Sugar Glider Community Calendar

Please click here to see larger view
Articles
More coming soon!!
Today's Birthdays
B1u3sky, StellaLuna
Member Spotlight
Hutch
Hutch
Belleville, IL
Posts: 1,482
Joined: November 2015
Show All Member Profiles 
Last 10 Posts
Gliders of the Round Table 10
by Feather. 03/27/24 07:04 PM
Logging in Problem
by Feather. 03/26/24 06:07 PM
Cloaca swollen?
by Hutch. 03/16/24 11:51 PM
Wheels, Toys, Toy supplies, pouches and more.
by Ladymagyver. 03/07/24 11:16 PM
Gliders of the Round Table 9
by Hutch. 03/07/24 10:52 PM
Stewie:" It's MY Mouse!"
by Hutch. 03/04/24 12:12 AM
2024 Sugar Glider Calendar and Cafe Press Store
by theresaw. 02/29/24 08:55 PM
Custom Cage Liners Machine Wash & Dry
by gr8pots. 02/27/24 04:23 PM
Google+

Facebook
Join Us On Facebook
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help #1414265
01/18/18 04:17 PM
01/18/18 04:17 PM

A
Anonymous OP
Unregistered
Anonymous OP
Unregistered
A



I'm sorry for posting to emergency - I'm having technical difficulties registering.

This may qualify anyway, and I really need advice.

I have to make a decision whether to euthanize my female glider and I don't know what to do.

Cut to the Chase: She has ripped all the skin off her stomach, from her pouch to cloaca, pelvis to pelvis. We are treating aggressively, but 56 hours later she is no better... and maybe worse. vet says prognosis is not good, and we need to consider euthanizing. I need to know if there is ANYTHING we can try that we aren't already doing that might save my girl's life.

The Long Version: We have two gliders, a rescued, bonded, formerly pet store breeding pair. We've had them a little over a year. They are beloved pets, and my 10 year old daughter loves them madly. Their names are Calvin and Susie.

At 11pm on Monday night, my son saw Susie on the mesh of the cage and screamed for me. The skin on her belly is just... gone. She's never SM before, never fights with Calvin, and she's the more laid back of the two. It happened out of *nowhere.* I called the emergency vet. The vet on call doesn't do exotics and is going into surgery. I pack Susie up and go there anyway. They give her some anti-inflammatory and we modify a bird cone for her. They send us home with instructions to call in the morning for an appointment with the exotics vet. We get home at 2:30am and I sit up with her the rest of the night to watch her. She's eating, drinking, peeing and pooping fine.

The next day (Tuesday) the exotics vet sedates her, irrigates and debrides the wound, applies the therapeutic laser, and prescribes topical (silver sulfadiazine) and oral antibiotic (trimeth sulfa), anti-parasitic (revolution), opiate pain reliever (Buprenex), and NSAID pain reliever / anti-inflammatory (metacam). Still eating, drinking, peeing fine. Seems constipated. My husband starts building a split cage so we can keep her and Calvin separated, but close. In the meantime, I sleep with her in a travel carrier next to me on the bed. Calvin wakes us up all night, barking for her.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was tragic. My dear husband, who stayed home to watch her, didn't understand it was an emergency when she worked herself free of her e-jacket. I found out an hour later when he brought her to me at work to change her bandages. She had bloodied all the margins where the vet trimmed away necrotic skin. I stayed up with her all night again, trying to keep clean bandages on, keep her from bleeding, get her to eat. She ate a little, drank a little, but was in obvious pain. Still no pooping. (My poor husband is devastated. He didn't realize.)

Back to the vet first thing this morning. Got the "lead" exotic vet this time - an amazing woman. She used the laser again, upped the dosage of the metacam, and prescribed a nerve-pain medication that she's used successfully for SM before. She switched the dressings to a hydrophilic foam to keep the wound cleaner without allowing it to dry out. We go back for another laser treatment tomorrow and again on Monday. We talked about prozac for later if she pulls through.

But she also said the prognosis is *not* good. It's the worst wound she's ever seen on a glider. We had no warning, no smoking gun for why it happened. Even IF her little body is able to fight off infection, rebuild that much skin, there's no guarantee she won't do it again... Dr. Cavell didn't recommend euthanasia, but said we needed to be realistic about her chances and consider her long-term quality of life.

I am prepared to euthanize if we have to, but it felt premature today. I said if we could manage her pain, we should try the modified treatments through Monday to see if she improves.

So, my sweet girl has until Monday unless we can help her... Please - if we've left any stone unturned, if there's anything you can think for me to try, please tell me. Or, if we are trying too hard and putting her through too much, tell me that too.

Thank you
Sarah

skwilson @ thatchermathias com
8.5.0...4.5.9...2.9.2.1

Current Research, Studies & Resources
Re: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414266
01/18/18 06:28 PM
01/18/18 06:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver Offline
Moderator
Ladymagyver  Offline
Moderator

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Hi,

First, I a haven't been through this, I'm here for moral support. But I will contact admin. for you.

Prayers for you and your little one.

In the meantime, what issues are you having registering?


Dawn

Be patient,
and
Trust your journey....

Grace :bb:

Ruby :grey:

Mom :grey:

Dad :grey:




Fiona, Dot and Stewie :rbridge: wish I could turn back time... Miss you

Re: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414267
01/18/18 06:41 PM
01/18/18 06:41 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Can you post pictures of her wound? Where are you located?


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: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414268
01/18/18 06:55 PM
01/18/18 06:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Sarah,

Can you make something like what is in the pictures I attached. I believe these are toy animal or doll shirts that are sewing together.

Attached Files
shirt 1.png (17 downloads)

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: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Feather] #1414272
01/18/18 09:24 PM
01/18/18 09:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
North Florida
S
skwilson Offline
New Member
skwilson  Offline
New Member
S

Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
North Florida
This photo is from Monday night, before the vet. It's poor quality - she was very wiggly. All of the tan skin was drying out and had to be removed when the doctor debrided the wound the next day. When I change her dressing in half an hour I will try to get some photos from today.

(We are in North Florida - Tallahassee)

Attached Files
Last edited by skwilson; 01/18/18 09:25 PM.
Re: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414273
01/18/18 09:35 PM
01/18/18 09:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
It isn't as big as I thought it was, I will be looking for todays pictures.

It will give me an idea of what has progressed since it started.


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: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414275
01/18/18 09:41 PM
01/18/18 09:41 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver Offline
Moderator
Ladymagyver  Offline
Moderator

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Thank you for posting the first pic. Wow...

Oh, and

:welcome: to Glider Central!

So glad you're here!


Dawn

Be patient,
and
Trust your journey....

Grace :bb:

Ruby :grey:

Mom :grey:

Dad :grey:




Fiona, Dot and Stewie :rbridge: wish I could turn back time... Miss you

Re: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414277
01/18/18 09:57 PM
01/18/18 09:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Sarah,

Now that your registered I am going to move this thread to Health & Hygiene.


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: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Feather] #1414279
01/18/18 10:22 PM
01/18/18 10:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
North Florida
S
skwilson Offline
New Member
skwilson  Offline
New Member
S

Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
North Florida
Perfect - thank you!

Re: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414281
01/19/18 12:00 AM
01/19/18 12:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
North Florida
S
skwilson Offline
New Member
skwilson  Offline
New Member
S

Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
North Florida
These pictures are from tonight. They look awful... but keep in mind the wetness and matting in the fur is from the gobs of antibiotic cream I'm slathering on 3x a day.

The last picture is after we changed the bandage and she's wrapped up again warm and snug.

Attached Files
Susie Day2 img 5-2.jpg (26 downloads)
Susie Day2 img 1-2.jpg (25 downloads)
Susie Day2 img 3.jpg (25 downloads)
SweetBabySusie-2.jpg (26 downloads)
Last edited by skwilson; 01/19/18 12:00 AM.
Re: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414282
01/19/18 01:14 AM
01/19/18 01:14 AM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 379
Ada OK
Claralice Offline
Glider Lover
Claralice  Offline
Glider Lover

Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 379
Ada OK
Poor baby! I hope she makes it.


Freddie and Barnabus Caramel neutered males
Re: Emergency? Urgent? Neither?? But my girl is dying and needs help [Re: Anonymous] #1414284
01/19/18 01:23 AM
01/19/18 01:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Sarah get yourself some Vetericyn VF (click on the highlighted word for the link). I would try to spray the entire area 2 X's a day minimum.

It will help flush the wound to keep it clean. A lot of people have had good results with it.

Please keep posting pictures and updates as we are all here to help you.


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:


Moderated by  Feather, KarenE, Ladymagyver 

Sugar Glider Help Page



Please click above to see how you can help!!

Moon
CURRENT MOON
Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 379 guests, and 83 spiders.
Key: , , Owner, Admin
Newest Members
Mellefrl, klowvrrr, gracefulguardian, KiyokoTheDoll, Hazelneko
7324 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums132
Topics10,374
Posts159,160
posts in the last 24hrs0
Members7,324
Most Online2,693
Jan 2nd, 2020
Last 10 New Topics
Logging in Problem
by Anonymous. 03/24/24 11:43 AM
Gliders of the Round Table 10
by Hutch. 03/07/24 10:50 PM
Cloaca swollen?
by Mellefrl. 03/04/24 02:39 PM
2024 Sugar Glider Calendar and Cafe Press Store
by theresaw. 08/15/23 02:37 PM
Stewie:" It's MY Mouse!"
by Ladymagyver. 05/25/21 09:57 AM
Gliders of the Round Table 9
by Hutch. 02/12/19 11:35 PM
Custom Cage Liners Machine Wash & Dry
by gr8pots. 06/03/14 10:25 AM
Popular Topics(Views)
849,551 TEXAS
679,068 OHIO
487,134 OKLAHOMA
432,138 UTAH
321,663 NORTH CAROLINA
Supported Browser
This site was tested and is best viewed in Google Chrome & Mozilla FireFox



Firefox 3

Download your copy today!!!
Home Forums Links Sitemap Vets Breeders Sounds Contact Us Names Rules & Policies

GliderCENTRAL
©1998-2024
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software
(Release build 20180918)
Page Time: 0.140s Queries: 17 (0.091s) Memory: 1.3426 MB (Peak: 1.5528 MB) Zlib enabled. Server Time: 2024-03-28 09:40:03 UTC