Squirrel with swelling in back leg. (again)

[squirrelmama17]

Hello All,

I have a squrriel that I resuced as a baby back in March. I released her back into the wild about end of June or Beginning of July and she came back with a wound that I have been treating for quite a while. Just a week or two ago , it started to open back up so I went back to doing everything I was doing again. Now it is healing really well but the foot to swelling. I am not sure what I can do there is nothing wrapped around the leg to make it swell. Please help! Thank you so much.

[stepnstone]

Hello All,

I have a squrriel that I resuced as a baby back in March. I released her back into the wild about end of June or Beginning of July and she came back with a wound that I have been treating for quite a while. Just a week or two ago , it started to open back up so I went back to doing everything I was doing again. Now it is healing really well but the foot to swelling. I am not sure what I can do there is nothing wrapped around the leg to make it swell. Please help! Thank you so much.

How and with what were you treating the wound, were any antibiotics given?

[squirrelmama17]

We did Enroflox in the beginning haven't done lately. Now treating with betadine soaks and vetericyn wound spray.

[FergieBoo]

Just a thought... Could it have something in it? It may reopen to get rid of a foreign body... even splinter. Maybe epsom salt bath???

[squirrelmama17]

I can try that. I have attached pictures of it. The last 2 are before pictures. I have been told possibly Cellulitis?

[FergieBoo]

Yeah... I don’t think you have a foreign body. Cellulitis is a definite possibility... i would have to get a vet to look at that one... in the meantime maybe shave the area and try to keep it super clean... good luck, hope you can find a solution. so sorry she’s hurt.

[stepnstone]

This is not good, I'm moving this forum into life threatening for more eyes on it.
I don't know how your going to accomplish it but that wound area needs to be covered,
covering the affected skin will help it heal and prevent irritation. Dragging over things is
just attracting (more) bacteria, add that to getting urine on it....

This baby needs antibiotics and a med to reduce pain and inflammation.
If you still have enroflox I would be looking for some clindamycin to stack it with.

How long had you given the enroflox, how many milligrams is it, and how did you dose it?

[SammysMom]

Oh yikes! Some Vetricyn might be helpful to spray on that. I would see if you can get some clavamox or augmentin. Baytril (enroflox) isn't too good on these tissue infections.

[Chirps]

Poor baby! Does that cut go all the way around the leg? It sure looks like something WAS wrapped around the leg, at least at one time.

Who was the squirrel, just last year I think, who had that foot that had been strangulated, and it was crazy swollen, looked like she'd lose it for the longest time, but got all better? Did she lose skin above where the wound was? I can't remember.

[Mel1959]

Poor baby! Does that cut go all the way around the leg? It sure looks like something WAS wrapped around the leg, at least at one time.

Who was the squirrel, just last year I think, who had that foot that had been strangulated, and it was crazy swollen, looked like she'd lose it for the longest time, but got all better? Did she lose skin above where the wound was? I can't remember.

It was Redwuff’s baby squirrel. She is rarely online anymore, but maybe admin could reach out to her for advice.

[Chirps]

Thanks. I was looking all over for that thread but couldn't find it. One thinks one will never forget this or that but I find my brain is too full of info and it gets all jumbled.

[Chirps]

It was Redwuff’s baby squirrel. She is rarely online anymore, but maybe admin could reach out to her for advice.

Thanks again, found it! It was "Two Gifts of Spring" in Intake Infirmary. Lots of good pics but Tulip never had skin come off as part of her issue. It was just the blood vessels being so constricted that fluid exchange was so poor for a LONG time and her foot was HUGE for so long. Maybe this squirrel had something around her leg but not so long so the swelling isn't as dramatic but there are other issues like other wounds/skin loss.

[Mel1959]

Here’s the link for Tulip. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?62384-Two-gifts-of-spring&p=1320431#post1320431

[squirrelmama17]

I do not have anymore Enroflox as that was back in July I believe it was 0.12mls SID it was 22.7mg. I tried doing clavamox but she completely shut down after just one dose of it. I will attach pictures of the whole healing process. I can attempt to see if I can get something to stay there. The pictures go from 7/10 to 7/20. The last picture is the scab that was making her leg swell the first time. After i took it off her foot went back to normal but now is randomly opening and swelling again. I have look and try to see if anything was wrapped around it again and there is nothing. It looks as if her skin just grew back extremely snug in that around. Thank you everyone for your advice and help. I am grateful!

[squirrelmama17]

Hi All,

I'm in need of some help. My squrriels leg has swollen back up and there are no new wounds just still healing the one from the last time. She is hardly eating and is just hiding in her house. I need a dosage for gabapentin 100mg capsule and Clindamycin liquid or Cipro if these can be used. Please let me know asap. I know she is in alot of pain.

[squirrelmama17]

It is also oozing clear liquid from top of foot.

[Rock Monkey]

Hi All,

I'm in need of some help. My squrriels leg has swollen back up and there are no new wounds just still healing the one from the last time. She is hardly eating and is just hiding in her house. I need a dosage for gabapentin 100mg capsule and Clindamycin liquid or Cipro if these can be used. Please let me know asap. I know she is in alot of pain.

How long have you had the squirrel?

What caused the wound in the first place? If it is a cat bite you will definitely want to administer an antibiotic.

How long has she been inactive? When did the leg start to swell?

[Rock Monkey]

For other members below is the first thread.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?65349-Squirrel-with-swelling-in-back-leg&highlight=squirrelmama17

[squirrelmama17]

I have had her since mid March. The original wound happened way back in July. I attempted to release her and she came back unable to use her leg. I assumed it was a cat bit or something got her. I got it healed up most of the way then beginning of September it swelled and started to open back up. Just noticed it has swelled this morning. She has been perfectly fine up until yesterday I'm guessing. Her weight today is 0.58kg.

[Mel1959]

Where are you located in NY? We have several members in that vicinity that might be able to help.

[squirrelmama17]

Near Rochester.

[Mel1959]

I have reached out to an admin who is in the NY area.

It appears whatever antibiotic you have used in the past has not completely cleared up the infection. Please let us know what drugs you’ve used. Have you given more than one antibiotic at a time? Sometimes it requires stacking antibiotics and giving them for an extended period of time to completely rid the infection.

What antibiotics and strengths do you currently have? Do you have metacam? What strength of Gabapentin do you have? What does your squirrel weigh?

Please continue to check back for any responses.

[squirrelmama17]

I have only done 2 rounds of Enroflox injectable 22.7mg solution. I have liquid clindamycin 25mg. I have some expired gabapentin 100mg capsules but I can try and see if I have any that is not expired. I dont have metacam but I can try and get some. Antibiotics i also have is ciprofloxacin 250mg tabs and the 500mg tabs. Plus minocycline hydrochloride capsules 100mg. She weighed 0.58kg this morning. She is only about 8 to 9 months old. I gave her 0.1ml of the clindamycin by mouth this afternoon.

[Mel1959]

I am still working on getting you some advice about meds.

I guess you don’t have a vet that will see your squirrel?

[squirrelmama17]

I do have a vet that has been seeing her but she is more dogs and cats and doesn't know much about rodents/squirrels.

[squirrelmama17]

I also d have Meloxicam 7.5mg tablets or i can buy the liquid.

[squirrelmama17]

I also found trimethprim/sulfadiazine 960mg.

[CritterMom]

I also found trimethprim/sulfadiazine 960mg.

Let's start with this. Need a current weight on your squirrel. We may be adding the clindamycin in as well - I want to check on that since she has been on it for a while.

This will address the infection only - it sounds as though you already have the metacam to help the pain. I don't have direct info on gabapentin personally but I know it is used to prevent mutilation of wound areas so you will want to watch and perhaps add that in as well.

[squirrelmama17]

Let's start with this. Need a current weight on your squirrel. We may be adding the clindamycin in as well - I want to check on that since she has been on it for a while.

This will address the infection only - it sounds as though you already have the metacam to help the pain. I don't have direct info on gabapentin personally but I know it is used to prevent mutilation of wound areas so you will want to watch and perhaps add that in as well.

Her weight is 0.58kg. She has only had 2 doses of clindamycin. One last night and 1 this morning. The skin on the top of her foot is now starting to peel off. And it is even more swollen today. I'm really starting to worry more. She has barely ate that i have seen today.

[stepnstone]

Her weight is 0.58kg. She has only had 2 doses of clindamycin. One last night and 1 this morning. The skin on the top of her foot is now starting to peel off. And it is even more swollen today. I'm really starting to worry more. She has barely ate that i have seen today.

How are you dosing the Clindamycin?
I would be inclined to stack ab's for better coverage.
I'm going to *private message you dosing for the Gabapentin, I would still use it.

*We do not dose on open board, my pm's are used for dosing information only.
Triage illnesses should be kept to the board.

[Mel1959]

Her weight is 0.58kg. She has only had 2 doses of clindamycin. One last night and 1 this morning. The skin on the top of her foot is now starting to peel off. And it is even more swollen today. I'm really starting to worry more. She has barely ate that i have seen today.

Hopefully getting the pain managed will make her more inclined to eat. Offer her her favorites. Avocado is especially good because it has lots of fat. If she’ll take formula or yogurt these are good choices, too.

[CritterMom]

Working on antibiotic info for you.

Did you say you had meloxicam and dosing for your squirrel for it? If so, start using it.

You mentioned on your other thread that you were using dilute betadyne. Are you still? If not, 25 drops per 1/4 cup water and use it to swab down any areas showing issues. Just get them wet and let them air dry. Twice a day at least, if you can squeeze in 3, go for it.

Make sure your baby stays hydrated. If you need to, add a little sugar or honey to some water and heat it to formula temp and offer with a syringe.

[squirrelmama17]

I messaged you back. I'm sorry I respond so late. I am really hopeful the pain will get under control soon. I feel so bad for her. I am grateful for all of your help!!

[squirrelmama17]

Working on antibiotic info for you.

Did you say you had meloxicam and dosing for your squirrel for it? If so, start using it.

You mentioned on your other thread that you were using dilute betadyne. Are you still? If not, 25 drops per 1/4 cup water and use it to swab down any areas showing issues. Just get them wet and let them air dry. Twice a day at least, if you can squeeze in 3, go for it.

Make sure your baby stays hydrated. If you need to, add a little sugar or honey to some water and heat it to formula temp and offer with a syringe.



I do have meloxicam 7.5mg tabs but I do not have a dosage. I just gave a dose of gabapentin. I just started doing the dilute betadine again yesterday. Thank you!

[squirrelmama17]

These are what it looks like today, just now

[Mel1959]

Have you gotten out a magnifying glass and confirmed there isn’t a very fine filament line or thread wrapped around the leg anywhere?

I can see an indentation that looks like at one time something was wrapped tightly around the leg.

[stepnstone]

Sending pm dosing instructions for meloxicam...

[squirrelmama17]

Yes, I have looked. In the past, the scab that wrapped around her leg was cutting the circulation off so I had cut that and ever since that has been there.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Wow, this is really bad. I see you’ve been working with this a while. The Clindamycin is a definite YES! The Enrofloxacin is a definite NO. The problem with the Clindamycin is that it is too narrow for this infection. At this point, the infection is probably polymicrobic. That means it’s caused by more than one organism so you need broad spectrum coverage. The Clindamycin would only cover Gram positive organism and anaerobic bacteria. To get complete coverage you need to stack another antibiotic. Based on the antibiotics that you have, I would stack SMZ-TMP (Septra) with the Clindamycin. The SMZ-TMP has broader coverage and is even the drug of choice for MRSA in wound infections.

I will send dosing in a Private Message for a 580g squirrel. The Clindamycin really hasn’t had time to work with just two doses but this is so urgent you need to start hitting it with everything you have.

Just curious, you mentioned she shut down after Clavamox. I wondered what that meant.

One last question, is the liquid Clindamycin expired? We use expired tablets but liquids do lose their potency after expiration. This is too serious to gamble on an expired med.

[CritterMom]

Wow, this is really bad. I see you’ve been working with this a while. The Clindamycin is a definite YES! The Enrofloxacin is a definite NO. The problem with the Clindamycin is that it is too narrow for this infection. At this point, the infection is probably polymicrobic. That means it’s caused by more than one organism so you need broad spectrum coverage. The Clindamycin would only cover Gram positive organism and anaerobic bacteria. To get complete coverage you need to stack another antibiotic. Based on the antibiotics that you have, I would stack SMZ-TMP (Septra) with the Clindamycin. The SMZ-TMP has broader coverage and is even the drug of choice for MRSA in wound infections.

I will send dosing in a Private Message for a 580g squirrel. The Clindamycin really hasn’t had time to work with just two doses but this is so urgent you need to start hitting it with everything you have.

Just curious, you mentioned she shut down after Clavamox. I wondered what that meant.

One last question, is the liquid Clindamycin expired? We use expired tablets but liquids do lose their potency after expiration. This is too serious to gamble on an expired med.

YAY!!

Listen to and do exactly what this poster suggests for meds. :dance:bliss

[HRT4SQRLS]

Dosing for SMZ-TMP sent!

[squirrelmama17]

Wow, this is really bad. I see you’ve been working with this a while. The Clindamycin is a definite YES! The Enrofloxacin is a definite NO. The problem with the Clindamycin is that it is too narrow for this infection. At this point, the infection is probably polymicrobic. That means it’s caused by more than one organism so you need broad spectrum coverage. The Clindamycin would only cover Gram positive organism and anaerobic bacteria. To get complete coverage you need to stack another antibiotic. Based on the antibiotics that you have, I would stack SMZ-TMP (Septra) with the Clindamycin. The SMZ-TMP has broader coverage and is even the drug of choice for MRSA in wound infections.

I will send dosing in a Private Message for a 580g squirrel. The Clindamycin really hasn’t had time to work with just two doses but this is so urgent you need to start hitting it with everything you have.

Just curious, you mentioned she shut down after Clavamox. I wondered what that meant.

One last question, is the liquid Clindamycin expired? We use expired tablets but liquids do lose their potency after expiration. This is too serious to gamble on an expired med.

The only expired drug I am using right now is the gabapentin. Everything else has a good date. When I tried the clavamox the first time she was very lethargic and when I tired to force feed her she would regurgitate it all back up. I was to the point of almost putting her to sleep. But as soon as a day or two went by without the clavamox and finally getting her to drink some pedilyte. She bounced back.

Thank you! Thank you! I appreciate everything.

[Mel1959]

You can’t have better guidance than by HRT4SQRLS. She’s amazing and a guru for meds! :w00t:w00t:Love_Icon:hug
I am so glad she is on board this thread. Please keep us updated on your baby’s progress. :Love_Icon

Do exactly as she’s said with dosing.

[stepnstone]

You can’t have better guidance than by HRT4SQRLS.
She’s amazing and a guru for meds! :w00t:w00t:Love_Icon:hug
I am so glad she is on board this thread. Please keep us updated on your baby’s progress. :Love_Icon
Do exactly as she’s said with dosing.

:yeahthat Couldn't agree more!

[squirrelmama17]

Thank you all so very much!! I will definitely keep you guys posted.

[Mel1959]

How’s your baby this morning?

[squirrelmama17]

She was running around her cage this morning. The swelling has gone down and she isnt screaming in pain.

[stepnstone]

She was running around her cage this morning. The swelling has gone down and she isnt screaming in pain.

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/prayer-hands-smiley-emoticon.gifThank you Jesus!
She's not out of the woods but it's a start, keep on doing what your doing. :grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

:yeahthat
http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/prayer-hands-smiley-emoticon.gifThank you Jesus!
She's not out of the woods but it's a start, keep on doing what your doing. :grouphug

:yeahthat

Amen!

[Mel1959]

Wonderful News! :serene:dance:w00t:clap:bliss

[squirrelmama17]

I dont plan on stopping until she is better. I will fight her this time. Haha. 316725316724

[HRT4SQRLS]

That looks so much better already.

[squirrelmama17]

Update

[Mel1959]

:grin2:dance. It looks so much better! How is she acting? Is she still mobile, and eating and drinking well?

[stepnstone]

Oh yeah, http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/dancing/cheerful-dancing-baby-smiley-emoticon.gif looking good!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Well, there you go! :grin2 Daily improvement. :dance

I think the daily pics are a great idea. It will provide documentation of incremental improvements.

I am thrilled by the progress in just a short time.

[squirrelmama17]

Oh, she is doing amazing. Running around, eating, drinking, and playing with her toys. It is crazy how quick she has turned around. She was even hanging from that leg yesterday morning.

You guys are awesome!!! Thank you!! I will definitely keep doing the updates.

[Mel1959]

The quick turn around in her wound shows what the proper antibiotics can do. If a wound isn’t healing, or an infection getting better, while on an antibiotic then it should be a red flag that the antibiotic isn’t correct or may need to be combined with another antibiotic to work well.

Thank you for taking such good care of Sherby. :Love_Icon And thank you to everyone that helped get Sherby on the right track for healing. :serene:dance :blowkiss

[HRT4SQRLS]

I think I would start backing down on the gabapentin and also the Metacam.
By addressing the infection, the pain and inflammation should start to diminish as it improves.

I would go an entire 2 weeks on the antibiotics and reevaluate at that time. We want to make absolutely sure that the infection is gone.

[squirrelmama17]

Ok sounds great. These are today's pictures.

[stepnstone]

Looks really good :Love_Icon so happy for this little one. :serene

[Mel1959]

Wow! What a tremendous difference in a short period of time! :w00t I’m so happy she’s no longer in pain. :dance You’re doing a great job....keep it up. :hug

[stepnstone]

:tap I think we're due another update and picture... :grin3

[Mel1959]

:yeahthat:yeahthat

[island rehabber]

:tap:grin2

[squirrelmama17]

We are on day 2 without pain meds and she is still doing excellent!

[HRT4SQRLS]

I had to look back to see when you reached out for help for a recurring wound infection. It was on 10/19... literally 10 days ago and the turn around is nothing short of dramatic. It looks amazing. You can expect a full recovery. :bliss

[Mel1959]

HRT4SQRLS, you and the other amazing minds are the reason this was such a dramatic turn around. :bowdown:bowdown:bowdown. Proof positive that the proper meds make all the difference.

For folks reading this please note that if a wound is being treated with antibiotics and results are not seen in a few days, please reach out for help in assessing the situation and changing or stacking the antibiotics. As you can see from this amazing success story, it makes a difference. :dance:w00t:grin2

[squirrelmama17]

I really wish she would allow me to get a picture of the wound but I need like 10 hands. Haha. The wound is not fully healed yet but it looks good. Should I keep up with antibiotics until fully healed or reevaluate at the 14 days and go from there? I don't wanna make resistances. Thank you everyone for all the help again!! You guys are amazing.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Let’s look at it at 14 days but we definitely don’t want to stop before this is completely healed.

I bet she is a handful shoving nasty meds in her face for so long. :grin2 Soon baby girl, this will be behind you.

[squirrelmama17]

Okay great. Yeah she is super fun. Haha.

[squirrelmama17]

These pictures are from this morning and she finally allowed me to get a picture of the wound that is left. Yes is it in a difficult spot to heal.

[stepnstone]

She's done a lot of healing in a short time, this has the potential to
flare back up and may take a little longer but it needs to completely
heal before we can really celebrate. I'd definitely keep her on the ab's .
I'm also looking forward to seeing her moved to "Success stories." :grin3

[Mel1959]

:tap:hello:hello

It’s been a while since we’ve had a photo and an update. How’s your sweetie doing?

[Squirreleesi]

Any new updates on how she's healing up?

[squirrelmama17]

She is doing wonderful.

[Mel1959]

Wow! Thank you for giving us an update with a photo. Her leg looks great! I am so happy for her....and you. :hug. Thank you for reaching out and taking the advice given. It truly made all the difference in her recovery. :blowkiss:w00t

Edit: Just to be sure, has the sore healed that was on the back side of the leg? I noticed in the last pictures you posted there still seemed to be one area that was still healing.

[squirrelmama17]

The sore is so much better also!! I can't thank you guys enough for everything. I'm now hoping all this hair will grow back.

[squirrelmama17]

She is such a happy squirrel!!

[Mel1959]

What a wonderful success story! I can’t get over the quick turnaround when she was given the correct antibiotics. Thanks again to the village... HRT4SQRLS, Stepnstone and Crittermom. :hug