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Signs of Glider problems.. list?

Posted By: Anonymous

Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/06/03 03:06 PM

[:"purple"]Amie had a great idea about making the list of tests to ask for based on glider problems. I was putting it in my "glider bible" and updating a few things when I thought of something.

could we get a list of what symptoms may show certain problems.. such as the tent test for dehydration and what a discoloration of urine and so forth...

I have been so lucky to not have any sick gliders yet, but I know that if anything odd happened to take them to the vet but I wouldn't have the slightest clue as to what it could be and would panic like crazy. [/]
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/06/03 04:19 PM

Just my opinion here, but that would kind of be like self-diagnosis, which is what we are trying to avoid. For example, just because a glider may have discolored urine does not necessarily mean that he/she is dehydrated. As seen in a post here earlier this week, it could be the result of a food that was eaten.
I would be worried that people would see the list of symptoms, assume it is a condition listed, and try to self-treat.
When a glider shows ANY unusual behavior or symptom, the best thing to do is to get the little one to a vet. Wondering "what if" is not going to help, and can actually cause more worries.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/06/03 04:22 PM

I guess that *could* happen. I'd always take mine to the vet but I panic if I don't even have any idea what is going on. At least if I have some sense of what the problem might be, I feel much better in the 2-3 hour time span getting ready to go to the vet.
Posted By: Sugar_Mama

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/06/03 04:25 PM

I agree with Robin to a certain extent, but I also think that some people might not know that when your gliders take on a strong stinky smell that it could be a sign of illness. Not just a stinky glider. Among other signs that you wouldn't think about. Just my opinion. Others may disagree...probably will. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/06/03 04:25 PM

I can understand, but consider this scenario:
You could read that the symptoms are indicative of respiratory failure. Now you are going to panic and be even more upset. It could turn out to be something much less serious, such as a cold.

Bad example, I suppose, but can you see how this COULD cause even more panic?
Posted By: Judie

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/06/03 06:04 PM

There are many things that can go on a list as to possible problems when a glider is ill. But when it all comes down to the final diagnoses it is the vet who determines method of treatment.

I see nothing wrong with knowing what constitues a sick glider and at least know some of the basics as to what to expect for treatment when seen by a vet and especially with an animal that most vets have never even seen. Many vets out there are very uncomfortable with doing even the basic tests. I know as I have been there. So, best advice here is...take a phone number of an experienced vet with you. Sometimes treatment is only a phone call away for an inexperienced vet if he is willing to consult.

But the best preventative medicine is....Have a Wellness Check done within a few days of purchasing your glider. This is the time to ask him about his comfort level should he be needed to do treatment for a sick glider. And this then would be a good time to link him to a knowledgable vet.

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 12:02 AM

Shedding!!!! Do they shed,the way a dog and cat does for the winter?? Just wondering. Thanks
Posted By: KarenE

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 12:11 AM

[:"green"]Porcy,
One of the great things about gliders is that they do not shed and they do not have the dander which cause allergies in people like dogs and cats do.

If your glider starts shedding, better head for the vet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> [/]
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 12:42 AM

Although I agree with Robin that I wouldn't really want to say what symptoms are caused (possibly) by what illness or problem...I don't think it would be a bad idea just to post the symptoms themselves here that would indicate the need for a vet visit...of course, anytime there is a change in behavior, you want to get to a vet, but I think we could also list some of the more obvious things...

1) respiratory distress: open mouth breathing, whistling noise when breathing...

2) shaking (not the normal 'just waking up' shaking...that should only last a few minutes...if it lasts longer, there is more than likely a problem that should be addressed by a vet)

3) loss of appetite

4) weight loss

5) dragging hind legs or favoring any limb

6) flat or drooping ears

7) discharge from eyes, ears, or nose

8) diarrhea or constipation

I know there are more out there too...anybody care to add tot the list?

Posted By: Karin

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 12:46 AM

9) Vomiting or Hyper-salivating

10) Unusual odor

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 09:14 AM

11) lack of grooming
12) change in odor of urine
13) change in eating habits
14) diarrhea
15) over grooming a particular area
16) any sudden change in behavior that can't be explained

Chey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: DeXien

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 02:58 PM

Seizures and hard twitching
Pale feet/nose
Lethargy
Blood in cage
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 03:07 PM

I just wanted to say that after reading this post I feel SO MUCH BETTER! See my little Jabal has been shaking when he wakes up for a few mins. This is new for him and last night I freaked out and called my husband to the room. I told him I was sure he was sick. My husband asked me to calm down and watched him for a few mins. He started playing and running around and was acting fine. We decided that we would watch him last night and then take him in if it continued (today). He seems fine now but is going in anyway for a wellness check-up on Monday. I guess the little bit of shaking he was doing was normal but I had never noticed it before. Like I said still going in for a check-up anyway so I feel 100% better but now at least I am not checking him every 2 mins and bothering him during his sleep!
Posted By: Karin

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/07/03 03:13 PM

Even while a checklist of symptoms may in some cases be wise, it goes back to the original thoughts on this thread. These are symptoms only, not necesarily indicative of illness, but only your vet can diagnose and help your glider. We must be very careful self-diagnosing and treating for illness. Basically, any change in the normal behavior for your glider should be a red flag to call your vet!

Karin
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Signs of Glider problems.. list? - 09/09/03 03:43 PM

oops I forgot to post it..

if you go to my website (gliders anon link in my signature) and click on info sheets you will find it there <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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