Raccoon admitted with severe mange
By Joanna Fitzgerald | Direector of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
This raccoon were among the 63 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week.
The raccoon was admitted after being seen in a neighborhood for several days feeding at an area where food was being put out for feral cats. The raccoon had a severe case of mange which caused thickened skin and hair loss. The outer lids of the raccoon’s eyes were nearly crusted shut.
The raccoon’s skin was so thickened that staff could not offer electrolytes subcutaneously. Ensuring the raccoon was rehydrated was a concern. By using a syringes, staff was able to offer the raccoon oral fluids which he eagerly drank. Along with electrolytes the raccoon was given an antifungal and an antiparasitic medication to kill the mites which caused the mange.
The raccoon spent the majority of the first few days in the hospital sleeping. He would eat his diet overnight, but aside from that, he just needed supportive care and rest.
Once we were sure the raccoon was rehydrated, an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory were incorporated into his treatment plan. A supplement was added to the raccoon’s diet which provides bacteria that naturally occurs in the intestinal tract and promotes normal digestion for debilitated animals.
After five days of treatment the swelling around the raccoon’s eyes had diminished. Staff was very excited because we could actually see the raccoon’s eyes — a great sign that he was truly on the road to recovery.
The raccoon was very fortunate that such caring individuals saw him suffering and offered assistance. Equally important, his rescuers were careful in how they handled the raccoon and kept themselves safe.
Raccoons, as well as several other species of wildlife, including bats, are considered rabies vector species which means these species can carry and transmit rabies. Caution must be taken when dealing with a rabies vector species to ensure no direct contact is made with the animal.
If you encounter an animal in need of help, please contact the wildlife hospital at 239–470–2201. Staff will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action in order to get the animal the help it needs.
Recent Releases
Intermittent cold weather in our area greatly affects when we can release animals. Typically the weather forecast should be clear for seven days if an animal is going to be released. A red-shouldered hawk and three eastern cottontails were released in advance of the recent cold snap that hit Florida. Many other animals that were ready for release were held over until our weather stabilized to normal temperatures seen this time of year.
Donations Needed
As the patient load increases at the hospital so does our need for towels. If you have large bath towels or beach towels, please donate them to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Towels need to be in decent condition; anything with holes or frayed edges present a threat to the animal’s safety and can’t be used in the hospital.
Opportunities to Help
Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Call 239–262–2273 or see conservancy.org
