When I returned from vacation yesterday, I discovered that Patty's pouch was red and inflamed. Of course I took her right in to the vet, who sedated her, punctured the abscess, flushed the pouch, etc. She's on pain meds and antibiotics, but the vet said not to put her in a collar because it would be more stressful. I can't tell if she's chewing, but there was a drop of fresh blood when I checked just now. I have a collar - should I put it on? And if so, what other prep do I need to do?

She is also lethargic - naturally - and not super interested in food. She was sub-qed this morning. Any other suggestions to get her to eat/drink?

Thanks for all your help...

I would put her in the ecollar. If she starts chewing on herself she could injure herself to the point of needing to be euthanized.

You may have to use a syringe and give her water to drink that way.

Keep her quiet and warm, but not to warm that you risk her dehydrating.

You may want to try some chicken or scrambled egg to get her to eat something.

What diet do you feed, if you feed BML or one of the Critterlove diets you can give her the staple by syringe.

Please keep us posted on her progress.

Thanks, Kimberley. I love the idea of syringe feeding her food (HPW). I did that, and some water, too. I'm skipping the collar for now, since she seems content to lay on me. I may really just be keeping her comfortable until she passes, but I'll keep hoping. If this is it for her, at least she'll be cuddled and fed. I really appreciate your help

Don't count her out yet, let the antibiotics work.

Don't worry - I'm not counting her out! Just concerned since the abscess seems to have re-filled and the vet isn't open until tomorrow morning (I'd take her to the e-vet, but they mostly just sub-q). We'll be there first thing in the morning, and I'm continuing the meds, of course. She's just so quiet and miserable looking - it's breaking my heart. I do really appreciate the support. Our friends are sorry she's sick, of course, but they don't really get it

You can try a warm damp washcloth to see if it helps the abscess start draining again.

Thanks, Kimberley,

I'd like to try that, but the abscess is inside her pouch, so where would I place the warm washcloth?

She is still hanging in there. I'll take her to the vet again tomorrow morning, unless it's normal for an abscess to fill up again before it fully drains? I'm sorry - I've never dealt with something like this before, and want to take care of her as well as possible. And to think I used to read posts about male gliders' penises and be so happy I had girl's! Guess there can always be problems.

I'm also torn between waking her up to feed her/make sure she's hydrated and letting her sleep, because I'm sure she needs to rest. If anyone has a cost/benefit analysis of sleep vs food, I'd love to hear about it!

I would just place her abdomen on the warm, damp cloth, it will do what it needs to do.

Yes, abscesses can fill up again.

Thank again for your help, everyone. Unfortunately, Patty passed away last night. We're very sad, but your suggestions helped keep her comfortable until the end, which I am very grateful for.

I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in your memories of her.

Glide Free Little Patty