GliderCENTRAL

CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!!

Posted By: Anonymous

CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:19 PM

I am beside myself right now, I feel numb inside. Last week one of my gliders died he was laying at the bottom of the cage. He was a rescue and the people I got them from didn't really know there age. I have had them for almost 8 months. I thought it was just age related because the female and joey were doing fine. Then Friday a female was dead in the pouch, and again the male and her joeys are fine. I called a vet right away and was told of someone I could call tomorrow. And this morning, I woke up to find 3 more dead. My favorite little girl, and my wonderful wfb pair. My poor girl was at the bottom of the cage, but the other 2 girls in the cage were fine. The wfb pair were both dead in there pouch, yet there wfb 6 week old joey is fine. I am at my wits end. I call someone who got me started with sugar gliders and he said to get a neocropsy done on them asap. I can't figure out anything different that I have done with food, treats, water. And why some are dead and others are just fine. Any other advice would be appreciated. I have also called Sheila and waiting to hear back from her for any help she can provide.

Oh my poor little girl <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I feel lost without her.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:21 PM

Oh wow I'm so sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> I don't have any advice because I haven't had that happen, but I hope someone comes along who can help you out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:27 PM

I am sooo sorry for your lost. I don't know what to tell you but to try sterilizing the cage, toys, food and water dish, ext. I hope you find out what is wrong and none of your other gliders die!

Allison
Posted By: Dancing

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:39 PM

If it were me, I would get all my gliders into the vet immediately for fecal float and smear with cytology. Also urinalysis. A necropsy will help determine the possible cause.
I would put them in new pouches (or freshly clean sanitized) and completely clean their cages with a bleach solution. Do not put any toys back in with them until you find out from the vet what is going on. It could be one of the toys that may be toxic and you not know it.

Obviously something serious is going on that is effecting all your gliders. I don't know if at this point it would do any good to seperate all of them incase it is a contagent and one is sick and could pass it along to another.

I am so sorry you are going through this. My heart goes out to you and I really wish I could be of more help. My prayers to you and to your gliders.
Posted By: SugarBaby22

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:39 PM

I am so sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> How awful.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

You have to think about things that are new around the gliders or that you have recently done..

Have you cleaned their cages or pouches recently? If so, did you use a new chemical or soap? Have you fed them anything new? Is the window open so that they could be getting a chill? Did something get sprayed in the room?

Definately get a necropsy done, otherwise you may never know or figure it out.

I am very sorry for your losses. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:44 PM

get your joey to the vet asap and get a fecal float done. I would totally sterilize cage and toys with bleach and put in clean pouches, blankies. Sending hugs your way...keep us updated <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Sugar_Mama

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:57 PM

You've already been given great advice. Get necropsies done on your wee ones that have passed, get the remaining gliders to the vet with every test imaginable until your vet finds exactly what's going on, sterilize everything including cage, toys, water bowls and bottles, and put in new, clean pouches. I'm so sorry you and your babies are going through this. I wish I could be of more help to you. Please keep us updated on what's going on. It may help gliders and owners in the future. (((Hugs))) Again, I'm so sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Srlb

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 06:57 PM

Have them checked for Giardia and Aflatoxin. Those are the first two things that come to mind that would cause such quick illness beside the fact of something toxic that they could have come into contact with without your knowledge.

What diet do you have them on? What all do you feed them for treats? What type of toys do you have?

Gosh, I wish I could be of more help here. My heart goes out to you. PLEASE keep us posted.
Posted By: Judie

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 07:02 PM

My suggestion is to run to the vet. With multi glider loses... it sounds like something is air borne that contaminated the food.

Suggest necropys on the dead gliders and for the remaing gliders... I would have C&S's done with blood draws along with fecal floats with cytologies. Do not put off or you may find yourself with no gliders remaing.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 07:13 PM

Seperate them and keep them away from that area. There might be something that you don't know about, Someone here had found that one of their toys had catnip and that is what killed their suggies. You never know. But keep them in a new place in new pouches and stuff and please keep us updated.
Posted By: USMom

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 07:36 PM

If you have an cat toys in there with catnip in it, get it out! Other than that, you have gotten some great advice, good luck with them, and let us know what you find out. (((((HUGS))))) to you!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 07:46 PM

I agree with what has been said - sanitize everything, do not replace toys, immediate vet checks (including labs) for remaining gliders & necropsys for all deceased. I'm so sorry to hear this, time is of the essence here though, please keep us updated!
Posted By: Sheila

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 08:35 PM

Bill and I have spoken on the phone. His gliders are in a room with a window unit. The temp of the room is ok, but there might be an airflow problem and with the rise of heat for them, he might be having a problem with clostridium. The vets that are on emergency call today will not treat, but I have given him the dosages for Clavomox and Baytril. I believe these can be taken together. I told him that for the pregnant females that only the Clavomox should be given. He is going to try one of these vets again and see if they will perscribe the dosages and meds that I have given him. I told him don't worry about getting the cultures on the ones that are medicated because if they get the medication, they will not show up properly on the smears, but a necropsy of one of the gliders would be sufficient. There are other animals in the house, but none in this room. All of his foods are frozen before feeding and if the water was contaminated, it would effect the other small animals in the house. If anyone can add to this, please do to help Bill out. He will call me later and let me know if the vet can perscribe these drugs to him.
Posted By: KarenE

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 08:41 PM

[:"blue"] I can't really add to anything that has already been said as you have been given great advice.

The question I am interested in is exactly what has been fed even down to an unusual treat. Might not trigger something in our minds, but it's always worth a shot. Do by any chance feed crickets or pinkies?

Has you house or yard been recently sprayed for pests? What has the temperature been? Any drastic changes there? Any new deodorizers or air fresheners being used in the house?
Are all of these gliders housed together? If not, how close are their cages to each other?

I'm just posting anything that comes to mind but the most important thing, and it will be the hardest, is to get necropsies done on as many of these little ones as you can afford. Not only will it possibly save the lives of the rest of your gliders but also could possibly save someone elses.

I am so very very sorry you are having to go through all this. [/]
Posted By: Sheila

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 08:51 PM

A year ago last May I had 4 adult gliders and two joeys die within a 5 week period. There was a sudden rise in temperature and the glider room became very humid. I was on vacation when the deaths began. There had been a rise in temps which caused the room to become extremely humid. After the mother and joey died, three days after I had left, my sitter called me and said their was mold on the food in the trays. When I returned I had two more adults pass the first week. I had four more that were ill. It ended up that I had clostridium due to the high humidity of the room and because of the way the room was built (long and narrow), the air circulation was poor. With the rising humidity and heat it hit everything and everyone at once. The gliders were treated with the Clavomox and it took three weeks before Minnie was cured. The first question I asked Bill was, what is the room temperature and what kind of air vents lead into the room. Bill said there was a window unit and all vents were closed. I also asked him if they have had a rise in temps. He said, "Record temps" in the last few weeks. Because of these conditions alone, and the gliders dropping so quickly, as Judie suggested it could be airborn. He has not fed any mealies or crickets, or new foods, so we can rule that out. I hope and pray that these vets will perscribe these meds to him. At least they could knock out something - unless it is a parasite, and I just don't think that is what the cause is. One thing about the Clostridium is that normally they act very hungry but lose weight. He said they have had a sudden decrease in appetite which could rule this out. Maybe in the advanced stages it could be different.
Posted By: Badgersmommy

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 10:25 PM

Oh Dear Lord!!! I am So sorry to hear this!! I suppose everyone has the best ideas..I can't seem to think of anymore myself. I would personally take them completely away from the environment they are in though...cage, pouches, toys..dishes..everything! Our temps here in Ky are terrible and app. 1 month ago, we got a window unit for our bedroom for our gliders, the central unit wasn't (isn't) cutting it.
I have noticed that the food in their dishes does NOT LOOK EDIBLE by 7 am. and we feed them at 9pm ..so I've been taking them out early. Please keep everyone posted, this is SERIOUS! ((HUGS))) (TEARS)))
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 11:37 PM

I am so sorry to hear this!! I hope you can find out soon what is going on! The first thing that came to mind for me was the catnip.But he didn't say he added any new toys...
Goodluck! Keep us posted on the condition of your survivng gliders!! and on what happened to the others for a warning to the rest of us!
Posted By: Xglider

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/21/05 11:44 PM

Not reading <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ohwell.gif" alt="" /> one comment……


Vet * <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" /> * Vet * <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> * Vet * <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> * Vet * <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> * Vet * <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" /> * Vet * NOW * Vet * <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" /> * Vet * *
Posted By: Judie

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 12:15 AM

Clostridium is a fungus which will cause food poisioning. It is casued by high humidity in a room with poor circulation. It is spread by spores as they float in the air, contaminating the food, cages, litter trays, counter tops, and water... as the spores settle.

Everything in the glider's room needs to be cleaned... top to bottom with a bleach solution and then rinsed. A good dehumidifyer then needs to be purchased to pull the moisture out of the room. The water holding pan needs to be cleaned regulary with a disinfectant... follow manufacture's directions.
Posted By: Sheila

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 04:01 AM

This is a room inside a house Judie, unlike my room which was outside. Not sure if a dehumidifier is necessary, maybe if he just opens the vents for circulation. He has a ceiling fan which needs to be in reverse Mode if it is a reversible one to push the air up instead of directly down. All of the vents were closed he said and I guess that means on the Window unit. If he opened them, perhaps more air could circulate and return out of the room creating a better air flow.
Posted By: Ellen

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 04:13 AM

I agree with you Sheila. During this heat spell here with the humitly I have kept the gliders room at a lower Temp. They seems to be doing fine. If the food is moled then it needs to be montitered as well as the WATER.

We do need to watch the temp in the gliders room.

But I do think a necropsy is the best way to go.
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 04:59 AM

Only thing I have not seen mentioned...what do you line the cages with?? And get the rest to the vet ASAP!!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 05:04 AM

I am so, so sorry for you, Kicks! You'll be in my prayers.

Jen
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 05:18 AM

All the advice above is good. I would not assume that any of the gliders are fine, since it appears to be affecting them randomly over a very brief time. Definately get necropsies done.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Please keep us posted. Hugs and prayers for you and your babies.
Posted By: Sheila

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 06:42 AM

I just got a call from Bill and he has driven 4 hours plus spent two more at the vet in Pennsylvania. They were very knowledgable about the gliders. He brought one male in and exams with fecals and floats were done. It was determined that there were gram negative rods, gram positive cocci - a mixed population. This reflected the over growth of Clostridial Suspect (clostridium). It was just what we thought- Vet treated them with the Clavomox, Baytril and gave Bill 40 syringes with Saline. He Hydrated the gliders, gave them the meds and they are now drinking water which is a good sign. There is a possibility he could lose more tonight or over the next few days. I did find out that the window unit is not in the room, but in the next room. A hepifilter was brought in as well as additional fans to bring fresh air into the room as suggested by the vet. I hope and pray that none others die. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" /> Bill is having to handfeed all of them tonight to make sure that they eat.
Posted By: kitsune

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 06:50 AM

my condolances...with every precious life that has left me i have been in pieces, i could never imagine losing more than one at once...espeically one of the babies i share a bond with.

please keep us updated. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Sugar_Mama

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 06:58 AM

Thank you for updating us, Sheila. I'll keep the wee ones in my prayers that they all make it and no more are lost. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: glidrz5

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 07:25 AM

All my prayers are with him and his babies. I'm glad that he found out the cause and hope that no more cross the bridge.
Posted By: Badgersmommy

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 08:52 AM

Oh I pray someone is with him helping him out ...poor guy has been through heck and could use some help with his babies...I've been so worried...glad it was found out the cause. (((HUGS)))
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 08:52 PM

I would like to thank everyone for their help, prayers and phone calls, and especially Sheila for all her help and support with me on the phone into the wee hours of the night.

Well, it seems every little one is doing ok so far. I did not loose anyone this morning. It has been a long night and day. I am only now just sitting down to rest since last night. I had to hand feed and give water to all every hour. Since there 2nd dose of meds, they seem to be taking water on their own, and taking the Ensure that the vet and Sheila said to give them for now by themselves. I’m glad on Friday I sat down and made 20 new pouches. I stripped all the cages cleaned them and gave them all new pouches. In the past few hours I trimmed all there nails and had a better inspection to find that the 2 wfb het pair has twins in her, and Gus Jr. the albino het with his mate also has 2 twins in her. So I still need everyone’s prayers that they will all pull through this.

It is also with a very heavy heart that I did loose Godfey and Lucy Sunday morning. I am beside myself about them as well as one of my very first gliders a little girl that was always with me every day, and now there is just an empty shirt pocket <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />.

I will keep everyone post on there progress.
Posted By: Slickable3

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 09:47 PM

Oh my Gosh I'm so sorry...I'm beside myself right now, I feel absolutely horrible. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I will be praying for the babies you have with you! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Judie

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/22/05 11:00 PM

Ohhhh, how sad. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I feel for you as well as for your sick gliders.

Praying that all will be on the mend now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Sheila

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 02:19 AM

Thanks for the update Bill. We are anxious to hear of the updated progress of the others. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 05:38 AM

Oh Bill, I'm sooooo sorry to hear of your losses! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />
I'm glad you found a good vet who was able to find the cause.

You are a great glider dad to have driven so far to help your little friends. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

This post will be a help to others who (God forbid) find themselves in a similar situation or (better thought) help someone avoid the circumstances that caused it for both you and Sheila.

My heart goes out to you and your remaining gliders. I hope they continue to get better!
<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="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 01:07 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 03:04 PM

I am very sorry for your losses. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> I pray the rest pull through-you're a great glider parent and are doing all you can. Keep us updated on your babies. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 03:41 PM

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> keep us updated, you are in my thoughts...
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 04:17 PM

For us in the south with the HIGH temp and humudity right now..what should they be? I have seen the them as 70 - 85F
...is this right? But what about the humudity.

I am keeping you and your gliders in my prayers!
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 04:58 PM

What I have read is that optimal humidity in the Austrailian areas gliders live is appx 45%. Hope that helps!
Posted By: Srlb

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 10:10 PM

For those of you that were at the SGGA this year, you each received a *Did You Know* fact sheet. Just thought I would post here one of the things that were on there. I thought this was interesting when I first found it online while researching different things to put on this sheet.


Gliders are often kept at temps between 64 and 75F degrees. This is at the low end of their comfort level, so a supplementary heat source should be provided. They can cope with temps up to 88 but above this they will have difficulty controlling their body temp and may suffer from hyperthermia.
Posted By: Karin

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 10:47 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you Bill, and that all is on the upslide now. We are all here for you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />.

Karin
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/23/05 11:54 PM

thank you for that tid bit of info.

Bill, we are so sorry for your loss!!I know that doesn't make the pain go away.We are here for you!!
Keep us updated on your surviving gliders and your new babies IP!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 08/24/05 01:04 AM

I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. You and your gliders will be in my prayers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 12/20/05 06:02 AM

sorry for losses, and glad to hear that you have figured out the cause, i definately have to keep this a possiblity in my two bedroom apt. in the summer time it gets just redicoulously hot and muggy and humid i definately have lots of fans running at this time, and in the winter i also get hot and open my window just to keep it some what cool! but not to cool, but i'm terribly sorry you had to go thru this <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" /> hope the rest are fine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 12/21/05 07:36 PM

I am so sorry for your loss! :-(
Posted By: BCChins

Re: CAN ANYONE HELP!!! MY GLIDERS ARE DYING!!!!!!!! - 12/22/05 02:26 PM

I am very sorry for your losses. I hope today brings even better news. We are all thinking of you and the Gliders. You are a great Glider owner and doing all you can for them.

Brenda
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