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Scratching / Swiping at Mouth #1423315
03/10/21 10:34 AM
03/10/21 10:34 AM
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 10
AZ
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AZDrea Offline OP
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AZDrea  Offline OP
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Hello all, I recently inherited a sugar glider family, and have fallen in love with these little ones! Recently, I’ve noticed the oldest male scratching / swiping at his mouth. Afterwards, he appears to gag. He doesn’t seem to want to eat mealworms anymore, and accepts treats very slowly, hesitantly lately. None of the others display this behavior and wondering if anyone has seen this type of thing and what it means. I included the only video I was able to capture of him doing it below.

https://mystuff.bublup.com/ui/landing_page?item_id=001-i-76b60949-bd19-4447-8b79-3513dfed7729

[img

Last edited by AZDrea; 03/10/21 10:38 AM. Reason: link didn’t show up
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Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423316
03/10/21 10:54 AM
03/10/21 10:54 AM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
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KarenE  Offline
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LittleRock, AR USA
:welcome: We are glad you are here and congratulations on your new fur family.

It appears to me something is bothering him, more than likely, inside his mouth. It could be something as simple as aa piece of food stuck but it could be something more serious like a tooth that is giving him pain. In any case, a vet check to see what is going on inside his mouth is warranted.

Teeth problems can become very serious if not caught early.


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Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423317
03/10/21 11:07 AM
03/10/21 11:07 AM
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AZDrea Offline OP
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Thank you Karen, that’s what I was interpreting it as, but didn’t want to run crying to the vet if it’s something they commonly do and labeled as an over-protective, hysterical sugar mom - which I am but there’ll be plenty of time for that LOL

Are there dental treatments that vets can perform and anything specific I should tell the exotic pet vet NOT to do, I’m sure they know what they’re doing but I’d prefer to err on the side of caution.

Thanks so much for responding, I’ve tried reaching out on other platforms and never got a response 💗

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423318
03/10/21 11:34 AM
03/10/21 11:34 AM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
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KarenE  Offline
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LittleRock, AR USA
Never EVER let a vet float/trim a glider's teeth. If a vet says their teeth need to be trimmed like a rodents, grab your glider and head for the door agree Find a knowledgeable vet.

Take the video with you so the vet can see this behavior and tell him exactly when you first noticed it ... which I forgot to ask you. How long this has been going on.

Tell the vet everything you can think of regarding the behavior since you have had him such as eating habits in particular, playing, sleeping, poop, peeing, etc. Everything will help the vet with his diagnosis.


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Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423319
03/10/21 12:11 PM
03/10/21 12:11 PM
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It’s hard to say when I first noticed it, possibly a week ago? He started not taking mealworms or treats from me, when I enter their room he will drink a bit of water and then come and settle himself in my lap and groom himself and sleep. The mom has two oop young joeys that he is usually with... in fact, I see her out of the pouch more than he is. The last few nights he jumps on their enclosure door to get my attention and I have started feeding him separately to ensure his intake is sufficient. He is eating but gingerly or slower (I think) than usual. It is possible hun that as I am getting to know them it’s not something new but just something I’ve noticed? He has an appointment tomorrow at 3pm - I will make sure they do not float or trim the teeth. What other options are there? Extraction or?

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423320
03/10/21 02:31 PM
03/10/21 02:31 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
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Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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I agree with Karen, he needs to go to a vet. He may need an extraction and antibiotics. Judging my the we look of his chest and belly he has an issue in his mouth.

Please keep us posted on him.


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: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423321
03/10/21 04:32 PM
03/10/21 04:32 PM
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He’s going in tomorrow at 3pm... his belly is yellowed and wet, I assumed because the very young joeys were urinating / suckling him when momma was out of the pouch. He does start grooming himself when curled up on me. I have tried to track down info on that too but haven’t been successful. So the yellowed and wet belly is not a normal thing when the dads are in with the little ones? If not that is definitely another thing I’ll have the vet address tomorrow. I was able to track down the vet the previous owners said they would bring the gliders to... turns out they only had their nails trimmed but no fecal exams etc... Any other suggestions on what tests I should have run on this little guy?

Last edited by AZDrea; 03/10/21 04:36 PM.
Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423322
03/10/21 06:25 PM
03/10/21 06:25 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 492
Champaign Co., Illinois
Berg Offline
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Champaign Co., Illinois
We have had a number of gliders with tooth problems over the years, but I've never seen the behavior you have in the video. Clearly something is bothering him. Usually a tooth extraction is the way to go if periodontal disease is bad (not uncommon in sugar gliders). Good luck and let us know what they find out.


-Steve-

:grey: Sprite, Misty, Ghost, and Bandit

and all those who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge
gangel Virga, Cirrus, Foehn, Pascal, Flurry, Case, Rossby, Breeze, and CB


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Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423323
03/10/21 07:48 PM
03/10/21 07:48 PM
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I want to thank all of you for your replies. I literally am tearing up thinking he’s in pain and I couldn’t figure it out. I pray the vet will find something and help him tomorrow. They said possible anesthesia so they can properly examine. That is okay for him, right?

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423324
03/10/21 08:44 PM
03/10/21 08:44 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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Wisconsin
Yes, they gas them down so they can get a good look in their mouth. They aren't out long.


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: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423325
03/11/21 07:18 PM
03/11/21 07:18 PM
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AZDrea Offline OP
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Here at the vet, doc came in and said he is definitely sick, and is going to put him under to be better able to examine him. The vet said she also has not seen this behavior in a sugar glider before and wants to take X-rays to see if any bones are broken in his face 😭...

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423326
03/11/21 08:07 PM
03/11/21 08:07 PM
Joined: Feb 2021
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AZDrea Offline OP
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AZDrea  Offline OP
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So, he has an abscessed tooth in the back, it’s loose and bleeding and it will need extraction. So pain meds and antibiotics prior to surgery. And puréed baby food diet meats and fruits. I’m so relieved that he’s going to finally get some relief.

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423328
03/12/21 01:23 AM
03/12/21 01:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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Glad she found the issue. Keep us posted on his surgery.

I have a glider going in for his two front lower teeth to be extracted.


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: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423329
03/12/21 11:24 AM
03/12/21 11:24 AM
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AZDrea Offline OP
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AZ
Poor babies! I hope they all feel better soon. I told the vet that I was embarrassed to admit I had no idea they had back teeth. I have a lot to learn 🥺. I appreciate your input, I was so worried about him. He lost 11 grams due to this issue 😞

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423330
03/12/21 12:06 PM
03/12/21 12:06 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
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KarenE  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
So glad to hear you have a vet who apparently knows what she is talking about and will get your baby on the road to recovery. Watch him close for any signs of distress after the extraction and please keep us posted.


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Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423331
03/13/21 12:35 AM
03/13/21 12:35 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
In total, sugar gliders have 40 teeth.


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: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423498
04/22/21 01:28 PM
04/22/21 01:28 PM
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AZDrea Offline OP
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AZ
Good morning, just wanted to share an update. He had his oral surgery on April 7th, they removed 27 teeth. He had severe dental issues including lesions and bone involvement. He weighed 85 grams at the time of surgery and yesterday at his follow-up appointment he weighted 112 grams! vet said his condition was caused by lifelong dietary deficiencies and a soft food diet. She said she’s amazed at his recovery and he received a clean bill of health. I’m so glad I inherited these little guys and could assist in helping him get out of the obvious discomfort he was in. Thank you all for your input 💗

https://mystuff.bublup.com/ui/landing_page?item_id=001-i-39d822c0-1f21-40d3-88b1-7a871a494714

Teeth

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423500
04/22/21 05:58 PM
04/22/21 05:58 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver Offline
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dance :yes: clap :hdance: jump

So glad he's feeling and doing better!! Thank you for the update heart


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: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: Ladymagyver] #1423502
04/22/21 07:57 PM
04/22/21 07:57 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 421
United States
theresaw Offline
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United States
Great News!! jump

Re: Scratching / Swiping at Mouth [Re: AZDrea] #1423507
04/24/21 11:51 PM
04/24/21 11:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Great News!!!!

They bounce back fast after those nasty teeth are removed. I had two gliders get multiple extractions earlier this month.


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:


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