[:"green"]I just noticed Ranger has shred all the hair off the tip of his tail. He has been crabbing and now I know why. Appreciate any and all help...Thank You, Roger [/]
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#46174 05/18/0512:30 AM05/18/0512:30 AM
Time for Ranger to see the vet. There are many possible reasons for the hair loss, and if he is crabbing, he could be in an unknown type of pain. Only the vet can diagnose what the problem might be. Keep us updated! Karin
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami
My Sassy used to suck on the end of his tail (to the point where all the hair was gone) whenever his teeth would start hurting him. It was always an early indication that a vet visit was in order.
Chris Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties
My Angels: You are always in my heart.
You've flown to the rainbow and wait there for me Someday I will join you together to be
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#46176 05/18/0512:34 AM05/18/0512:34 AM
[:"green"]He will be at the vet in the AM.. Should I collar him? He is at the very tip of his tail. I cannot see any bleeding but the hair is gone for about 1/2 inch. [/]
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#46179 05/18/0501:02 AM05/18/0501:02 AM
[:"green"]Ranger & I are playing. He seems fine and not preoccupied with the tip of his tail. We'll stay up & play until tomorrow when we see the vet. It's just the tip of his tail, no blood. There will be no more damage...Making coffee, R [/]
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#46181 05/18/0501:13 AM05/18/0501:13 AM
im taking a guess as i dont know for sure. Is this a lone ranger?? ok i couldnt help the pun but is a single guy??? It could be nerves doing it. I dont know about gliders cause i havent delt with this yet *knock on wood* but i know with people nerves can at times cause them not to feel damage they can be doing to themselves. And stress too. In theory is something that being a lone glider can cause. Just a thought and a suggestion i could be wrong its ok i can accept that.
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#46182 05/18/0501:35 AM05/18/0501:35 AM
[:"green"] Ranger is my only Glider. He has not been neutered. He does not appear stressed in any way. He is very social and is never alone. (I work from home) I suspect a small injury, itch or irritation of some kind. Anyhow, we be at the vet ASAP !!!!! [/]
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#46183 05/18/0504:57 AM05/18/0504:57 AM
I agree with Monster he is exhibiting signs of starting to self mutilate <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" />.......I've dealt with self mutilation, please watch him closely if your not going to put an e-collar on him <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" />.........trust me it's a sound you don't ever want to hear <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. Please keep us post on your little one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Sam
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#46184 05/18/0506:09 AM05/18/0506:09 AM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> Sometimes when its the tip of the tail they can still reach it even when in a e-collar, if so I would wrap the tail with pet qauze until you can get him to the vet. I cover the area with a little telfa pad first then gently, make sure its not too tight, but that its snug enough not to fall off. He may need a tail amputation to prevent infection and more chewing. The vet should give pain meds and oral antibiotics also, please keep us updated on Ranger. My thoughts and prayers are with you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Angie
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#46185 05/18/0506:49 AM05/18/0506:49 AM
[:"green"]I've never had to deal with SM, but I will be praying for you & Ranger... Please, please, please: keep us posted. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
OH I'm so glad he's got such a loving caregiver! Please keep us posted on little Ranger! Xfilefan has a host of info for ya - she's working crazy hours this week, but I've notified her of this thread & she'll be on to help!
[:"green"]Looks like I have some work to do! First of all I want to thank all of you for your support. The value of this website cannot be overstated. Now to the point. After a thorough exam, it has been determined that Ranger is actually sucking the tip of his tail. There is no infection, parasite, etc. His teeth, gums and mouth area are O.K. Lymphnodes etc. all A.O.K. Bottom line...She feels he needs MORE PLAYTIME and some changes to his environment to keep him interested. She has posted on a Veterinary site regarding the possibility of a safe ointment to deter him. She will contact me with the findings. It all makes sense now...First he lost interest in his wheel. Next the frequent crabbing. Then the bare tail tip. I will do all I can and greatly appreciate all suggestions. I was given some red velcro-like gauze just to cover the area but he removes it as soon as he is in his pouch. (O.K. while playing !!!! She (vet) warned me regarding the possibility of him biting to the bone and requiring amputation. I will do all I can to prevent this. Best to all, Roger [/]
Try some new toys! Plastic ones work best I think, wooden ones get smelly and gross.... there are LOTS of people on here that make plastic toys. Check out the links page! Then try removing and replacing toys every few days. Move stuff around in the cage and things like that top try to keep him occupied. Maybe move his Wheel to the highest part of the cage... this is where Jaxom likes to run. He much prefers whatever wheel is higher, leaves the one on the bottom level alone.... so I tack one really high up for him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
ok now i gots questions for roger or ranger can answer them if he chooses but then id like roger to translate as i only speak spidermanese, supermanese, and rockyese, and sign language and sometimes english. Well how old is ranger?? It almost sounds like he has found a pacifire affect going on with sucking on his tail. He finds it comforting. As far as suggestions to stop this i really cant think of anything but if he is young it may be something that he did with his mommy and daddy and brothers or whoever he was with. Does he ever suck on you?? just some thoughts. Might shed some light on the situation. Im guessing he probably does this while he is going to sleep or already sleeping.
OK, not good at all - but cute nonetheless! Can I suggest feathers? My kids find them irresistable! Just make sure you buy the all natural undyed kind (just sanitized). And bells are wonderful!
Also, I would suggest a lil friend for Ranger! That would definately occupy his time!
[:"green"] Just completely cleaned and rearranged his cage. I will add some toys (one at a time) to keep him interested. Moving the wheel to it's highest possible location. Reg. Questions: Ranger was 2 in February and he will climb on my shoulder & suck my ear lobe...You guys are helping me... keep it up. Scary time.. even for 50 year old C.E. O.'s Dont tell.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" /> [/]
to me it sounds like he is comforting himself. especially cause he will do it to you. same affect of thumb sucking. Some people never get out of that phase i guess some gliders keep it longer too. HMMMM i dont know im stumped on this one as for suggestions to stop it.
I'm sure all have heard me give a mild "rant" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tantrum.gif" alt="" /> occasionally about gliders being housed seperatly.. it's not healthy. i'm NOT, by any means, trying to be overly mean or aggressive <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />.. but my personal opinion is that this is a perfect example of why gliders shouls ALWAYS have a friend of their own kind <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" />... No matter how much time a human can spend with their baby.. it still will NEVER be enough. they need companionship and stimulation from their own kind. please, Please, PLEASE <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> consider getting Ranger a friend... I honestly think he'll be much happier. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" />
[:"green"]If I were to consider a friend for Ranger at this time I am faced the following: male or female? If female, Ranger would have to be neutered at 2 years old. If male, how certain can we be Ranger would accept him? All pose additional risks. Also, why do gliders self mutilate in colonies? Please advise... Anyhow, he has begun to run on his wheel in the new location & has not been crabbing since things have been moved around. I intend to wake him shortly for playtime. I am curious if this tail sucking is more prevalent in males ? Neutered or not... Tired now .. no sleep last night. Will continue to update on progress...If I cannot prevent this from continuing, would he be better served if I sent him to another capable owner with multi gliders? I will not allow him to suffer and will do all in my power to make sure he overcomes this condition. R [/]
I would neuter either way. Self mutilators have had a better success rate when neutered and altough not extreme, his behavior is SM. And I would go female, opting for an older glider, perhaps from a rescue in your area, this will eliminate the threat of him raping an immature girl. Please continue to keep us updated, we're surely rooting for your lil guy!
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#46200 05/19/0512:27 AM05/19/0512:27 AM