Large lump on face

[Jewellie734]

One of my yard squirrels has a large lump on the right side of her face. She had a smaller one on the left side a few months back which eventually went away. Does anyone know what this could be and if there is anything I can do to help? She is my buddy and I’m really worried about her. I’m also concerned about her having babies in the spring and not making it.

[lukaslolamaus]

Oh my goodness, poor baby!
My guess would be ab abscess, but I personally don't have any experience in how to treat if necessary.
I'm sure someone with experience in situations will be online soon and can give you advice.
Is she eating and moving well?

[Jewellie734]

Yes, last I saw her she seemed to be eating and moving ok. Have not seen her yet today.

[Papabear90]

Oh my goodness. Poor baby!!! I really feel for her. My little guy is dealing with this too. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?64170-ANY-HELP-WITH-ANTIBIOTICS-WOULD-BE-APPRECIATED!!!!

Do you have a live trap? I am pm'ing you. There is a vet/ rehab facility in Howell.when I spoke to them they said that hey like to return adults back to their home. I didnt take my guy there because the wanted to keep him overnight which could've turned into 4 to 5 days. Pending a vet visit.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh MY!!! That is terrible. :eek
I can only think of two things. The most likely thing is an abscess. Facial abscesses are fairly common in squirrels. I just can’t imagine it getting that large without rupturing.

The other possibility is a tumor. Several years ago there was a squirrel with a mass that was determined to be lymphoma. I think that is a rare possibility.

This is a bad situation. Without intervention the squirrel probably won’t survive. I’m not sure if there are any rehabbers close that could help. Assuming it’s an abscess, lancing/antibiotics would probably resolve the problem.

Do the teeth look normal? Sometimes maloccluded teeth will grow into the tissue of the mouth and cause infection.

[Papabear90]

How close of buddies are you? Will she let you touch her?

[Jewellie734]

Yes, the teeth look normal.
Oh MY!!! That is terrible. :eek
I can only think of two things. The most likely thing is an abscess. Facial abscesses are fairly common in squirrels. I just can’t imagine it getting that large without rupturing.

The other possibility is a tumor. Several years ago there was a squirrel with a mass that was determined to be lymphoma. I think that is a rare possibility.

This is a bad situation. Without intervention the squirrel probably won’t survive. I’m not sure if there are any rehabbers close that could help. Assuming it’s an abscess, lancing/antibiotics would probably resolve the problem.

Do the teeth look normal? Sometimes maloccluded teeth will grow into the tissue of the mouth and cause infection.

[Mel1959]

You should come up with a plan on how to catch her for treatment. Folks on here can help guide you once you’ve captured her.

[TubeDriver]

If that is an abscess, it will certainly rupture and drain within the next couple days. If it does not rupture this week, it is probably a tumor.


If she is eating fine, teeth look fine etc, than draining the abscess might be all that is needed although a rehabber could start ABs which would help recovery.

Best thing to do would be to contact a nearby rehabber and see if you can capture this squirrel. If the the abscess drains on its own, she might just recover fine. But I do worry a lot when I see abscesses located near the mouth/jaw that there is something wrong with her teeth that is causing all this.