Fox had been observed moving around on 3 legs for about 6 weeks after apparently getting hit by a car. We live-trapped her and brought her to Deer Creek, where she had surgery to repair a hip dislocation. She’s using her “new” leg, albeit somewhat gingerly, but true to fox form she is busily spending her days outdoors trying to figure out how to escape! Her leg is bald from being shaved for surgery, so to prevent frostbite she’s brought in at night. Once the fur grows back she’ll be released back home! The critters need your linens! Gently-used towels, sheets, and blankets are needed. Please call 719-683-8152.
Squirrels have been coming to rehab. Squirrel (above) had been hit by a mail truck and is now improving after an eye preservation procedure by East Springs Animal Hospital, and preparing for release. Unfortunately the person who dropped him off at the vet left no information behind as to where the squirrel came from, so release and winter survival may be tricky for this juvie squirrel, who will have to be released in a place not his home, and where he has no food store for winter. Dr. Coufal at Black Forest Veterinary Clinic has conducted surgeries on other squirrels that came to rehab with significant abscesses. Dr. Coufal does a beautiful wide and deep abscess excision, taking care to spare tissue needed for functional extremities, which so far has meant all the squirrels’ abscesses have healed beautifully and without complications, and they have been released!
Pocket gopher accidentally dug up out of hibernation remains in semi-hibernation until spring, rousing herself every several days or so for a quick drink of water, munching on some rooty foods, and of course, rebuilding her “nest!”