hi

My beautiful glider has just gotten his bloodwork back and the vet says it looks like leukemia. I am devastated and confused, I have never heard of a glider with leukemia.

We noticed he was making odd squeaking and sneezing noises and not eating much about 5 days ago (he is 7, and has been healthy his whole life). We took him to the vet and he ran bloodwork and x-rayed him to look for any infection in his lungs. The x-ray was clean.

So the vet just called to report the bloodwork came back and that it showed very high levels of white blood cells, but not the type of white blood cells you see with infection. He said the it was the lymphocytes that were very elevated, and this almost certainly meant leukemia or possibly bone marrow cancer.

Does anyone have ANY information on this? I feel like my world has come down on me and I have no idea what to do since I have never even heard of leukemia or any other cancer for that matter in gliders.

Is it possible that there is something else going on here? Could something else cause an extremely elevated lymphocyte count or does this high count mean that it is indeed cancer?

I love him so much and would do anything for him but I don't want him to suffer. Any insight or information would be much appreciated.

I should also mention that on his rear thumb he has had a half-pea sized bubble for 6 months. The vet didnt think much of it and it never seemed to bother him but ever since he awoke from the anesthesia from the x-ray a few days ago, he has been dragging that foot. I was worried about HLP but he is using the leg, but he has curled the foot in and it and isnt moving the actual foot much. The vet thinks this may be due to the leukemia or bone marrow cancer which he just diagnosed. It's confusing I know, I just wanted to provide all details. Thanks.

im so sorry about the diagnosis, i dont know anything about this, but someone will come along,
all the best wishes!

Sending PM with contacts and where to go for information.

All I can offer you is prayer. I have no information on this subject. I am sorry and pray that this has a happy turn around

I would also suggest a second opinion if possible

prayers and Hugs hon!

I'm so sorry, I have never heard of anything like this either. Please do keep us updated and share any information you are comfortable sharing along the way. Your journey with him may help others.

Message from Peggy:

You can have your vet call Dr.Tristan about this...

361-994-1145

He has been discussing cancer issues with others and may be able to be of some help. Hopefully

Thanks for this info Candy! I sent him a list of all of the consulting vets. I didn't realize Dr. Tristan was specializing in this and it's great info to have!

I am so sorry for you and your baby. I hope you can help the rest of the community with your story, and the ups & downs of treatments, if there are any available.

I'll be sending positive thoughts your way, and hoping for a pain free outcome.

Updated with PICS

Hey guys
Thanks so much for the well wishes.
I am still quite confused about what is going on. I have now spoken with several glider experts who run glider rescues and no one has ever heard of a glider with leukemia. Apparently gliders to get cancer rarely, but all cases so far have involved large tumors. My glider had a full body x-ray and no tumors were found. It's all very odd.

The one thing I am wondering about is if this growth on his thumb could be a tumor. The vet didnt think much of the growth (thought it was just a cyst), but since his bloodwork indicated cancer and no tumors were found anywhere else, I am wondering it this could be it. I am attaching 2 pics of the growth and would love some feedback from those who may have seen a growth like this before. Does it look like it could be a tumor or is it unlikely?

Thanks again, and please pray for my beautiful Romulus-he is the sweetest, most sensitive soul.

I wish I could help you - my heart is just breaking, hearing this. My thoughts will be with you. Please continue to keep us updated.

i no of a glider that lived many yrs with lymphoma i would get a second opinon from a glider knowledgeable vet. as i was told my glider had liver issues and from a glider vet was told those values on the bloodwork are not the same as the australian bloodwork. dont fear anything yet. but if it weree me i would get a good all around antibiotic and see if there is improvement in 3 to 4 days if not switch to another antibiotic. it sounds bacterial to me. have done a bacterial culture and sensitivity on the stool.

I'm so sorry to hear about your glider and wish I had answers for you and your little one My Pikaboo died of cancer but had a large visible tumor behind her eye. I've never heard of glider leukemia but I hope it's not really that. (((hugs)))

How long has he had this on his toe?

If it were me, I would get a second opinion from another vet.

Adamston Veterinary Clinic
437 Adamston Road
Brick, New Jersey 08723
732-920-1617
No website or email address

Advanced Care Small & Exotic Veterinary Hospital
1991 US Highway No 22
Bridgewater , New Jersey 08805
732-764-9595
No website or email address

All Creatures vet Care Center
352 Greentree Road
Sewell, New Jersey 08080
856-256-8996
http://allcreaturesvetcare.com/
Email on website

Allenwood Animal Hospital VCA
3002 Atlantic Avenue
Allenwood, New Jersey 08720
732-528-7444
http://www.vcahospitals.com/allenwood
No email address

Animal & Bird Helth Care Center & Hospital
1785 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003
856-751-2122
No website or email address
Animal Clinic of Morris Plains
3009 Route 10
Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950
973-539-2775 or
973-366-3223
http://www.animalclinicofmorrisplains.com/
No email address

Animal Emergency and Referral Center
1237 Bloomfield Avenue
Fairfield New Jersey 07004
973-226-3282
http://www.animalerc.com/
No email address

Animal Hospital of Somerdale
408 White Horse Pike
Somerdale, New Jersey 08083
856-346-4242
No website or email address

Barnegat Animal Clinic LLC
530 N. Main Street
Barnegat, New Jersey 08005
609-698-2141
http://www.barnegatanimalclinic.com/
Email on website

Bayshore Veterinary Hospital
2094 State Route 35
Holmdel, New Jersey 07733
732-671-3110
No website or email address

Belle Mead Animal Hospital
872 Us Highway 206
Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844
908-874-4447
http://www.bellemeadanimalhospital.com/
No email address

Berg Animal Hospital PA
622 State Route 34
Matawan, New Jersey 07747
732-566-6550
No website or email address

Bergen Passaic Animal Hospital
541 Westminster Place
Lodi, New Jersey 07644
973-772-4930
No website or email address

Blackwood Animal Hospital
612 Black Horse Pike
Blackwood, New Jersey 08012
856-227-8503
No website or email address

Bloomingdale Animal Hospital
138 Glenwild Avenue
Bloomingdale, New Jersey 07403
973-838-4141
http://www.bloomingdaleanimalhospital.net/
No email address

Blue Cross Dog & Cat Hospital
470 Mc Lean Boulevard
Paterson, New Jersey 07513
973-881-0430
http://www.drpaulsova.vetsuite.com/Templates/GridCritters.aspx
drpaulsova@gmail.com

Briarwood Veterinary Clinic
1100 Us Highway 9
Howell, New Jersey 07731
732-780-4499
http://www.briarwoodvet.com/
No email address

Brick Town Veterinary Hospital PA
251 Chambersbridge Road
Brick, New Jersey 08723
732-477-9440
http://www.bricktownvet.com/
btvh73@aol.com

Collingswood Veterinary Hospital PA
40 White Horse Pike
West Collingswood , New Jersey 08107
856-858-0551
http://www.collingswoodvethospital.com/home.nxg
No email address

Companion Animal Hospital & Avian/Exotic Clinic
460 Rte. 46 West
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
973-227-7500
No website or email address

Countryside Animal Hospital
190A Route 70
Medford, New Jersey 08055
609-953-3502
No website or email address

Dover Veterinary Hospital
877 Fischer Boulevard
Toms River, New Jersey 08753
732-929-9090
http://www.dovervet.com/
info@dovervet.com

East Plane Animal Hospital
112 E. Plane Street
Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840
908-850-9494
No website or email address

Edgebrook Animal Hospital VCA
777 Helmetta Boulevard
East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
732-257-8882
www.edgebrookanimalhospital.com
No email address

Englewood Animal Hospital
43 N Dean Street
Englewood, New Jersey 07631
201-568-1751
www.englewoodanimalhospital.com
drkrupnick@earthlink.net

Essex Animal Hospital
709 Bloomfield Avenue
Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003
973-748-8042
www.essexanimalhospital.com
doctors@essexanimalhospital.com

Flemington Veterinary Hospital
54 Voorhees Corner Rd.
Flemington, New Jersey 08822
908-782-5731
http://flemingtonvethospital.com/
contact@flemingtonvethospital.com

Foxmoor Animal Hospital
1073 Washington Boulevard
Trenton, New Jersey 08691
609-426-0155
http://www.foxmooranimalhospital.net/
No email address

Fredon Animal Hospital
391 State Route 94S
Newton, New Jersey 07860
973-383-0811
http://www.fredonanimalhospital.com/
No email address

Galloway Animal Hospital
26 White Horse Pike
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey 08215
609-965-4400
http://www.oceanheightsanimalhospital.com/
No email address

Glen Rock Veterinary Hospital
857 Prospect Street
Glen Rock, New Jersey 07452
201-444-0032
No website or email address

Kinnelon Veterinary Hospital
160 Kinnelon Road
Butler, New Jersey 07405
973-492-5413
No website or email address

Maple Shade Animal Hospital
845 Main Street
Maple Shade, New Jersey 08052
856-779-8818
http://mapleshadeanimalhospital.com/
No email address

Margate Animal Hospital
9200 Ventnor Avenue
Margate, New Jersey 08402
609-823-3031

http://www.alternativevet.com/
No email address

Middletown Animal Hospital
1330 State Route 35
Middletown, New Jersey 07748
732671-1503
http://middletownvet.vetsuite.com/Templates/GridCritters.aspx
mahcontact@verizon.net

Montvale Animal Hospital
115 Chestnut Ridge Road
Montvale, New Jersey 07645
201-391-4342
http://www.montvaleanimalhospital.com/
info@montvaleanimalhospital.com

Newport Animal Hospital
31 River Drive South
Jersey City, New Jersey 07310
201-626-3785
No website or email address

Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital
225 Monmouth Road
Oakhurst, New Jersey 07755
732-531-1212
www.oakhurstvet.com
No email address

Ocean County Veterinary Hospital
Warren Briggs DVM
838 River Avenue ( Route 9)
Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
732-363-7202
www.ocvh.com
Email on website

Oradell Animal Hospital
1200 Lemoine Avenue
Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
201-947-2442

Multiple Locations
Oradell Animal Hospital
580 Winters Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
201-262-0010
http://www.oradell.com/
info@oradell.com

Pennsauken Animal Hospital PA
6717 N Crescent Boulevard
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08110
856-662-4450
No website or email address

Piscataway Animal Clinic
13 Shelton Road
Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
732-968-6888
http://www.raritananimalhospital.com/
Email on website

Plainfield Animal Hospital
2210 Park Avenue
South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080
908-755-2428
www.plainfieldanimalhospital.com
Email on website

Ramtown Animal Hospital of Howell
6 Ramtown Greenville Road
Howell, New Jersey 07731
732-836-9500
No website or email address

Raritan Animal Hospital
multiple locations
1850 Lincoln Hwy
Edison New Jersey 08820
732-985-0278
And
Oak Tree Animal Clinic
2122 Oak Tree Road
Edison, New Jersey 08820
732-548-4411
And
Piscataway Animal Clinic
13 Shelton Street
Piscataway ,New Jersey 08854
732-968-6888
And
Hopelawn Animal Clinic
297 New Brunswick Avenue
Fords New Jersey 08863
732-738-1338
http://www.raritananimalhospital.com/index.html
No email address

Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
197 Hance Avenue
Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724
732-747-3636
www.rbvh.net
No email address

Ridgefield Park Animal Hospital
199 Main Street
Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660
201-814-0095
http://www.myvetonline.com/petliving/sho...temId=2362&
rpanimalhospital@hotmail.com

Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital
320 East Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
201-447-6000
www.ridgewoodvet.com
No email address

Rothman Animal Hospital
Dwight Ave and Route 130 North
Collingswood, New Jersey 08108
856-854-7575
http://www.rothmananimalhospital.com/
Email on website

Rutherford Animal Hospital
755 Rutherford Avenue
Rutherford, New Jersey 07070
201-933-4111
www.raho.com
Email on website

Shewesbury Animal Hospital VCA
1008 Shewesbury Avenue
Eatontown, New Jersey 07724
732-542-0007
http://www.vcahospitals.com/shrewsbury
No email address

South Paw Animal Hospital
312 S. Main Street
Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210
609-465-9006
www.southpawanimalhospital.com
No email address

Stafford Veterinary Hospital
211 N. Route 9
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
609-296-7571

And

Tuckerton Veterinary Clinic
500 S. Green Street
Tuckerton, New Jersey 08087
609-296-7571
www.saffordvet.com
Email on website

Stirling Veterinary Hospital
1158 Valley Road
Stirling, New Jersey 07980
908-647-2686
http://www.stirlingvethospital.com/
Email on website

Swedesboro Animal Hospital
392 Kings Hwy.
Swedesboro, New Jersey 08085
856-467-0004
http://www.swedesboroah.com/
No email address

Vetco Animal Hospital #471
1565 Route206
Vincentown, New Jersey 08088
609-268-9470
www.vetcoanimalhospital.com
No email address

Wantage Veterinary Hospital
465 Route 23
Wantage, New Jersey 08461
973-875-7297
www.wantagevet.net
paws@wantagevet.net


Willingboro Veterinary Clinic
12 Sidney lane
Willingboro ,New Jersey 08046
609-871-1600
http://www.willingborovet.com/
Email on website


If your vet is not glider experienced, or needs help, these are experienced sugar glider vets, who will consult with your vet by phone. They will speak only to other vets.


Dr.Tim Tristan
OSO Creek Animal Hospital
361-994-1145

Dr. Bradley Walsh
Village vet Animal Clinic/All Creatures Veterinary Hospital
918-258-0040

Dr. Andrew Grzanowski
Canton Center Animal Hospital
734-459-1400

Dr. Kate Zimmerman
TriCounty Animal Hospital
(Has 24hr emergency contact info on her office answering machine)
423-391-0303

Dr. Paul Welch
Forest Trails Animal Hospital
918-299-8448

Dr. Teresa Bradley
Belton Animal Clinic
816-331-3120

Dr. Kristen West
Mandel Veterinary Hospital
216-321-6040

Poor little guy. Prayers going out to you and your little man. Please keep us updated on his condition.

I would definitely utilize Dr. Tristan for help; he is really great in this area....I am so sorry your little one is going through this

romulusandremus, I had a similar experience with one of my gliders. He had a bruise on his one hand and loss of appetite.

The blood work showed that the AbNmat is too low (1.36) and the AbLympho is higher than it should be (9.43).

The vet indicated to me that it could be anything from a Viral infection to the rare possibility of Hepatic enzyme induction or Biliary Cystadenoma or Leukameia or Aflatoxicosis or Lymphosarcoma.

hey guys
Thanks so much for all of the prayers and well wishes. It's such a sad situation but we are doing the best we can. The good news is that right now Romulus seems comfortable and we started him on prednisone and anti-biotics which seem to be helping a bit. And while he is obviously ill, he doesn't seem to be suffering, and is loving all of the attention and his round the clock, hand-fed waxworms.

Just to provide an update. The vet has now consulted with several specialists and they all seem certain that this is some kind of cancer. His bloodwork showed that 93% of his white blood cells were lymphocytes (it should be around 30%). The absolute count for the lymphocytes was 20460. The vets are all saying that they can't think of anything aside from cancer that would cause such an increase. I was TRULY hoping for an alternative diagnosis, but so far everyone seems to agree that cancer is the culprit. A bacterial infection would cause an increase in neutrophils, and his neutrophil count is quite low (only 6%).

He is such a sweet little guy and we are doing everything we can for him. I have him in my shirt all day and am feeding him tons of waxworms and avocado to keep his weight up (he initially lost some weight but it is coming up now). If this is indeed cancer (which everyone thinks it is) then it is sadly, but obviously fatal. We don't know how long he may have, but we are doing all we can to keep his as happy and comfortable for as long as we can. With that said, if he starts to go downhill, I will not allow him to suffer. I hope that is a decision I don't have to make for some time, but it is something I know I will face sometime in the future. In the meantime, we are enjoying spoiling the little guy rotten....

Thanks again for all of the kind words and thoughts-it really helps to hear from those who know how this feels and what we are going through. If anyone has any additional insight, thoughts or suggestion, we would love to hear them. -Josh

Josh, this is truly breaking my heart (I'm totally crying a little bit). I'm so glad though that he doesn't seem to be suffering and I'm SUPER glad he's enjoying being spoiled rotten! I was so wishing for an alternative diagnosis, but there doesn't seem to be one. I'm definitely going to keep you and your little one in my prayers and hope that whatever time he does have left is full of joy and happiness and love and free from any discomfort....

Josh, we are here for you and your sweet little guy. Please, don't hesitate to call me again, even if you just need to talk or a shoulder to cry on!

Josh, I'm so sorry you and your little guy is going through this. A note tho.....if you take him off the prednisone for any reason, be sure to take him off slowly. If you go cold turkey you will have psycho glider on your hands. My Brodie has been on prednisone for his sinuse issues and the one time I didn't step him down off the prednisone he went nuts on me. It was like he had no idea who I was or what I was going to do to him. He refused to come near me and he is normally a baby who loves nothing more than to dive into my bra.

I received your PM. Will be in contact. Stay strong in this difficult time.

I lost one to Lymphoma almost 5 years ago. So I know what your going through. (((((HUGS)))))

I'm so sorry to hear this :-( I am not sure where in NJ you are, but we see Dr Hodes in Mine Hill and he is really kind and knowledgeable about gliders.. He always takes the time to explain things to me. You seem happy with your vet and what they are doing, but just in case. I thought I'd throw it out there. **hugs**

Any updates?

Hi Josh~
I am so sorry to hear this!! I am so new to gliders but I have had experience with dogs with cancer. I dont know if homeopathy plays into it as much with gliders but I so a homeopathic vet with my lab, Andi. I also gave her only distilled water and a special diet. You might want to look into that??? Im a firm believer in alternative treatments and therapies. Sending prayers and good wishes

no distilled water only spring water is recommended for gliders. it has something to do with the minerals.

Excellent point, Karen! Distilled water is not good for gliders at all! Either spring or purified bottle water, no tap water.

Awww, I am so sorry! best of luck! Keep us all updated. Prayers and well wishes are being sent your way.

Hi guys

I just wanted to give a quick update for all of you who have wished us well and kept Romulus in your prayers.

Rommy is still with us and we continue to spoil him in every way we can. We try to let him rest but also give him tons of attention and hand-feed him all of his favorite foods.

He is obviously very tired and weak but does not seem to be suffering. It just tears me apart to see him like this though.

I could use a little advice, especially from those who have gone through the process of having a glider with a serious, and likely terminal illness.

As I mentioned, several vets all agree that Romulus has some sort of cancer (likely leukemia or lymphoma), however a definitive diagnosis cannot be made without a bone marrow biopsy. There is a big part of me that is hoping against hope that it is not cancer, but I just don't know if it's a good idea to put him through the stress, danger and pain of a bone-marrow biopsy. I also don't know if the results of the biopsy would be much help.

My vet has told me that we can try a chemotherapy drug(cyclophosphamide) that generally has very mild side-effects, and I am considering this option. Of course the problem is that there is really no info out there regarding sugar gliders and chemotherapy and the LAST thing I want to do is put him through something that might make him suffer, especially since it likely will not make much of a difference.

I'm just not sure what route to take. Do I accept the assumed diagnosis of cancer, or do I get a bone-marrow biopsy to confirm? Do I treat for cancer with cyclophosphamide in the hopes it may buy him time or is that going too far?

Right now he is on prednisone and Baytril (since prednisone will suppress his immune system). He is still eating, but I see him getting increasingly lethargic. I desperately want to save my little Rommy but I strongly suspect that there is nothing to be done.

What do you guys think? I know it's a personal decision, but I would appreciate any insight. It's just so hard to admit defeat and accept that I will lose him. He thanks you for all of your prayers and raises a mealworm to you..