I found what has to be one of my releases waiting for me on the deck this afternoon. She has a significant injury to the underside of her jaw. To me it looks like flap of skin has been torn back. The left side of her head is swollen and her left eye slightly compromised.... just realizing I did not get a picture of the left side of her head. I will worry about that later, but there is considerable swelling. I think more swelling versus an abscess.
Good news is there is no head tilt, circling or other immediate indicators of neurological issues. She did not fuss too much when I put her into the cage (Note to future self: Keep a cage fully geared out and on the ready (if there is one unoccupied)).
She was extremely hungry and thirsty. She could not eat anything hard, and actually I did not realize immediately she was hurt... she was just pancaking on the deck rail and spit out the almond I gave her after a few moments. So she got about a tablespoon of baby food and 3 tablespoons of almond butter.
It hurts me to say but I think this is Opal, though she looks like an older squirrel (who would not being all beat up?).... but that tail. Regardless of who it is, I am glad they came to me...
She did not get too anxious in the cage or when I brought her inside. She took to the cubby quickly, like it was a familiar and if this is Opal, this was the cage she was in for months. She is sleeping right now.
I did not see any signs of infestation (maggots) or what infection, but this looks to be at least a day or two old and there is some dead skin present. I doubt that the skin flap is viable. The pictures include a lot of almond butter around the wound area.
Seeking some feedback... I shower quickly as I *might* have found my self in a poison ivy swamp a few moments ago (different story) but wanted to get this posted for feedback first...