Bubble of Fluid on back right hip 2 weeks after Fall

[Falkor]

Hi everyone,

I have had my squirrel for a week and half. He fell from his nest onto a pile of leaves and has seemed to do very well. His eyes have opened since then, he eats like crazy, and he has started to become more active and curious (eyes opened 5 days ago).

I don't know if this is just now showing up because he is now moving his hip more or if it has anything to do with more hydration, but there's a bubble (soft, filled with fluid) on his back right hip. He has always favored the other hip, but he moves his leg along and puts plent of weight on that foot, so I know it's not completely broken.

I don't think it's blood because his skin is still light pink, but his hair is coming off in that area so I know it's iritating him. Pictures below...

Is there anything for me to do to help this go down? (Keeping him off of it, extra heat, ice, anything oral, etc.)

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[DarkLies212]

Thanks for saving this little one! I don't have any advice for you, but someone with some should be here soon.

Until then, what's his diet been like?

EDIT: Just realized who you are! Nevermind the diet question as you've already covered that in another thread :facepalm

[Falkor]

Thank you! Does he look underweight to you? I am afraid he's underweight, but I can't feed him anymore than I am! I am VERY slowly increasing his amount each feeding, which he has thoroughly enjoyed. He has only gained 7 grams in the last week.

This bubble keeps getting larger though and I'm concerned about it hurting him. It's not a tight bubble, but it's growing and clearly full of fluid (similar to a blister). Worried because it's on his joint. I realize his hip may never be 100% but don't want this to get worse.

[TubeDriver]

A couple of possibilities come to mind. There is a possibility of a broken bone which has lead to an abscess. If you have access to a wildlife vet then an x-ray could rule that out.

Other possibilities could include some type of injury to the skin/tissue that has become infected and formed an abscess. The hair loss is typical of an infection.

If that is an abscess, it really at a minimum should be lanced, drained, cleaned and an AB like Clavamox could be started.


Is the reddish area getting larger? Does it feel warm to the touch (warmer than the other hip)? Look carefully to see if you can spot a cut or puncture in that general area?

[Falkor]

His whole lower half had small cuts all over it from when he fell, but I disinfected them (for the most part) and they seem to be healing nicely. Maybe this is one that was not disinfected completely. I just know that his bones aren't right on that side as well. I will see if there is a wildlife veterinary center that will treat him/do an xray for me.

Thank you

[DarkLies212]

Be careful giving out info to vets and wildlife centers. I'd just ask a general question and not give out any information.

As far as weight, he doesn't look underweight, just maybe a little bit thinner than some, but they're all different.

His foot under that bubble, does it work normally like the other foot? It looks oddly twisted

[TubeDriver]

Be VERY careful about giving your info to vets or wildlife center. If you are not a licensed rehabber, they are legally required to confiscate the squirrel.


With all the cuts near this area, it is more likely that he has an infection. Have you seen any drainage from the reddish, swollen area? Clear or white puss like?





His whole lower half had small cuts all over it from when he fell, but I disinfected them (for the most part) and they seem to be healing nicely. Maybe this is one that was not disinfected completely. I just know that his bones aren't right on that side as well. I will see if there is a wildlife veterinary center that will treat him/do an xray for me.

Thank you

[Falkor]

I found a safe wildlife vet that will take a look at him tomorrow... Took me a little while to find them but such a relief!

Darklies212 I see what you're talking about in the picture about his twisted foot... The foot works great! I guess he's trying to cling to me in a weird way in this picture. Looks strange for sure! I'll confirm tomorrow at the vet. Thanks everyone for your help!! I just love TSB!

[DarkLies212]

So happy you found a vet!!! Just ensure before you go there that they WILL return him to you. :hug