Even glider experienced vets don't necessarily know a ton about gliders. An exotic vet doesnt' necessarily know they know a lot about gliders.

My vets have treated gliders in the area for quite a while, but still, when I brought in Tanooki with an odd pouch problem, they were the first to admit they dont' really know too much about pouch biology. The truth is most vets will never learn about gliders in vet school and know very little about them...we are ALL still learning about them as they are fairly new to captivity.

That being said, I think people on this board have very good advice because they have gone through similar medical issues many times with many gliders...so in reality, they probably have more experience with this issue than your vet actually does.

Your vet might not know any better about the Metacam because I can guarantee they never learn anything about gliders and Metacam in vet school...probably about gliders at all...but people here know this from experience.

Getting a 2nd opinion can't hurt, and could save your furbutt's life. Even if it is a low dosage, toxins can accumulate in the liver and cause damage.

Wishing you the best of luck and our prayers are with you.

Thanks to all for your prayers, advice and encouragement during this stressful time. Well, I am happy to report that the situation seems to be getting better. Tiki's tail is looking not so bad this morning. A healthy pink with no necrosis or new wounds and it is no longer stiff. I have suspended the use of the Metacam,I gave him only two doses, and have applied Collasate which is truly nasty stuff! I have the ecollar all made up and on hand should he start going at that tail again. I am, at this point, doubtful that it was fractured after all for which I am grateful. Tiki himself seems completely unperturbed by the whole mess. He's playing and eating like the little oinker he's always been. Last night he leapt out of the cage and onto my shoulder so fast I almost peed myself! I never saw him coming! So, you guys, keep the healing energy flowing our way...it's working!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO happy everything is going well. I know we loves our babies so much and it can be soooo stressful when we worry about EVERYTHING that can go wrong! Still praying that he continues doing so well!!

Have you put Luna with them yet or are they just enjoying playtime for now?

Her very royal majesty Queen of the Universe and all Things Glider, Miss Luna, has become the boss lady of the trio. It is hysterical to see that tiny, fragile looking little baby girl fussing out the two boys! And, mind you, Wandoo and Tiki are built like linebackers! But, they do love each other and get along very well. It is a joy to see all three of them squeezed into a glider-poof or or one of Karin's Tiki's. I would venture to guess that Miss Crabby-Pants was the one who yanked Tiki's tail out of joint! She's in the process of becoming a 'big girl' and does alot of that 'I'm ready to mate' grumble-fussing sound. Unfortunately, the boys have been neutered forever and have no idea what to do! Poor babies!

Please do keep Tiki in your prayers. I think the worst is over, but until it's OVER I won't stop worrying.