<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cloud9.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
I love love love photos like this of the interaction between a Glider and their Human friend.

That is so precious. What a handsome little one, and such a sweet sweet baby! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[:"green"]Has anyone ever arrested this behavior? If not I intend to be the first. Tomorrow, the vet will advise reg possible safe ointment. All lab tests will be performed. If it continues, I'll have him neutered. He is AOK while with me. Not after tail at all. I'll give him all the time required. R [/]

AHHHH HAAAA ok so he doesnt suck his tail when your with him. Therefore we can assume that he does it when he is ALONE. my guess is he gets nervous or something when he is alone. i think it might be time for the lone ranger to maybe be lone no more. But thats just me. Besides roger what can be better than a glider??? 2 gliders. even if only a sleeping friend. but some other glider to comfort him when he feels a bit more insecure. by the way roger i love the picture of bigfoot up there. I know it has another name...sqush.. sachsquash... but i cant spell it. But whenever i try and reply to one of your posts i keep looking up oh something moved up there. Good luck at the vet tomorrow. Hope its more good news.

[:"green"]No question, he has no interest in his tail while with me. None at all. I am convinced there is no pain or underlying condition. He's not even interested in playing, just calmly chirping and walking around. Bites my ear when he wants a rub. Never jumps off. Have I handled him too much perhaps? He does seem compelled to bite on my finger as if teething...No aggression but it appears to be soothing to him. I suspect he needs a chew toy. I am no more than 5 feet away from him during the day when he's in his pouch. If he crabs I check it out....so he knows I'm there. Hears all phone calls & conversation. His tail is not cut or irritated, just sucked clean! He's just calmly sitting here watching me freak. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/exclamation.gif" alt="" /> [/]

Unfortunately, AngieH is right-an ecollar is little to no help when a glider is mutilating the tip of the tail, unless a significant portion of the tail is missing to where they can't reach it. It is the ONE place they can still reach if determined.

A vetwrap on the tip of the tail will at least slow down his progress.

Because many infections, particularly those that are not in the digestive tract/bowels/urinary system, will NOT show up with urine and fecals, though DO run them anyway, I would suggest a shotgun approach with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. If pain seems to be an issue, torb or a valium suspension (low dose) can help take the edge off until it begins to heal. The crabbing says that there IS discomfort involved, hence the mutilation (and gliders normally won't start to SM unless there is discomfort. He may be distracted by you and hiding it to a degree-but it is one of the common threads among gliders that do this, and they normally won't start this behavior unless something is hurting or bothering them excessively. They will hide pain as well as illness). Unless it is something that shows up in urine/fecals, and he begins to go after his abdomen or cloacal area, neutering likely will not help this glider with this problem.

Be aware that there could be an injury or infection in the tail itself that neither you or your vet can see on the surface-the tail is not as vascular-meaning not as much circulation-as other areas-it may not show redness or bruising even though an infection/injury is present, and many times does not. Hence the safest approach is to use antibiotics whether anything can be definitavely determined or not-if you wait, and whatever is in there gets worse, by the time treatment is started, either things could have spread, and/or the glider could lose part or all of his tail.

There was a glider several months ago named Staples..he lost a significant part of his tail and some toes to self mutilation-no visible problems before the mutilation started. Antibiotics/pain meds (extended due to so much damage/infection in his case from the mutilation)..and this glider is now collar free, unneutered, and has a new girlfriend. Based on experience, that is my advice as to course of action once a glider has started to SM, and especially if they're crabbing while doing it. HTH

[:"green"]Thank you very much!!! I have forwarded info to vet for review. We will begin "shotgun" approach immediately... R [/]

[:"green"]Hi All, Ranger has begun antibiotics & mild pain killer. Fecal & urine were neg. Going for ultrasound on Monday. We'll get there. R [/]

That's great news about the fecal & urine! I bet he's glad to have a little pain relief too! Keep feeding us updates & pictures!

[:"green"] Will do. We will fix this.....I promise. He's with me now. Spoke to vet again......She also is personally comitted. Xfilefan's reply was of vital importance. One day at a time... Used to it. Thanks for the support. R & R [/]

[:"green"]Has Shea been around? Would love to hear from her.... [/]

Glad to be of some help. Keep us updated on his progress, and anything the vet finds! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> and prayers for you and Ranger.

When a glider chews at the tip of the tail there can be any number of reasons. Stress from loneliness is usually one of the major issues. Another that has not been mentioned is calcium deficiency. Usually with UTI, constipation, or internal parasites the chewing starts at the base of the tail.

As was suggested earlier the 'shotgun' treatment is used quiet often when no cause can be found. This usually consists of Baytril and Flagyl. These medications will cover most bacteria and internal parasite infections. I would also check for calcium deficiency.

My next suggestion would be to have him neutered and find him an adult female companion. Do not get him a mail order bride. Take him to where you are going to get the female and introduce them. This way you can find a female that is compatible. You may have to try several to find the right companion.
Charlie H

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Any updates on Ranger? I think a friend would make a big difference. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Angie

[:"green"]Hi Everyone, Ranger has been placed on .03cc Trimethoprin 2/day (antibiotic) & .05cc Torbutrol( for any discomfort) 1/day. Giving meds is challenging. Anyhow, he is a good boy and takes his medicine. I will continue to watch him closely & update. Best, R & R [/]

Ranger is going to pull though this just fine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />, thank you for keeping us updated. I agree with the thoughts of a cage mate too.

Karin

[:"green"]He has to. I think people here understand the scope of my relationship with this little guy. The words sound foolish coming from my mouth...Anyway, he hates these A.M. med calls!!!! [/] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sleep.gif" alt="" /> [:"green"]Will see the vet again Monday to check progress. I am very thankful for her. She is young & dedicated. She has made herself available to Mr. Ranger on a 24 hr. basis, and returns all calls. She has searched Veterinary database for latest info, consulted animal specialists @ Tufts... I made arrangements with her when I first got Ranger due to the difficulty of finding vets willing to take on the challenge of a Glider. Grateful..R & R [/]

[:"green"] O.K., Now I am determined to cover the tail tip. I have tried Vetwrap, gauze sponges w/ assorted med tape. Little buggar actually manages to carefully unwrap the dressing and pull it off !!! Unbelieveable.. He slowly unwraps it then pulls....I hope to cover area while on pain med and change daily but he has defeated all my ideas. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. I am determined. While on the pain med he's a little subdued. I feel now is my chance to get it covered. Thanks, R & R [/]

[:"green"] In searching the GC posts I found this post by Leyna very interesting: Based on Ranger's exam, is it possible that this is an injury rather than SM ? Also, I will be sure to give him more yogurt while on the antibiotic. Ranger is getting meds orally. I questioned the vet on this as opposed to injection. She stated that many, many Gliders have done well w/ oral meds. [/] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" />


Leyna's Post:#394465


"I remember reading a figure once that said 0.01% will self mutilate. Honestly, I think that's a little high... I've owned gliders for 4 years and I have never had a glider SM. I have had 2 gliders that injured their Tails and have stated chewing at them, but once the Tail was amputated, both a did well. In fact, 1 of those gliders just had his Tail amputated on Tuesday... Also, don't gauge a vet on experience with SM'ers they are few and far between. Instead, ask your vet questions about gliders and see how much they actually know about them. They should know their basic dietary requirements (fruits, veggies, protein), how to sex them, that they are marsupials (you would be suprized at how many don't), etc.
As far as things you can do go... Feed a good, proven diet, make sure your cage isn't galvanized, clean your cage, pouches and toys regulary, and be prepared. Have a vet lined up and an emergancy kit on hand."

Ranger is on the SunCoast diet......Cage is PVC coated Quality Cage Portland Oregon with addition.

Well, the thing is - you KNOW he's sucking on it - and the sucking is an SM behavior. It may very well have started as an injury. He may very well not SM again after this tail ordeal is over with. But I think it's safe to say that though the chances were slim, he fits the profile & should be treated as such for his own health and saftey. Have you given any thought to a wife for Mr. Ranger?

If there was an injury to his tail, you would most likely feel it... Usually there is calcification, which causes a bump. Smegal, a rescue I got about a year and a half ago used to be a cronic tail sucker. Not only would he suck his own tail, but he would suck the tail of other gliders I put him with. I was almost possitive he was going to have a little bald ring on his tail, but it the fur has grown back over the last 6 months... Honestly, I don't really know what I've done so much differently over the last 6 months, but he's finally started to really improve (not just his tail sucking, but over all). I want to start by saying that tail sucking is not a self mutilating behavior, it is an over grooming behavior. Over the last 6 months, the 2 biggest changes to Smegal's life have been getting neutered and changing to Darcy's diet. Other than that, I've played with him the same, fed him at the same times, he's had pretty much the same toys and pouches, etc. I would strongly suggest neutering your little man. It reduces possesiveness, which may ease his stress level. Your diet should be fine, but try increasing the variety you offer. Taste and texture are 2 great stimulents for gliders. Keep working with your vet to rule out any other possible health problems and keep taking care of your little man <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

**To protect his tail, try putting a straw over it. If you want to know the best way to go about that, contact cyndiekb. I believe she had to use a straw to prevent one of her females from plucking her tail while prego. I've attached a picture of a mouse opossum that chewed his tail and had to have straws and band-aids over his tail to prevent him from more chewing...

I also had my SM'er teddy fixed and he is doing much better now he is with CharlieH. they found the perfect female for him. Fixing the little guy may not be what you had in mind but so worth his health. Most people recommend removal of the pom poms on the SM'ers.

[:"green"]He's responding...........Healing!!!!!!!!! [/]

Yippie! Glad to hear he's leaving his tail alone.

How's he doing today, Roger? Still improving, I hope. Update, please?

[:"green"] Hi Jen.......Thanks for asking. Yes he is improving !!! Tomorrow we go to the vet for evaluation. Sorry for the other night ...up for over 72 hrs!!Still believe what I told you. Those 6 hrs were nothing short of a miracle............R & R [/]Give my best to Husband.. Good guy "'The Truth Is Out There'"

Good to hear he's improving Roger, hope you give us an update after the vet tomorrow!

[:"green"]He's improving but not out of the woods yet. Will see vet again on Friday AM. We now must consider ongoing med to keep him from overgrooming. He may still loose a little tail but will know more after next evaluation. Getting there !!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" /> Big thanks to all...Will update on Friday. R & R [/]

Thanks for the update! Hopefully, he'll get to keep his tail. Looking forward to update, and let us know what the vet has to say! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

any updates on lil' Ranger? is he doing better?

[:"green"] Hi All, Ranger has been taken off the pain med & placed on Valium in hope of curbing the obsession w/ his tail. Looks like he will have to have some of his tail amputated on Thursday. Not certain yet... Will have to wait and see how he responds to the Valium. I am quite concerned at this point. He has lost weight. If he has surgery, he will be collared... Let you know, R & R [/]