Sugar Glider Community Calendar

Please click here to see larger view
Articles
More coming soon!!
Today's Birthdays
B1u3sky, StellaLuna
Member Spotlight
Hutch
Hutch
Belleville, IL
Posts: 1,482
Joined: November 2015
Show All Member Profiles 
Last 10 Posts
Gliders of the Round Table 10
by Feather. 03/27/24 07:04 PM
Logging in Problem
by Feather. 03/26/24 06:07 PM
Cloaca swollen?
by Hutch. 03/16/24 11:51 PM
Wheels, Toys, Toy supplies, pouches and more.
by Ladymagyver. 03/07/24 11:16 PM
Gliders of the Round Table 9
by Hutch. 03/07/24 10:52 PM
Stewie:" It's MY Mouse!"
by Hutch. 03/04/24 12:12 AM
2024 Sugar Glider Calendar and Cafe Press Store
by theresaw. 02/29/24 08:55 PM
Custom Cage Liners Machine Wash & Dry
by gr8pots. 02/27/24 04:23 PM
Google+

Facebook
Join Us On Facebook
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Possible UTI? #219953
02/17/07 04:02 PM
02/17/07 04:02 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



i had Kanga in the tent the other night, and i believe i caught her hissing while urinating, but i'm not positive. she makes hissing noises often, and only had a little urine on the blanket in the tent. i don't know if she was actually hissing and having trouble urinating, or was simply scenting the fresh blanket. i took her to the vet, who did a urinalysis, which turned out to have a pH of 9, which she said was pretty high. she didn't find any abnormal parasites though. she didn't have a "normal" to compare for sugar gliders, though. she told me to wait a few days to see how she does, and if there are problems i'll get antibiodics. the vet isn't extremely experienced in gliders, but does have a good understanding of them. she did not hesitate to offer pain meds if i thought Kanga was uncomfortable. i haven't noticed her hissing while urinating for sure, and she gave a nice big sample at the vet to test. should i be concerned about the elevated pH? she is on the BML diet, and eats and drinks normally (for a baby)

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220054
02/17/07 09:13 PM
02/17/07 09:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,884
Wyoming
tbull Offline
Glider Addict
tbull  Offline
Glider Addict

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,884
Wyoming
I think I remember seeing a post quite awhile ago that listed some normals for testing on gliders. I'll try to find it and repost it. It may have been on another website, not sure. Didn't your vet have a exotic's book that shows normal test ranges? Mine still have to look everything up.


T~
www.lovegliders.com

** Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for
you are crunchy and taste good with catsup **

*Proud to forever be a Boo-Boo and BJ Fan!*

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: tbull] #220090
02/17/07 10:50 PM
02/17/07 10:50 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



i believe normal for gliders (pH) is in the 5-6 range. could a high pH mean possible UTI? i really don't know how she could get a UTI, her diet is great, and the only metals in her cage are the parts on my stealth wheel, the parts for her water bottle, and the swivel clasps from walmart that a lot of people use, and theres definatly no rust anywhere.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220206
02/18/07 02:12 AM
02/18/07 02:12 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



UTI's are caused by bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Although the metal connection is there for UTI's, it is not necessary for the suggie to be in contact with metal to get one....

I agree, the vet should have a reference book to look up normal lab results for suggies. There are also some vets available for phone consults, that your vet can call if she feels she needs advice from a truly glider experienced vet.

In addition to the chemical analysis of the urine, the vet usually looks under the microscope for white blood cells, which are present because they are there fighting the bacteria.

Your suggie is so luck that you are so observant and take such good care of her.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220244
02/18/07 03:39 AM
02/18/07 03:39 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



thank you. my vet did make a phone call to double check what she would be looking for in a urinalysis for gliders. there weren't any abnormal parasites or anything, she just noticed that her pH was high. i read that pH should be 5-6 and she was a 9. i don't know if this could indicate a UTI. should i be worried? i haven't hear her hissing while urinating, and the first time i'm not even positive she was hissing, she might have just been cleaning her face, which she does often. the vet recommended i wait a few days and see how she does, and if she shows more signs i'll get her some antibiotics. does this sound like good advice or should i go in monday and get the meds anyway? she really seems fine i'm just paranoid all the time, i've done a ton of reading so i know a lot of the facts, but experience wise i'm still a rookie.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220265
02/18/07 08:25 AM
02/18/07 08:25 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830
USA
SugarBlossoms Offline
Serious Glideritis
SugarBlossoms  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830
USA
I was told by our vet years ago to only use spring water and to add 2 drops of Apple cider vinegar to each bottle of water to help kill any bacteria that can be in the bottle or water. It also helps ward off bacteria in the urinary tract. Yogurt is good also. We give ours yogurt every night and always have for years. So far, no more UTI's.

We only had one glider with a UTI years ago. Nothing since. smile

Sorry, I don't know the correct PH but when our vet couldn't get a good pee sample on one of ours, he put her on ampicillan (sp?) for 10 days. She never showed any signs so we don't know if she ever had one or not.

We have 2 gliders that use a type of hiss/shhhhshhh sound to call us and they all make a sneeze type sound when grooming. It could be nothing, but I'd follow up with it since it could be a UTI.

I got ya beat on paranoia! LOL I haven't been to bed at night cept for naps in years since we got our gliders. I am now officially nocturnal.

I go to bed when the last suggie be-hind is seen climbing into their pouches! -


Keeper of Handprints on my Heart, You left your Footprints on my soul.
My precious loves that left to quickly, Peanut, Katie
Isabella, Kiwi, Bonnie and Monroe.

Spread your wings and glide free of pain,
Until the day I see you again.

God speed my precious angels. I love you. Mama.
Re: Possible UTI? [Re: SugarBlossoms] #220288
02/18/07 10:26 AM
02/18/07 10:26 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
Xfilefan  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
A 9 on urine PH is EXTREMELY high, and very alkaline. Compare it to trying to pee sharp sand (that's what causes the hissing). It can also indicate an infection that might not be showing on standard testing. A PH imbalance frequently shows up in response to an infection. Did the vet look for crystals? If the glider were one of mine, I'd treat for the possibility of UTI or other infection for 10-14 days with a broad spectrum antibiotic.

Last edited by Xfilefan; 02/18/07 10:27 AM.

Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Possible UTI? [Re: Xfilefan] #220358
02/18/07 01:39 PM
02/18/07 01:39 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



thanks everyone. she looked for anything abnormal in the urinalysis (i'm assuming that meant crystals, excess white blood cells, ect. since i would expect that these would be problematic in all animals.) unfortunately i didn't know to look for these specifically so i didn't ask, but i can call her tomorrow. she said the only abnormal thing was the pH. kanga has been completely herself, and doesn't seem uncomfortable at all. i've seen her urinate a few times without hissing, and i'm not absolutely positive she hissed while urinating at all.

i'll start with the apple cider vinegar today.

i think i'll get her the antibiotics just to be on the safe side. is there any down side to doing this when i may not have to? is it common practice to have another urinalysis done after the antibiotics?

Last edited by mjs3350; 02/18/07 01:56 PM.
Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220392
02/18/07 03:32 PM
02/18/07 03:32 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



It's pretty common for a vet to prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic when there is a possible UTI. They don't have major side effects and sometimes they may have infections that don't show up conclusively in urinalysis, so the antibiotics may be the safe thing to do. My vet typically does not have another urinalysis after the antibiotics unless the glider is continuing to show symptoms.

A pH of 8 or 9 is really high for urine. What diet do you have your glider on? Just trying to think of other possibilities besides UTI why it may be that hight...I would definitely be concerned about that.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220407
02/18/07 03:55 PM
02/18/07 03:55 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



i've got her on BML and she eats very well...not so much of the solids..she's only 10 weeks OOP and prefers the bml, but does pick into the others. i'll probably just get her the antibiotics it sounds like the best option to be on the safe side.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220591
02/18/07 11:15 PM
02/18/07 11:15 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
Xfilefan  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
A 14 day course of antibiotics won't hurt. I feed yogurt along with. My policy is better safe than sorry, and the high PH says something is going on, whether it shows up or not. Be sure and keep us updated!


Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Possible UTI? [Re: Xfilefan] #220728
02/19/07 02:46 AM
02/19/07 02:46 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



i'll be going to pick up some antibiotics tomorrow. i'm also going to pick up some apple cider vinegar to keep a few drops in her water...any suggestions on what to get? i know the organic kind looks cloudy and hes stuff in it, but it's supposed to be a LOT more beneficial than the clear processed kind. one more question...antibiotics are liquids, right? i'm assuming the vet will give me a syringe to administer the meds?

thanks again for the help everyone.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #220734
02/19/07 03:04 AM
02/19/07 03:04 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830
USA
SugarBlossoms Offline
Serious Glideritis
SugarBlossoms  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830
USA
I use the Heinz Distilled Apple Cider Vinegar. I was told not to use any with the "natural cloudiness" and darned if I can remember why!

Ask your vet for the syringes and if you need more, you can purchase them at drug stores. They charge me .10 each for them for feeding joeys. (Sarah Ann)

Make sure to get the meds to the side of the mouth, not down the throat or he could get aspirated. Ask the vet to show you how to do this. (yes, they are liquid for gliders)

Keep us posted please! smile


Keeper of Handprints on my Heart, You left your Footprints on my soul.
My precious loves that left to quickly, Peanut, Katie
Isabella, Kiwi, Bonnie and Monroe.

Spread your wings and glide free of pain,
Until the day I see you again.

God speed my precious angels. I love you. Mama.
Re: Possible UTI? [Re: SugarBlossoms] #222569
02/22/07 02:07 AM
02/22/07 02:07 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Update, got her some antibiotics...sufatrim for 10 days. i've been able to confirm that she is indeed hissing while urinating, caought her 2 nights in a row. but...i had the hardest time giving her the meds tonight. at the vet, they had no problem, because she bit at the needle when they were showing me how to do it. when i got home and tried it myself, i had the hardest time just getting it in her mouth, and a lot of it ended up elsewhere. she won't bite at it since she trusts me more than the vet. i'm pretty sure i got at least half of it in there, but the other half went flying despite my best efforts to hold her and her head still in the towel. i'm guessing this is one of those things i'll learn how to do. does anyone have any special tricks?

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #222601
02/22/07 04:02 AM
02/22/07 04:02 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



There should be NO needle on the syringe used to give her the meds. It poses too high a risk of injury...

The med should be in a pleasant (to a suggie) tasting syrup form which, if you are lucky, she will lick from the end of the syringe. If not, you will have to squirt it in the side of her mouth, or hide it in a small food item or a small quantity of juice concentrate. Frozen apple juice concentrate works well to conceal the taste. Again, a very small quantity.

HERE is the link to the sticky at the top of Health and Hygiene on How to Give Syringe Meds.

Please keep us posted.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #222703
02/22/07 12:13 PM
02/22/07 12:13 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



thanks. i've already read the sticky...just working on getting her to open her mouth like those pictures haha. of course i don't use a needle i'd hope nobody would think that they should. i'll try the apple juice oe some other licky treat on there.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #223761
02/24/07 03:15 AM
02/24/07 03:15 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



will bacterial infections cause urine to smell more? it's been a few days now that i've been giving her antibiotics, and her urine seems to smell a lot less. before it was pretty strong.

Re: Possible UTI? [Re: ] #223793
02/24/07 09:29 AM
02/24/07 09:29 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
Xfilefan  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
A strong unine odor can be an indicator with an infection. That it's improving with the antibiotics says you're on the right track with them a healthy glider that isn't an adult unneutered male should have almost no smell to the urine.


Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Possible UTI? [Re: Xfilefan] #223859
02/24/07 12:45 PM
02/24/07 12:45 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



thats great news!


Moderated by  Feather, KarenE, Ladymagyver 

Sugar Glider Help Page



Please click above to see how you can help!!

Moon
CURRENT MOON
Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 382 guests, and 84 spiders.
Key: , , Owner, Admin
Newest Members
Mellefrl, klowvrrr, gracefulguardian, KiyokoTheDoll, Hazelneko
7324 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums132
Topics10,374
Posts159,160
posts in the last 24hrs0
Members7,324
Most Online2,693
Jan 2nd, 2020
Last 10 New Topics
Logging in Problem
by Anonymous. 03/24/24 11:43 AM
Gliders of the Round Table 10
by Hutch. 03/07/24 10:50 PM
Cloaca swollen?
by Mellefrl. 03/04/24 02:39 PM
2024 Sugar Glider Calendar and Cafe Press Store
by theresaw. 08/15/23 02:37 PM
Stewie:" It's MY Mouse!"
by Ladymagyver. 05/25/21 09:57 AM
Gliders of the Round Table 9
by Hutch. 02/12/19 11:35 PM
Custom Cage Liners Machine Wash & Dry
by gr8pots. 06/03/14 10:25 AM
Popular Topics(Views)
849,551 TEXAS
679,068 OHIO
487,134 OKLAHOMA
432,138 UTAH
321,663 NORTH CAROLINA
Supported Browser
This site was tested and is best viewed in Google Chrome & Mozilla FireFox



Firefox 3

Download your copy today!!!
Home Forums Links Sitemap Vets Breeders Sounds Contact Us Names Rules & Policies

GliderCENTRAL
©1998-2024
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software
(Release build 20180918)
Page Time: 0.033s Queries: 14 (0.007s) Memory: 1.3847 MB (Peak: 1.6433 MB) Zlib enabled. Server Time: 2024-03-28 09:35:27 UTC