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Sick Glider? Help! #1405918
12/23/16 12:40 AM
12/23/16 12:40 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
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Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Something is wrong with my Suge, and I'm trying to figure out what to do.

When I got home this evening, I fed the gliders and Suge went to eat right away, like normal. I noticed that both his eyes looked wet, and weren't open all the way. They were open, but only like 1/2 way.

I took him out of the cage and fed him some mealworms and he was eating like normal. I took this opportunity to trim his back nails, as they were getting stuck in everything. While I was trimming one of his nails, I trimmed it too short, and his nail started to bleed. He is usually very grouchy about having his nails trimmed, hating having his feet touched, but seemed unphased by this. And this is the first time I've ever cut his nails too short. I immediately grabbed a cloth and stopped the bleeding, all while Suge nonchalantly chewed on mealies.

Afterwards he climbed up my shoulder, and as I was walking back to the cage he fell off of me. When I picked him up and placed him in the cage, he lost his footing (they're in a reptarium) and fell into a hanging toy. The toy had mealies in it, so after he got it together, he ate those, then climbed in the pouch and went to sleep.

My other glider, Ollie joined him, and I left them be for a bit. After about 45 minutes Ollie got up to eat, so I went to check on Suge. I ended up scooping him out of the pouch, and he remained curled up in my hand, which I've never done with him ever (I should mention he's 11 years old). He remained sleeping in my hands for a while, even as I stroked him and checked him out. I poked at him a bit, and he finally woke up, eyes still half-open, looked around a bit, then curled back up on me.

He's currently curled up on my belly, wrapped in the bottom of my fleece as I type this. I've grabbed at his feet a little bit, to see if it illicit any response, and he does pull his hand back into his little ball.

This is super not normal behavior for Suge. Suge is a super light sleeper, and if I'm checking on the gliders in the pouch, he's always the open who shoots his head up first to look at what's happening.

I was already planning on taking him to the vet in the AM anyways because of his eyes, but now I'm really concerned that something more serious is wrong by the way that he's sleeping. And I don't know if it's a result of the fall(s) or related to his eyes?

So, I'm writing here to seek advice. I don't know if this is an emergency and should take him to a vet right now, or if I will be OK taking him first thing in the morning.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm freaking out right now. frown

Last edited by Nejwig; 12/23/16 12:41 AM.

Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Sick Glider. Help! #1405920
12/23/16 10:58 AM
12/23/16 10:58 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
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Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
I posted last night in the emergency forum, but received no response, so I'm trying over here to see if anyone might be able to help or offer an insight.

My Suge got really sick last night out of no where. His eyes are watery and only opening half way. He's lethargic. Last night he would only wake up to eat a little bit of food, then would curl back up to sleep. He's also appears clumsy and disoriented.

Since last night, I've also noticed that he's dehydrated (I did the "tent" test). I gave him two cap fulls of water, which he drank eagerly. He then peed and diarrhea-ed and immediately curled back up. I've also noticed that his skin looks yellow-ish.

The incredibly unfortunate thing about all of this is that I'm traveling for the holidays and at my parents house in Massachusetts. I called a ton of vets last night and this morning, and FINALLY found someone who will treat Suge, and booked their first appointment at 11:30am.

Because this is not my vet, I'm nervous that they might not know much about gliders, which is why I'm reaching out here. Is there anything I should alert the vet to or keep an eye out for?

Any help at all would be incredibly appreciated.


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider? Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405922
12/23/16 12:11 PM
12/23/16 12:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
Owner
KarenE  Offline
Owner

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
An eleven year old glider is considered a senior glider.

From all you have described, if he were mine, I would not wait until tomorrow morning - especially since it is Saturday AND Christmas Eve.

All of my gliders lived into their teens, and he is showing (IMO) signs that something is either wrong or he is approaching his time. This could have been coming for some time as we know gliders will hide illness. I also know from mine, you usually will have no warning with a healthy senior glider when it is their time.

Please try to get him to the vet today in case it is something that can be treated to give him more healthy years with you.


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Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405923
12/23/16 12:14 PM
12/23/16 12:14 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
Owner
KarenE  Offline
Owner

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
I did not realize you had posted here as well. Below is my response.

Originally Posted By: KarenE
An eleven year old glider is considered a senior glider.

From all you have described, if he were mine, I would not wait until tomorrow morning - especially since it is Saturday AND Christmas Eve.

All of my gliders lived into their teens, and he is showing (IMO) signs that something is either wrong or he is approaching his time. This could have been coming for some time as we know gliders will hide illness. I also know from mine, you usually will have no warning with a healthy senior glider when it is their time.

Please try to get him to the vet today in case it is something that can be treated to give him more healthy years with you.


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Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: KarenE] #1405925
12/23/16 12:36 PM
12/23/16 12:36 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
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Nejwig  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Thanks for the response. I'm at the vets right now waiting to be seen. frown

Last edited by Nejwig; 12/23/16 12:37 PM.

Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405927
12/23/16 01:42 PM
12/23/16 01:42 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
Owner
KarenE  Offline
Owner

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
:thumb2:

Please let us know how he is doing and what the vet says.


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Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: KarenE] #1405929
12/23/16 03:00 PM
12/23/16 03:00 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
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Nejwig  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
The vet ran an xray and could see that there's something going on with his liver. She wasn't able to take any blood because he's so frail right now. He also had some bruising on his chest, which we assume is from the few falls he had last night.

It is unclear what is wrong exactly with his liver, and if he can even recover.

The vet is currently keeping him hospitalized to observe him, but to also pump him with some fluids and antibiotics to see if he gets any better. She said she'll call me by the end of the day with an update with how he's doing.

Trying to think positively...


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405930
12/23/16 03:25 PM
12/23/16 03:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
Owner
KarenE  Offline
Owner

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
Prayers for your sweet little one hug2


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Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: KarenE] #1405931
12/23/16 04:13 PM
12/23/16 04:13 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
Glider Explorer
Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Thank you. <3


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405933
12/23/16 04:40 PM
12/23/16 04:40 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
I am sorry to hear that your little old man is ill. You should ask the vet about adding Milk Thistle to his food.

Milk Thistle helps the liver. If she oks it,get the liquid without alcohol.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Feather] #1405938
12/23/16 05:17 PM
12/23/16 05:17 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
Glider Explorer
Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Oh wow. Thank you so much! I will definitely mention that to her tonight.


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405946
12/24/16 09:37 AM
12/24/16 09:37 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
Glider Explorer
Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
I meant to post this update last night, but I fell asleep mid-typing. I didn't get much sleep the night before!

Anyways, the vet called me last night and said that they gave Suge a catheter, and at the time we spoke, had been receiving fluids for two hours. She said he did brighten up a bit and was eating some food for them.

I asked about the milk thistle, and they were already on it. They were administering a concoction of milk thistle, dandelion root and something else I now forget. This is in addition to the antibiotics.

She also told me that there is a special medication that they can administer for liver problems, however it has to be created at a special pharmacy that is closed until Monday. :/

I'll check in on him later today. I've been giving my little Ollie lots of love in the meantime. He was so lost without Suge in the cage last night. frown


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405949
12/24/16 11:13 AM
12/24/16 11:13 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
I hope those medications and holistic medications work for him.

Please keep us posted on his progress.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405956
12/24/16 10:00 PM
12/24/16 10:00 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
Glider Explorer
Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Just a brief update:

The vet said Suge was looking better today but still not well enough to go home. They took out his IV, and are just administering fluids orally. They said said that he's eating on his own, as well.

In order for them to diagnose him they'll have to do a blood test and an ultrasound. If he has improved tomorrow they might be able to do both. So, we'll see!


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405957
12/24/16 10:13 PM
12/24/16 10:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Thanks for the update! Still praying for your little one.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Feather] #1405961
12/25/16 12:17 AM
12/25/16 12:17 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
Glider Explorer
Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
I got a call from the vet at about 9:30pm saying that Suge just started to rapidly decline in the past hour. Apparently he was doing well almost the entire day. He was even starting to climb around.

I went to the vet to go see him and then had him under a little oxygen tube. He was on his side with very shallow breathing. He wasn't even curled up in a ball like he was with me when he started to get ill.

They haven't been administering him any medication because he won't ingest anything and they don't want to force feed him anything for fear of aspiration. It really didn't seem like they were going to be doing anything for him at this point except keep him on oxygen and keep him heated.

After I left I thought of the IV to keep giving him fluids, so I called and left a message for the vet (who was apparently dealing with an emergency at that moment), but I also don't really know if that will do much at this point. The woman who is working the night shift tonight isn't the exotic vet - she's not back until Monday.

I brought Ollie with me to see Suge and he immediately climbed on him and buried his face in his stomach. When it was time for us to leave, he wouldn't let go of his leg. It was one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever seen.

I'm at a loss of what to do at this point. It doesn't look good. frown


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405966
12/25/16 11:51 AM
12/25/16 11:51 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
I am sorry to hear this, but with him being 11 years old the fluids were just helping him rally a bit and without them he would just continue to decline.

You may have to make the difficult decision to help him cross the bridge. It is a tough decision, but sometimes it is best.

Sending more prayers to you and Suge.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405967
12/25/16 12:16 PM
12/25/16 12:16 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 274
Free Like the Wind!
Stef333 Offline
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Stef333  Offline
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Posts: 274
Free Like the Wind!
My heart goes out to you and your family, Jen. Holding thoughts and prayers for Suge's quick recovery.

~Stef


:grey: Yoda (Yodins) :grey: Jabberwinky (Winklefritz)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405968
12/25/16 01:21 PM
12/25/16 01:21 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
Owner
KarenE  Offline
Owner

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
Originally Posted By: Nejwig

They haven't been administering him any medication because he won't ingest anything and they don't want to force feed him anything for fear of aspiration. It really didn't seem like they were going to be doing anything for him at this point except keep him on oxygen and keep him heated.

I brought Ollie with me to see Suge and he immediately climbed on him and buried his face in his stomach. When it was time for us to leave, he wouldn't let go of his leg. It was one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever seen.

I'm at a loss of what to do at this point. It doesn't look good. frown


As sad as it is, Feather/Kim is right that Suge is likely at the end of his life. Ollie's behavior also was a sign that he knew as well.

IF it were me, I would bring Suge home and let him pass with Ollie by his side where he is loved rather than in the sterile vet's office, if that is possible.


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Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: KarenE] #1405973
12/25/16 03:50 PM
12/25/16 03:50 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Nejwig Offline OP
Glider Explorer
Nejwig  Offline OP
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 214
New York
Thanks everyone for your kind words.

I went into the vets this morning after she called me that he wasn't improving at all. When I saw Suge he was clearly suffering. I held him and Ollie together for a little while, but Suge was twitching and making a few strained yelps, especially when Ollie started to nuzzle him. I wanted to let him pass naturally in my hands, but it broke my heart to see him suffering like that so we made the decision to have him put down.

I'm pretty heartbroken.

Thank you everyone for responding and offering insight and help. I don't post on here much, but I've been on here since day one with the gliders (actually, before I even go them to start researching - back in 2005), and have always found this forum to be one of the best places on the internet for education and advice, and for that I'm grateful to you all. Everyone on here helped Suge live a long and happy life.

Now I have a million questions regarding Ollie, now that he's just lost his cage mate. Should I start a new post else where, or is it OK to keep this one going?


Jen

:wt: Kirby & :wfb: DeeDee



:rbridge: my beloved Suge (05/2005 - 12/25/2016) and Ollie (05/2005 - 08/01/2017)
Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1405975
12/25/16 04:30 PM
12/25/16 04:30 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in your memories of Suge

Glide Free Little Suge :rbridge:


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Feather] #1405984
12/25/16 09:52 PM
12/25/16 09:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
Owner
KarenE  Offline
Owner

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
So very sorry for your loss of Suge who is no longer suffering. You made a very courageous decision for him out of love.

Yes, please start a new topic for Ollie.


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Re: Sick Glider. Help! [Re: Nejwig] #1407556
02/28/17 03:57 PM
02/28/17 03:57 PM
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 22
Texas
A
Amy_S Offline
In Pouch
Amy_S  Offline
In Pouch
A

Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 22
Texas
I'm so sorry for you and Ollie's loss! I was reading over this and started to tear up. I lost 2 of gliders by sickness very recently as well, so I know what you are going through. Just keep your focus on keeping the rest healthy and very loved!!<3
Hope all is well!


RIP my little munckins! I will always love you!<3
Flash (02/26/15-12/17/16)
'Baby Face' Nelson (12/10/14-01/02/17)

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