Deer Farmer

Farmfamily

Hi, I have taken in an abandoned Fawn that is now about two weeks old. She was touch an go at first but now she seems to be doing much better. She is eating and walks around just fine but recently I have noticed that her ears are not only curling but are hard and seem to have some weird spots on them. I have searched and can not seem to find any information on what may be causing this or how to fix it. I have contacted vets in my area but they are not helpful at all. They just tell me that they do not treat deer and leave it at that. I am worried that this may be serious and I don’t want to loss her. She also seems to have what I think is a navel hernia. Her belly is protruding a little where her umbilical cord was. I really could use some helpful advice on what could be wrong and how to treat. Thanks in advance.

Tjohn12a

Hey Farmfamily, we have a fawn in a similar situation. She was attacked by birds when she was first born. We had to give her colostrum and treat her bottom for sores. I was focused on her bottom and didn’t check her ears for scratches from the birds. We believe that Is what caused her right ear to start swelling. I noticed it about 1 week in. She had sores that started oozing and hair fell off while ear curled under. I gave exceed and cleaned ear with soap and water. Antibiotic ointment did not seem to help. I called the vet and she suggested giving dex as well for the swelling since the ear was not squishy (like infection). I also applied the pink scarlex scarlet oil spray. That seemed to take care of the ear oozing. The ear continued to curl and now the tip has become more of a scab while still being curled under. We treated her today and found that her umbilical cord has opened and we have cleaned it. I am hoping to take her to the vet tomorrow. Little miss has had a rough run, but she’s the sweetest little thing. I hope we can find her some relief and she can grow into a strong girl!
I will keep you posted about what the vet says if you think we are in a similar situation.

Farmfamily

Thanks for the information. I would appreciate it if you kept me posted. My baby girl seems to be doing good as far as eating and strength. her umbilical cord has fallen off but her belly button area is protruding out like a hernia. I am keeping the area clean with alcohol swabs and watching for any changes. What concerns me the most are her ears. They are hard and feel as though they could break off. It’s really weird. The sores are more like risen bumps under the hair but while gently rubbing her ear one seemed to come off like a scab would and it was raw and bloody at the sight as if it was a scab that came off. I washed her ears with baby soap but no change. I’m not sure what to do. I have researched all over and can’t find any similar case. The vets in my area are not helpful for deer at all. I may need to reach out farther. Thanks for in advance for any advice and suggestions.