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Thread: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

  1. #1
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    Exclamation Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Hi, my friend has a two year old female tree squirrel from the Sacramento region of California she rescued as a baby they recently moved to Nevada and after a couple months the squirrels cheek started to swell. She found a vet they inspected her teeth, she has a little gingivitis but they're fine, they said it's not an abscess. Tthe vet gave her Enrofloxacin and an anti-inflammatory called metacam. She had x-rays done, blood work that even got sent to a specialist and even the specialist couldn't tell her what's wrong. They checked for MBD and it's not that. She even changed her diet and ordered the Henry's squirrel blocks we found off another post on this site she's been on for about a week now and haven't seen any improvement. We're not sure if this is fatal hopefully someone can tell us how to help my fiends baby.

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    A picture would make it easier to try to help. Can you share a few?
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    Angry Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to post pictures on here

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong


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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    I realize it's not always possible but I'd be looking for another vet, preferably one that knows squirrels.
    That definitely looks teeth related and I would suspect possibly an odontoma issue unless her incisors
    are "just" overgrown. Is that lump soft or hard? Has your friend ever mentioned seeing a watery milk
    like discharge in her eye? Is she eating normally?
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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

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    Most X-rays are digital files now. If you could have the file emailed to you, you could post it here. Most people here have seen SO many X-rays that we would be able to tell you if odontoma is present. We could rule that out.

    With that said, I do not think this is odontoma. I DO believe this is an abscess or cellulitis. We have seen this many times. I will also say that ENROFLOXACIN NEVER CURES IT. It is an inappropriate antibiotic for this source. Any wound, abscess or cellulitis on the face/mouth should include (with the antibiotic choice) coverage for organisms in the mouth. The mouth had usual bacterial flora. FLuoroquinolone antibiotics like enrofloxacin do NOT provide adequate coverage for the cheek area because of the associated mouth flora.

    If possible I would try to get the vet to give you Clavamox. It usually works. PLEASE! Don't tick the vet off! You might need him/her to lance this at some point.

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Here is a link for you. Note the location. I will warn you that this is graphic so if you're easily grossed out I wouldn't watch it very long... maybe the first 10 seconds or so.

    https://youtu.be/oY_C2J3wVlU

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    From what I remember it wasn't soft to the touch and secret (her name is secret squirrel) didn't mind it being touched she actually kind of liked it being rubbed from what her momma told me. There's never been any kind of discharge but she hasn't really been eating, she's slowly eating a little bit more but it's still not where she should be.

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Quote Originally Posted by HRT4SQRLS View Post
    to TheSquirrelBoard


    Most X-rays are digital files now. If you could have the file emailed to you, you could post it here. Most people here have seen SO many X-rays that we would be able to tell you if odontoma is present. We could rule that out.

    With that said, I do not think this is odontoma. I DO believe this is an abscess or cellulitis. We have seen this many times. I will also say that ENROFLOXACIN NEVER CURES IT. It is an inappropriate antibiotic for this source. Any wound, abscess or cellulitis on the face/mouth should include (with the antibiotic choice) coverage for organisms in the mouth. The mouth had usual bacterial flora. FLuoroquinolone antibiotics like enrofloxacin do NOT provide adequate coverage for the cheek area because of the associated mouth flora.

    If possible I would try to get the vet to give you Clavamox. It usually works. PLEASE! Don't tick the vet off! You might need him/her to lance this at some point.
    The advice above is spot on!!!! All antibiotics are not created equal. Clavamox is the drug of choice with this kind of infection. Try to find a way to get the Vet to give you the Clavamox.

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    I'll let others comment on the X-rays also, but IMO, those are some beautiful teeth. I see NO signs of odontoma. The teeth even have a beautiful chiseled edge.

    Get the Clavamox and I think you will see results.

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Do any of you see anything around the area I have circled in red? It may just be the angle, but to me it does not look the same as the other side.

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Thanks everyone for all your help and advice it really means a lot! I was wrong about the bump she did she say it's a little squishy. I told to ask the vet for the clavamox. but anyone with any other opinions or advice we'll gladly take it

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Also does anyone knows of any other vets or rehabilitation center in or near Las Vegas my friend can go to, to get a second opinion without worrying about them trying to seize the squirrel?

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Be very careful ! Even if they tell you they won't take your squirrel often they will. . Please only get a recommendation from TSB or from a trusted rehabber.

    This may have nothing to do with teeth or odontoma. I would soak the area with a warm wet compress and see if it will come to a head. It could then be treated and cared for by the owner. I would definitely keep her on the Clavamox.

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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Quote Originally Posted by Milo's Mom View Post
    Do any of you see anything around the area I have circled in red? It may just be the angle, but to me it does not look the same as the other side.

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    Yes it definitely looks larger and there is an opacity there, maybe fluid. I would get another opinion. Bring that xray with you.
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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    If your friend has Augmentin or could get it from a friend, we could dose it for you. Augmentin is the same as Clavamox (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate). It only takes a single pill.

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    Unhappy Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    Very interesting coincidence, as I just came back to the Forum for help, it seems like that we have the same problem here in the midwest region.
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    Default Re: Swollen cheek and the vet can't find what's wrong

    What is tbs?

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