Bot or abscess?

[TubeDriver]

Mia had what appears to be a bot or an injury/abscess. I have watched her scratching it fiercely with her hind foot. There might be a breathing hole or a drainage hole towards the top of the swelling. I am not sure what it is? Any thoughts? Thanks.

This is from a couple days ago, I thought it looked like an injury.



This is from today.

[HRT4SQRLS]

It’s hard to say Pete. It’s getting a little late in the season for ‘new’ bots but can’t rule it out 100%.
I think only time will tell. I’ve seen a lot of chasing around here so it might be a wound.

[TubeDriver]

Thanks. Yea, I guess I'll know for sure in a week or so. Mia has been very protective with her 3 babies just starting to make it to the ground, so I am sure she has been in lots of fights.

There is a younger, mom squirrel who visits daily (Mia hates her). I have been cutting back on giving her treats since Mia's babies are around. This younger female is very persistent though, she keeps peering in at me and makes it hard to ignore her.

It’s hard to say Pete. It’s getting a little late in the season for ‘new’ bots but can’t rule it out 100%.
I think only time will tell. I’ve seen a lot of chasing around here so it might be a wound.

[Spanky]

I'd tilt towards abscess, maybe 65%.... at that size the warble hole should be more obvious IMO.

[redwuff]

Ok, just to be obstinate, I m voting for a bot/warble. Let us know Pete, what it turns out to be.

[TubeDriver]

Saw some pus draining this morning, looks like it is an abscess. Will keep a close eye on it. If I start treating her, it will likely be outside since she has 3 babies. The babies are probably weaned at this point so at least I won't have to worry about ABs with a nursing mother.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Draining is a very good thing. It might even heal without intervention. We can hope.

[HRT4SQRLS]

You might be right. The first time I ever saw a warble, the ooze was bubbling like it was breathing.
I was appalled. Sounds similar to what you are seeing.

[TubeDriver]

Yea, I saw some fluid bubble out, then stop, then start bubbling out. At one point a bunch of watery fluid ran out which is why her fur is all matted down. But if those leaves are stuck over the hole, maybe the bot died?

On the plus side, she moves effortlessly and seems a 100% normal in every other way.



PS, she was just here with her 4 babies. That's right, four not three. We thought she had 3 babies but every once in a while it looked like 4. Today, all four were playing with Mia in our yard.

You might be right. The first time I ever saw a warble, the ooze was bubbling like it was breathing.
I was appalled. Sounds similar to what you are seeing.

[TubeDriver]

Day 5 of Clavamox. The liquid discharge has stopped, most of the surrounding skin is a healthy white and the hole is capped with a brownish scab. I think Clavamox has stopped the infection. But I am worried about the large, round mass that remains. Is this viable bot or dead bot?

Here are photos from yesterday evening. This morning, the brown scab at the top was gone and there was a visable hole with what looked like some pus seeping out.

My options seem to be 1) continue clavamox and see if the bot exits under it's own power or if the bot or pus pocket is absorbed or drains or 2) capture Mia and open up the mass.

[TubeDriver]

Just saw Mia again and it looks more like a bot is getting ready to exit. I saw more of a defined, round exit hole. So I think I will continue the Clavamox for a few more days and see if bot exits before going forward with hands-on intervention.

[Charley Chuckles]

Just saw Mia again and it looks more like a bot is getting ready to exit. I saw more of a defined, round exit hole. So I think I will continue the Clavamox for a few more days and see if bot exits before going forward with hands-on intervention.

Looks blackish like a bot, if it is it should leave on it's own. They have barbs they attach so would be hard to remove now. However I know Patti did that with her Susie one year. Have to unscrew counterclockwise.
I wouldn't be that brave😲
Patti would have to give you instructions 👍