Need Help With Swelling

[SophieSquirrel]

One of my <2 week old girls has swelling on her right thigh, left ankle, and left eye. There have been no injuries whatsoever. Looks like edema but could be congenital or viral. She had swelling on right ankle joint a week ago and it went away, now this! Any thoughts about what it could be?

Squirrels are on 2:1 Esb with a little ultraboost added.

[Diggie's Friend]

http://ratguide.com/health/figures/l...a_figure_3.php

With tissue swelling bi-lateral, including in the area of the eye, lymphomas comes to mind.

There is more conditions addressed on this website that would pertain to these symptoms, this is just one possibility.

Facial Swelling
•Salivary gland swelling - Corona virus infections (e.g., RCV/SDAV)
•Abscessed lymph nodes
•Dental abscess
•Neoplasia (e.g., Zymbal’s Gland Tumor)

[Milo's Mom]

How long has this been going on? I had a little one last year that blew up on me in a matter of hours. Started in the face and then he had pus filled bumps at different places on his body. Turns out it was necrotising fasciitis. We tried several different meds under the vet's guidance and when nothing was working I went on my own and put him on Clavamox and Clindamycin. Saw a dramatic change within 2-3 days. I did of course tell the vet what I did after the fact and he did agree with the change and was pleased with the progress. Not saying that's what this is...just the swelling all lined up like that struck me as familiar.

[Chickenlegs]

So would it be uncalled for to start the clavamox/clindamycin combo immediately? If there is improvement within a few days, you’ve nipped something in the bud.if no improvement, you’ve had time to research what else it might be. Looks like a couple of the swellings have light areas in them.

[SophieSquirrel]

Thanks all for the replies. I don't have any on hand but I will try the Clav/Clind combo. I am in KY at present and I have a great vet friend here that will write Rx on request.

Here are photos I just took about 4 hours after the others were taken. Notice the large bump on the ankle now. She is taking formula like a champ and is outwardly as healthy as her siblings.

[Chickenlegs]

Will the vet friend take a look at her?

[Milo's Mom]

I sure would. Seeing this rapid progression is giving me goosebumps. The sooner the better...like tonight if possible.

Those meds are gut rippers...get a good probiotic flowing.

[SophieSquirrel]

Those meds are gut rippers...get a good probiotic flowing.

Yes CL, this vet will do a "last appointment" so no other customers are around. I took Winnie there last week and did my own dremel trim under Iso.

There is also a Whole Foods nearby for yummy probiotics.

[Chickenlegs]

How is the baby?

[Milo's Mom]

[Diggie's Friend]

What I shared was on the basis of what you wrote, not the photos that I can't view with my computer.

If there are "pus filled bumps" with the swelling that would be from an infection as Milo's Mom wrote about.

[SophieSquirrel]

Well the vet looked at it and he doesn't think it's an infection but starting on Clavamox +PB's just to be on the safe side. Here are current photos of the two areas with swelling. The vet is a general vet with some wildlife experience. I'll bet Dr E would have an idea what's going on but she doesn't read Emails as per Dr E herself.

[SophieSquirrel]

I'm starting to wonder could this be Pox? Should I separate from the rest of the healthy litter?

[Milo's Mom]

Perhaps you should take her back to the vet that doesn't think it's an infection....

[HRT4SQRLS]

No, that's not pox. It's an infection and it needs lancing, like NOW.

That's on the leg, correct?

[SophieSquirrel]

Yes, but there is one on another leg and the eye as well. Less pronounced but if it is an infection why so many? The vet had no idea what it was. He is no Dr Emerson and has never seen pox.

What is the safest AB for a squirrel this age that will treat this? I have a vet rehabber tell me not to use the Clavamox.

[Mel1959]

No, that's not pox. It's an infection and it needs lancing, like NOW.

That's on the leg, correct?

I agree, it doesn’t look like pox to me, either. Could it be ant bites that have become infected?

[SophieSquirrel]

Agree with the ant idea. One of the males had tiny dots that might have been ant bites but healed without issue.

I talked to Dr Diaz owner of the Orlando Exotic Hospital. He stated the only AB he would use on a 32 gr 2.5 week old squirrel is SMZ-TMP followed by a good probiotic. I have 400/80 Tabs I will compound using N in NY's formula. I am going to dose .01 mL BID. Any one have input on this course of action please before I start using?

Starting to grow nice black fuzz!

[Milo's Mom]

Well the vet looked at it and he doesn't think it's an infection but starting on Clavamox +PB's just to be on the safe side. Here are current photos of the two areas with swelling. The vet is a general vet with some wildlife experience. I'll bet Dr E would have an idea what's going on but she doesn't read Emails as per Dr E herself.

Is the baby on clavamox as you indicated here? And now you changed to SMZ?
If this gets into her joint if it's not already she will lose full range of motion.
Gayle fought a long hard battle against a joint infection...have you discussed this with her since she's advising you on raising them?

[SammysMom]

I am not "advising on raising them". We spoke once about feeding them proper amounts for them to grow.
As for advising on meds, I havent at all as I have 26 of my own at the moment so am not around as much to help. Clavamox/clindamycin would be my suggestion if it is a potential bone issue.