I need to leave for work in abt. 20 minutes, but will be back online later tonight when I get home. Gimli is ill, and as of yet we're not sure what the problem is. His appetite hasn't been good for the last week or so, but he has been eating more when I hand-feed him until the last two nights. Sat he didn't eat much, and last night his food (including mealies) was untouched. He wouldn't accept anything-even his favorites, offered by hand. For the last couple weeks he's also developed a consuming interest in licking bare metal (the only bare metal in his cage now is the tiny rings holding it together-we removed everything else, including his wodent wheel that he wouldn't run in, just sit and lick the metal). I'm going to replace all the rings with cable ties tomorrow. His activity level has dropped the last couple days, and he isn't as vocal as normal, either, so I took him to the vet. He is currently in Intensive Care for tonight and possibly tomorrow night. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> The vet is putting him on antibiotics and fluids, and taking urine, fecal, and blood samples to test. He's also going to briefly put him under and check his teeth good (to see if maybe a bad tooth or two is why he's not eating well), and to check his abdomen. Gimli weighed only 88 grams (he's small, and missing his tail, but it's still too low). I'll let you all know what I find out when we talk to the vet in the morning. I'm so worried about him, and miss him already. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24811 08/09/0407:27 PM08/09/0407:27 PM
Oh my! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Look at that sweet sweet face! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Im so sorry Gimli is ill... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I know you must be so very worried! Keeping you in my thoughts and saying a prayer for little Gimli. Please let us know when you can, what you find out! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24812 08/09/0407:51 PM08/09/0407:51 PM
I'm so sorry that Gimli's sick. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> I know it must be hard for you to not be with him. Keep us updated on what the vet finds. (((Hugs)))
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> and more hugs Jen, that Gimli gets better. There was something once before about a glider licking metal, I will search for it and see if I can find it.
Karin
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> [:"magenta"] i am so sorry your little gimli is ill. do you think the metal has to do with it? could he be licking because he is lacking a mineral? could the licking be causing the illness (heavy metal toxicity)? hope your little one gets better soon.[/]
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24815 08/09/0408:52 PM08/09/0408:52 PM
Maybe he isnt getting enough water? I know that when Brandis was severly dehydrated, he would lick and nibble on metal until I got him to the vet, have you tried the tent test? Dehydration though could just be a symptom of something else, keep us updated!
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24816 08/09/0411:01 PM08/09/0411:01 PM
Oh goodness, I hope He will be alright.!! You both are in my thoughts and prayers. As everyone has said update us when you find something out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24817 08/10/0412:05 AM08/10/0412:05 AM
Jen, so sorry to hear Gimli is sick <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery. Please keep us posted <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Eddie
In the Tropics somewhere between the port of indecision and southeast of disorder!
"Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about things. Small people talk about other people."
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching!
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24818 08/10/0401:38 AM08/10/0401:38 AM
Jen, so sorry to hear that Gimli isnt doing too well right now. I have you both in my prayers and sending the best of wishes your way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
He isn't dehydrated, or only very slightly. Drinking is the one thing he WILL do (but he doesn't like the ensure). The tent test was negative. He gets BML in his dish daily, but will only eat a little sometimes. He has refused to touch Zookeepers Secret or Exotic Nutrition (softened) staples, either, and I am at a loss as to what to try next. He was so abused before we got him, and no idea what kind of a diet he was fed(in his 4 or so different "homes"). The trust we've managed to build with him is so tentative I hesitate to force feed him, but will if it comes down to it. He's tested negative for parasites before, but we'll test again. We have considered iron/mineral deficiency as a cause of licking the metal, and have been offering iron rich veggies (IF we could get him to eat them!). If his teeth are why he won't eat well, that may be fixable-it might hurt to chew. I guess we'll find out. Also, anything we sprinkle or mix the Repcal and Herptivite in he won't touch. We even tried injecting mealies with vits mixed with yogurt (he loves mealies) and he wouldn't eat them. So we'll see what the vet says tomorrow, and I pray he'll be okay. I miss my little Gim (sniff).. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24820 08/10/0401:50 AM08/10/0401:50 AM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Jen, wish there was more I could do! He's in my prayers. Chey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24821 08/10/0402:27 AM08/10/0402:27 AM
try a little yoplait custard syle with gliderade on it mine luv it. also giv e him a little egg or boiled chicken maybe he will like that. right now u want him to eat im telling u something mary would do and she helps many sick gliders. try it have u thought of getting a c and s done. also keep having his stool checked to rule out any parasite it might not of picked up on first time.
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24822 08/10/0402:56 AM08/10/0402:56 AM
I've had no luck getting him to either drink gliderade or eat anything its sprinkled on-neither exotic nutrition's or brisky's. He does eat some yogurt (except the last couple of days) and really likes the Dannon LaCreme peach, and Yoplait mixed berry. If I sprinkle anything on it, or mix in, he won't touch it, though. In addition to Repcal and Herptivite, we also tried the Gliderbooster vitamins and that didn't work, either. He had his fecals and urine tested May 5. Fecals were clean, a few bacteria in the urine so he was treated with 14 days of antibiotics (and yogurt) that cleared it up. He will be tested again this time. If anything is found it will be gram/wright stained and sent for c&s. They will also be doing both a float and smear, urinalysis, and drawing blood. It'll just take a little time for results, and they don't want to strain an already taxed little body too quickly. The vet also wants enough time to observe him so he can try and get to the bottom of whatever is going on with the little guy. Hopefully we'll find and be able to treat/fix whatever it is.
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24823 08/10/0403:02 AM08/10/0403:02 AM
Could there be a chance he has gone hypoglycemic. They kinda get lithargic (?) slow down and kinda out of it. I had this happen once with one of my gliders. He had stopped eating and when I got home he looked like he was in a coma. Just barely moving. So I called the vet and I gave him a small drop of Karo syrup. The vet said make sure it gets onto his gums and in his mouth. I just held him close and talked to him while giving him the karo syrup. He started to come around. Then we went into the vet. He came out of it and was back to himself in a couple of days. Some gliders get very slow acting and won't eat when this happens too. I know they will find out more when the blood workup and other vet test are done. Please keep us posted. Anita <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Jen - just wanted to say you and Gimli are in my prayers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Sending get well wishes and positive vibes your way!
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24826 08/10/0409:46 AM08/10/0409:46 AM
I just wanted to say that you sound like a very good and caring glider mother and I wish the very best for you and your little one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24828 08/10/0410:59 AM08/10/0410:59 AM
Wow...xfilefan...its still so fresh in my mind about my baby...and its just so terrible its happening to yours, most likely what happened to mine, WONT happen to you...but gosh...Im just SO sorry...how is he doing with the Dr.? Has the dr. said hes perking up a little after the fluids and stuff? Just so sorry to hear this, Ill keep you in my prayers.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24829 08/10/0401:03 PM08/10/0401:03 PM
Okay, here's the update so far. Gim is perking up some with fluids and meds. Fecals and urine look okay (nothing to c&s on). He refused offered food last night, but they got him to eat some pine nuts and nibble on an almond. Teeth look good, and he couldn't find evidence of a tumor or blockage on exam under anesthesia. They're going to keep him another night, and keep trying to find things he'll eat today. He wants to draw blood, but here's the catch-Gimli lost his tail in some sort of accident before we got him, couldn't get a straight story on how it happened. When the skin was pulled back to repair it, his cloaca ended up VERY close to the base of the tail, where the vet would need to draw the blood from. He's afraid of damaging something if he puts a needle in there. Does anyone know of a vet who might know how to get a sample on this little guy? Attaching pics so you can see what he's trying to work with... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shakehead.gif" alt="" /> Gimli the mystery glider... --First pic is from top view
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24830 08/10/0401:05 PM08/10/0401:05 PM
when my glide was almost dead 2 yrs ago. i met the vet at his office 3 times a day and had bml and we force fed her with a french catheter 3cc's 3 times daily you must do that in order to get her well and he also gave her sub q's
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24832 08/10/0403:55 PM08/10/0403:55 PM
Hey xfilefan. May I suggest my veterinarian? Her name is Laurel Harris and she works for Foothill Animal Clinic in SLC. She's a great veterinarian and works for the zoo in town. (So she has loads of veterinary experience). You may want to try her--though you may have a hard time contacting her. Hope your baby is ok!
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24833 08/10/0404:17 PM08/10/0404:17 PM
I dont know if this is a possibility or not, I know they normally use the tail in alot of animals that are hard to draw blood on... but being as little Gimli lost his tail... I wonder... if they dont need very much blood at all... I do know that some animals, blood samples are taken by warming the hands to get the blood flowing good (like placing them on a heating pad,etc..) and then clipping a toenail too short to collect blood. (owie! Im sure its not comfortable, but if it will work, maybe that could be an option? If all else fails.)
Im glad they got him to eat a little bite of something. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Poor little guy... keeping him in my thoughts and still saying prayers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24834 08/10/0405:02 PM08/10/0405:02 PM
Actually, my husband and I were just on the phone discussing whether it would be possible to get enough blood to test by having the vet quick a nail! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" /> I just spoke with Bourbon, and she gave me the name/number of a vet in VA who has taken blood from tailless gliders, and I just passed that on to our vet. Apparently Mimijo has gliders who are exhibiting the same symptoms/behaviors as Gim is, and she was kind enough to pass along some ideas for getting some nutrition in him when he gets home.(Thank You! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />) I'll even try cat food if I have to (though I'm concerned because it tends to be high in ash-needed in quantity for a cats digestion, but not a glider's). I'm hoping if we can get blood to test, it might give a clue as to why he seems to need to lick bare metal, but won't eat-but at least I know he's not the only one. I'll keep everyone updated when I know something more. I also need to find Gim a wheel with no metal parts-he won't use the small plastic hamster ones. Anyone know someone who could maybe modify one with plastic or a nylon instead of the metal? -We miss you, Gim...
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24835 08/10/0405:23 PM08/10/0405:23 PM
Gimli will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks so much for keeping us all updated on how he is doing. I sure hope he gets better very soon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Danielle owned by 4 dogs and 2 gliders really soon Formerly known as K & D Exotics
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24837 08/10/0407:54 PM08/10/0407:54 PM
Hope, definitley can't get enough blood from a glider from the nails.. there are 3 places to draw blood, on a glider, the first choice would be the tail vein..
Dear XFIlefan, You might want to look under the Glider Central vet list and call some vets to see if they have any ideas. You can also give them your vets Phone # and ask them to call your vet so that they can talk with each other to see if they together can come up with a solution to your babies problem. You and your baby will be in my prayers . Dawnie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cloud9.gif" alt="" />
Re: Gimli in Intensive Care
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#24839 08/10/0408:49 PM08/10/0408:49 PM