Originally Posted by
SamtheSquirrel2018
Hello again LaShae:
I apologize for taking so long to reply but I just returned home from work and had no time until now to do so. How is Sandy doing?
I'll give you my opinions but I always try to be honest about my limitations in my postings and I need to tell you that I am not a Veterinarian (although if I had to do "it" over again, that is what I would be!) and I am not a dentist or an oral surgeon, either!
White oral lesions are fairly common in mammals and there are many causes. Since you have reported that the white patches in Sandy's mouth are flat (NOT elevated or depressed) and there is no plaque that can be wiped off; IMHO, this probably rules out a number of conditions including what you were initially treating which is thrush (oral candidiasis). Although I have never seen an aphthous ulcer (the common name for this is a canker sore) on a Squirrel or rat, they may occur but these are usually roundish, small, minimally depressed and usually have a slightly reddish ring around them. We do not know what causes them but Sandy's lesions do not resemble aphthous ulcers anyway except maybe for having a white color.
Another, what I consider a significant finding with Sandy's white patches in her mouth is that they are symmetrical and are present toward the back of her "line" of molars. If the lesions were caused by a virus, bacterium, yeast or malignancy; it would seem to me that there really wouldn't be any likelihood for the lesions to occur in virtually the same place on both sides of the mouth. The symmetrical occurrence of two nearly identical lesions would seem to me, anyway, that there may be a common instigating condition that may even be mechanical rather than secondary to a disease condition. I have seen similar lesions develop from contact with teeth in animals and humans but I will freely admit that I have not seen this in Squirrels. Nevertheless, I suspect that these white lesions may be from Sandy's teeth brushing against the oral mucosal folds in that region. I can't determine if that is definitely going on or even likely but from your photos, it seems to be a distinct possibility. Since you are right there looking into Sandy's mouth, may you could see how truly likely this may be. If possible, I would suggest a further period of observation with the utilization of soft foods. I would also recommend that after 2 weeks usage of the nystatin with no definitive benefit along with the fact that the lesions are quite atypical of those seen with thrush; that discontinuation of this antifungal medication be seriously considered.
Ideally, as it is difficult in many cases of white oral lesions to differentiate a benign condition from a possible cancer, a biopsy should be utilized. This is usually not the easiest thing to do on a Squirrel and it would require deep sedation and a Squirrel friendly and experienced Vet to perform this. I would certainly consider getting a Vet's opinion and recommendations regarding the lesions but I would very hesitant, if Sandy was under my care, to seek a biopsy at this stage!
Again, LaShae, these are my opinions only and I always advocate at least considering the obtaining of a professional's opinion as well. There are other here on TSB that may have additional comments, recommendations and suggestions and I would certainly recommend taking those into consideration!
As far as the new problem with the "cottage cheese-like material and apparent swelling associated with Sandy's bottom; would you please post detailed photos of these in this thread so that we may better try to evaluate what could be going on.
As far as the Probiotics you have found, they may be adequate but they seem quite expensive. One our experts here may be familiar with these and be able to make some dosing recommendations or hopefully suggest some alternatives that may be less expensive (if cost might be an issue as it is for many of us).
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel
Re: White sore in mouth
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