Advice needed for sick squirrel

[olorin19]

If she is across the street, you might want to try going to her if there is a place to sit and wait.

If she is hungry and feels safe with you, she may well come to you.

There are quite a few wilds that are used to me feeding them in my yard who will run in my direction if they see me when I am out on a walk. A few weeks ago, I was several blocks away (maybe 250 yards in a straight line) when a squirrel stopped on the sidewalk about 50 yards away. It obviously recognized me, as it then hopped up on a fence post to wait. Good thing I always have pecans in my pocket!

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Olorin19,

Good idea but across the street is neighbor's front yard & driveway. (they are not squirrel friendly and have big house dog)

Our neighborhood has many houses and green zones with big redwood trees. There is a wood fence that goes directly from our house to a nearby green zone with many big trees. Many squirrels use this fence run as "main street" to our house. We walk through this green zone and many squirrels come running as they recognize us. (and of course we have walnuts) Mo squirrel grew up there before moving across the street. (her family and boyfriends live there still)

Its a long story but our relationship with Mo started when her grandparents moved into our house attic for the winter (right above master bedroom). We let them stay the winter when we found out they had a family. First experience with squirrels for us. Come spring time, they moved out into nearby trees. After several months, only the kids stayed around and we started to feed them since they laid all around the backyard (get really hot & dry here). Years past with only 2 female kids sticking around; Ms Vee and Skimpy. More years past, Skimpy moved into the green zone and Vee brought her baby to us......We met Ms Mo.

Picture of Mo from last week. (Smiling girl!)

[supersquirrelgirl]

Day-7 Update:

She came yesterday (day-6) and totally consumed her walnut, licking it completely until she was convinced it was gone. I mashed up the walnuts and mixed in the AB into a paste and filled the half-shell. (Thank you for posting that tip on TSB!) Very encouraged as she came for 2 days in a row (day pattern 1-0-1-0-1-1).

However day-7 (today) was another no-show. Its stressful to keep checking all morning out the window that she is not road-kill. Luckily nothing on the road and now its dark. I hope she comes tomorrow morning.

Last week before giving AB, she came everyday. I wonder if taking AB is causing some issue where she can't make it ??

Any comments on efficacy of the AB taking 1.5x dose on day pattern 1-0-1-0-1-1-0 ?? (only 4 doses in 7 days) I'm getting discouraged as the AB mix will be thrown-out is a few days. I have more AB tablets to make a new batch if needed.

[Tashahaven]

I’m not qualified to adequately answer your question. However…even though it’s not necessarily ideal, that she has missed a couple doses I still believe the AB are able to help.

(Think about humans…most people skip doses, or don’t finish a complete round of AB when we take them. It isn’t the best example, because it is part of the reason so many people build up AB resistance. But most of the time they are still quite effective)

Im not sure how long you were initially intending to dose the AB. But if possible I would continue doing as you are doing, and tack on the missed days to the end of the regime. So if originally it was to be a 10 day course of AB and she has missed 3, extend it out to 13 days.

I could be wrong, and more knowledgeable members will hopefully chime in and correct me if so.

How is she looking when you last saw her? That abscess is huge, it MUST be almost ready to open up and drain! Poor dear. I know they aren’t typically painful, but they are still super uncomfortable, especially as it is impairing her mobility.

Thank you for the updates, and for helping Ms. MO! (Btw Is MO short for anything?)

🐿️🥰🥰🐿️

[Spanky]

I'd continue to dose the antibiotic as regularly as possible. Has any noticeable change in the abscess occur?

Treating abscesses with antibiotics is only minimally effective since they have a hard time penetrating into abscesses, which is why draining them when possible is always the best course. Draining in itself can be the "fix" in itself, but certainly adding antibiotics provides another level of reassurance.

If there is not a noticeable change... decreasing in size and best case bursting of the abscess... I'd recommend switching, or even stacking (adding another), antibiotic. I'd go with Bactrim or Doxycycline if I could.

[supersquirrelgirl]

I’m not qualified to adequately answer your question. However…even though it’s not necessarily ideal, that she has missed a couple doses I still believe the AB are able to help.

(Think about humans…most people skip doses, or don’t finish a complete round of AB when we take them. It isn’t the best example, because it is part of the reason so many people build up AB resistance. But most of the time they are still quite effective)

Im not sure how long you were initially intending to dose the AB. But if possible I would continue doing as you are doing, and tack on the missed days to the end of the regime. So if originally it was to be a 10 day course of AB and she has missed 3, extend it out to 13 days.

I could be wrong, and more knowledgeable members will hopefully chime in and correct me if so.

How is she looking when you last saw her? That abscess is huge, it MUST be almost ready to open up and drain! Poor dear. I know they aren’t typically painful, but they are still super uncomfortable, especially as it is impairing her mobility.

Thank you for the updates, and for helping Ms. MO! (Btw Is MO short for anything?)

🐿️🥰🥰🐿️

Hi Tashahaven,

Thank you. If this is truly an abscess, it is big and make her look lopsided on left shoulder. Doesn't appear to be painful but really limits her left arm movement. Her walking is slowing down as expected with a limp. However, she still climbs and runs fast with care (especially going across road).

When she was young, hair on her head looked like a mohican haircut.......right down the middle! Mo is nickname.

[supersquirrelgirl]

I'd continue to dose the antibiotic as regularly as possible. Has any noticeable change in the abscess occur?

Treating abscesses with antibiotics is only minimally effective since they have a hard time penetrating into abscesses, which is why draining them when possible is always the best course. Draining in itself can be the "fix" in itself, but certainly adding antibiotics provides another level of reassurance.

If there is not a noticeable change... decreasing in size and best case bursting of the abscess... I'd recommend switching, or even stacking (adding another), antibiotic. I'd go with Bactrim or Doxycycline if I could.

Hi Spanky, we are taking pictures each time she comes and comparing them - so far, no real difference in size. Only been 4 AB doses in 7 days probably not critical mass yet for some difference. A few more doses should be the decision point.

Agree draining is best but that means capturing her and find a Vet to help. Finding a Vet for a fox squirrel in CA will be near impossible (they are invasive species here). I think capturing her would be the traumatic end to our relationship. Many thoughts have crossed my mind as her health/life is priority. I'm still hoping for AB effect or even the abscess opens.

Access to doxy or Bactrim could be a problem. Will check today on access. I go a few more days on current AB hoping for some improvement. For sure, will keep you in the loop. Thank you!

FYI - Its now 10:45am Friday and no sign of her yet. Its trash day so many big trucks driving all around the road.

[olorin19]

If this is truly an abscess, it is big and make her look lopsided on left shoulder.

Abscesses can be quite large.

Harry had a large one on the side and it was almost three weeks from when I first noticed it to when it popped. The first photo and second photo were taken 8 days apart, and then the last photo (where it popped) was another 7 days after that. And besides this 15 day interval, the abscess was already visible for a few days before the first photo.

And none of these photos really capture just how HUGE the abscess was.

[Tashahaven]

Hi SSG! Thanks for the continued updates!

As everyone has said, abscesses are rarely much of a reason for concern, unless there are other potential complications. But Ms Mo should be fine once that stubborn thing finally decides to open up and start healing!

I am slightly concerned though, because if I remember correctly you said this thing first appeared 6 MONTHS ago? If this is an accurate timeline, it seems extraordinarily long for just an abscess. I hope others correct me if I’m way off. But if it has truly been such a long time, I’m wondering if there may be something else potentially going on?

If it is still the general consensus that it is truly an abscess that somehow has persisted for half of a year, then disregard what I say next lol.

But If there is any reason to worry that it may be something more than an abscess, where an exam/different treatment will be effective, I may be able to help you. If you are able to safely trap her, and provide an enclosure and care for her, I can probably help coordinate an exam, and/or the assistance of local rehabbers in the East Bay. I used to do a lot of wildlife rescue and rehab growing up out there, and have a lot of potential resources i can reach out to for help.

This may not be needed, but the length of the injury, and how it’s effecting her mobility worries me some. (I might be being an alarmist). Most of the time if a squirrel knows they need help, they may be a bit angry or irritated, and scared at first, but once helped/healed and released healthy again, I’ve never seen one “hold a grudge”, ie be “the end of your relationship”. If you ever do decide this is something you want to possibly explore, please let me know. I would be happy to help if I can. But I would have to search through old notebooks, computer etc. since my phone number has long since changed, and I’m mostly removed from social media. But I can definitely track down needed info, and I spent many years working intimately with these folks who better not have forgotten me yet! Haha. 💕

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi SSG! Thanks for the continued updates!

As everyone has said, abscesses are rarely much of a reason for concern, unless there are other potential complications. But Ms Mo should be fine once that stubborn thing finally decides to open up and start healing!

I am slightly concerned though, because if I remember correctly you said this thing first appeared 6 MONTHS ago? If this is an accurate timeline, it seems extraordinarily long for just an abscess. I hope others correct me if I’m way off. But if it has truly been such a long time, I’m wondering if there may be something else potentially going on?

If it is still the general consensus that it is truly an abscess that somehow has persisted for half of a year, then disregard what I say next lol.

But If there is any reason to worry that it may be something more than an abscess, where an exam/different treatment will be effective, I may be able to help you. If you are able to safely trap her, and provide an enclosure and care for her, I can probably help coordinate an exam, and/or the assistance of local rehabbers in the East Bay. I used to do a lot of wildlife rescue and rehab growing up out there, and have a lot of potential resources i can reach out to for help.

This may not be needed, but the length of the injury, and how it’s effecting her mobility worries me some. (I might be being an alarmist). Most of the time if a squirrel knows they need help, they may be a bit angry or irritated, and scared at first, but once helped/healed and released healthy again, I’ve never seen one “hold a grudge”, ie be “the end of your relationship”. If you ever do decide this is something you want to possibly explore, please let me know. I would be happy to help if I can. But I would have to search through old notebooks, computer etc. since my phone number has long since changed, and I’m mostly removed from social media. But I can definitely track down needed info, and I spent many years working intimately with these folks who better not have forgotten me yet! Haha. 💕

Thank you again. You are correct - it was October time frame we notice Mo's shoulder. We kept eye on it but no action taken back then. We were out of town for many months but when we came back, Mo still had her bump. Its only been since finding TSB in May/2023, that got us serious with how to help her. Many internet readings suggest that bumps are bot-flies or abscess that will resolve themselves. We have 10~15 squirrels coming around daily for many years, but Mo is a special one. Lets give it more time on AB to see if any significant changes. My gut tell me she is too smart to be captured. She is just too nervous of anything.

[Tashahaven]

Hopefully you won’t need to catch her, and I’m 100% on board with giving more time for sure. However keep in mind unless or until it actually starts draining, AB will have a difficult time penetrating into the abscess (if it is one). No need to rush, no pressure at all. Especially since rehabbers have their hands full plus 100,000 at the moment with fall baby season.

I do hope it either resolves or we can get you in communication with some help before the hardship of winter sets on. THANKFULLY though, California winters aren’t that bad. But we still don’t want her to be at a disadvantage when food sources are more scarce and competition for them is more brutal. Keep updating, and keep in touch, and let me know if I can help. 🥰

Also, when winter weather kicks in and resources dwindle some, a disadvantaged squirrel, however Super smart, probably won’t be “smart enough”, when it comes to biological self preservation and survival aka FOOD

I hope Ms MO (hawk) shows up soon today! 💕

[supersquirrelgirl]

Day-8 (Friday 11th)

First, thank you all for support and comments. We are new to this level of squirrel care.

Ms. Mo came around 12noon and ate her AB nut along with many other nuts. I'm relieved she came. When she comes, she doesn't waste time. She eats quickly and then runs either down fence into woods or across the road to home. We are very watchful for cars on the road as she crosses (like a school traffic guard).

We compared pictures over the last few months and looks like the lump is now drooping a little more down onto left arm. We started to notice her eating walnut pieces only with right hand. Although she does use both hands on the AB nut and sunflower seeds. Her running has a little bit more up/down bounce then before. She is very smart and know her limitations. She takes no risk and is always on alert. We live close to a high ridge where many hawks come down and fly around here (hunting). Lots of nature and many animals here (fox, coyote, hawks, dogs, cats - tough for a squirrel).

Pictures from today: (hope they post vertical this time)

[Spanky]

Do you believe it looks larger than a week ago.. the pics from 8/3? Today's pics are closer up and a different angle so I can't really be too certain.

It looks like an abscess but in my experience abscesses tend to be more symmetrical, but it could be less symmetrical because of it's location. Hopefully more knowledgeable folks will weigh in...

[supersquirrelgirl]

Do you believe it looks larger than a week ago.. the pics from 8/3? Today's pics are closer up and a different angle so I can't really be too certain.

It looks like an abscess but in my experience abscesses tend to be more symmetrical, but it could be less symmetrical because of it's location. Hopefully more knowledgeable folks will weigh in...

Hi Spanky, I originally thought so too but I did picture scaling and superimposing from 1 month ago. My conclusing is its about the same in size and shape. When she moves left hand up, it pushes out bottom of lump. I'm starting to really keep close eye on lump now.

What I did notice is the red spot at bottom of the lump. Maybe scratching now with left back leg ??

Here is picture from July-9th: (not scale exactly.) Same picture but first one is zoomed in. Don't know how to delete the bottom picture.,,,sorry

[supersquirrelgirl]

Day-10 Update (Sunday)

Ms Mo is no-show on day-9 (Sat) and day-10 (Sun) so missed 2 days of AB. Maybe she run away with boyfriend for the weekend.

It was a very hot weekend so if she doesn't cross road by 12noon, its way to hot in direct sun. Across the street is her new territory of a few months now. Her old territory here in the woods has an on-going power struggle between an old-timer female (Cutie) and much younger female (Suzie) who is more aggressive. Suzie comes here alot and is very sweet but is not making too many friends. I think she is now expecting. Mo's old boyfriends growl at her alot.

I still have the AB nut from 2 days which has been in frig so I hope she comes to get it tomorrow. Original AB mix is 10 old so time to dump. Need to make a new AB mix if Mo comes tomorrow. Expecting a 90~100 degree day tomorrow.

Picture of Suzie ready to rumble......

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hello Again, its Day-12 (August-15th)

Mo squirrel was no-show yesterday but did come today at 8am before road gets too hot. She came with another squirrel who is her child (young and really good looking!). Its 95 degrees now with no squirrels out anywhere. She got the 6th AB walnut. Its time to make a new AB mix for the next 2 weeks. Should I continue AB treatment ??

We went back through our photos and came across one that shows a small bump in the same location on July/2022. Pictures posted above are from July & August 2023. Clearly the bump is bigger. Picture from today (8/15) shows two bumps which is different. Bumps look more round and stacked vertically. Not sure if AB are causing this change or not. (she is eating the AB walnut in the picture) Her energy and mobility is still good as she climbs the fences and trees along with fast running speed.

Hope she comes tomorrow.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Abscesses can be quite large.

Harry had a large one on the side and it was almost three weeks from when I first noticed it to when it popped. The first photo and second photo were taken 8 days apart, and then the last photo (where it popped) was another 7 days after that. And besides this 15 day interval, the abscess was already visible for a few days before the first photo.

And none of these photos really capture just how HUGE the abscess was.

Hi Olorin19, when Harry's abscess popped, what did you do for recovery ??

[olorin19]

Hi Olorin19, when Harry's abscess popped, what did you do for recovery ??

In Harry's case, I did not realize it was an abscess until it popped. I had thought it might be a bot.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...?66556-Bot-fly

I did not do anything for Harry after it popped. With a release that I was able to handle, I would have checked it out, maybe applied something topical, etc.

But Harry was not a typical release. He had gotten extremely aggressive with my during the final months of being overwintered, and had attacked me after release, so there trying to handle him was not really an option.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...rotective-gear

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...el-attacked-me!

[olorin19]

Looking at your 2022 and 2023 pictures makes me wonder whether there is something else going on, like a fatty cyst, lipoma, etc.

I have a hard time imagining an abscess persisting for so long, and the lump seems to be in the same place.

[supersquirrelgirl]

In Harry's case, I did not realize it was an abscess until it popped. I had thought it might be a bot.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...?66556-Bot-fly

I did not do anything for Harry after it popped. With a release that I was able to handle, I would have checked it out, maybe applied something topical, etc.

But Harry was not a typical release. He had gotten extremely aggressive with my during the final months of being overwintered, and had attacked me after release, so there trying to handle him was not really an option.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...rotective-gear

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...el-attacked-me!

Same concern I have for Mo; she is wild and a big girl with sharp claws and big teeth. A missed grab attempt might really injure myself. With so many wild squirrels coming through here, a live-trap would be the wrong squirrel.