Now Rosie was not unhappy with her nose - it was a very nice wombat nose. 

The only trouble was it developed a lump after she took a tiny bit of skin off trying to escape the carry cage when she first came into care as a small joey, weighing in at 1600g.

Neither we nor our wonderful vet at Crookwell Veterinary Hospital were unduly concerned at first, expecting it to settle after a while.

However, when it didn’t, we went back to the vet - pronto.

First diagnosis was fluid, but a needle inserted into it produced nothing but a bit of blood. 

It was then thought maybe it was fibrous tissue, which unless it increased in size would not cause her any problem.

So, the advice was to ‘wait and see’. 

The lump didn’t appear to be growing at first, but then all of a sudden it started increasing in size - plus she started developing a couple more lumps along the top of her nose.

Alarm bells sounded, and on the advice of our vet, we arranged a consultation with the University of Sydney’s Avian, Reptile & Exotic Pet Hospital at Camden, where they specialise in our native wildlife.

First of all they did a hollow needle biopsy - poor girl, it was so painful for her - she made the most dreadful noise while they were doing it, I could have cried for her.

When tested this showed an infection, so they then put her under anaesthetic to do a full biopsy for culture, to determine exactly what type of infection.

While doing the biopsy the vet discovered an abscess really deep down. 

We were stunned as there was no redness or anything else to indicate an abscess, and Rosie never ever showed any sign of distress with the lump, even when pressure was applied to it.

The vet said that as he cut in for the biopsy, much to his amazement all this yuck and stuff poured out! 

So, she came home on Baytril by injection for 14 days, and we had to keep the wound open for as long as possible by irrigating it with saline solution a couple of times a day, so it could heal from the inside out. 

She did NOT like that being done, and I don’t blame her! 

Needless to say she didn’t like the injections either!

We got the results of the culture four days later, which showed a Staph infection. 

I was horrified as I always take great care with hygiene.

However, the vet at Camden said it was nothing to do with that, they can carry the bacteria on their skin without any effect, it’s just when it can get ‘in’ that you have a problem.

The good news was that Baytril was right for it, so we didn’t have to start a fresh round of 14 injections of any other med. 

By the time she had finished the injections, the wound was healing well, and she was more full of beans than ever!

From then on Rosie thrived, with nothing but a small scar to show for her nose job! 

After a further ten months rehabilitation she was able to be released back into the wild to embrace her freedom.

What did I learn from all this? A lot. Such as how difficult it is to give a wombat an ‘under skin’ injection - they are such a ball of muscle and just don’t have any loose skin to grab hold of! 

It is definitely a two person job.

Also, it is important to investigate any problem thoroughly, as things are not always what they seem. 

An accurate diagnosis is essential before any medication is administered, to ensure correct treatment. 

I learned not to ‘wait and see’ for too long.

I learned how wonderful the folk are at Camden - thorough, caring and compassionate. 

I also learned how loving and forgiving Rosie was - no matter what we had to put her through, she always forgave us and was ready for a play and a cuddle.

She was quite simply, a sweetheart.

Should you need advice or help with injured or distressed wildlife and are in the Southern Tablelands area, please ring our Branch Rescue Number - 4822 3888.

Our volunteers will be only too happy to assist. 

If you are elsewhere please ring the WIRES main rescue number 1300 094 737.