Grey Squirrel with huge bump on it’s back

[WynR]

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This little backyard buddy came to my feeders this week. I notice an opening on the back days ago that was small. Now yesterday it has grown a few days later. The squirrel did run away when I went outside to look at it further. I got the picture by throwing peanuts out the window for them away from the feeder.

I’m in the Chicagoland area. I just found this forum and wanted advice.
I’m going to keep my eye out for the squirrel today.

Thanks squirrel caring squirrel experts.

[Mel1959]

It looks like it’s either an abscess or a bot fly. Abscesses usually rupture on their own, drain and heal but need to be watched for possible infection once that happens. Bot flies will exit once they’ve matured but can also create an infection. I’d continue to watch for the squirrel and provide some healthy nutrition like avocado (no skin or pit), fresh coconut chunks, fresh corn chunks and sometimes wilds will eat sweet potatoes or squash. And always provide some fresh water. Keep us updated.

[CritterMom]

Oh heavens. That looks like the Mother of All Abscesses. It looks as though it has opened at the top which is a good sign. I would guess that in the next several days the squirrel will help drain it just by scratching at it. Oh to be able to immobilize long enough to lance and drain that thing - the relief it would feel would be immediate.

[WynR]

Thank you both so much for your advice. I will definitely get some of the nutritional mentioned to feed the squirrel.I will keep everyone posted once I see the squirrel again.

[supersquirrelgirl]

When you say small a few days ago.....how small ??

Picture above look about 3 inches diameter which is very large.

Mr.SSG

[supersquirrelgirl]

Just another thought based on your comment it has grown in size over the last few days.......

Could this be some kind of reaction to a bug bite like bee sting, spider, something ??

Grow in size ina few days has me thinking.....

Mr.SSG

[TubeDriver]

It could be but an abscess can grow very quickly too. With the fast growth/hair loss/reddish color, I think that is abscess and there will be puss pouring out of it as soon as it opens.



Just another thought based on your comment it has grown in size over the last few days.......

Could this be some kind of reaction to a bug bite like bee sting, spider, something ??

Grow in size ina few days has me thinking.....

Mr.SSG

[SammysMom]

I just helped someone who had a squirrel with an abscess that appeared and almost ruptured an eye all in two days. It was incredible. I think that's an abscess, maybe a bot warbler that died starting off the abscess?

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi TD and SM,

Well, lets hope its an abscess and the squirrel opens it more to drain. Honestly, I'm not 100% convinced.

SSG

[WynR]

Thank you everyone!!

The squirrel is better the large bump is now pretty much gone and it looks like it is healing. I can see more fur and more pink. Also, the squirrel had an appetite and moved normally. I tried to get a photo but the squirrel left due to the rain.

Also, a few years prior I found a baby squirrel near my tree. I took it took a local rehabber. We named the squirrel Zella. I attached a picture and another with the group of baby squirrels released by the rehab with Zella. Unfortunately, the owner got sick and they aren’t taking squirrels or other animals now.

So I appreciate everyone’s help.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Good to hear that the bump is gone and healing. I'm stumped - if being an abscess that big, I'm very surprised to have it gone and healing so fast. Hmmm....

Please try to get a picture when possible.

MrSSG

[WynR]

New photos of the squirrel and healing.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Thank you for the update. Hard to see bump detail but looks flatter than before.

The infection looks raw and bigger. Squirrel must have scratched or chewed on it more. Hope it heals fast to prevent further complications. Keep eye on if possible.

Are you able to hand feed this wild one ?? (takes time to build that trust level.....)

Mr.SSG

[WynR]

Yesterday the squirrel was eating out front I gave them a bowl with their own food. However, today it was bitter colder and the squirrel was moving slow. I went outside with some food it let me get close to it only once but moved away after getting food towards a neighbors fence. Unfortunately, I have noticed in the past few years some of the squirrels having scrapes or even squirrel pox coming from under that fence. Not sure why that is happening.
I appreciate everyone’s help.
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