Splinter in, possibly through cheek.

[sub0_2]

Helped take care of a couple gray squirrels and they come bye on occasion for water and a treat. One came in yesterday with a splinter a bit thinner than a toothpick sticking out of his right cheek.

Any advice on what to do? He's far to skittish to catch. I'd have to find a way to sedate him first. Any help appreciated, thank you in advance.

[farrelli]

Do you have any pics?

DO you know what a Have-a-Hart trap is? Why wouldn't he be caught with one?

[sub0_2]

No pics, working on it. He doesn't like cameras or phones getting to close and its been hard to get just that side.

The side of his face where it's in is swollen, the injury is CURRENTYLY, less than 48 old and dead center of his cheek,.

Never heard of that trap before, never needed to catch a squirrel before either. Thus me coming here. This place has been very helpful but never needed to post before.

I'm concerned as much about helping him heal afterwards as much as getting it out. How do you purpose I remove the splinter after catching him? The trap looks like I could catch him with it but getting ahold of him will be a problem. Not trying to be a jerk or out to hurt squirrels, I just assumed sedation would allow me to remove it and help clean it if there's a sign of infection or an abscess where the splinters logged.

I found him when he was a few days old, he's now two and I know he's a wild animal but I can't bare to see him like this.

[farrelli]

You'll probably need to get gloves and a towel/blanket and get him out of the trap with the towel and then remove the splinter. You'll probably need another person. I've never done this, but we have had many sqs captured and treated in this fashion before here. I'm sure they'll chime in here tomorrow.

[farrelli]

Btw, where are you? Perhaps someone here is near.

Btw, you can get those traps at many stores, like Home Depot. And some times rent them from animal rescues.

[sub0_2]

I'm in Portland Oregon, thanks for the advice. If I manage to catch him I'll try to get a before and after picture.

[farrelli]

I'll PM DuckMan, who I think might be by you and has lots of experience in the these kinds of rescues.

[island rehabber]

Wheezer might be out there, too -- I will get her via Facebook.....BRB

[Duckman]

I am in Bozeman MT at the moment, for work. I won't be back until Thursday. I would not catch this squirrel, unless it is absolutely necessary, if you haven't had experience with handling wilds. Most slivers will work their way out over time. I will be back in Portland on Wednesday night and can help you with this one on Thursday, if the sliver is still in. I will also be able to give some Antibiotics once I am back as well.

[sub0_2]

Thank you Duckman, if it will work it's way out I will simply let him be. If I do need to give him antibiotics, how would I do that?

[TubeDriver]

Duckman! :thumbsup

[Duckman]

Thank you Duckman, if it will work it's way out I will simply let him be. If I do need to give him antibiotics, how would I do that?

I have found the best way is to coat the ridges of a pecan with the AB and give it to them that way. Another way is to hollow out a hole in a piece of Avacado, put the ABs into that and mash another piece onto it to close up the pocket.

[sub0_2]

247233

Sorry about the poor quality, my comp is down and this is the best I could do with my cellphone. The splinter is visible near his whiskers, you can also see his face is still pretty swollen. He must be working the splinter out himself, its been gradually getting smaller. I obviously haven't helped with that.

[Nancy in New York]

I fooled around with the color trying to get the splinter to show up better.
Is this it where the arrow is pointing?
http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-m2svVXm/0/M/i-m2svVXm-M.jpg (http://nmognoni.smugmug.com/Other/TSB-resizing-2/n-GmzqZ/i-m2svVXm/A)

[sub0_2]

That's it exactly, thank you very much Nancy. That picture is much more helpful.

[Nancy in New York]

I am going to pm you the name and address of a rehabber in Portland.
Let me know if she is anywhere near you, she may be able to help before Thursday.

[sub0_2]

Portland is a relatively small city and I can most certainly reach anyone who could help.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Just a thought ... are you sure it's a splinter. It could be a tooth. I've seen some REALLY crazy curled teeth that grow everywhere ... through the palate, beside the face, etc. I would consider it. :dono Their teeth are orange. Does the 'splinter' look orange?

[sub0_2]

Thanks for the concern but its definitely a splinter. When I first saw it, the splinter was a little thicker than one of his fingers and dark brown, like wet wood.

[Duckman]

I'm back in town today. Any update?:poke:imp:grin3

[sub0_2]

The splinters mostly out and the swelling has localized around the splinter. I think I'm going to try just antibiotics for now.

Where should I be able to purchase some? And how Mich should he receive?

[Duckman]

I'm going to send you a PM.