Squirrel biting leg....possible infection

[chewbaccasocks]

So our squirrel, Monkey Joe, has nibbled himself. This is actually the third time in three years he has done it. Same spot too. We've been bandaging him and putting topical antibiotic neosporin on the wound but it's still a bit red (the wound itself) and not scabbed over. It's not deep at all. However, my wife thought that she may have noticed a puffiness by the wound (but under the fur) and is concerned about a possible infection setting in. I'm not sure how as we clean it and dress it regularly. She wants to give him antibiotics as a precaution. We do have baytril, I believe. Should we just administer it to him and see? I've read that we should be judicious about giving him antibiotics. The last time he had some was about a year ago or longer.

[Mel1959]

First, do you know what is causing him to chew on his leg? He could have some type of rogue nerve pain or sensation. The drug Gabapentin has been known to work wonders for this type ailment. Do you have access to this drug? I’m not sure antibiotics are warranted unless you see red, inflamed tissue. I hope others will post their recommendation.

Can you post a picture?

[chewbaccasocks]

No I don't believe I do have access to it. I'm not familiar with it. Is there an Over-the-Counter version or anything? He had MBD when he was younger. He didn't fully recover from it but does have about 70-80% of use in his legs. Perhaps that's the problem? The three times he has nibbled himself it has been in the same spot which is his knee area on one leg.

As for the wound: It hasn't seemed to be healing as quickly as the other times, which is concerning. However, the wound is closed. I haven't seen any puss or smell or redness around the wound. The wound itself was red. I didn't see any puffiness around the wound. My wife thought she did which raised the concern for me. I gently pushed on his leg near the wound and there was no reaction as if it were inflamed.

[chewbaccasocks]

Just to post an update on Monkey, it was not infected at all. I thought any readers would like to know just because I hate it when people post a problem but never the solution lol. Gabapentin or any alternatives is interesting. I would not be surprised if that wasn't an underlying problem for him. Unfortunately this is not a squirrel-friendly area so I doubt I would be able to get a prescription.

[Spanky]

What part of GA?