Sick fawn? Please help.

I've searched the internet for days trying to find answers, so I'm hoping someone here can help.


 


We live in Bucks County, PA and have lots of wild deer around, including what appears to be a family which numbered 7 deer over the winter.  I've seen at least 2 new fawns this year.  For the last week, one of the fawns resting/hiding on and off for long periods of the day behind some bushes in front or behind our home.


 


I've read enough about deer to know that it's not at all unusual for a mother to leave its fawn resting in hiding places, even near homes like ours, while the mother goes off and feeds.  So the fawn being so near the house is not my question.  Other than coming and going from the house normally, I've done what I can not to disturb it.


 


My question is whether this fawn is sick.  From the first time we saw it a week ago, we noticed a pronounced black area around its butt about the size of a volleyball.  The area does not look like it's simply dirt and/or fecal matter.  Rather, it looks as though the skin and fur are not adequately covering the area, perhaps due to a birth defect, an encounter with another animal or for whatever reason.


 


The fawn also appears slimmer than what might be considered normal and mangier, especially in its hind area.  I've also been able to notice what appears to be an injured area on one of its back legs.  Finally, just today I noticed two pronounced black spots, one under each eye, which almost look like hopes.  I was able to get a picture, which I'm attaching.


 


Can anyone tell me if this fawn may be sick/diseased and, if so, what I might do about it?  Also, if the fawn is OK, how long should I expect this behavior to continue?


 


Thanks very much.


 


P.S.  I've just now also gotten a partial photo of the fawn's rear end18669:2014-07-11_18.14.4518670:IMG_0370.

The black under it eyes is likely where the hair has been rubbed off while trying to negotiate through a chain length fence in the neighborhood. The place on its buttock I can't see very clear but I believe it may also be more serious trauma caused by a dog or wild animal. I think fecal matter would be centered under its tail. I do see evidence of something dripping down on the hair on top of his hocks. The mother normally will keep this area clean.

Looks like maybe a prolapse anus! I have only saw one other in my 20 years of deer. It's real hard to tell from the angle but possible!

Thank you both very much for your replies.  Is there anything I should do or should I just let nature takes its course.


 


Also, do either of you know how long I should expect the fawn to continue "hiding" at our house?

It thinks it safer close to humans. After I got in the house last night I looked at the photo of its backside again. That is a deep wound cut into the muscle of its left hip that is trying to heal. That is the reason for its poor overall body condition. I would guess a little yappy dog bit him there while he was trying to get through a chain link fence. It will likely heal on its own without intervention. Food and water will get him stronger faster. I would put a large water pan out for him. A little hard plastic kiddy pool wouldn't hurt if your looking to spoil him. He will get in it and bounce around.Empty it daily they love to urinate and poop while standing in water or puddles. If you put a trail cam out you would see him doing it. I would also buy a calf feed and put out a couple small pans for him. Once he finds one of the pans feed him from just the one. Don't call your conservation officer or they will probably come out and euthanize him probably with a bullet.

I have seen adult doe with prolapse anus after hard labor a couple times. I don't think there would be a reason a fawn would develop that condition.

Good luck

Thanks very much!

Bell944521405202424



It thinks it safer close to humans. After I got in the house last night I looked at the photo of its backside again. That is a deep wound cut into the muscle of its left hip that is trying to heal. That is the reason for its poor overall body condition. I would guess a little yappy dog bit him there while he was trying to get through a chain link fence. It will likely heal on its own without intervention. Food and water will get him stronger faster. I would put a large water pan out for him. A little hard plastic kiddy pool wouldn't hurt if your looking to spoil him. He will get in it and bounce around.Empty it daily they love to urinate and poop while standing in water or puddles. If you put a trail cam out you would see him doing it. I would also buy a calf feed and put out a couple small pans for him. Once he finds one of the pans feed him from just the one. Don't call your conservation officer or they will probably come out and euthanize him probably with a bullet.

I have seen adult doe with prolapse anus after hard labor a couple times. I don't think there would be a reason a fawn would develop that condition.

Good luck




LOL..Thats what i thought untill i had a 2 month old fawn with one! Not Nice!

Yep I agree with Bell, that little guy was tore up from something! Like Bell said get some good feed out for him and fresh water and with a lot of R&R and hopefully flys won't get at him he will pull through this. Good luck ! Charlie.

Bell said it best. Do not call our game commission. Their idea of "helping it" would indeed be shooting it.

JFL, I am glad there are people like you around, people who care about our precious wildlife. I am fed up with the wildlife authorities that don't want to do anything to help our wildlife. Each life is important, and I am glad many people recognize this even though the game commission can't.

I would do as Bell said, give him some calf feed. Lay a pan of it in the bushes, it won't take him long to find it, and he won't have to fear predators if you feed him close to your house.