Wild Squirrel with facial and head abscess

[muimuimama]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and looking forward to getting advice from this group.
One of my backyard squirrel who had been visiting for the last 4 years has a health crisis. She disappeared for 4 days and came back with a cloudy whitish eye and two swollen lumps (one on top of her head and one on the side of her cheek). Because she is so swollen, she also has a hard time chewing hard food, even unshelled softer nuts like Pecan and walnut. I checked her front teeth and they seem to be still there. Good news is that her cloudy eye cleared up a bit but she still seem to have some vision perspective issues. I know one option is to bring her to a wildlife Centre but the one in the my city is known to kill when they have short capacity and would euthanize as soon as they re deemed inhabitable (would kill even with blind on one eye) so i don’t think I will risk that.. I think this female squirrel is generally healthy and I want to give her a chance.

Couple of questions for your advice : 1.) what do you think the cause of this? I thought it was due to a fall but it didn’t make sense because her limps are perfectly fine and no signs of injury or wound and she is not wobbly or anything. It is also too sudden for a dental condition ? I also wonder if it is a bite by bee or insect 2) any recommended treatment ? I have been giving her baytril for 2 days as antibiotic (0.1ml once a day). The abscess start to get bigger but no burst yet. How long would it take for the abscess to resolve on its own?3.) in terms of food, what are easy food options ? She seems to have a good appetite but couldn’t even eat a shell walnut. I gave her avocado and fresh corn but not sure if it is a balanced diet or not. Any recommendations re food to help her through this difficult period?
I have attached a few pictures with file names labelling the days and how it evolved..(sorry somehow the order was messed up when posted - so from left to right, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 1 since she reappeared) thank you so much for your help!
327519327518327520

[muimuimama]

As a basis of comparison - this is how she originally looked like before the abscess on her left cheek.

[Spanky]

The abscesses could be from a cat bite or even another squirrel? If it were just the jaw abscess I'd wonder if this might be an odontoma but the additional one on the top makes me think a bite or injury of some kind. The Baytril is good in event it is a cat bite. It will likely be several more days.. based upon the pictures, before the abscesses burst... whcih will provide her a lot of relief when they finally do burst.

Avocado, corn, squash, sweet potato etc. would all be great if she'll eat it... much better nutritiously than nuts. The veggies can also be blanched to soft them. Fruits like berries, apples, grapes are all good too... at this point making she she gets a lot of food will help because she'll have more time to spending napping and recovering than foraging!

[muimuimama]

Thank you so much @Spanky! This is super helpful.
I have already started a 7 day cycle of Bayril and i'm on the 4th day. In the event that the abscess doesn't burst until a few days after, can i pause Baytril after 7 days and restart a cycle? or should I keep feeding her baytril until she heals from the abscess opening?

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Muimuimama,

Welcome to TSB. This wild squirrel must really trust you! Very nice. I read you are dosing antibiotics already. If you want confirmation on the proper dose amount, please post squirrel weight and strength of Baytril and I'll reply by private message (PM) to you.

Mr.SSG

[muimuimama]

Thanks Mr.SSG!I have no idea the weight of this adult female squirrel.. I googled somewhere that says an adult eastern grey is around 400-600g so I would say she's average size? I am using Baytril 10% and giving her (XXX) (she only comes once per day).

[supersquirrelgirl]

Thanks Mr.SSG!I have no idea the weight of this adult female squirrel.. I googled somewhere that says an adult eastern grey is around 400-600g so I would say she's average size? I am using Baytril 10% and giving her (XXX) (she only comes once per day).

Got it. Might be a good idea to get a digital scale to measure grams to make any meds dosing effective.

I'll reply by Private Message (PM) as we don't post dose info on open board. I will ask Admin to edit message to delete dose info.

[applecrisped]

How long would it take for the abscess to resolve on its own?

I imagine this varies a lot, but I had a wild with a head abscess a couple years ago and it was 16/17 days from when I saw the swelling to it opening on its own.
His thread is here (https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?68942-Wild-w-swelling-on-head&p=1370571), if you'd like to look at his pictures.

[Diggie's Friend]

. One thing you could try would to be to give a couple of drops of 8x "Gun Powder" homeopathic remedy twice a day. This Homeopathic remedy is very effective in supporting abscesses to open up and drain. IF the abscess doesn't open in a few days then you may want to try the 30 C noted in which opens it up faster.

See excerpt under a squirrel's stubborn Abscess on this page. Documentation by wildlife rehabbers have been made of homeopathic, "gunpowder" remedy working to open abscesses and counter even serious infections.

https://hpathy.com/veterinary-homeopathy/gunpowder-little-known-remedy-packs-a-wallop-against-wounds/

Sources for both 8x and 30C homeopathic , "Gunpowder"

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=8x+Gunpowder+homeopathic+remedy&crid=3CNKZERKBF0OF&sprefix=8x+gunpowder+homeopathic+remedy%2Caps%2C13 9&ref=nb_sb_noss

To read more, see my posts about this remedy on this thread:

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?69504-Advice-needed-for-sick-squirrel&p=1364527#post1364527

[muimuimama]

Hello there! As an update the squirrel is still coming every day, a little skinnier but active and coming daily a bit more frequently.. it’s an indication that she feels well enough to forage I guess.
However her abscess is still there and the swelling continues.i have completed the 10 day round of baytril. Do I continue until the abscess resolves? Is there max number of days I can administer baytril? Or do I take a break for a few days and start a new round? Appreciate everyones advice here!

[supersquirrelgirl]

BUMP to get more TSB eyes......

Do you have any other AB ? such as Augmentin (human) or Clavamox (animal) ?? Ask family and friends, it only takes 1 pill. Augmentin is quite common AB for humans.

Please post a picture if possible and zoom in. Are the abscesses bigger, same, smaller. I would hope after 10 days Baytrill there's same change.

Mr.SSG

[muimuimama]

Thank you Mr. SSG for bumping this thread up!
The abscess definitely got bigger (see recent pictures below - that was from a day ago). This is the 15th day I see her with the abscess (possibly 19-20 day since she first got injured, and she disappeared for a few days before reappearing again. The round of Baytril dosage (10 days) was completed 2 days ago.
She has been consistently coming every day, and staying a bit longer each time, so i would say energy level is OK. Her movement is slower possibly due to the swelling getting in her way so she climbs more carefully.. She has a good appetite but can only eat soft food (have hard time chewing on nuts and I can tell she can only bite using her "good" side). Her left eye had cleared up since and I don't see the whites anymore, but there is a chance that her vision was impaired from the injury. She comes once a day for 45 min to try to eat as much as she can. She really wanted to eat the nuts (Walnut, hazelnut) but usually have to give up half way and go back to soft food.
As I mentioned before, capturing is not an option (she is nursing and our local wildlife centre will euthanize her for being a "NR", due to impaired vision on one eye).. so i'm desperately trying to help her on my own. No vets will take in wildlife in my area.
I'm going on vacation in two weeks so wont' be able to hand feed her food for a week.. so i'm really stressed out that she won't make it if i'm not around to feed her soft food every day. I have a two week window to help her to get better, so she can forage on her own while i'm gone. There is a slight possibility that the abscess on her cheek may have ruptured (or close to rupturing) as it is not as puffy and have drooped a bit. The one on her head got bigger.
I wasn't sure if i should continue with Baytril for another round, or should I switch over to another AB. @ SSG I am able to find an antibiotic called Teva-Amoxcillin (500 mg) in my medicine cabinet. It is a Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid drug, which is similar to Augmentin I think.
327566327565

[Spanky]

I am able to find an antibiotic called Teva-Amoxcillin (500 mg) in my medicine cabinet. It is a Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid drug, which is similar to Augmentin I think.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid is a generic Augmentin. We need clarification on exactly what the strength is though before dosing can be done (and Canadian formulations *might* vary from USA (Europe definitely does)). Teva I suspect is the manufacturer.

Is this Amoxicillin 500mg + Clavulanic Acid 125mg? Or something different... hopefully the label provides precise info like this and if not may post the shape, color and any letters/numbers on the "pills".

[supersquirrelgirl]

Per Spanky's question.....Label and pill should match these pictures from Teva.

327570

327571

[supersquirrelgirl]

Checking back for AB and squirrel condition.

[muimuimama]

Checking back for AB and squirrel condition.
Thanks for checking back - the swelling continued and the squirrel is being abnormally friendly (I am able to touch her which isn’t something I’m able to do before). I think she is feeling desperate for help. She isn’t able to eat anything other than avocado so I thought the best course of action to bring her to a no-kill wildlife vet, which is far (1.5 hour away from where I live) . I should be able to trap her but any idea of reducing the traumatizing effect from trapping is appreciated. I plan to trap her tomorrow. Thanks.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Thanks for checking back - the swelling continued and the squirrel is being abnormally friendly (I am able to touch her which isn’t something I’m able to do before). I think she is feeling desperate for help. She isn’t able to eat anything other than avocado so I thought the best course of action to bring her to a no-kill wildlife vet, which is far (1.5 hour away from where I live) . I should be able to trap her but any idea of reducing the traumatizing effect from trapping is appreciated. I plan to trap her tomorrow. Thanks.

Very glad you are planning to visit a Vet. I was going to suggest that as the swelling (abscess?) must have a reason. Ms. squirrel must be in some pain and needs help. Good luck and keep us posted.

What's the lastest on the antibiotics (AB) ?? Maybe holding off until Vet visit ??

I have never captured a wild squirrel. Please wear good pair of gloves to protect your hands as squirrel bite is very strong and the claws are sharp. Maybe even some safety glass to protect your eyes. Hoping your feeling is right; she is scared and asking for help. Might be more passive than expected. Thank you for caring so much. You will earn her trust by helping.

Mr.SSG

[muimuimama]

Very glad you are planning to visit a Vet. I was going to suggest that as the swelling (abscess?) must have a reason. Ms. squirrel must be in some pain and needs help. Good luck and keep us posted.

What's the lastest on the antibiotics (AB) ?? Maybe holding off until Vet visit ??

I have never captured a wild squirrel. Please wear good pair of gloves to protect your hands as squirrel bite is very strong and the claws are sharp. Maybe even some safety glass to protect your eyes. Hoping your feeling is right; she is scared and asking for help. Might be more passive than expected. Thank you for caring so much. You will earn her trust by helping.

Mr.SSG

Thank you Mr. SSG for being so helpful.. I really appreciate all the advice and help - and thanking you at the bottom of my heart and also on behalf of this little squirrel too. I ran out of ideas of how to help and I don’t think I can offer better help than the vet. I suspect that she will have an overgrowing teeth problem because she is not able to file her own teeth with this jaw abscess.
I haven’t administered another round of AB after the Baytril because I wasn’t sure about the composition of this Canadian version of augmentin. All I have been doing is to provide easy access of water and soft food to make things easier for this little one.
I will keep you posted on how things go. Thanks for getting back to me quickly and you have reassured me that getting vet help is the best thing to do.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hope other TSB members who have trapped squirrels will give more tips.

some final thoughts before capture GO-time tomorrow:

1) Put water & food bowls inside carrier near the edge BEFORE trapping. This will enable you to refill as needed without opening the door. This minimizes chance of her escape and risk to you putting hands into carrier.

2) Cover the carrier but leaving some holes open for air circulation. This would reduce stress and fear of being captive. Covering is also good on the long drive to/from Vet.

Best of luck with safe capture!

[muimuimama]

Hope other TSB members who have trapped squirrels will give more tips.

some final thoughts before capture GO-time tomorrow:

1) Put water & food bowls inside carrier near the edge BEFORE trapping. This will enable you to refill as needed without opening the door. This minimizes chance of her escape and risk to you putting hands into carrier.

2) Cover the carrier but leaving some holes open for air circulation. This would reduce stress and fear of being captive. Covering is also good on the long drive to/from Vet.

Best of luck with safe capture!

Ok day one attempt was an epic fail. ms squirrel knew something is up when she saw the Havahart trap and decided to stay further away from me. Not a chance that she would go anywhere near the trap despite the fact that it was smeared with her fav peanut butter. I was trying to trap her using a fish net but she is as slippery as a fish! I think I may have to wait a bit because now she is super skeptical about the whole thing - despite being so sick she is still super sharp and fast! Will keep y’all posted

[supersquirrelgirl]

Totally understand. Havahart style trap is very scary looking to anyone. Squirrels notice any change quickly and go on alert. I'm sure after the fishnet, she is high on alert regardless of pain. You might need to delay now to win back some trust. You won't get too many trys regardless how sick she feels. Any chance at getting a carrier or something less scary trap ??

[muimuimama]

Totally understand. Havahart style trap is very scary looking to anyone. Squirrels notice any change quickly and go on alert. I'm sure after the fishnet, she is high on alert regardless of pain. You might need to delay now to win back some trust. You won't get too many trys regardless how sick she feels. Any chance at getting a carrier or something less scary trap ??

An update for everyone following this thread - I am successful in trapping ms squirrel to get her to the vet. The facility is lovely and people there care a lot for the wild animals - so I think this little one is in very good hands. I will update the group on her status. She’s not happy with me trapping her and was trying to make her escape through the ventilation holes.. hope she will understand that I do this to give her a chance. One tip for anyone needed to trap a wild in the future - I used a fish net, lift the squirrel by grabbing onto her shoulder and put her immediately in a tall 80L Tupperware with drilled holes on the lid. That kept the animal dark and calm. It is much easier than trying to lure a wild in a havahart humane trap for my case.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Great Job! Really glad you got her to vet. She will be very happy after she feels better.

Totally agree on the Tupperware.

Can't wait for the update!

[supersquirrelgirl]

Been a while....How did the Vet visit go ??

[muimuimama]

Hi Everyone, I just got an update from the wildlife refuge.. and it was not good news.
Ms squirrel's infection was very severe and was draining down her throat and into her system. The abscess was drained and cleaned right away and her teeth was trimmed. she was placed on antibiotic treatment along with pain management - unfortunately she did not do as well as everyone had hoped. Sadly she passed away last week (around 14 days after the admission to the refuge, and possibly 6 weeks since first infection) - hopefully her last days were relatively pain free and I trust that she is in a better place now. The heaven had gained a fiesty angel who will live in our hearts forever.
I appreciated everyone's thoughts and input in this forum.. great advice from everyone here and I wouldnt' have done anything differently. We gave her the best chance to survive and tried everything we can. Sorry it wasn't better news but we all learned from all these cases. Thanks xoxo.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Certainly not the update I expected but knew it was an uphill battle. You did good! Ms squirrel is looking down saying Thank You for caring. Sometimes the injury is too much and can't be reversed. Thank you for all the effort getting her into a trap and driving to the wildlife center. That was her only place to get better. I'm sorry it was not meant to be. She's now free.

Celebrate her life - She in Squirrel God's hands now.

Mr.SSG