EMERGENCY: Growth/Inflammation of Pads/Nails

[bobby taylor]

My eleven-year-old squirrel, Sally, has developed growths on her paw-pads/nails over the last two months. She makes a small moaning sound occasionally but does not show pain when I touch/examine them. I have attached pictures below. Please respond with any experience with this or a professional opinion.

Thank you,

Bobby T.

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm praying for her Bobby 🙏

[Diggie's Friend]

So sorry your squirrel has this issue. Many years ago, each of our two squirrels developed one tumor of one of their toes. The one that also presented with inflammation of the blood vessels, Upon examination by our vet who wasn't sure it was a cyst or a tumor, but they were leaning towards it being a tumor. From testing it was determined to be an aggressive cancer, having come up quickly. A couple of years later, our other girl presented with the same kind of growth on one of her toe pad. This time we took our squirrel to a highly experienced Exotic veterinary surgeon'; whom upon examining the growth, said it was a malignant tumor, typically hard, solid hard and rather rubbery, not like a cyst that is softer, and often squishy.

From what I see from the photo and your description, the growths are the same kind both of our squirrels had.. Of course you want a veterinarian to examine your squirrel to make a diagnosis. Located in Southern Florida, Dr. Emerson of Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic, who is very knowledgeable of squirrels, comes highly recommended as an experienced and skilled veterinary surgeon. https://ravenwoodvet.net/ I would send them an email with the photo and explanation to their office requesting an appt as soon as possible. Also give them a call and leave a message.

In transport to the vet office, provide the usual comfy fleece for bedding to hide in, and a dark towel draped over the carrier, will help to lower the stress of transport. When you arrive at the office, go in without your squirrel (locking your care in the interim of course) to let them know you have arrived and if the room isn't read, to ask that they send out an attendant to your car when it is, so you don't have to sit with your squirrel with other pets around in the waiting room.

[Diggie's Friend]

ps. It is possible that these growths are cysts which aren't hard but swishy. In either case, a knowledgeable vet that treats squirrels is needful to address this condition.

[Mel1959]

I see you’re in Niceville, FL. One of the best squirrel vets in the country is located in Port Orange, FL. It would be a drive for you, but others have driven from CA and TX to have their squirrels seen by her…..she’s that good! Do you have a local vet? I believe there is also a vet in anama City that sees squirrels. I’m out of town at the moment and don’t have the name but can get it if you’re interested?

The vet in Port Orange is Dr. Alicia Emerson at Ravenwood Vet Clinic 386-788-1550.

I’d suggest getting her seen by someone.

[Charley Chuckles]

Bobby has moved he's no longer in Florida he's in GA.
Bobby what part of Georgia are you in maybe someone here can help find a safe vet👍

[bobby taylor]

Thank you all for the replies! I have a vet and will be taking Sally to her this week. I go every two weeks for her tooth trimming.

This is Bobby’s daughter, Hannah, typing for him because he cannot see anymore (macular degeneration)

[Charley Chuckles]

Thank you all for the replies! I have a vet and will be taking Sally to her this week. I go every two weeks for her tooth trimming.

This is Bobby’s daughter, Hannah, typing for him because he cannot see anymore (macular degeneration)

Thank you Hannah, tell your dad Abby says hi and please keep us posted.
Prayers for his Sally 🙏

[bobby taylor]

Hello I am interested to know if my friend Nancy from New York is still around. She is a wonderful lady and I hope that she will see where I have asked about her.

[Charley Chuckles]

Hello I am interested to know if my friend Nancy from New York is still around. She is a wonderful lady and I hope that she will see where I have asked about her.

Bobby with a heavy heart I'm so saddened to tell you our wonderful Nancy lost her life to cancer last July😭
I've missed her everyday
I know she's with her babies and so many others enjoying them and keeping them happy❤️