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Chloe & Bo Update
#136978
08/24/06 07:29 PM
08/24/06 07:29 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,659 Wallis Texas
Charlie H
OP
Glider Slave
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OP
Glider Slave
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,659
Wallis Texas
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Today we had three males neutered. In the process we carried Chloe and Bo along. After examining both Bo and Chloe the vet and I were in agreement on what was the present ongoing problem. I will attempt to explain their problem in basic language so that everyone can understand. The cloaca is a sort of a collection gland for several different functions. Sort of a central gathering point for urine and feces before it is expelled from the gliders body. The two anal glands are also connected to the cloaca. The reproduction system is also connected with the cloaca. With so many activities taking place in such a small area on an animal the size of a sugar glider it makes examination or treatment almost impossible. And once a glider has mutilated and done extensive damage to the area we are in a position of almost helplessness. What we think has happened to these two gliders is that they chewed a hole through the cloaca. Instead of allowing urine and feces to be expelled through the rectum it takes the path of least resistance. The urine and feces travels from the cloaca through the newly chewed opening and collects beneath the skin. This develops an almost blister appearing area. The area can be expressed and force the waste back into the cloaca and out the rectum. This is a very risky thing to do and a person can easily kill a glider attempting to do this. We discussed trying to find the tear in the wall of the cloaca and putting a stitch in it. This would have forced the waste to be excreted through the rectum. But due to the small size and the complexity of the area we were unable to probe and find the tear. Even if we were able to distinguish the damaged area it is not known if we would be able to repair it because of the proximity of all the other openings into the cloaca. So as it stands we will have to express both gliders daily or as necessary to keep them comfortable. We would like to emphasize once again how important it is to get an ecollar on your glider asap when it starts to mutilate. If the cause of the mutilation can be caught early and treated before extensive damage is done the glider can be saved. We all hate the thought of using an e collar on our gliders but this quiet often the only logical option. Charlie H
Last edited by Charlie H; 08/24/06 07:31 PM.
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Re: Chloe & Bo Update
[Re: ]
#136979
08/24/06 08:26 PM
08/24/06 08:26 PM
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297 Quincy, IL
glidrz5
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
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Charlie, Thank you for the update and the "layman's" explanation on what is going on with these guys.
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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Re: Chloe & Bo Update
[Re: ]
#136980
08/24/06 09:26 PM
08/24/06 09:26 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Yes thank you for an update on them.
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Re: Chloe & Bo Update
[Re: ]
#136981
08/25/06 02:53 PM
08/25/06 02:53 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Thank you for the update and we wish you the best of luck with them!
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Re: Chloe & Bo Update
[Re: ]
#136982
08/25/06 02:59 PM
08/25/06 02:59 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899 Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
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Charlie..it sounds like the anal gland abscesses we're dealing with with Chronos and Binx. Both had long term UTI's (no obvious symptoms in Binx's case) when we got them. We and are vet are speculating a long term UTI may lead to these. We also have to express the pus and fecal matter as it heals (because they heal from the inside out and have to be kept cleaned out in order for that to take place)..along with long term meds. Surgery is still possible if all else fails, but my vet is confident she can do it with no or minimal damage to the cloaca if it comes to that. I think it'd be interesting for us to compare notes on this one. In any case...thanks for the update, and I hope yours continue to improve-I know what a job it is with this kind of condition and it's location. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
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Re: Chloe & Bo Update
[Re: ]
#136983
08/25/06 05:54 PM
08/25/06 05:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,659 Wallis Texas
Charlie H
OP
Glider Slave
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OP
Glider Slave
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,659
Wallis Texas
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At this time the anal glands are not a problem. But in the past I did have to express Bo's. This was when he was in the early stages of his mutilation. He was unable to pass solid stool so that the glands would express themselves. Because of the situation with the cloaca and the inability for either of these gliders to expel waste properly we monitor the anal glands and express them if necessary. The main problem is that the muscle surrounding the rectum was damaged. When it healed it partially closed off the rectum and the gliders are unable to push feces through the rectum. Since the gliders opened another opening for the feces to pass it follows the path of least resistance. This results in a build up under the skin that has to be expressed back into the cloaca and out the rectum. Hope I haven't confused you with my explanation. We are watching the anal glands to be sure the fluid stays clear and there is no swelling. Let me know if your vet is successful. I may have my vet contact her. We cannot find a decent diagram or picture showing a dissected sugar glider cloaca. Charlie H
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Re: Chloe & Bo Update
[Re: ]
#136984
08/25/06 08:22 PM
08/25/06 08:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899 Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
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Charlie, my vet states she's operated there before with success, and has given me permission to give her number. She was the exotics vet for the Hogle Zoo in SLC for a number of years. If you'd like to have your vet get in touch with her, it's: Dr. Laurel Harris Foothill Animal Clinic 2675 E Parley's Way Salt Lake City, UT 84109 (801) 485-4736 Edit: sorry-had a typo in the phone number <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I know Chronos' was caused by an injury from another glider there that abscessed. She may be able to offer some insights, anyway.
Last edited by Xfilefan; 08/25/06 10:48 PM.
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
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