It almost seems like something you’d see in the over-the-top Ren and Stimpy cartoon: A cat gets a hold of a squirrel, and pulls the skin off of him. But that’s exactly what occurred to a real-life white-tailed antelope squirrel who has been under the care of Best Friends since last month.
The tiny squirrel lost skin from the back of his head, across his neck and down his front left leg. Best Friends veterinarian Dr. Debra Nicholson tried to stitch him up, but it was rather hopeless. The squirrel lost the stitches the next day.
So, the folks at Wild Friends, the wildlife rehabilitation center at Best Friends, had to take the slow road, which was to anaesthetize the squirrel, apply an antibiotic ointment to his flesh, and redress the wound—every day.
The intensive treatment has paid off. The squirrel has grown all of that skin back, his wound healed completely.
“He’s been active and perky, within the limits of his bandage,” says Barbara Weider, sub-permittee wildlife rehabilitator at Wild Friends.
Better yet, Weider and Wild Friends manager Carmen Smith have decided they can release him. The squirrel first needs some exercise, since he’s been sedentary since he was attacked last month. He’ll get that exercise in the larger enclosure he’s lived in since losing his bandage. Once he has the strength to climb, Smith and Weider will release him at the sanctuary.
Written by Ted Brewer
Photos by Gary Kalpakoff
As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.
