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i have a grey squirrel that was abandoned. i estimate the age being around seven weeks. it has developed a lesion on it's front leg. it looks like a circular hole in the skin and oozes a clear slightly red fluid. what is going on and is there a way cure it ?

Submitted: 1164 days and 17 hours ago.

Category: Cat

Value: $8

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Accepted Answer

This may be a warble or cuterebra larva. You can read about these here
http://botfly.ifas.ufl.edu/cutrwrb/cutrwrb1.htm
The best bet would be to have the vet remove it as if it gets crushed under the skin it can cause a reaction.
You can read about raising squirrels here
http://www.stfranciswildlife.org/squirrels.html
and this site may help you find a wildlife rehabilitator who will have access to vet care for the baby and know proper care etc
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm
Hope this helps you!

Accepts:
Expert:	NancyH
Pos. Feedback:	99.4 %
Answered:	9/15/2006

Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert

30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care

1164 days and 14 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to nholmes's Post: is it possible to remove the larvae by smothering it? i read on line that this type of action could cause the larvae to come out.

Posted by NancyH 1164 days and 14 hours ago.

Answer

It might stay under the skin if you do that. You can try using petroleum jelly over the hole or neosporin. Thing is the larva is bigger than the hole so getting it out might not be possible. If it dies under the skin it can be an issue.
A small animal vet specialist or a wildlife vet would best know how to knock the little guy out and get the larva out if that is what it is.

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