Sorry I missed your last question there about the sutures. Hopefully you will get this before going to the vet's. IF the vet chooses to suture it, then I would recommend the dissolving type of sutures. Ask her for the type that take a LONG time to dissolve, she should know what you're asking for. Don't forget to ask her to put the drainage tube in if she does suture it so that the bacteria can drain out of the wound. This type of wound always takes a very long time to heal internally.
I'm going to move this over to Health & Hygiene now. Please post an update when you get back from the vet's.
Poor you, you must have been exhausted after all of that yesterday. I hope things are going better for you & Mollie now and that you were able to get a good night's sleep Here's some hugs for you to let you know we all care:
I realize I promised an update days ago...I needed a little time. I hope everyone understands.
Mollie is doing well. There were many issues getting her to the vet. My exotic vet opens at 6pm, as he runs an emergency clinic. So I waited...but he was off duty! Now, of course it is after hours and every other emergency clinic refused to see a sugar glider!!!! I was not taking "No" for an answer. In my opinion she could not wait until the next night to start antibiotics. I finally begged a receptionist to call an off-duty Dr and have him call me. He did. I then BEGGED him to at least tell me the correct dosage of Baytril to give my Mollie. (I'm thinking, if he gives me the dosage, I can try to convince the inexperienced vet on-duty at my clinic to give it to her. Just to hold her off until Dr. Miller can see her the next day.) He was leery, thinking I wanted a dosage to treat her myself, but I finally convinced him that was not the case. So against his better judgement, he gave me the information.
I just showed up at my regular clinic, armed with all the valuable information everyone supplied and this other Doctor's advise. With a little encouragement from me and Mollie's beautiful brown eyes, the vet decided to help her even though she lacked experience with sugar gliders. She numbed the area, debrided the wound and gave an injection of Baytril and Metacam. I came home with Baytril, Metacam and a prescription for Silvadene. Thank goodness!!!! (I pushed for Torb, she pushed for Metacam...she won.)
She thought stitches were needed, but she couldn't do the anesthesia. From everyone's stories and seeing how Mollie is healing, I'm very glad we didn't do stitches.
Hollie, Mollie's 4 week old joey, is doing great. They are together and she is gaining weight and not bothering Mom's wound. However she does get on her back, which makes me cringe, but Mollie seems fine with it!
I did do a search first thing on GC for info on mating wounds. I had, of course, prepared myself with different 1st Aid knowledge, but I remember reading that certain medicines were preferred. I NEEDED that info ASAP. Thank goodness for the Emergency Forum and all the wonderful GC people!! You all helped tremendously! You helped me stay calm, you gave wonderful advise and much needed support. I can not thank you enough!
I have attached photos of Mollie right after her Dr visit and from today (4 days later).
Re: Severe mating wound
[Re: ]
#269120 04/23/0709:43 PM04/23/0709:43 PM
It looks like it's healing really well! Good for you for insisting on getting treatment for her that night You really did great! Thanks for the update & I'll continue to watch for further ones.
P.S. You're very welcome - I'm glad we were able to help you get the answers you needed
It's been 5 weeks since Mollie was hurt. She has completely healed and her hair has grown back nicely. (All while being the greatest Mom ever to her daughter, Hollie!) Tonight she is back with her hubby and all is well. Hollie is ready for her new home and will be going up to Michigan soon!! I've included pics from the afternoon I found her and tonight.
Again, I want to thank everybody for all their help and support!!
Love you guys!! ~Stacie
Final Update Re: Severe mating wound
[Re: ]
#297114 05/25/0712:27 AM05/25/0712:27 AM
Stacie, I'm so glad that she healed up so well. She really looks great! Just keep a close eye on that area of her back and if it starts to look like he's grooming it at all, you may have to separate them for a little bit longer.
Suz, I am keeping a VERY close eye on them. I was up all night...just in case. So far so good. They were thrilled to see each-other again and Sprocket hasn't attempted to bother her. I will always worry, though, and watch them very closely. Actually, all my gliders keep me extra worried after this ordeal. It was just so scary. I wish I could make sense of why it happened.