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UTI.. what causes it?

Posted By: uhoh

UTI.. what causes it? - 02/07/06 08:02 AM

What causes uti and is there anything you can do to prevent it? Seems like that is one of the main ailments with the gliders that I've seen. Thanks
Posted By: gliderdad79

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/07/06 08:10 AM

A UTI can be caused by a couple things like bacteria or virus. Here is a link you can check out on UTI's
Posted By: Charlie H

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/07/06 12:09 PM

Very good link for explaining UTIs Eddie. But keep in mind that the article is discussing UTIs in humans. With gliders I have noticed that the trend seems to be toward more males being diagnosed with UTIs than femals. Just the opposite of the trend for humans.

Here's another one of Charlie's theories! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Since there are so many male sugar gliders that get prolapsed penises that are automatically thought to be a uti and most of the time the tests show up negative. My thoughts are that although theiir penises are prolapsed the underlying cause is not from a uti. I think that the excessive calcium in the captive diet causes the problem. The calcium crystalizes and formes little sharp edged objects that are the beginning of kidney stones. Because the male urethra is so much longer than the females, the shards cut the wall of the urethra tube and causes irritation. This in turn causes the penis to swell and become prolapsed. The female urethra is shorter and it is much easier for her to pass these crystals. With the male when the penis forks the urethra is narrowed even more and leads to blockage and even more irritation. This can lead to a uti because of the scratches in the wall of the urethra but I feel the vets are over looking the underlying cause.

The calcium carbonate that we give gliders is simply ground up oyster shell. In humans only about 20% of the calcium carbonate is broken down into usable form. I would think that in gliders because of the difference in how their system digests food the amount that is broken down is even less. This excess oyster shell has to go somewhere. Part of it is passed through the digestive system and part of it makes its way through the urinary tract to the penis. And that is where we see problems. There are other problems with the build up of the calcium carbonate that are not so obvious. It also builds in the kidneys, liver, and heart.

End of lecture! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Charlie H

PS: This is just my opinion! Not a medical proven fact!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/07/06 09:55 PM

What other forms of calcium out there are also usable?
Posted By: uhoh

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/07/06 11:24 PM

I thought I read somewhere that using certain hooks on toys can cause it also? that the cloaca rubs on this and can cause it. But, I didn't see what kind of hooks are bad or what are safe? Most hooks don't even say what they are made of. So can the cloaca rub on the wires of the cage and can they get a uti this way also? And Charlie, do you cut down on the amount of calcium you give your gliders and have you had many uti's?
Posted By: gliderdad79

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/08/06 12:18 AM

I think you are referring to Galvanized material used with gliders. And yes Charlie good catch. I forgot to mention this was an article for humans, thank you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/agree.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Charlie H

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/08/06 12:31 AM

There are better forms of calcium but they asorb at different rates and amounts would need to be adjusted. It would not be advisable for me to recommend a calcium source without more professional research in this field. Which is sadly lacking.

It is thought that galvanized hooks or cage wire can cause UTIs in gliders the way you described. I do not know of any gliders getting a UTI from galvanize contamination. However I have heard of them getting zinc poisioning from climbing on a galvanized cage that was not cleaned properly. They get the galvanize powder on their paws and then when they handle food it is ingested. In the past several gliders have died from this. On the other hand I have heard of people who have kept gliders in galvanized cages and had no problems. Personally I wouldn't risk it. Some galvanized materials seem to give off lots of the powered zinc and others seem to stay relatively clean. But why gamble?
Charlie H
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/08/06 01:13 AM

My male is taking antibiotics for UTI right now. It was really scary i didnt know what was wrong with him, the vet took x-rays that came out clear. We couldnt get a urine sample so he assumed that it was uti. This is the second night and he seems fine now.
Posted By: Charlie H

Re: UTI.. what causes it? - 02/08/06 12:26 PM

I am not knocking your vet but this seems to be one of the problems with treating gliders. There is too much assuming and not enough diagnosing. Becauuse a glider hides illness well it is not always wise to wait on results of tests. Taking multiple tests is also very expensive so the vets quiet often rely on their knowledge and experience and treat gliders without really knowing what the real problem is. They will prescribe antibiotics and antiparasite meds hoping that the combination will cure whatever is wrong with the glider. It is sort of like the old joke, "Take two asprins and call me tomorrow." But you also have to look at it from the vets point of view. How many glider owners would be willing to pay for his wages as well as his staff and the overhead of the clinic for a half day while he works with their glider? Therefore they have to make a lot of snap decisions. Money Rules!
Charlie H
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