Bald spot on Lenny

[lennysmom]

I went out to feed Lenny this evening and noticed he had a rather sizable bald spot at the base of his tail. I have never seen this before and there is no sign of injury that I can see. That being said, is this possibly the start of mange or anything I should be concerned about? I can't imagine how it would have gotten like that other then him chewing. And I haven't noticed this anywhere else on his body thus far, but he has been scratching quite a bit.
I managed to get a few pictures. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Lenny may be in the trees, but he's still my baby and I get a little concerned when I see things like this. :(

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[CritterMom]

Keep an eye on it, but I bet he is dragging his little boy squirrel scent glands on the branches since he has the high end real estate and all to protect. They have two little cashew-shaped glands under their tails, and during the girlie season it can actually swell up a bit - in fact I have run into issues with my guy getting sort of constipated because they get so big they kind of block things off. There is a nasty brown goo in there that they rub on stuff - THEIR stuff - and I am sure to let the girls know where they are. Mange doesn't usually start at the tail.

[TubeDriver]

Keep an eye on it, but I bet he is dragging his little boy squirrel scent glands on the branches since he has the high end real estate and all to protect. They have two little cashew-shaped glands under their tails, and during the girlie season it can actually swell up a bit - in fact I have run into issues with my guy getting sort of constipated because they get so big they kind of block things off. There is a nasty brown goo in there that they rub on stuff - THEIR stuff - and I am sure to let the girls know where they are. Mange doesn't usually start at the tail.

:goodpost

I would just keep an eye on it for now. if it does turn out to be mange, you will see additional spots appearing and it will then be an easy treatment to get rid of it.:thumbsup

[lennysmom]

Keep an eye on it, but I bet he is dragging his little boy squirrel scent glands on the branches since he has the high end real estate and all to protect. They have two little cashew-shaped glands under their tails, and during the girlie season it can actually swell up a bit - in fact I have run into issues with my guy getting sort of constipated because they get so big they kind of block things off. There is a nasty brown goo in there that they rub on stuff - THEIR stuff - and I am sure to let the girls know where they are. Mange doesn't usually start at the tail.

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the info C M. :thumbsup The bald spot is not quite at the base though - just a little above. Is that where the glands are located? I guess that is kind of like the glands on our dog... sometimes they have to be "expressed" if they get impacted :yuck - it's quite gross really because of the smell but I can imagine it's the same principle.
I will be sure to keep a close eye on it, but it's a relief to know that mange usually doesn't start at the tail. :)

[lennysmom]

:goodpost

I would just keep an eye on it for now. if it does turn out to be mange, you will see additional spots appearing and it will then be an easy treatment to get rid of it.:thumbsup

Ok, thanks TD. :) I will be sure to watch for any additional spots.

[CritterMom]

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the info C M. :thumbsup The bald spot is not quite at the base though - just a little above. Is that where the glands are located? I guess that is kind of like the glands on our dog... sometimes they have to be "expressed" if they get impacted :yuck - it's quite gross really because of the smell but I can imagine it's the same principle.
I will be sure to keep a close eye on it, but it's a relief to know that mange usually doesn't start at the tail. :)

The thought of expressing these on my boy make me want to run and hide! So far I haven't had to, happily. I know about these things because one of our regulars, Squirrely Steve, wound up having one of them removed from his squirrel Chuck by a vet that didn't know what they were! The thing, is, they drag to mark and when you are dragging on rough branches you can make that skin kind of sore and wear the hair off.

[lennysmom]

Getting a little more concerned about the mange possibility with Lenny. Saw a few more small bald patches on him today. Poor little guy also has a minor injury on his shoulder that looks like it's fresh... makes me so sad that I can't protect him from these things. :(
And of course, I'm leaving out early Tuesday morning for my cousins wedding on the beach - seems like the few times I take a trip, something happens to my sweet Lenny- makes me want to cry! :Cry
So, I really need to know ASAP if you all think this is mange because I would need to treat him before we leave. This is really stressing me out right now!

Here is a little spot on one side of his face
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This one is on the other side
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Tiny spot on the front
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Poor little guy has this small gash too :(
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[CritterMom]

Have you ever treated Lenny with Revolution? If you can get some I would put a drop or two on the back of his neck between his shoulder blades. It will take care of mange mites plus things like fleas and other nasties.

[lennysmom]

Have you ever treated Lenny with Revolution? If you can get some I would put a drop or two on the back of his neck between his shoulder blades. It will take care of mange mites plus things like fleas and other nasties.

No, but I will try to get some tomorrow. I assume you have to purchase it from the vet? If so, I will see if I can get some from Rosco's vet. I do have access to Frontline, but I'm assuming it's not good for squirrels? Thank you for the response C M. :) If it is mange, I'd really like to treat him before we leave.

[lennysmom]

Ugh, so my vet office said they had to special order the Revolution, that they don't keep it on hand. :(
I really hope Lenny will be ok until we get back in a week... so frustrated right now.

[TubeDriver]

Ugh, so my vet office said they had to special order the Revolution, that they don't keep it on hand. :(
I really hope Lenny will be ok until we get back in a week... so frustrated right now.


I think Lenny will be fine (maybe just a bit itchy), it should not get that advanced in only a week. It is possible that it is not mange and could get better or be no worse when you return.

[TubeDriver]

I think Revolution would be a good med to have ready on hand in the future. Lenny could get mange at any point out in the wild and prompt treatment would be easy and effective.

[lennysmom]

I think Revolution would be a good med to have ready on hand in the future. Lenny could get mange at any point out in the wild and prompt treatment would be easy and effective.

A very good point TD - I will get some either way to have on hand.:thumbsup
He's not looking any worse today.. maybe even a tad better, I can't tell.
Thanks for the reassurance that a week either way won't be extremely detrimental to him.. I do worry about my sweet boy, especially when I'm out of town and can't keep a close eye on him. I will be praying for his safety while I'm away.

[TubeDriver]

A very good point TD - I will get some either way to have on hand.:thumbsup
He's not looking any worse today.. maybe even a tad better, I can't tell.
Thanks for the reassurance that a week either way won't be extremely detrimental to him.. I do worry about my sweet boy, especially when I'm out of town and can't keep a close eye on him. I will be praying for his safety while I'm away.

I am reasonably sure that mange will not progress super fast in just a week. At worst, I would just expect that his hair loss patches would get a bit larger. But as I said, it might not even be mange so holding off treatment might not even be a bad idea.

[CritterMom]

No RX, ships from Australia - took a week to get to me and yes, it is the real deal:

http://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

[California Squirrel Lover]

Something always does seem to happen when you have to go away, doesn't it?! :shakehead :Love_Icon:Love_Icon Sweet Lenny and mama :Love_Icon:Love_Icon :grouphug:grouphug

[lennysmom]

No RX, ships from Australia - took a week to get to me and yes, it is the real deal:

http://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

Oh, thank you so much for the link C M. :thankyou I will order this tonight!

[lennysmom]

I am reasonably sure that mange will not progress super fast in just a week. At worst, I would just expect that his hair loss patches would get a bit larger. But as I said, it might not even be mange so holding off treatment might not even be a bad idea.

Ok, good. I feel much better now about leaving him without treating. :)

[lennysmom]

Something always does seem to happen when you have to go away, doesn't it?! :shakehead :Love_Icon:Love_Icon Sweet Lenny and mama :Love_Icon:Love_Icon :grouphug:grouphug

Yes it does CSL, and it drives me crazy! :eek I mean, I worry about him anyway when I'm gone but having something added to it makes it that much worse. :(
I am praying for his protection and I will have to trust God to take care of him.

[sandycheeks]

I know from experience it is very stressful having a wild outdoor baby. Does he come to see you and just get lovings still? Or was he raised to not even come around you?
My girl Sandy came and pancaked on my leg yesterday, while I was sitting on my deck. I think she wanted me to pet her but I hesitated and she left after a minute. I know some would say this is ridiculous but I think Sandy only ever comes to bug my wife and me. She jumps all over us and acts like a nut but I have never had any of my neighbours say anything about a crazy squirrel jumping on them. I truly believe she knows that she is not safe to bug other people. She comes from my neighbours yards to see us every day.
Anyway I hope your little guy is doing well when you get back. I'm sure the separation will only make it better when you see each other again.

[JLM27]

Ugh, so my vet office said they had to special order the Revolution, that they don't keep it on hand. :(
I really hope Lenny will be ok until we get back in a week... so frustrated right now.
Mange doesn't kill unless it results in hypothermia. It's just miserable.