Re: Bot fly or abscess?
Originally Posted by
Jennefer
So Mamma, one of my regular wilds, showed up last night with a big lump on her back that wasnt there in the morning. Like it came out of no where. Its soft & squishy. Some hair is missing from it but you cant see it in photos. No holes or punctures that i can see. It doesnt seem to bother her. She let me touch it. Shes an adult female about 3-5 years old & healthy. I can easily medicate her & touch her. Shes super friendly with me but i cant actually "hold" on to her or manipulate her. Was still on her this morning. What is it? I was thinking bot fly....but ive never seen one in real life or on any squirrels here, only photos. And we just had a ton of rain & wet days. Then it crossed my mind it could be an abscess. But it appeared in a matter of hours. Thoughts? How to treat it? Wait & see? Shes eating & acting normal, moving fine. I love this girl & am concerned. I have almost every antibiotic except im out of clavamox.
From the shape of it on the bottom picture it looks like it very well could be a bot fly.
One won't necessary see a "opening" until it's ready to emerge.
I'm doubting abscess but if it is it looks as if it's ready to break on it's own.
I'd personally just keep an eye on it to try and determine which it is before intervening.
If bot, it's not in a "bad" area and will drop out on it's own without harm when ready.
An abscess will often break, drain and heal on it's own also without intervention or ab's
being necessary.
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator