Need help: hernia in sqs - operable or not?

[astra]

Hello all!

Here is a story about a wild squirrel named Judy.

1) About 2 months ago someone observed a wild squirrel that was dragging her legs. Iwonka suggested that this woman bring the sq inside - this was surprisingly easy as the squirrel went into the prepped dog cage and the woman just closed the door.

2) Upon examination, Iwonka found a huge abscess on this wild squirrel's lower back. 30ml of puss came out of that wound. Iwonka kept flushing and puss kept coming out.

Iwonka also found a wound on the squirrel's belly - looked like a bite. Most likely it was a bite if you think that the wounds were on the lower back and tummy at about the same level - something must have grabbed the squirrel in its jaws and then let go.
Iwonka cleaned the belly wound, too. But she couldn't really see how deep the wound was and couldn't press/squeeze much because it's a belly.

3) Eventually, with cleaning and meds the wounds began to heal. Both wounds seemed to have healed, and Iwonka moved the squirrel to the big cage in preparation for release. And that is when the major problem revealed itself:

As a result of this belly bite, little squirrel Judy ended up with a huge hernia - the size of a golf ball. It is a very big hernia.

So, Iwonka's questions are:

1. Are hernias in squirrels operable?
2. If they are operable, are x-rays needed?
The thing is, if hernias are operable in squirrels, which means there is a chance for a decent life afterwards, then an x-ray may be needed to see what's going on and the extent of the problem in order to operate properly.

But if hernias in sqs are not operable, then, Iwonka will have to euthanize the little one. Little Judy is very wild. At first, when Iwonka was working on her wounds, Judy was very compliant, but now that she feels well (but unaware of the implications of hernia), she is a very upset wild squirrel who is very vocal about it. So much as approaching the cage with a nut causes a typical wild p-offed squirrel's ruckus.
Iwonka is concerned that Judy is too wild to become a NR (besides the fact that there are hardly any reliable people left who could take in a NR in this area).

Before even going for an x-ray Iwonka would like to know if any one knows if hernias in sqs are operable, because x-rays are expensive, and if hernias are not operable, it's not worth spending on x-rays.
But if hernias are operable, then she would try and see if she could have her x-rayed, at least to start.

THis is a sad situation - Iwonka says that Judy seems very young, and hasn't even had babies yet. A very young sq.

I don't have pics yet, but I will post them as soon as I get them.

So, please share your thoughts. And if anyone has experience with hernias in sqs (or similar species), or at least heard/read about them - please share.

Thank you!!!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Astra, I have no experience with hernias. IMO, a hernia would certainly be operable on a squirrel if you have a vet willing to do it.

Here's the big problem as I see it. Because the hernia was due to an infection, there is the possibility that the infection might have damaged or destroyed the muscle tissue of the abdominal wall. If the tissue damage is extensive there might not be enough tissue left to pull together. You mentioned the hernia is large. All of that bowel would have to be pulled back into the cavity and healthy tissue would have to be pulled over it and stitched. Unfortunately it might not be possible.

I'm not sure how an X-ray would help. You can see the problem and you wouldn't really know if viable tissue is there unless you go in. If you have a vet and the vet is agreeable, you could always try. It might work but if the damage is too severe you would know right away and then you might decide it best to let her go. :sadness

I hope it works out. This is very sad.

[astra]

Thank you very much for replying, HRT4SQRLS,

I didn't think about the possibility of infection "eating" away soft tissue, but it makes perfect sense. I hope it didn't get to that stage.

this is a video Iwonka made when she first got her. IN this video Iwonka explains that there were wounds on the back and on the belly. Then she begins to expel pus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVSdmKGa5Hk&feature=youtu.be

[astra]

Here are pics - from today

[astra]

these pics are from the day she got her. TWo - are Judy's belly after she squeezed pus out

[SammysMom]

Oh dear God...that video was incredible... I sure hope that the one who survives such an awful experience can survive the end result. Thank-you for working so hard for her... Many prayers for her healing...:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[TubeDriver]

I am no expert but I think that this hernia can be corrected surgically especially since the squirrel will be confined and treated during recovery. I am with HRT4SQRYL on this, not sure an xray is even needed? The vet should be able to palpate the area to get a good idea on the scope of the hernia.

Is there any chance there is an ongoing/lingering infection in that area that is making it more swollen?

[astra]

SM and TD - thank you for your responses.
Of course, it would be great if a successful surgery could help this little one, because with that hernia she cannot be released.
TD - I don't know, it will have to be checked, but it could be that it is not the swelling but the size of hernia. It is really huge so in the pic it may look like swelling. Will pass this on for it to be checked.