug?

[MommaLove]

Examples of Tick Testing Laboratories*
LDA does provide contact information on some tick testing labs.
Some examples of tick-testing labs:

· IGeneX Labs, Palo Alto, CA: 800-832-3200 www.IGENEX.com
See IGeneX Labs CLIA certificate http://www.personalconsult.com/CLIA.pdf

· MDL, Mt. Laurel, NJ: 877-269-0090 www.mdlab.com


· NJ Labs, New Brunswick, NJ: 732-249-0148

[JLM27]

Thats a tick swollen with Tods blood. Did you get the head out? If not that alone will get infected.

[Rhapsody]

Was this the bug that bit him? --if Yes, both of these are ....... TICKS!!

https://www.google.com/search?q=tick+orange+legs+grey+body&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=y6AoUoSMFI6C9QSTtIDYBQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=775#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=UhjNqFVU_mY1gM%3A%3Bzqxor8R381CQJM%3Bhttp%25 3A%252F%252Fsph.bu.edu%252Fotlt%252FMPH-Modules%252FPH%252FPH709_LymeDisease%252Ftick-on-skin.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fsph.bu.edu%252Fotlt% 252FMPH-Modules%252FPH%252FPH709_LymeDisease%252FPH709_Lym eDisease_print.html%3B500%3B458

https://www.google.com/search?q=tick+orange+legs+grey+body&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=y6AoUoSMFI6C9QSTtIDYBQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=775#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=8fuegPQ9X9zFmM%3A%3B0KD--P9q-DIoAM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.homeshieldxp.com%25 2Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F08%252Fdog-tick-2.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.homeshieldxp.com%25 2Fcategory%252Fcommon-pests%252Fticks-and-mites%252F%3B1535%3B1156

[Toddy]

This looks like what I found...
214008

[MommaLove]

That's def a tick...:poke

I would find a local cdc or health dept that will test it for lyme disease.

[Toddy]

The tick was not buried into the skin, but sort of just sitting there. I think it was dead when I found it...but still attached.

[Toddy]

Ok, I will have it tested ASAP! Is there anything I should do for Tod now?

[MommaLove]

Maybe pm Jackie in Tampa or Island Rehabber or Rhapsody for medical advice until you find results of the tick.

I would do the obvious...cleanse with antibacterial soap (dawn is amazing), keep a topical aid as you have been doing, and watch it for signs or progression. Signs or reactions of ticks can take up to 2 weeks to show up on humans. I am unaware on the reaction time for our little friends.

[starfairy]

If by some chance you pull the tick out and his tiny head was left inside, that would cause the redness and possible infection.

[Toddy]

I found a place that will send the tick off for testing. Results will take two-six weeks to come back. Uh, I will be a nervous wreck by then...

They told me to watch out for flu like symptoms.

[Toddy]

Just thought I would give everyone an update...

We finally got the test results back from the tick I found on Tod. It was a groundhog tick or woodchuck tick. This type of tick does not carry Lyme disease (thankfully!) and is fairly common in high grass/ wooded areas. Since Tod is indoors 24/7, the tick probably came in on a tree branch.

Thank you everyone for your help!

[Toddy]

I tried changing this threads title to a less ominous one, but I'm not sure I'm doing it correctly... :tilt

[farrelli]

Good news! To change the title you will have ti request it of an admin, such as Island Rehaber.