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Question

I have a pet raccoon that lives in my barn. Zorra has injured her hind right leg and came up to the house as if to ask for help. I have her in a cage in my garage and her leg appears to be cut and appears to have pus. She will not let me touch it. Can I spray some peroxide on it and then some furazolidone aerosol powder or blu-kote?
I also have some ampicillin 250 mg capsules I had for my pet mallard when she was attacked by a dog. Could I sprinkle the capsules in some pudding in an attempt to get my raccoon to get some antiobiotics? I had a veterinarian who previously treated Zorra and vaccinated her, but he has retired and moved away.   
Thanks for any suggestions, as I can't find a vet to treat her.

Teri

Submitted: 1069 days and 13 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Accepted Answer

Hi Teri,

I'm sorry to hear that your raccoon friend is ailing.

My first concern would be that YOU do not get hurt in your attempts to help Zorra out. Be sure to wear heavy grade contractor's work gloves during treatment and feeding in case for any reason she develops a tendency to bite.

I would consider getting ahold of the Fish and Wildlife Department and see if there is a regional wildlife rehabilitation center where Zorra can be treated and then rereleased into your area once she has recovered.

Cleaning the wound with peroxide and using nitrofurazone powder is a great topical therapy treatment for her wound. I am worried about a fracture to the leg, though, and this is why I think she may need veterinary intervention! IF you wait too long on seeking help for her and there is a fracture, the leg may not be able to be repaired and Zorra may have to be euthanized or permanently be integrated into a wildlife rehab center due to her disability.

IF she will eat the pudding, the Ampicillin is better than nothing at all. With the evidence of pus, it is likely the wound is infected! I would give her a minimum of 250 mg every 12 hours daily for 10-14 days or until the leg heals completely.

Please do not release her with the injured leg. You will want to keep her confined in an area where you can care for her and monitor her progress.

You should search for an exotics vet somewhere in your local area . Someone should be within an hour or two for you to get some further advice. As raccoons are wild animals, vets in private practice are NOT allowed to see them as patients. They may be willing to dispense some more medications for you though, so it will be important to establish a relationship with someone!! Otherwise, you will have to work through a wildlife rehabilitation organization to get her care.

Please keep me updated on how she is doing!!

Please remember to press "ACCEPT" upon reading this answer. Bonuses are accepted with gratitude. I appreciate your trust in my professional knowledge and clinical experience. Please remember to leave feedback, as feedback affects my ratings and earnings.

Best Wishes and Happy Holidays to You and Your Pet!
Dr. Jodi L. Smith

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Expert: Dr. Smith
Pos. Feedback: 96.4 %
Accepts: 124
Answered: 12/4/2006

Veterinarian

Veterinarian in Small Animal Practice for 12 years

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